Canine Breeds Research Articles

A retrospective survey on canine intracranial tumors between 2007 and 2017.

To clarify the prevalence of canine intracranial tumors in Japan, a retrospective study was performed using data on 186 canine intracranial tumors. Of 186 cases, 159 cases (85.5%) were primary and 27 cases (14.5%) were secondary intracranial tumors. Among primary intracranial tumors, meningioma (50.9%) was the most common, followed by glial tumors (21.4%) and primary intracranial histiocytic sarcoma (12.6%). These 3 tumors were most frequently found in middle-aged to elderly dogs without any sex predilection. Regarding glial tumors, the incidence of oligodendroglial tumors (79.4%) was higher than that of astrocytic tumors (17.6%). A significant breed predisposition (P<0.05) was observed for meningioma in Rough Collie, Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, and Scottish Terrier; for glial tumors in Bouvier de Flandres, French Bulldog, Newfoundland, Bulldog, and Boxer; for primary intracranial histiocytic sarcoma in Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Siberian Husky, and Miniature Schnauzer. The high incidence of oligodendroglial tumors in dogs and the breed predisposition for primary intracranial histiocytic sarcoma in Pembroke Welsh Corgi have not been reported in previous epidemiological studies on canine tumors. Since the incidence of intracranial tumors was vary among dog breeds, the present results demonstrate the uniqueness of the canine breed population in Japan.

Clinical Relevance of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Dogs (Review)

From the early 20th century, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was an invaluable diagnostic process in clinical neurology and later in veterinary neurology. For the clinicians, the CSF analysis provides reliable information about the neurological health and the presence of a disease.The purpose of this review is to bring scientific evidence and support for the current state regarding the clinical relevance of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in veterinary neurology. The utility of this review is to highlight the canine breed specific diseases in veterinary neurology and the role of CSF analysis for the diagnosis of CSF inflammatory disorders.The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid represents an important diagnostic tool, which has to be assessed in every neurological patient in order to obtain information about the central nervous system. Moreover, we strongly encourage to step forward with this diagnostic procedure and corroborate with the diagnostic imaging results.

Treatment of prolapsed gland and cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane with pocket technique and chondrectomy alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy: 132 dogs (1998-2018).

To evaluate the results obtained using Morgan pocket technique and chondrectomy (MPTC) alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy (MPTC+WC) for the treatment of prolapsed gland associated with cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane (PGCD) in dogs. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with PGCD that received a MPTC or MPTC+WC were reviewed between 1998 and 2018. Success rate was defined by lack of recurrence of the prolapsed gland with a minimum of 6months follow-up. Histological examination of the excised cartilage was performed in 13 eyes. A total of 132 dogs (181 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time was 25months (range, 6-166months). MPTC was used in 131 eyes with 91.6% success rate. MPTC+WC was used in 50 eyes with 100% success rate. Postoperative complications occurred in 6.9% and 4%, respectively, for MPTC and MPTC+WC, including lacrimal cysts (8 eyes) or corneal erosion (3 eyes). Recurrence and complications rates were significantly lower using MPTC+WC compared with MPTC in the giant breed dogs (P=.019 and P=.002, respectively), but not in the overall study population (P=.328 and P=.290, respectively). Histological cartilage anomalies were noted in 2/13 specimens from chronic PGCD. MPTC+WC offers a good therapeutic option for giant breed dogs with PGCD. The combined technique provides a good apposition and mobility of the nictitating membrane onto the ocular surface and potentially reduces the risk of recurrence in these giant canine breeds.

A Clinical, Radiographic and Histological Study of Unerupted Teeth in Dogs and Cats: 73 Cases (2001-2018).

