Doberman Research Articles

A region on chromosome 16 is associated with Doberman Pinscher dilated cardiomyopathy

Doberman Pinschers are known for their increased susceptibility to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) relative to other domestic dogs. This makes the Doberman Pinscher a key model for gene-disease investigations. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) leveraging a database of genetic profiles obtained through collaboration with the Doberman Diversity Project (DDP). We worked in parallel to increase the depth and power of the DDP database. We exchanged direct correspondences with listed breeders and owners to establish health updates for participant dogs. In total, our study included data on 216, 184 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 46 cases and 3226 population control Doberman Pinschers. Using a generalized linear mixed model and saddlepoint approximation to correct for unbalanced group sizes, we identified a cluster of SNPs associated with DCM on chromosome 16.

Clinical case on the use of the Bimod Vet® on a Doberman Pinscher puppy with atrial fibrillation

Similarly as in people, the diagnosis of cardiac diseases in dogs typically relies on echocardiography and electrocardiography, examinations that are usually reserved to cardiologists. A new medical device (footnote: Bimod Vet®) acquiring the electrocardiogram and phonocardiogram of dogs simultaneously and processing them with built-in algorithms has been developed to assist general practitioners in the management of cases suggestive of suffering from a cardiac disorder. This article displays the use of this device in a 5-month-old Doberman Pinscher puppy referred to a cardiologist and eventually diagnosed with cardiomyopathy of dilated phenotype with atrial fibrillation of unknown origin.In this case, Bimod Vet® enabled to acquire some cardiorespiratory parameters highly suggestive of a cardiac disorder, in a fast and stress-free manner. The rhythm analysis performed by the software lead to a suspicion of atrial fibrillation, based on a rapid and irregular rhythm, narrow QRS complexes and absence of P wave on the electrocardiogram tracing. A systolic murmur was also detected and the respiratory rate was measured.The device Bimod Vet® can therefore assist veterinarians in the detection of several abnormalities suggestive of an underlying cardiac disorder.

Sexual development disorder in a dog

A 1-year intact, phenotypic female Doberman Pinscher dog, was evaluated for suspected sexual development disorder. Patient had a history of white mucoid vaginal discharge with no estrous signs or behavior. Clitoral hypertrophy with a palpable os clitoris were noted. Transabodminal ultrasonography revealed a right gonad and tubular structures (possibly uterus). Exploratory laparotomy revealed 2 underdeveloped gonads in caudodorsal abdomen and a markedly underdeveloped right uterine horn. Histopathology confirmed bilateral ovotestes. Karyotyping (number and morphology of chromosomes) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (XX and XY cells) results were normal. Samples were PCR positive for sex-determining region Y (SRY) and X-linked androgen receptor gene. We concluded that the patient was either a mosaic or chimera with normal female 78,XX and normal male 78,XY cells and genetically a mix of male and female. Final diagnosis was sex chromosome (78,XX/XY), SRY-positive, ovotesticular, disorder of sexual development with female phenotype.

The prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Weimaraner dog breed

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a well-recognised cause of cardiac morbidity and death in humans and dogs. It causes progressive structural changes in the myocardium, which leads to congestive heart failure or sudden death. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the second most common acquired cardiac disease and the most common cardiomyopathy in dogs. The highest prevalence is found in large and giant breeds of dogs; the most frequently affected dogs are Doberman Pinschers. Other breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Irish Wolfhound or Cocker Spaniel also have a high prevalence of DCM. No study has yet been reported in regard to the prevalence of DCM in the Weimaraner and its genetic causes. In the study, a total of 232 Weimaraner dogs were enrolled. Out of this total number, 223 dogs were short-haired Weimaraners and 9 dogs were long-haired Weimaraners. The most frequently diagnosed disease was DCM but other diseases were identified. In our study, the prevalence of DCM in Weimaraners was 9.8%.

