Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immune gene alleles linked to bloat in Great Danes
By Harkey, Michael A et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2017·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Associations between gastric dilatation-volvulus in Great Danes and specific alleles of the canine immune-system genes DLA88, DRB1, and TLR5.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that certain genetic markers in Great Danes are linked to a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can cause a dog's stomach to bloat and twist. Researchers looked at 39 Great Danes that had experienced GDV and compared them to 42 healthy ones. They discovered that specific alleles of immune system genes were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDV. This information could help identify Great Danes that are more likely to develop this dangerous condition, allowing for better monitoring and preventive care.
People also search for: Great Dane GDV risk factors · dog stomach bloating treatment · genetic testing for GDV in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether specific alleles of candidate genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and innate immune system were associated with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in Great Danes. ANIMALS 42 healthy Great Danes (control group) and 39 Great Danes with ≥ 1 GDV episode. PROCEDURES Variable regions of the 2 most polymorphic MHC genes (DLA88 and DRB1) were amplified and sequenced from the dogs in each group. Similarly, regions of 3 genes associated with the innate immune system (TLR5, NOD2, and ATG16L1), which have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, were amplified and sequenced. Alleles were evaluated for associations with GDV, controlling for age and dog family. RESULTS Specific alleles of genes DLA88, DRB1, and TLR5 were significantly associated with GDV. One allele of each gene had an OR > 2 in the unadjusted univariate analyses and retained a hazard ratio > 2 after controlling for temperament, age, and familial association in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The 3 GDV-associated alleles identified in this study may serve as diagnostic markers for identification of Great Danes at risk for GDV. Additional research is needed to determine whether other dog breeds have the same genetic associations. These findings also provided a new target for research into the etiology of, and potential treatments for, GDV in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28738011/