Lack of dental eruption may be accompanied by development of dentigerous cysts and has also been rarely associated with neoplasia. However, little information is available on prevalence of unerupted teeth and associated lesions in dogs and cats. The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiologic data of canine and feline dental patients with unerupted teeth, and assess the prevalence of associated dentigerous cysts and tumors. Secondary aims included the evaluation of possible factors implicated in cystic development, and description of the histological features of dentigerous cysts. Medical and dental records, intraoral photographs, intraoral radiographs of client-owned dogs and cats with clinically missing teeth examined between 2001 and March 2018 were reviewed. Collected data included signalment, reason for presentation, number, type, depth of inclusion and angulation of unerupted teeth, presence of cystic lesions or tumors, abnormalities affecting involved teeth, histopathological findings, performed treatment and outcome. Seventy-three animals (69 dogs and 4 cats) with 113 unerupted teeth were included. The most frequent unerupted tooth in dogs was the first premolar teeth (78%), followed by the canine and third molar teeth. Dentigerous cysts were diagnosed associated with 48 (44.4%) teeth in dogs and one out of five unerupted teeth in cats. The affected teeth in dogs were predominantly in horizontal inclination (40%) and in soft tissue inclusion (77%). Brachycephalic canine breeds were overrepresented. The only unerupted tooth in boxer dogs was the first premolar tooth (32 teeth). Ninety percentage of boxers with unerupted teeth developed associated lesions (25 dentigerous cysts and one tumor). Two ameloblastomas (one in a dog and one in a cat) and one osteosarcoma (in a dog) were diagnosed in association with three unerupted teeth. Histology was essential in diagnosing two odontogenic cysts not evident on radiographs. In all cases that were followed-up, treatment (i.e., extraction, extraction and surgical curettage, or operculectomy) appeared successful. Untreated dentigerous cysts showed progression at re-examination. None of the unerupted teeth without evidence of cyst at the time of diagnosis showed incipient cystic development. None of the evaluated factors were associated with lack of eruption and/or development of associated lesions.

Two methods for genotyping a 4-base deletion in the canine ABCB1 gene

A 4-bp deletion (c.230_233delATAG) of the ABCB1 gene, frequently found in various dog breeds, results in intolerance to certain drugs routinely used in veterinary medicine, including many chemotherapeutic agents and macrocyclic lactones. The use of rapid and reliable genetic testing is fundamental for early detection of the mutation and prevention of undesirable toxicoses. We developed and compared 2 genotyping tests: PCR-high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) and PCR-restriction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to identify the 4-bp deletion in the ABCB1 gene of canine breeds. Amplified PCR products were sequenced in order to confirm different genotypes. Both techniques were efficient in discriminating homozygous wild-type, homozygous mutated, and heterozygous ABCB1 genotypes, and proved to be reproducible and economical methods. The HRM analysis, a sensitive and specific method for the molecular detection of genetic disorders, does not require labeled probes, processing, or separations after PCR.

Algerian Indigenous Dog: Hemato-biochemical Profile in Healthy and Gastroenteritis Diseased Case

The purpose of this study is firstly, to establish the haemato-biochemical reference values ​​of the indigenous canine breed in Batna area of Algeria as related to the gender effect. For this reason, 20 apparently healthy local dogs were used. A complete blood count and the serum biochemical parameters analysed here remained mostly within the physiological reference intervals. The effect of sex was only observed in the platelet count, which is higher in female dogs, whereas the creatinine level is higher in male dogs. The second part is devoted to evaluating the haemato-biochemical parameters in dogs with moderate to severe gastroenteritis infections. A total of 37 diseased dogs were selected and classified into two groups – diseased vaccinated dogs and diseased unvaccinated dogs – to establish the haemato-biochemical parameters. Haemato-biochemical investigation shows significant alteration in diseased unvaccinated dogs than other groups.