Modeling the Effects of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Movement on Dogs

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a tick‐borne infectious disease transmitted by Amblyomma americanum tick. This infectious disease was discovered in the 1970s when military dogs were returning from the Vietnam War. The disease was found to be extremely severe in German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Belgium Malinois, and Siberian Huskies. In this study, we developed a mathematical model for dogs and ticks infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis with the aim of understanding the impact of movement on dogs as they move from one location to another. This could be a dog taken on a walk in an urban area or on a hike in the mountains. We carried out a global sensitivity analysis with and without movement between three locations using as response functions the sum of acutely and chronically infected ticks and the sum of infected ticks in all life stages. The parameters with the most significant impact on the response functions are dogs disease progression rate, dogs chronic infection progression rate, dogs recovery rate, dogs natural death rate, acutely and chronically infected dogs disease‐induced death rate, dogs birth rate, eggs maturation rates, tick biting rate, dogs and ticks transmission probabilities, ticks death rate, and the location carrying capacity. Our simulation results show that infection in dogs and ticks are localized in the absence of movement and spreads between locations with highest infection in locations with the highest rate movement. Also, the effect of the control measures which reduces infection trickles to other locations (trickling effect) when controls are implemented in a single location. The trickling effect is strongest when control is implemented in a location with the highest movement rate into it.

A Homozygous MAN2B1 Missense Mutation in a Doberman Pinscher Dog with Neurodegeneration, Cytoplasmic Vacuoles, Autofluorescent Storage Granules, and an α-Mannosidase Deficiency.

A 7-month-old Doberman Pinscher dog presented with progressive neurological signs and brain atrophy suggestive of a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. The dog was euthanized due to the progression of disease signs. Microscopic examination of tissues collected at the time of euthanasia revealed massive accumulations of vacuolar inclusions in cells throughout the central nervous system, suggestive of a lysosomal storage disorder. A whole genome sequence generated with DNA from the affected dog contained a likely causal, homozygous missense variant in MAN2B1 that predicted an Asp104Gly amino acid substitution that was unique among whole genome sequences from over 4000 dogs. A lack of detectable α-mannosidase enzyme activity confirmed a diagnosis of a-mannosidosis. In addition to the vacuolar inclusions characteristic of α-mannosidosis, the dog exhibited accumulations of autofluorescent intracellular inclusions in some of the same tissues. The autofluorescence was similar to that which occurs in a group of lysosomal storage disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). As in many of the NCLs, some of the storage bodies immunostained strongly for mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit c protein. This protein is not a substrate for α-mannosidase, so its accumulation and the development of storage body autofluorescence were likely due to a generalized impairment of lysosomal function secondary to the accumulation of α-mannosidase substrates. Thus, it appears that storage body autofluorescence and subunit c accumulation are not unique to the NCLs. Consistent with generalized lysosomal impairment, the affected dog exhibited accumulations of intracellular inclusions with varied and complex ultrastructural features characteristic of autophagolysosomes. Impaired autophagic flux may be a general feature of this class of disorders that contributes to disease pathology and could be a target for therapeutic intervention. In addition to storage body accumulation, glial activation indicative of neuroinflammation was observed in the brain and spinal cord of the proband.

Predominant myosin superrelaxed state in canine myocardium with naturally occurring dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a naturally occurring heart failure condition in humans and dogs, notably characterized by a reduced contractility and ejection fraction. As the identification of its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain incomplete, the aim of the present study was to assess whether the molecular motor myosin and its known relaxed conformational states are altered in DCM. For that, we dissected and skinned thin cardiac strips from left ventricle obtained from six DCM Doberman Pinschers and six nonfailing (NF) controls. We then used a combination of Mant-ATP chase experiments and X-ray diffraction to assess both energetic and structural changes of myosin. Using the Mant-ATP chase protocol, we observed that in DCM dogs, the amount of myosin molecules in the ATP-conserving conformational state, also known as superrelaxed (SRX), is significantly increased when compared with NF dogs. This alteration can be rescued by applying EMD-57033, a small molecule activating myosin. Conversely, with X-ray diffraction, we found that in DCM dogs, there is a higher proportion of myosin heads in the vicinity of actin when compared with NF dogs (1,0 to 1,1 intensity ratio). Hence, we observed an uncoupling between energetic (Mant-ATP chase) and structural (X-ray diffraction) data. Taken together, these results may indicate that in the heart of Doberman Pinschers with DCM, myosin molecules are potentially stuck in a nonsequestered but ATP-conserving SRX state, that can be counterbalanced by EMD-57033 demonstrating the potential for a myosin-centered pharmacological treatment of DCM.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The key finding of the present study is that, in left ventricles of dogs with a naturally occurring dilated cardiomyopathy, relaxed myosin molecules favor a nonsequestered superrelaxed state potentially impairing sarcomeric contractility. This alteration is rescuable by applying a small molecule activating myosin known as EMD-57033.

