Fédération Cynologique Internationale Research Articles

Optimizing Bangkaew dog breed identification using DNA technology.

The Bangkaew dog is an indigenous dog breed in the Phitsanulok province of Thailand. This breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), a global canine organization. The unique traits of the Bangkaew breed lead to purebred selection for breeding, while only their traits and pedigree from parental history are recorded. Determination of the risk of inbreeding depression and the origin of unknown DNA profiles is essential due to the challenges in predicting puppy characteristics, which are crucial for breed management and conservation. This study aimed to emphasize that current allelic frequency data for the Bangkaew dog breed must be considered for precise individual identification. Approximately 82 Bangkaew dogs from various Thai localities were studied using 15 microsatellite markers for genotypic monitoring and individual identification. Maternal genetic inheritance was assessed via mtDNA D-loop analysis. The results revealed high genetic diversity in the Bangkaew breed, indicating low potential for inbreeding. We also found that using a 15 loci microsatellite panel was effective for the identification of Bangkaew dogs. The optimized 10 loci microsatellite genotyping panel developed in this study presents improved identification testing efficiency, promoting both time- and cost-effectiveness. Analysis of microsatellite DNA markers in Bangkaew dogs using an optimized panel of 10 loci selected from 15 loci effectively facilitated individual identification. This approach not only enhances time and cost efficiency, but also provides accurate allelic frequency estimates, which are crucial for the realistic evaluation of DNA evidence.

Femoral Neck Thickness Index as an Indicator of Proximal Femur Bone Modeling.

The alteration in the shape of the femoral neck is an important radiographic sign for scoring canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Previous studies have reported that the femoral neck thickness (FNT) is greater in dogs with hip joint dysplasia, becoming progressively thicker with disease severity. The main objective of this work was to describe a femoral neck thickness index (FNTi) to quantify FNT and to study its association with the degree of CHD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scheme. A total of 53 dogs (106 hips) were randomly selected for this study. Two examiners performed FNTi estimation to study intra- and inter-examiner reliability and agreement. The paired t-test, the Bland-Altman plots, and the intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent agreement and reliability between the measurements of the two examiners and the examiners' sessions. All joints were scored in five categories by an experienced examiner according to FCI criteria. The results from examiner 1 were compared between FCI categories. Hips that were assigned an FCI grade of A (n = 19), B (n = 23), C (n = 24), D (n = 24), and E (n = 16) had a mean ± standard deviation FNTi of 0.809 ± 0.024, 0.835 ± 0.044, 0.868 ± 0.022, 0.903 ± 0.033, and 0.923 ± 0.068, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Therefore, these results show that FNTi is a parameter capable of evaluating proximal femur bone modeling and that it has the potential to enrich conventional CHD scoring criteria if incorporated into a computer-aided diagnosis capable of detecting CHD.

Quantitative assessment of hip morphology to enhance the identification of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs

To develop quantitative measures that, when combined with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) score, would potentially enhance the accuracy of the scoring process. 153 client-owned purebred German Shepherd Dogs with normal and near normal (71 dogs) and dysplastic coxofemoral joint (82 dogs). Center edge (CE) angle, Norberg angle (NA), indexes of dorsal acetabular femoral head (AFH) coverage width and area, acetabular index angle, and inclination angle were determined. We also investigated the correlation between selected variables. Coxofemoral joints were classified into normal, near normal, and mildly, moderately, and severely dysplastic joints based on the morphometric criteria previously established by the conventional FCI scoring. Variables were compared among the 5 groups using ANOVA. Linear relationships were determined using Spearman correlation coefficients. All radiographic measurements differed significantly (P < .0001) among the 5 assigned groups (normal, near normal, mildly dysplastic, moderately dysplastic, and severely dysplastic hip joints). NA was the only measure that differed significantly (P ≤ .03) between the 5 assigned groups. Positive correlations were identified between Norberg and CE angles (rs = 0.93), between width and area indexes of dorsal AFH coverage (rs = 0.92), and between the measurement techniques utilized to assess lateral versus dorsal AFH coverage (rs ≥ 0.65). Evaluation of lateral and dorsal AFH coverage may help to refine the scoring system used to select German Shepherd Dogs for breeding. German Shepherd Dogs with NA < 103°, CE angle < 20.8°, dorsal AFH coverage width index ≤ 49%, and/or dorsal AFH coverage area index ≤ 51% should be considered to have mild, moderate, or severe hip dysplasia and are therefore not good candidates for breeding. Borderline values between near normal and mildly dysplastic joints should be reevaluated.

