Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gene variant linked to higher risk of cleft palate in dogs
By Donner, Jonas et al.·Published in Animal genetics·2026·Wisdom Panel, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Association of the Disheveled 2 (DVL2) Gene c.2044delC Variant with Increased Risk of Canine Cleft Palate.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that a specific genetic variant in the DVL2 gene is linked to an increased risk of cleft palate in dogs, which is a condition where the roof of the mouth doesn't close properly. This can lead to serious issues like trouble feeding, aspiration pneumonia, and breathing problems. The research involved over 1 million dogs and identified this genetic variant as a significant risk factor, especially in certain breeds like Bulldogs. Understanding this genetic link can help veterinarians better manage and treat dogs with cleft palates, which often require both medical and surgical care.
People also search for: dog cleft palate treatment · Bulldog feeding problems · canine congenital cleft palate symptoms
Abstract
Canine congenital cleft palate is one of the most common craniofacial anomalies in dogs, characterized by a failure of the palatal shelves to fuse properly during fetal development, leading to abnormal communication between the oral and nasopharyngeal cavities. Patients with cleft palate can experience significant challenges including feeding difficulties, aspiration pneumonia, and respiratory distress, all of which can profoundly impact quality of life and, in severe cases, survival. The clinical management of cleft palate in dogs involves a combination of medical and surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to identify common genomic variants associated with cleft palate. A GWAS with 266 cases ascertained from a general population of more than 1 million dogs attending primary care veterinary clinics in the United States was used to identify an association in the region of the disheveled 2 (DVL2) gene variant c.2044delC, previously linked to Robinow-like syndrome and the screw tail phenotype in Bulldogs and related breeds. The association was confirmed through genotyping of the DVL2 variant. In summary, this study identifies the DVL2 variant that is fixed and breed defining in several breeds as a risk factor for cleft palate in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42037250/