Comprehensive analysis of geographic and breed-purpose influences on genetic diversity and inherited disease risk in the Doberman dog breed

BackgroundPublicly available phenotype data and genotyping array data from two citizen science projects: “Doberman Health Surveys” and “The Doberman Diversity Project” were analyzed to explore relative homozygosity, diversity, and disorder risk according to geographical locale and breeding purpose in the Doberman.ResultsFrom the phenotypic data cohort, life expectancy of a Doberman at birth is 9.1 years. The leading causes of death were heart disease (accounting for 28% of deaths) and cancers (collectively accounting for 14% of deaths).By genotyping, the world Doberman population exists as four major cohorts (European exhibition-bred, Americas exhibition-bred, European work, Americas pet/informal). Considering the entire Doberman population, four genomic regions longer than 500 Kb are fixed in 90% or more of 3,226 dogs included in this study. The four fixed regions reside on two autosomal chromosomes: CFA3:0.8–2.3 Mb (1.55 Mb); CFA3: 57.9–59.8 Mb (1.8 Mb); CFA31:0–1.2 Mb (1.2 Mb); and CFA31:4.80–6.47 Mb (1.67 Mb). Using public variant call files including variants for eight Doberman pinschers, we observed 30 potentially functional alternate variants that were evolutionarily diverged relative to the wider sequenced dog population within the four strongly homozygous chromosomal regions.Effective population size (Ne) is a statistical measure of breed diversity at the time of sampling that approximates the number of unique individuals. The major identified sub-populations of Dobermans demonstrated Ne in the range 70–236. The mean level of inbreeding in the Doberman breed is 40% as calculated by the number of array variants in runs of homozygosity divided by the assayed genome size (excluding the X chromosome). The lowest observed level of inbreeding in the Dobermans assayed was 15% in animals that were first generation mixes of European and USA bred Dobermans. Array variant analysis shows that inter-crossing between European and USA-bred Dobermans has capacity to re-introduce variation at many loci that are strongly homozygous.ConclusionsWe conclude that efforts to improve breed diversity first should focus on regions with the highest fixation levels, but managers must ensure that mutation loads are not worsened by increasing the frequencies of rarer haplotypes in the identified regions. The analysis of global data identified regions of strong fixation that might impact known disorder risks in the breed. Plausible gene candidates for future analysis of the genetic basis of cardiac disease and cancer were identified in the analysis.

Evaluation of autoantibodies to desmoglein-2 in dogs with and without cardiac disease

Autoantibodies to desmoglein-2 have been associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in people. ARVC is a common disease in the Boxer dog. The role of anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies in Boxers with ARVC and correlation with disease status or severity is unknown. This prospective study is the first to evaluate dogs of various breeds and cardiac disease state for anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies. The sera of 46 dogs (10 ARVC Boxers, 9 healthy Boxers, 10 Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy, 10 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, and 7 healthy non-Boxer dogs) were assessed for antibody presence and concentration via Western blotting and densitometry. Anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies were detected in all dogs. Autoantibody expression did not differ between study groups and there was no correlation with age or body weight. In dogs with cardiac disease, there was weak correlation with left ventricular dilation (r = 0.423, p = 0.020) but not left atrial size (r = 0.160, p = 0.407). In ARVC Boxers there was strong correlation with the complexity of ventricular arrhythmias (r = 0.841, p = 0.007) but not total number of ectopic beats (r = 0.383, p = 0.313). Anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies were not disease specific in the studied population of dogs. Correlation with some measures of disease severity requires further study with larger populations.