Center of pressure and ground reaction forces in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with and without hip dysplasia at 4, 8, and 12 months of age.

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common orthopedic disease. Owing to the importance of CHD in affected dogs, both clinically and for their use in breeding or work, increasing attention is being given to early diagnosis. Therefore, early clinical and radiological examination of young animals is increasingly in demand, whereas common CHD screening according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is usually performed at the age of 12 months or even older in Europe. One way to objectively evaluate gait pattern is to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and center of pressure (COP). In this study, we used a pressure plate to evaluate the GRF and COP parameters for 32 Labrador Retrievers and 17 Golden Retrievers at 4, 8, and 12 months of age. The dogs also underwent radiological examination of the hip joints following the FCI rules at the age of at least 12 months, which were grouped as sound (FCI grade A or B) and diseased (FCI grade C or worse). The results revealed significantly higher COP values in both breeds in the diseased limb groups at any measurement point during walking, with the most pronounced results obtained at 8 months of age. Furthermore, COP values during walking were significantly higher at 4 months than at 8 and 12 months in both the sound and diseased limb groups, indicating an increased stability of the gait pattern. Except for COP-Speed, the values of all COP parameters were higher during walking than during trotting at 4 months of age (i.e., COP-Speed was higher when trotting), indicating that the 4-beat gait in walk is more difficult to control for puppies than the 2-beat gait in trot. Overall, our results support the early evaluation of CHD in growing animals using non-invasive methods.

Prevalence of Primary Radiographic Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs.

Simple SummaryHip dysplasia is the most common non-traumatic disease and cause of lameness in dogs. Different screening programs which use radiographic evaluation of the extended ventrodorsal projection of the hip exist for breeding selection. The Federation Cynologique International assigned five different scoring grades from A to E, ranging from a normal hip to severe dysplasia, to provide certification of the status of the joint. Of the different methods used for assessment, the Brass method is the most descriptive since it considers each part of the hip joint individually. The aim of the present study was to improve knowledge regarding the morphological changes in the context of hip dysplasia progression, especially in grades A to C. Some alterations were even found in grade A. The laxity and incongruence of the joint lead to the modification of the shape of the head and femoral neck, although some changes may be present in the normal or near normal hip joint. Some of the present findings, which were in contrast to the literature, are very interesting and additional investigation is indicated.Hip dysplasia is a disabling orthopedic disease in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the morphological aspects and radiographic changes in the development of hip dysplasia in adult dogs, and to describe the frequency of each radiographic parameter according to each Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grade. Brass descriptive forms for the evaluation of hip dysplasia were obtained from the archive of the Italian Fondazione Salute Animale, and the radiographic evaluation of 642 hips were processed. Sixteen radiographic criteria were assessed, divided into six main parameters: acetabulum, femoral head and its position in the acetabulum, femoral neck, joint space, and Norberg angle. The initial mild alterations were shown in the craniolateral acetabular rim (31.8%), slightly divergent in the joint space in 58.6% of FCI-A. The spherical shape of the femoral head was mildly small/flattened in 56.9% of FCI-B, in addition to a slightly cylindrical-shaped femoral neck (60.5%) and slightly lost contours (55.0%). Changes in acetabular depth (45.0%), and in the cranial acetabular margin (56.7%) were found in FCI-C. The center of the femoral head was lateral to the dorsal acetabular rim in 70.0% of FCI-B; the Norberg angle appeared normal in 70.6% of FCI-B. Elaboration of the radiographic criteria from the Brass descriptive forms allowed for the extrapolation of accurate knowledge regarding morphologic changes in the development of dysplasia by providing detailed information for each individual. In particular, the present survey showed that the morphological alterations of the acetabulum prevailed over those of the femoral head only at the beginning of the development of canine hip dysplasia, and then worsened after the changes occurred in the femoral head and neck.

