Genetic Counseling
The goal of ever improving dog health in the breeding of our canine companions must be pursued. Appropriate genetic testing and screening should always be part of the program. With an increasing number of excellent online resources, it is also very important to ensure that information comes from a reliable source. Great progress has been made in the areas of infectious, nutritional, and even environmental causes of disease, and now genetic conditions are a more frequent and pressing concern.
The goal of genetic counseling can be summarized as the essential, judicious removal of unhealthy animals from breeding programs to avoid decline of the breed’s genetic health; this means that appropriate genetic screening is a requirement, not a choice. Getting helpful genetic counseling services can be challenging, as many veterinarians were not trained in this new field (the dog genome was only sequenced in its entirety in 2005!). A trained Geneticist is usually the best resource. Genetic counseling recommendations help breeders select genetic screening and testing options, interpret their results, improve genetic diversity in their kennels, and learn which inherited diseases are of concern and how to best select against them. This helps breeders prevent the production of affected animals and reduce the production of carriers while allowing the continuation of breeding lines that preserve the population’s genetic diversity.
A “health guarantee” from a breeder is not the same thing as getting a healthy puppy. Typically, health guarantees provide replacement puppies or monetary refunds. While important, they do not address the suffering and possible life-threatening welfare issues that behaviorally or physically unhealthy animals experience. They also do not prevent the financial strain or emotional upheaval new families may experience. Health and welfare conscious breeders are happy to provide proof of the health of their breeding stock. This educates the public on the importance of genetic health when purchasing a new puppy as well as what genetic screening and testing should have been done (for the breed). Increasing public demand (and financial pressure) will ultimately support even more responsible and ethical breeding.
Breeders of purebred dogs and their veterinarians have an increasing urgency to understand genetic principles, to improve the breeding lines in their kennels since the identification of a disease-carrying mutation could signal the early death of an otherwise healthy dog (Fowler et al., 2000).
Fowler, K.J., Sahhar, M.A., & Tassicker, R.J (2000). Genetic counseling for cat and dog breeders – managing the emotional impact. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assn., 216, 498-501.
Genetic Counseling Library
Bare bones – if you only have a few minutes for the basics
SNACKS – If you want to learn more
OFA’s Canine Health Information Center’s Browse by Breed Page
HGTD Genetic Counseling Section
Essentials of Health Screening and DNA Testing in Dogs [Video File]
Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing in Dogs
DNA Tests - How to Choose Which Ones to Use
Collecting and Utilizing Phenotypic Data to Minimize Disease: A Breeder’s Practical Guide
The International Partnership For Dogs Genetic Testing Database
Getting Started With Genetic Testing
Extent of Inbreeding in Pedigree Dogs Revealed in New Study
PennGen: DNA Tests Available Worldwide
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals
Canine Health Information Center
International Partnernship for Dogs Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs
It's All in the Genes
Gregorie Leroy's Blog (genetics)
Kibble – if you want to take a deep dive into the science
Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments
SHELTER & RESCUE
Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
PET FAMILIES
Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Research & Teaching
Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
0 Comments