Molecular Genetics Of Hip Dysplasia

Update June 2000: For donation details go to VetGen's web site at http://www.vetgen.com/research.html, or e-mail Cheryl Hogue, Research Coordinator, VetGen L.L.C at HealthyDog@VetGen.com

The University Of Michigan is beginning research into the development of a molecular genetics test for canine hip dysplasia. This is the same group that identified a linked marker to copper toxicosis in Bedlingtions and will shortly make a test available for that marker (see AKC Gazette, August 1994). The canine hip dysplasia research is funded by AKC, OFA and the Morris Animal Foundation.

Great news, they have chosen Mastiffs as one of the breeds to study!!!!

The following is taken directly from their literature:

"We are looking for litters where one or more offspring has been diagnosed dysplastic by radiological criteria, usually by the OFA. Once the pedigree has been identified, we need to have the cooperation of the owners to collect and return two cheek swabs from as many offspring and parents as possible. For the pedigree to be useful, we need swabs from at least one parent and two offspring (one of which must be affected).

...

As soon as the cheek DNA samples have been collected, we will begin to look for the genes which cause dysplasia. We already have several candidate genes which may be involved and are anxious to see if our ideas are correct. We are able to follow the specific genes from parent to offspring and confirm the association of the disease (in this case hip dysplasia) with the gene's inheritance. If this "linkage" can be shown, we are one large step closer to eliminating the disease from the breed.

With breeder cooperation and the continued support of the AKC, OFA and Morris Animal Foundation, we hope to make progress toward eliminating this crippling disease."

He would be happy to hear from anyone who is interested in more information.

The names of dogs, owners, etc., will be kept confidential. The cheek swab kits are provided free of charge - just contact Mr. Dick and he will have them mailed to you. Owners can take the cheek swabs themselves and the swabs can be returned to the lab via regular mail.

They are looking for about 20 groupings where each grouping consists of one or both parents and at least 2 offspring (at least one of which is dysplastic). All dogs in a grouping must have been evaluated for hip dysplasia via x-ray, preferably by OFA, OVC, or some other recognized agency.

The results of this effort, in a few years, could be an accurate test for hip dysplasia that can determine if a dog is affected, a carrier, or clear; that does not require anesthesia and can be administered at a very early age, as young as a couple of weeks!

Please, lend your support to this worthy effort!