Genetic Diversity of Bosnian and Herzegovinian Autochthonous Dog Breed Bosnian Broken-Haired Hound-Barak.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies a group of hound dogs in the sixth FCI group divided into three sections and three subsections that include 76 dog breeds. With the Istrian wire-haired hound, the Bosnian broken-haired hound-Barak is one of the two internationally recognized and standardized broken-haired hound breeds from the Balkans. However, genotyping of this breed has not been the subject of study so far. A total of 30 dogs (22 males and eight females) from different breeders from 17 locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina were selected for genotyping. All selected individuals had a valid pedigree issued by the Kennel Club in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure dogs were unrelated. Hairs with follicles were used for DNA extraction. Ten microsatellite loci from the commercial StockMarks® for Canine Genotyping Kit were amplified. Estimated genetic indices showed that Bosnian broken-haired hound-Barak harbors a high genetic variability. Phylogenetic relationships between Barak and the other 15 dog breeds, including Tornjak, another indigenous breed from Bosnia and Herzegovina, were assessed. An analysis showed clear differentiation of Barak, with Tornjak as the closest one among analyzed breeds. The results suggest that Barak, as we know it today, was developed during the formation of most modern breeds. Although Barak cannot yet be considered an endangered breed thanks to enthusiasts and hunters, the declining population trends impose the urgent need to establish an animal gene bank and programs for in situ conservation to protect and preserve this autochthonous breed of hound dog for future generations.

Acetabular Coverage Area Occupied by the Femoral Head as an Indicator of Hip Congruency.

Simple SummaryRadiographic diagnosis is essential for the genetic control of canine hip dysplasia (HD). The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring HD scheme is based on objective and qualitative radiographic criteria. Subjective interpretations can lead to errors in diagnosis and, consequently, to incorrect selective breeding, which in turn impacts the gene pool of dog breeds. The aim of this study was to use a computer method to calculate the Hip Congruency Index (HCI) to objectively estimate radiographic hip congruency for future application in the development of computer vision models capable of classifying canine HD. The HCI measures the percentage of acetabular coverage that is occupied by the femoral head. Normal hips are associated with an even, parallel joint surface that translates into reduced acetabular free space, which increases with hip subluxation and becomes maximal in hip dislocation. We found statistically significant differences in mean HCI values among all five FCI categories. These results demonstrate that the HCI reliably reflects the different degrees of congruency associated with HD. Therefore, it is expected that when used in conjunction with other HD evaluation parameters, such as Norberg angle and assessment of osteoarthritic signs, it can improve the diagnosis by making it more accurate and unequivocal.Accurate radiographic screening evaluation is essential in the genetic control of canine HD, however, the qualitative assessment of hip congruency introduces some subjectivity, leading to excessive variability in scoring. The main objective of this work was to validate a method-Hip Congruency Index (HCI)-capable of objectively measuring the relationship between the acetabulum and the femoral head and associating it with the level of congruency proposed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), with the aim of incorporating it into a computer vision model that classifies HD autonomously. A total of 200 dogs (400 hips) were randomly selected for the study. All radiographs were scored in five categories by an experienced examiner according to FCI criteria. Two examiners performed HCI measurements on 25 hip radiographs to study intra- and inter-examiner reliability and agreement. Additionally, each examiner measured HCI on their half of the study sample (100 dogs), and the results were compared between FCI categories. The paired t-test and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed no evidence of a systematic bias, and there was excellent reliability between the measurements of the two examiners and examiners’ sessions. Hips that were assigned an FCI grade of A (n = 120), B (n = 157), C (n = 68), D (n = 38) and E (n = 17) had a mean HCI of 0.739 ± 0.044, 0.666 ± 0.052, 0.605 ± 0.055, 0.494 ± 0.070 and 0.374 ± 0.122, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Therefore, these results show that HCI is a parameter capable of estimating hip congruency and has the potential to enrich conventional HD scoring criteria if incorporated into an artificial intelligence algorithm competent in diagnosing HD.

Early hip laxity screening and later canine hip dysplasia development.

Background and Aim:Passive hip laxity (PHL) is considered the primary risk factor for canine hip dysplasia (HD) and is estimated, in stress hip radiographs, using the distraction index (DI). The study aimed to associate the early PHL using the hip Distractor of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (DisUTAD) and the late HD grades.Materials and Methods:A total of 41 dogs (82 hips) were submitted to a follow-up study. First, between 4 and 12 months of age, dogs were radiographed using the DisUTAD hip distractor and were determined the DI for each hip joint. Then, after 12 months of age, dogs were reevaluated for HD using the conventional hip ventrodorsal projection and hips were evaluated for HD using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring system.Results:Hips of dogs’ in the second examination with FCI grades of A (n=28), B (n=11), C (n=22), and D and E (n=21) had an early DI of 0.32±0.1, 0.38±0.08, 0.50±0.12, and 0.64±0.11, respectively. Statistical analysis using the general linear model univariate, with the DI as dependent variable and the FCI grades, side and sex as fixed factors, and the post hoc Bonferroni correction test showed significant differences among FCI grades (p<0.05).Conclusion:These results show the association between early DI and the late FCI HD grades and the DisUTAD is recommended for the early canine HD diagnosis.

