Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Elbow dysplasia rates and genetics in Dutch Labradors Golden
By Lavrijsen, I C M et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2012·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Phenotypic and genetic evaluation of elbow dysplasia in Dutch Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at elbow dysplasia, a condition affecting the elbow joint, in Dutch Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. The researchers found that fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP) was the most common issue, especially in Bernese Mountain Dogs, where it occurred in 15% of cases. They also noted that male Labradors were more likely to develop osteoarthritis than females. The findings suggest that understanding the genetic factors behind elbow dysplasia could help improve breeding practices, but more research is needed to fully grasp the condition.
People also search for: dog elbow dysplasia symptoms · Labrador Retriever osteoarthritis treatment · Golden Retriever joint problems
Abstract
Canine elbow dysplasia encompasses four developmental diseases: ununited anconeal process, osteochondrosis of the medial part of the humeral condyle, fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), and incongruity of the elbow joint. Four radiographic views per joint were used to evaluate 2693 Labrador Retrievers (LRs), 1213 Golden Retrievers (GRs), and 974 Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMDs) for the presence of elbow dysplasia between 2002 and 2009 in the Netherlands. The views were also graded for signs of osteoarthritis and sclerosis. FCP was diagnosed most frequently in LRs, GRs and BMDs, with an incidence of 6%, 5%, and 15%, and a heritability of 0.17, 0.24, and 0.06, respectively. Heritabilities were estimated using a sire model and all available ancestors. Sclerosis at the base of the medial coronoid process was the radiographic sign most strongly correlated with FCP (r=0.95, 0.92, and 0.95 in LRs, GRs and BMDs, respectively). The sex of the dog was significantly correlated with the presence of osteoarthritis in LRs, but not in GRs and BMDs. Male LRs were 1.7-fold more frequently, but not more severely, affected by osteoarthritis than female dogs. Age at radiographic examination was significantly associated with osteoarthritis in all three breeds. The heritability estimates in Retrievers were high enough to warrant including FCP findings in the breeding policy, but until the biomechanical and genetic background of elbow dysplasia are better understood, correct phenotyping with a sensitive technique is essential.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22336139/