Lumbosacral Biometrics and its Relevance to Patient-Specific Evaluation of Bone Mechanical Strength in Some Canine Breeds

Lumbosacral problems are commonly encountered in canine practice. However, breed specific biometric data of the lumbosacral vertebrae are lacking. Such biometric data may be useful to assess the predisposition of an individual animal or breed to lumbosacral defects, or in the events of such defects may help select an optimal surgical correction strategy. This study used digital radiographs and dissections of cadavers to develop the following biometric parameters of lumbar vertebra 7 and the sacrum: Area-Mean Grey Value Ratio (AMR) and Height-Length Ratio (HLR). The AMR and HLR values were compared between the following four canine breed categories i.e., Working Breeds (WB), Large Breeds (LB), Giant Breeds (GB) and Cross Breeds (CB). Additionally, we compared the AMR and HLR values between 10 different dog breeds. We observed significant differences in the AMR and HLR values between the various dog breeds as well as the HLR values within the canine breed categories. We consider that the differences observed in the AMR and HLR values warrant exploring the feasibility of including these biometric measurements into digital imaging systems to enhance understanding of the mechanical features of bone.

Host-specialized fibrinogen-binding by a bacterial surface protein promotes biofilm formation and innate immune evasion.

Fibrinogen is an essential part of the blood coagulation cascade and a major component of the extracellular matrix in mammals. The interface between fibrinogen and bacterial pathogens is an important determinant of the outcome of infection. Here, we demonstrate that a canine host-restricted skin pathogen, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, produces a cell wall-associated protein (SpsL) that has evolved the capacity for high strength binding to canine fibrinogen, with reduced binding to fibrinogen of other mammalian species including humans. Binding occurs via the surface-expressed N2N3 subdomains, of the SpsL A-domain, to multiple sites in the fibrinogen α-chain C-domain by a mechanism analogous to the classical dock, lock, and latch binding model. Host-specific binding is dependent on a tandem repeat region of the fibrinogen α-chain, a region highly divergent between mammals. Of note, we discovered that the tandem repeat region is also polymorphic in different canine breeds suggesting a potential influence on canine host susceptibility to S. pseudintermedius infection. Importantly, the strong host-specific fibrinogen-binding interaction of SpsL to canine fibrinogen is essential for bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation, and promotes resistance to neutrophil phagocytosis, suggesting a key role for the interaction during pathogenesis. Taken together, we have dissected a bacterial surface protein-ligand interaction resulting from the co-evolution of host and pathogen that promotes host-specific innate immune evasion and may contribute to its host-restricted ecology.

Study on physico-morphological seminal characters of German Shepherd canine breed

Study on physico-morphological seminal characters of German Shepherd canine breed

Identification of a Missense Variant in MFSD12 Involved in Dilution of Phaeomelanin Leading to White or Cream Coat Color in Dogs.

White coat color in mammals has been selected several times during the domestication process. Numerous dog breeds are fixed for one form of white coat color that involves darkly pigmented skin. The genetic basis of this color, due to the absence of pigment in the hairs, was suggested to correspond to extreme dilution of the phaeomelanin, by both the expression of only phaeomelanin (locus E) and its extreme dilution (locus I). To go further, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a multiple breed approach. The first GWAS, using 34 white dogs and 128 non-white dogs, including White Shepherds, Poodles, Cotons de Tulear and Bichons allowed us to identify two significantly associated loci on the locus E and a novel locus on chromosome 20. A second GWAS using 15 other breeds presenting extreme phaeomelanin dilution confirmed the position of locus I on the chromosome 20 (position 55 Mb pcorrected = 6 × 10−13). Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a missense variant in the first exon of MFSD12, a gene recently identified to be involved in human, mouse and horse pigmentation. We confirmed the role of this variant in phaeomelanin dilution of numerous canine breeds, and the conserved role of MFSD12 in mammalian pigmentation.

Could polymorphisms in ABCB1 gene represent a genetic risk factor for the development of mammary tumors in dogs?