Phenotype variability and basic morphological characteristics of the Aksaray Malakli dog population in Turkey

The Turkish Mastiff or Aksaray Malakli Dog is a Turkish dog breed not yet officially recognized by the world canine organization - Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). To achieve recognition, more research and analysis of the morphometric parameters of this breed are required. Previous research on this breed presented the average values of certain morphological parameters. Measurement results of 20 morphometric parameters showed that there are statistically significant differences in body structure between males and females. Such results are significant for setting the official breed standard in which the proportions of the body characteristic of this breed should be emphasized.

Inventing Dog Breeds

Today Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs) are among the most popular dogs in Britain and are seen to have long history, dating back to the fox terriers bred by Parson Jack Russell in the early and mid-Victorian period. Yet, JRTs are the dog breed most recently recognized by the British Kennel Club, only being allowed to enter dog shows and to be registered in the Club’s stud book since 2016. This essay explores this paradox and tells the story of struggles between different groups over the physical form and cultural meaning of this particular type of dog, but similar histories of the contested and contingent creation could be told of every dog breed. Modern dog breeds were invented materially and culturally in the Victorian era, first in Britain before being spread around the world. Then and since, the conformation of individual breeds has been subject to continual reimagining and reinvention by dog fanciers, along with the proliferation breeds to produce the 344 breeds now recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). History shows that breed could have been differently conceived and specific dog breeds differently made.

Owner-Reported Attachment and Behavior Characteristics of New Guinea Singing Dogs Living as Companion Animals

ABSTRACT Domestic dogs are terrific companions in a variety of contexts. However, not all dogs have followed the same trajectory regarding domestication. In fact, little is known about how some dogs, including New Guinea singing dogs (NGSDs), fare as companion animals. The majority of NGSDs in the United States and Canada live as companion animals, yet observational studies of NGSDs have been limited to those living in zoos and in the wild. To learn more about NGSDs kept as companion animals, we compared housing and husbandry practices for NGSDs (n = 55) with those of dogs belonging to five primitive Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) subgroups (n = 1,101). We also compared behavioral traits of NGSDs and dogs belonging to the FCI subgroups using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), and their relationships with their owners using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). NGSDs differed from dogs belonging to some FCI subgroups on several C-BARQ measures. For instance, NGSDs showed greater fear than dogs in some subgroups and were more likely to urinate on objects than dogs in all subgroups. The latter finding might explain why a higher percentage of NGSDs than primitive breed dogs were housed outdoors. Nonetheless, NGSD owners scored just as highly on the LAPS as owners of other primitive dogs. Our findings suggest that NGSD owners may adapt their expectations and husbandry strategies to account for some of the behavioral differences between NGSDs and other dogs.

Early Diagnosis of Canine Hip Laxity: Correlation between Clinical Orthopedic Examinations and the FCI Scoring Method in a Closed Cohort of Rottweilers.

Simple SummaryCanine hip dysplasia is one of the most frequently occurring orthopedic diseases in dogs, and hip laxity is the primary sign of this disease. The early diagnosis of hip laxity in puppies would make veterinarians capable of planning preventative procedures to treat the disease or reduce the severity of disease at older ages. These procedures would improve the quality of the life of the dogs and reduce treatment costs. Furthermore, because of the importance of genetics in this disease, dogs with a risk of developing canine hip dysplasia in the future could be excluded from breeding programs. Therefore, the early diagnosis of canine hip laxity, as well as the selection of proper diagnostic methods, are of great importance in small animal orthopedics.Canine hip dysplasia is a multifactorial disorder characterized by hip laxity and osteoarthritis. The early diagnosis of hip laxity is an important topic in small animal orthopedics. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between clinical orthopedic examinations and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring method. Thirty purebred Rottweilers were examined at approximately four (20 ± 2 weeks), eight (35 ± 2 weeks), and twelve months of age (54 ± 1 weeks), respectively. The Ortolani, Barlow, and Bardens tests and reduction/subluxation angle measurements were performed at each time. FCI scoring was conducted at the third examination time. Positive correlations were recorded between the reduction angle and Ortolani test, reduction angle and FCI score, and Ortolani test and FCI score for the second and third examination dates. No correlation was observed between the subluxation angle and other methods. Despite previous studies reporting 16–20 weeks as the earliest age for diagnosing hip laxity in dogs, in our study, early diagnosis was possible from the age of 35 ± 2 weeks. This difference might originate from the small sample size, low number of the dogs with severe grades of laxity, and breed differences.

