Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
FGF4L2 gene linked to spinal stroke in dogs
By Embersics, Colleen et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2024·Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Association of the FGF4L2 retrogene with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs diagnosed with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE), a condition that can cause sudden weakness or paralysis, was studied to understand its genetic links. The research found that FCE is less common in certain breeds known for having shorter legs, like Dachshunds, while it was more frequently seen in breeds such as Boxers and Great Danes. Interestingly, two Labrador retrievers with FCE carried specific genetic markers, but most affected dogs did not show these markers. This suggests that while genetics may play a role, other factors are also important in the development of FCE.
People also search for: dog weakness and paralysis · fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in Boxers · FCE treatment for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is a well-documented condition in dogs although rarely reported in chondrodystrophic breeds. Genetic associations have not been defined. OBJECTIVES: Define the association of the chondrodystrophy-associated FGF4L2 retrogene with histopathologically confirmed cases of FCE. ANIMALS: Ninety-eight dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of FCE. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study. Dogs were genotyped for the FGF4L2 and FGF4L1 retrogenes using DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Associations between breed, FCE and retrogene status were investigated with reference to a hospital population and known breed and general population allele frequencies. RESULTS: FGF4L2 genotype was defined in 89 FCE cases. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was present in 22 dogs from FGF4L2-segregating breeds with allele frequencies of ≥5%; however, all dogs were wild type. Two Labrador retrievers with FCE carried FGF4L2 alleles. Frequency of the FGF4L2 allele was significantly (P < .001) and negatively associated with FCE relative to predicted hospital-population dogs. FCE was overrepresented in Boxer, Great Dane, Yorkshire Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Study data based on genotypically and histopathologically defined cases support the historical observation that FCE is uncommon in chondrodystrophic dog breeds. FGF4 plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular integrity; anatomical studies comparing chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dogs might provide insight into the pathogenesis of FCE.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37916855/