The ABCB1 gene encodes the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which regulates distribution and bioavailability of many endogenous and exogenous substrates, acting as a cellular mechanism of protection against these substances. Some studies have shown evidence that P-gp is related to carcinogenesis. In this study, we performed PCR and direct sequencing of ABCB1 exons 9 and 26 in 47 tissue DNA samples from canine mammary tumors.A statistically significant correlation between distinct canine breeds and the frequency of ABCB1 polymorphisms (c.985T > A and c.3442A > G SNP in ABCB1exons 9 and 26, respectively) was observed (P = 0.0015). In contrast, the TNM clinical staging, age, histological type and grade, as well as other histopathological characteristics, did not present statistically significant difference in relation to one or both SNP found in exons 9 and 26. These findings raise questions about the role of the canine ABCB1 polymorphisms in the development of mammary tumors, since the Poodle breed, which is the most common dog breed affected by mammary tumors in Brazil, presented the highest frequency of these variants. Notwithstanding, additional studies comprising a number of samples expressing the ABCB1 gene from healthy dogs, with advanced age and from different breeds, will be necessary to confirm the association of ABCB1polymorphisms and the development of mammary tumors.

A Genome-Wide Detection of Copy Number Variations Using SNP Genotyping Arrays in Braque Français Type Pyrénées Dogs.

Simple SummaryCopy number variations (CNVs) are important sources of variation in mammalian species. In this study, we used a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) array to detect CNVs in Braque Français, type Pyrénées dogs (BRA). Results overlapped moderately in comparison with previous studies on CNVs in dogs, leading to the identification of 16 novel CNVRs. Several genes were annotated in the CNV regions (CNVRs) detected, some of which related to muscle structure development. This breed is known to be excellent upland game birds dogs. The selection for such hunting behavior could have driven the presence of these genes into the CNVRs. Copy number variations may be of interest to study associations between genomic and phenotypic variation.Copy number variants (CNVs) are an important source of genetic variation complementary to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Only few studies have been conducted in dogs on CNVs derived from high-density SNP array data, and many canine breeds still remain uncharacterized, e.g., the Braque Français, type Pyrénées breed (BRA). Therefore, in an effort to more comprehensively investigate the canine genome for CNVs, we used a high-density SNP array (170 K) to discover CNVs in BRA. The CNV regions (CNVRs) were identified through the merging of two different CNVRs datasets, obtained separately from SNP data using the PennCNV and SVS software. A total of 45 stringent CNVRs, ranging from 3.5 kb to 458,716 kb in length were detected in 26 dog samples. Results overlapped moderately in comparison with previous studies on CNVs in dogs, leading to the identification of 16 novel CNVRs. A total of 159 genes were annotated in the CNVRs detected with stringent quality criteria in particular high classification stringency and false discovery rate correction. The gene ontology enrichment analysis provided information on biological processes and cellular components related to muscle structure development and muscle cell differentiation. Considering that BRA is a breed used for speed in hunting and retrieval, for the ability to find feathered game, and for pointing, we can hypothesize that selection for such hunting behavior could have driven, at least in part, the presence of these genes into the CNVRs.

Polymorphism analyses of 19 STRs in Labrador Retriever population from China and its heterozygosity comparisons with other retriever breeds.

Pure breed dogs of Western origin are increasingly more popular in China as is a need to differentiate breeds and individual dogs for personal and forensic reasons. Research on genetic diversities of the canine population in China is rarely conducted. In this study, genetic distributions and forensic efficiencies of 19 canine STR loci in Labrador Retriever population from China were evaluated by using one available commercial canine kit in China. This panel was used to genetically define 214 Labrador Retrievers in China, as an example of one of the most important Western breeds and to compare them with Labrador Retrievers from America based on three overlapping STR loci. Moreover, genetic relationship analyses between Labrador Retriever population and two reference populations in America were performed. All 19 STR loci were polymorphic and conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the studied population. The STR panel was able to discern individual dogs with a high degree of accuracy. Breed-wide genetic heterozygosity comparisons based on present and published allele frequencies revealed that the studied population had the lower genetic heterozygosity than canine populations in America. Principal component analysis among Labrador Retriever population and other reference populations showed that the studied Labrador Retrievers were genetically close to the retriever breeds in America. Population genetic structure analyses among these canine breeds further revealed genetic differentiations between the studied Labrador Retriever population and other compared breeds. In conclusion, these STR loci had relatively high forensic values in Labrador Retriever population in China, which could be employed for individual identification and kinship testing.

Genomic characterization of the Braque Français type Pyrénées dog and relationship with other breeds.