Methods to Improve Joint Genetic Evaluation of Canine Hip Dysplasia Across BVA/KC and FCI Screening Schemes.

The BVA/KC (British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club) and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) are the main screening schemes used to evaluate the status of canine hip dysplasia (HD) in Europe. Jointly utilizing HD records from both BVA/KC and FCI schemes could improve the reliability of genetic evaluation within and across countries. In this study, HD scores for German shepherd dogs (GSDs) in the UK (using the BVA/KC scheme) and Sweden (using the FCI scheme) were used to investigate how to better operate joint genetic evaluations across the two schemes. It was shown that under a bivariate model, which regarded BVA/KC and FCI scores as different traits, the estimated genetic correlations between the UK and Swedish GSD populations were the same when using BVA/KC total or worse hip scores and for single-country or joint analysis of both the UK and Swedish populations. Under a univariate model that converted BVA/KC scores into FCI scores, the predictability of estimated breeding values was slightly improved by performing a joint analysis.

Distraction index and Norberg angle to distinguish dysplastic and non-dysplastic hips based on FCI score.

Radiographic hip scoring according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) method was performed with the purpose to compare the PennHIP and FCI results as well as coxofemoral joint laxity by correlation of Norberg angle and distraction index measurements. A total of 167 dogs of various breeds presented for official screening examination in a veterinary teaching hospital in Germany were included. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the best Norberg angle and distraction index cut-off values to distinguish between dysplastic and non-dysplastic groups based on FCI grades and to distinguish between lax and tight hip joints according to the PennHIP proposal were calculated. More than one third (38.2 %) of dogs that passed the breeding criterions according to FCI (grades A and B) were in the half of the population with lax hip joints and should not be used for breeding according to the PennHIP proposal. A cut-off value for the distraction index of 0.44 with sensitivity of 82.7 % and specificity of 84.2 % was superior to the best cut-off value for the Norberg angle at 101.8° with sensitivity of 82.7 % and specificity of 71.9 % to discriminate between non-dysplastic joints (A, B) and dysplastic joints (C, D, E). Our results show a limited impact of laxity on the FCI grading. Breeding selection processes that are based on the FCI method could profit by an additional and complementary use of the distraction index.

Canine hip dysplasia screening: Comparison of early evaluation to final grading in 231 dogs with Fédération Cynologique Internationale A and B.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to verify if a significant difference exists between parameters in the early evaluation of normal and near-normal hip joints, to evaluate the influence of age and breed on the parameters, and to clarify the usefulness of a total score for differentiating between Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grade A and B hips.MethodsA total of 231 dogs were classified according to whether they had FCI A or B hips at adulthood, with measurements obtained at 14–28 weeks of age. The total score was calculated by the summation of the following quantitative parameters: angle of subluxation (AS), angle of reduction (AR), laxity index (LI), and dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the probability of the study population to develop an FCI B hip based on the total score. This was repeated for the highest score in combination with the worst-rated hip and once more for breeds.ResultsNo correlation between age and the parameters was found in the cohort, or for FCI A and B. The values of all the parameters were significantly lower in the FCI A group than in the FCI B group (AR: 4.42° ± 6.0° vs 7.62° ± 7.2°; AS: 0.45° ± 1.9° vs 1.55° ± 3.8°; LI: 0.32 ± 0.1 vs 0.36 ± 0.1; DARS: 3.30° ± 1.8° vs 3.77° ± 1.9°; TS: 11.47 ± 8.3 vs 16.65 ± 10.9). Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers showed significant differences between parameters for both FCI grades. The range, where FCI A and B hips can be predicted on the basis of the total score, was different when assessed for the entire cohort, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.Clinical significanceOur results show that even in normal and near-normal hips, the parameters significantly differed in the early evaluation. Moreover, cutoff values should be set for different breeds in the prediction of the FCI grade during early evaluation for a better breeding selection regarding canine hip dysplasia, one of the most common orthopedic diseases among large and giant breed dogs.