Validation of a cage-side agglutination card for Dal blood typing in dogs.

Although 98% of the canine population is Dal-positive, Dal-negative dogs are more common in some breeds such as Doberman Pinschers (42.4%) and Dalmatians (11.7%), and finding compatible blood for these breeds may be challenging, given limited access to Dal blood typing. To validate a cage-side agglutination card for Dal blood typing and determine the lowest packed cell volume (PCV threshold) at which interpretation remains accurate. One-hundred fifty dogs, including 38 blood donors, 52 Doberman Pinschers, 23 Dalmatians and 37 anemic dogs. Three additional Dal-positive canine blood donors were included to establish the PCV threshold. Dal blood typing was performed on blood samples preserved in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) <48 hours using the cage-side agglutination card and a gel column technique (gold standard). The PCV threshold was determined using plasma-diluted blood samples. All results were read by 2 observers, blinded to each other's interpretation and to the sample's origin. Interobserver agreement was 98% and 100% using the card and gel column assays, respectively. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the cards were 86%-87.6% and 96.6%-100%, respectively, depending on the observer. However, 18 samples were mistyped using the agglutination cards (15/18 by both observers): 1 false-positive (Doberman Pinscher), and 17 false-negative samples including 13 anemic dogs (PCV range, 5%-24%; median, 13%). The PCV threshold allowing reliable interpretation was determined to be >20%. Dal agglutination cards are reliable as a cage-side test, but results should be interpreted cautiously in severely anemic patients.

Peculiarities of the course of demodicosis in domestic animals in a megalopolis in the east of Ukraine

Demodicosis in domestic animals occupies a leading place among dermatological diseases. It has considerable epizootological and social significance. Peculiarities of the manifestation of demodicosis in dogs and cats were studied in the city of Kharkiv during 2017–2021. Doberman Pinscher, mestizo, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier, and outbred animals were the most commonly affected by demodicosis, accounting for 61.6% of the total number of patients. The lowest number of animals with demodicosis was registered in such breeds as Dalmatian, Great Dane, Caucasian Shepherd, Collie, Labrador, Husky, Pekingese, and Chow Chow with a total number of 4.6%. Demodicosis is most common in Persian white, European tiger, and Siamese colour point cats, accounting for 57.3%. Norwegian forest, Russian blue, and Oriental shorthair cats are rarely affected by demodicosis, accounting for 13.5% of all animals. Demodicosis most often affects animals aged from 2 months to 3 years in winter, and in summer and autumn, the incidence is lowest. Peculiarities of sexual predisposition of animals to demodicosis infection have not been established. The microbes affecting the skin of animals are transmitted by mites Demodex spp. and are represented by Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillum spp., Malassezia spp., Microsporum canis. Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. occupy the largest percentage of the total number of isolated microorganisms – 74.7%, and Micrococcus spp. occupy the lowest percentage of isolated microorganisms (6.2%). Staphylococcal susceptibility to nine tetracycline drugs has shown a high level of resistance. The most effective antimicrobial agent for isolated cultures of staphylococci is amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid (89.7%) and vancomycin (100.0%). The objective of further research is to develop effective schemes for the prevention and treatment of pets with demodicosis.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived global longitudinal strain in healthy Doberman Pinschers: method evaluation, variability, and reference values

IntroductionEvaluation of two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-ST)-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) in healthy Doberman Pinschers (DP) is essential before it can be used in diseased DP to assess systolic function. To determine feasibility and observer related measurement variability of 2D-ST-derived GLS by use of AutoSTRAIN (AUTO) and 2D Cardiac Performance Analysis (TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH, Unterschleissheim, Germany). Animals, materials, and methodsThis prospective study included 120 healthy, client-owned DP presented for screening evaluation. Global longitudinal strain of the apical four- (GLSA4C), two-, and three-chamber view as well as the average GLS of all three views combined (GLSAV) were determined, compared, and reference values established. Measurement variability was assessed by using intra- and inter-observer coefficient of variation. ResultsA small difference existed for GLSAV (mean + 0.23%; P=0.022) between the two software programs although the determined strain values were similar and positively correlated (r = 0.84; P<0.001). No difference could be found between GLSAV and GLSA4C for AUTO (mean + 0.16%; P=0.228), whereas a difference existed for Cardiac Performance Analysis (mean −0.89% (end-systolic strain) and −0.56% (peak strain), P<0.0001). Software specific reference values were established for GLSAV and GLSA4C. Intra- and inter-observer coefficient of variation revealed very low to low measurement variability, with better results for AUTO. Discussion and conclusionsTwo-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-ST) derived GLS is a feasible technique to assess systolic function with low measurement variability. Whenever possible, GLSAV should be determined, although GLSA4C might be a potential alternative.