The evaluation of genetic variability is a useful research tool for the correct management of selection and conservation strategies in dog breeds. In addition to pedigree genealogies, genomic data allow a deeper knowledge of the variability and genetic structure of populations. To date, many dog breeds, such as small regional breeds, still remain uncharacterized. Braque Français type Pyrénées (BRA) is a dog breed originating from a very old type of gun-dog used for pointing the location of game birds to hunters. Despite the ancient background, the knowledge about levels of genetic diversity, degree of inbreeding and population structure is scarce. This may raise concerns on the possibility that few inbred bloodlines may dominate the breed, and on its future health. The aim of this work was therefore to provide a high-resolution representation of the genome-wide diversity and population structure of BRA dogs, using the 170K genome-wide SNP array. Genome-wide polymorphisms in BRA were compared with those of other worldwide dog breeds. Between-dog relationships estimated from genomic data were very similar to pedigree relationships (Pearson correlation rg,a = 0.92). Results showed that BRA generally presents moderate levels of genetic diversity when compared with the major canine breeds. The estimated effective population size (recent Ne = 51) shows a similar declining pattern over generations as all other dog breeds, pointing at a common demographic history of modern canine breeds, clearly different from the demography of feral wolves. Multidimensional scaling (MDS), Bayesian clustering and Neighbor Joining tree were used to visualize and explore the genetic relationships among breeds, and revealed that BRA was highly differentiated and presented only low levels of admixture with other breeds. Brittany Spaniel, English Setter, Gordon Setter and Weimaraner dogs are the closest breeds to BRA. The exact reason for BRA being so divergent from other dog breeds, based on these results, is not yet clear. Further studies including additional ≪braccoid≫ breeds will be needed to refine the results presented here and to investigate the origin of the BRA breed. Nonetheless, the genome-wide characterization reported here provides a comprehensive insight into the genome diversity and population structure of the Braque Français, type Pyrénées breed.

What is important in canine-assisted intervention teams? An investigation of canine-assisted intervention program online screening tools

Abstract The purpose of this study was to conduct an investigation of online information and criteria for potential canine-assisted intervention (CAI) teams to better understand current standards set by CAI programs. The field of animal-assisted interventions is burgeoning with CAI programs having moved beyond canine intervention teams visiting clients in a hospital setting to teams providing support to a range of clients in a variety of settings. In response to this surge in popularity of CAI programs, there is a need to better understand how both handlers and canines are deemed suitable for CAI work. The aim of this study was to investigate published online material for volunteer handlers and their canines as a means of identifying commonly sought information, screening criteria, and canine skills assessed across agencies. Over 320 programs were identified and 64 programs were randomly chosen to be coded for the analysis. A frequency distribution was used to identify most and least frequently occurring screening information, criteria, and assessed canine skills presented by CAI programs. Results indicated that the most common information requested of potential teams was basic information (e.g., human and canine name, canine breed), and the most frequently required criteria for potential teams included the team evaluation, canine age, and vaccine status. Our outcomes also identified the most commonly listed canine skills that are assessed in a team evaluation: accepting a friendly stranger, down, sit, and stay on cue, and reaction to a neutral dog. We found that requirements for handlers, such as handler skills, previous training, background checks, and ongoing monitoring, were lacking. Based on these findings, the authors recommend best practices for CAI program online screening. The findings from this study contribute to the emerging literature on CAI program screening procedures and hold implications for research involving CAI teams.

Growth plate expression profiling: Large and small breed dogs provide new insights in endochondral bone formation

Dogs are growth biologists’ best friends – due to the broad intra-species variance in body size, canine breeds offer a unique opportunity to study genetic differences mainly affecting linear growth. In their previous publication, the authors found drastic differences between miniature and large dog breeds in known key regulators of the growth plate such as IHH, PTHrP, and IGF-BPs (1). In the present study, the group took the concept to a next level and extended the study approach by using Microarray technology. Further, the authors addressed the essential issue of spatial expression in growth plate tissue by validating array-derived data in individual growth plate zone samples. This two-level approach allowed identification of new body-size related differences including BMP2 and BMP6 expression in proliferative chondrocytes and osseous expression of BMPR1b.