Evaluation of plasma trace elements and oxidant/antioxidant status in Boerboel dogs with hip dysplasia

Changes in plasma concentrations of trace elements and oxidants/antioxidants were evaluated in twenty healthy Boerboels of both sexes and median age of 2 years. Antero-posterior and flexed lateral radiographs of the hip were obtained using digital x-ray machine and hip grading was done according to Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) system. Blood was collected from the cephalic vein for determination of plasma concentrations of manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Vitamin E. Correlation between the parameters was done using Pearson’s correlation. Eleven (11/20) of the Boerboel dogs had hip dysplasia (HD), comprising five (5/9) males and six (6/11) females. Plasma Mn, Cu and Co were insignificantly higher in Boerboels with normal hips than those with HD. MDA concentration was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in Boerboels with normal hips (0.75 ± 0.84 µmol/L) than in dogs with HD (1.77 ± 0.78 µmol/L), while SOD was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in Boerboels with normal hips (0.65 ± 0.22 U/ml) than with HD (0.32 ± 0.16 U/ml). It was concluded that there were differences in plasma oxidants/antioxidants between Boerboel dogs with normal hips and those with hip dysplasia suggesting their role in the pathogenesis of canine hip dysplasia

Microsatellite DNA markers applied to the classification of the Podenco Valenciano canine breed

Traditional morphology studies form the basis for the classification of canine breeds as established by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The FCI recommendations for the acceptance of a new breed include both the differentiation and the identification of close phylogenetic relationships with the previously accepted breeds. These requirements can be met in an affordable way by using the information provided by routine genetic identification procedures. In this report, a set of 21 microsatellite molecular markers is applied to the study of three non-achondroplasic Spanish ‘Podenco’ breeds, currently included in FCI’s group five (section 7). For this purpose, factorial correspondence analysis (FCA), genetic distances and Bayesian population structure are applied to the multilocus genotypes obtained from a sample of ‘Podenco’ individuals of the different breeds, while German Shepherd Dogs are used as the outgroup. Molecular analysis confirms the existing classification and supports the inclusion of ‘Podenco Valenciano’ as a new breed in the same FCI group and section. Therefore, the FCI requirements for its acceptance are met in a cost efficient way. A similar approach is suitable for other canine populations, supplementing the traditional morphological criteria.

The Demographics of Canine Hip Dysplasia in the United States and Canada.

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common problem in veterinary medicine. We report the demographics of CHD using the entire hip dysplasia registry from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, analyzing differences by breed, sex, laterality, seasonal variation in birth, and latitude. There were 921,046 unique records. Each dog was classified using the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) systems. Statistical analysis was performed with bivariate and logistic regression procedures. The overall CHD prevalence was 15.56%. The OR for CHD was higher in females (1.05), those born in spring (1.14) and winter (1.13), and those in more southern latitudes (OR 2.12). Within AKC groups, working dogs had the highest risk of CHD (OR 1.882) with hounds being the reference group. Within FCI groups, the pinscher/molossoid group had the highest risk of CHD (OR 4.168) with sighthounds being the reference group. The similarities between CHD and DDH are striking. Within DDH there are two different types, the typical infantile DDH and the late onset adolescent/adult acetabular dysplasia, with different demographics; the demographics of CHD are more similar to the later onset DDH group. Comparative studies of both disorders should lead to a better understanding of both CHD and DDH.

Inter-rater agreement in radiographic canine hip dysplasia evaluation

The objective was to determine the agreement between scrutineers assessing canine hip dysplasia (CHD) within and between the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Swiss (CH) grading schemes, and between...

FACTOR VII DEFICIENCY IN POLISH HOUND – ACCIDENTAL EVENT OR NEW PERMANENT RISK?

The Polish Hound (ogar polski) is a small, old breed of hunting dogs.The breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1966.A three–year–old Polish Hound male, was admitted to the Clinic of Internal Diseases of Companion Animals of Life Science University in Lublin because of signs of haemorhagic diathesis. There was no preceding history of trauma. General clinical examination was unremarkable. On initial diagnostic testing prothrombin time (PT)of the patient was prolonged nearly by three times. To characterize the dog’s coagulopathy further, samples were collected for coagulation screening tests, mixing studies and factor analyses. Investigations revealed factor VII activity below 2%.Unfortunately we had been unable to determine whether the disorder is inherited or is the result of a spontaneous mutation. It is very likely that the nature of described deficit is inherited. Canine hereditary FVII deficiency was first described in 1962 as an incidental finding in Beagles. Later, the defect was identified in another breeds, such as: English Bulldogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Miniature Schnauzers, Boxers, Scottish Deerhounds, Alaskan Klee Kai Dog and mixed–breed dogs. In 2005 a molecular characterization of FVII deficiency in Beagles was described. Unfortunately we had been unable to determine whether the disorder is inherited or is the result of a spontaneous mutation. To our knowledge this case is the first to report of isolated factor VII deficiency in Polish Hound.