Analysis of Doberman Pinscher and Toy Poodle samples with targeted next-generation sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have enabled the identification of many causal variants of genetic disorders, the development of parentage tests and the analysis of multiple traits in domestic animals. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a Canine Targeted Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) custom panel (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Ma, USA) in a cohort of 95 dog DNA samples, comprising 76 Doberman Pinschers and 19 Toy Poodles from Argentina. The used panel included 383 targets (228 parentage SNVs, 137 genetic disorder markers and 18 trait markers). While paternity analysis showed correct duo (97.4%; LOD > 2.98E+13) and trio (100%; LOD > 2.20E+15) parentage assignment, the panel resulted still insufficient for excluding close relatives in inbred populations. In this sense, close relatives were wrongly assigned as parents in 12.6% of duos and 0.3% of trios. We detected 17 polymorphic markers (genetic disorders, n = 4; hair type, n = 3; coat color, n = 10) and estimated their allele frequencies in the studied breeds. The accuracy of targeted GBS results were evaluated for three markers that were associated with Progressive rod-cone degeneration, von Willebrand disease type 1 and dilated cardiomyopathy by pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing genotyping, showing 94–100% concordance among assays. The targeted GBS custom panel resulted cost-effective strategy to study the prevalence of genetic disorders and traits in a large number of samples and to analyze genetic interactions between previously reported variants. Once assays based on AgriSeq technology were standardized, their uses are a good strategy for large-scale routine genetic evaluation of animal populations.

Influence of sex on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system metabolites and enzymes in Doberman Pinschers.

Estrogen modulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in women, but sex differences have not been fully explored in dogs. We hypothesized that the RAAS profile of intact female (IF) Doberman Pinschers (DP) would differ from spayed female (SF) and intact male (IM) DP. Eighteen healthy DP (6 IF, 6 SF, 6 IM). Absolute and indexed RAAS metabolites, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 activities, and genotypes (pyruvate kinase dehydrogenase 4, titin, and ACE variants) were compared among sex groups using Kruskal-Wallis or chi-square tests, and linear regression controlling for age. Data are expressed as median (minimum, maximum) and P < .05 was considered significant. The ACE activity was higher in IF DP (656 pmol/L; 436, 784) compared to SF DP (411 pmol/L; 287, 451; P=.01) and IM DP (365 pmol/L; 276, 1200; P=.04) after controlling for age. Angiotensin II, angiotensin I, and plasma renin activity marker (PRA-S) were higher in IF DP compared to SF DP, but not significantly (P ≤ .25). After controlling for age, angiotensin 1-7/angiotensin I was lower in IF DP compared to SF DP (P=.01). Genotypes did not differ among groups. Most DP (94%) were ACE variant positive. Sex and reproductive status influenced the RAAS of DP, with IF DP showing genotype-independent higher ACE activity. These findings hold implications for sterilization practices in female dogs, and support sex and reproductive status as a source of variability in RAAS studies. Additionally, the frequency of the ACE gene variant was very high in this group of DP.

CT diagnosis of occipital condyle fracture in a dog presented for severe cervical hyperesthesia.