Cataracts in Labrador Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier From the United Kingdom: A Two-Year Retrospective Study

Cataracts are among the most common ocular diseases, and are a leading cause of vision loss in humans and dogs. Jack Russell Terriers (JRT) and Labrador Retrievers (LR) are among the most popular canine breeds in the United Kingdom, and also among the most affected by cataracts.This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and the surgical outcome of cataracts in JRT and LR in an ophthalmologic reference Veterinary Hospital in the United Kingdom. For that purpose, medical records from JRT and LR diagnosed with cataracts between January 2015 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data related to identification, clinical history, preoperative features, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.Forty-four dogs (81 eyes), including 26 JRT and 18 LR, were enrolled in the study. Mean ages were 10.2 ± 3.2 years in JRT and 8.5 ± 3.7 years in LR. Twenty-eight (63.6%) were females and 16 (36.4%) were males. Most dogs (84.1%) presented with bilateral cataracts. Nuclear and cortical cataracts were the most prevalent type in both breeds (JRT: n = 30, 61.2%; LR: n = 16, 50.0%), although subcapsular cataracts were also frequent in LR (n = 10, 31.3%). Significant differences in cataract location within the lens were detected between the two breeds (P = .002).Senile in JRT (n = 7) and genetic in LR (n = 7) were the most common etiologies. Concomitant ocular lesions were more frequent in dogs presented with cataracts in advanced stages, and included lens (n = 18; JRT: n = 15; LR: n = 3) and retinal alterations (n = 8; JRT: n = 2; LR: n = 6), and glaucoma (n = 6; JRT: n = 5; LR: n = 1). Thirty-three animals (75.0%, 51 eyes) were submitted to phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. Of these, 28 eyes (54.9%; JRT: n = 21; LR: n = 7) were visual, 19 eyes (37.3%; JRT: n = 11; LR: n = 8) presented impaired vision and four eyes (7.8%; JRT: n = 0; LR: n = 4) were blind at last clinical record. Postoperative complications were detected in 11 eyes (21.6%), and were more frequent in dogs presented with cataracts in advanced stages.These results and the multifactorial nature of cataracts call for further studies to identify and characterize the variables in a broader assessment, including other breeds and influencing factors.

Abstract A62: Canine pedigree analysis as a model of hereditary breast cancer

Abstract Genetic homology with humans and breeding practices that limit intrabreed heterogeneity make canines a useful genetic model for identifying heritable disease markers that have parallels in humans. Ultimately, the homogeneity of individual canine breeds is advantageous in identifying the modes of inheritance for human disorders that have resisted investigative efforts for decades. Particularly few genetic research studies have focused on identifying inherited risk factors for canine mammary tumor (CMT), and as such there has been little exploration of the potential overlaps between the ~65% of human hereditary breast cancer cases that are currently genetically unsolved. DNA samples from 85 CMT-affected canines were extracted from blood/buccal swabs for whole-genome sequencing. These included 32 different canine breeds from six of the seven American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breed groups; the most represented breeds were Golden Retrievers (n=20), Siberian Huskies (n=8), and Standard Schnauzers (n=7). The cohort also included 3 male CMT cases, which is a hallmark of hereditary CMT and comparable to hereditary breast cancer incidence in human males. Furthermore, pedigree analyses identified dogs within the CMT cohort who stem from a breed-specific common ancestor, and this indicates increased genetic homogeneity within a breed. Currently, these dogs exist in twelve different canine pedigrees corresponding to twelve different breeds and representing 72% of the CMT cohort. The most impressively linked pedigrees contain 20/20 Golden Retrievers, 7/8 Siberian Huskies, 7/7 Standard Schnauzers, 5/5 Welsh Springer Spaniels, 4/4 Newfoundlands, 4/4 Golden Setters, 3/3 Dalmatians, and 3/3 Doberman Pinschers. These CMT pedigrees highlight the characteristics of hereditary disease and demonstrate potential to identify mutations that are specific to a breed or kennel. Through pedigree analysis, fourteen samples were selected for genome sequencing, and they represented Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Standard Schnauzers, and Dalmatians. Following genome sequencing, orthologs of human genes are being investigated for comparison to human hereditary breast cancer sequencing data that were generated in our laboratory. This comparative genomics aspect may lead to the discovery of novel genes that influence breast cancer risk. Citation Format: Anna L.W. Huskey, Carlos Lloveras-Fuentes, Katie Goebel, Nancy D. Merner. Canine pedigree analysis as a model of hereditary breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2017 Oct 7-10; Hollywood, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2018;16(8_Suppl):Abstract nr A62.