A 9-month-old male entire Doberman Pinscher presented with acute onset of severe cervical hyperesthesia after a fall. Neurological examination revealed a normal gait with low head carriage and severe cervical hyperesthesia. A CT scan of the cervical vertebral column revealed the presence of a comminuted fracture at the dorsomedial aspect of the right occipital condyle and sclerosis of the underlying bone. Medical management was initiated consisting of an external bandage, strict rest, and pain medication. Due to the lack of clinical improvement, the dog was euthanized 2 months after diagnosis. Histopathology of the lesion was compatible with a healing fracture.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Features of Pulmonary Metastatic Oral Melanoma in a Labrador dog

Melanoma is a malignant tumour that originates from melanocytes. It has been reported in human beings as well as in many domesticated animal species (Reddy et al., 1998), and wild terrestrial and marine animals. Melanomas are the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours in the oral cavity of canines (Goldschmidt, 1985; Faramade et al., 2017). Gingiva is the most common site for canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) but other parts like palatine, labile or buccal mucosa also act as the sites of origin (Delverdier et al., 1991). It is generally an aggressive tumour, often locally invasive, and frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and lungs but metastasis to other organs like the brain, heart, spleen, and liver is not common (Goldschmidt and Hendrick, 2002). Canine OMM accounts for about 7% of all malignant tumours of canine, 11.5% to 17.1% of all oral tumours (Mikiewicz et al., 2019), and 33% to 35.8% of all malignant oral tumours (Sarowitz et al., 2017). OMM is reported in old age group animals mainly ranging from 7 to 14 years age (Esplin, 2008). Most common breeds affected by OMM include Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, mixed-breed dogs (Gillard et al., 2014) but histologically well-differentiated melanocytic neoplasms (HWDMN) also reported in Golden Retrievers, Labrador, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, etc. (Esplin, 2008). The diagnosis of melanoma is difficult mainly in tumors without appreciable melanin. Histological appearance resembles carcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, and osteogenic tumours. Therefore, immunohistochemistry with numerous melanoma specific markers is mostly used for confirmatory diagnosis in human and veterinary pathology (Wick, 2008). This case report is on the occurrence of oral melanoma with pulmonary metastasis in a Labrador dog.

Demographic and histopathologic features of dogs with abnormally high concentrations of hepatic copper.

Copper associated hepatopathy (CAH) has become an important and prevalent disease since the 1990's, coincidental with changes in copper (Cu) content in commercial dog foods. Knowing the demographic and histopathologic features related to hepatic Cu concentrations might aid in diagnosing CAH in dogs. The primary aim was to identify demographic and histopathologic features associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu concentrations. Dogs that underwent liver histopathology and Cu quantification at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory between July 2010 and February 2020. Data was retrospectively collected from an electronic database. A Gaussian multiple regression model on the log scale was used to evaluate associations between hepatic Cu and a set of demographic and histologic features selected with machine learning methods. Of 4559 cases meeting criteria, 50% had hepatic Cu > 400 and 19% had Cu > 1000 ppm (parts per million) dry weight (reference range 120-400). Median hepatic Cu was 391 ppm, range 4.5 to 31500. Age was negatively associated (P < .02), but specific breeds (Doberman pinscher, Labrador retriever, and West Highland white terrier) were positively associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu (P < .001). Severity of inflammation (mild, moderate, and severe) and necrosis/apoptosis were associated with abnormally high hepatic Cu (P < .01). Abnormally high hepatic Cu is prevalent in hepatic biopsies from dogs. Machine learning modeling showed that necroinflammation, not cholestasis or cirrhosis, on hepatic histopathology, is predictive of higher hepatic Cu and might be a reliable histologic predictor of CAH.