PETscan: measuring incidence of disease phenotypes to prioritize genetic studies in companion animals.

Reliable incidence measurement of diseases is necessary for identification of hereditary diseases in companion animal populations. The data collection system 'PETscan' was developed to facilitate standardized registration of diagnoses in veterinary practice. In the development, we attempted to counter challenges known from other primary practice data systems. PETscan includes a comprehensive list of potential diagnoses and supports the veterinary professionals in the diagnostic process. Demographics, individual data and standardized diagnostic data are collected through practice management software in a central database for epidemiological analysis. A preliminary data analysis from PETscan showed specific health issues in four canine breeds. As a real-time prospective monitoring tool, PETscan summaries can objectively assess the incidence of disorders in companion animal populations and can be used to prioritize disease-gene identification studies and evaluate the effects of breeding strategies, for example, after implementation of a new DNA test in the breeding strategy.

Canine breeds associated with gastric carcinoma, metaplasia and dysplasia diagnosed by histopathology of endoscopic biopsy samples

BackgroundGastric carcinoma (GC) is a rather rare pathological finding in dogs, with the exception of some breeds which seem predisposed. The etiopathogenesis is largely unknown in dogs, whereas in humans GC often develops from gastric mucosal metaplasia and dysplasia. This study investigates whether dogs of certain breeds are more often subject to gastroduodenoscopy (GDS), and diagnosed with GC, mucosal metaplasia or dysplasia. A retrospective clinical database search was performed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Helsinki, Finland. The following inclusion criteria were applied to estimate relative risk for metaplasia/dysplasia and GC: dogs from pure breeds with at least five individuals subject to GDS with histopathology of gastric biopsies.ResultsBetween 2006 and 2016, from a total of 54945 canine patients presented, 423 dogs underwent GDS. Inclusion criteria were met in 180 dogs of 20 different pure breeds. Eight dogs had GCs (mean age = 9.8 ± 1.7 years): Belgian Tervuren (n = 4), Collie (n = 2), Golden Retriever (n = 1) and Jack Russel Terrier (n = 1). Fourteen dogs of eight breeds had gastric mucosal metaplasia or dysplasia. A log-binomial statistical model revealed that dogs in the following breeds had a significantly higher probability to undergo GDS than the others in the study population: Australian Terrier, Belgian Tervuren, Cairn Terrier, Collie and Siberian Husky. Belgian Tervuren was found at higher risk to be diagnosed with GC [RR = 19 (5.7–63.9; P < 0.0001)], as well as mucosal metaplasia/dysplasia [RR (7.6; 2.95–19.58; P < 0.0001)], as compared to the other breeds included. Shetland Sheepdog had an increased RR (5.83; 1.75–19.45; P = 0.0041) for metaplasia.ConclusionsThe results indicate a very low incidence of GC in dogs. The Belgian Tervuren, however, appears as predisposed. The histopathologic descriptions of mucosal changes such as metaplasia and dysplasia were also rare, but were more frequent in the Belgian Tervuren. Previous reports of these changes in dogs are very scarce, but they might be presumably related to GC in dogs, as they are in humans. Future research should investigate the possible role of metaplasia and dysplasia in the development of GC in dogs, especially those of predisposed breeds.