Preliminary Data on Echocardiographic Evaluation and Serum Taurine Concentration in Healthy Dogs of Two Breeds (10 Golden Retrievers and 12 German Shorthaired Pointers) with Different Predispositions to Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common myocardial disorder in dogs, and it is primarily considered to be an inherited or genetic disease with a higher prevalence in specific breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes. Recently, several publications have reported concerns about cases of DCM in unusual breeds (Golden Retrievers-GRs) and associated them with specific diets (grain-free, high in pulses or potatoes, or low in taurine and amino acid precursors). Because taurine is involved in the digestion and absorption of fat and liposoluble vitamins, including vitamin D, the aims of this pilot study were: (1) to compare serum taurine and serum vitamin D (both implicated in cardiac function and absorbed from food) between healthy GRs and German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs), breeds with different predispositions to nutritional DCM; (2) to highlight the differences between the echocardiographic variables in the two breeds; and (3) to evaluate the associations between the serum taurine and vitamin D concentrations and the echocardiographic features. Ten Golden Retrievers and twelve German Shorthaired Pointers were enrolled for complete hematobiochemical analyses, cardiac examinations, and serum taurine and vitamin D evaluations. The serum taurine concentrations were significantly lower in the GR dogs than in GSPs. All GRs were clinically healthy, but some echocardiographic variables, such as the sphericity index (related to left ventricle dilatation) as well as the end-systolic volume index and fractional shortening (both related to left ventricle systolic function), were different from the published reference ranges.

Frequency, breed predispositions and other demographic risk factors for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK

BackgroundHypothyroidism is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and risk factors for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in UK primary-care practice. Dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism were identified by searching electronic patient records of primary-care practices participating in VetCompass. A cohort study design estimated one-year (2016) period prevalence and incidence risk for hypothyroidism. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between demographic risk factors and hypothyroidism.ResultsFrom 905,553 dogs, 2,105 dogs were recorded with diagnosed hypothyroidism in 2016; 359 incident and 1,746 pre-existing, giving an annual prevalence of 0.23% (95% CI 0.22–0.24) and annual incidence risk of 0.04% (95% CI 0.04–0.04). Multivariable logistic regression identified 24 predisposed and nine protected breeds. Standard Doberman pinscher (odds ratio [OR] = 17.02, 95% CI 12.8–22.64), Tibetan terrier (11.25, 95% CI 8.27–15.32) and boxer (10.44, 95% CI 8.66–12.58) breeds showed high predisposition. Pug (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.89), Yorkshire terrier (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24–0.59), Shih-tzu (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.64) and Jack Russell terrier (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.29–0.54) were the most protected breeds. Overall, being a purebred dog, being insured, having bodyweight above the breed-sex mean, increasing age, being neutered and rising adult bodyweight also showed increased odds being a dog living with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.ConclusionsSeveral strong breed predispositions for diagnosis of hypothyroidism were identified that can assist with disorder prioritisation in ongoing efforts to improve breed health. Other risk factors were also identified that can assist veterinary surgeons during clinical work-up of suspected cases. Identification of novel evidence for protected breeds provides useful information for research into genetic mechanisms.

KARDIOMIOPATIA ROZSTRZENIOWA U PSA DOMOWEGO – ANALIZA IN SILICO WYBRANYCH GENÓW

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive loss of contractility of the heart muscle as the disease progresses. It causes a decrease in the heart’s minute capacity, i.e. the volume of blood pumped by the heart into the blood vessels in one minute. DCM leads to congestive heart failure and sudden death. The aim of this study was to identify in silico genes within which mutations have occurred that may cause DCM in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), to identify dog breeds at risk, and to propose breed-specific diagnostic molecular tests. For bioinformatic analyses of sequences retrieved from GenBank (NC_006587.3 – FGGY, NC_006583.3 – DCC and CM023383.1 – PDE3B) and from scientific publications (PDK4 – from patent publication number US 2011/0307965 A1 and STRN – Meurs et al. 2010), the following programs were used: Primer3 v. 0.4.0, NEBcutter v. 2.0 and BLAST. Based on literature data, domestic dog breeds such as Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Portuguese Water Dog, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane were found to be among the breeds with the highest risk of DCM. In order to identify relevant mutations in the genes studied (FGGY, DCC, PDE3B, PDK4 and STRN) that may cause the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy, the use of specific restriction enzymes has been proposed in molecular diagnostic tests: BmiI for mutations in the PDK4 gene and Tth111I for SNPs in the FGGY gene (Doberman Pinscher) and TaqI for SNPs in the DCC gene and HinfI for SNPs in the PDE3B gene (Irish Wolfhound). This work, may serve as a prelude to analysis for targeted genetic testing to enable correct diagnosis of DCM in asymptomatic dogs