1
|
Moses WB, Moses IA, Moses EA, Moses PA. Prevalence and classification of congenital thoracic vertebral body abnormalities in neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dog breeds in referral practice in Australia. Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 39032038 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence, type, site and breed predisposition of thoracic congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) in neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dog breeds. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Neurologically normal French Bulldogs (n = 63), British Bulldogs (n = 42), Boston Terriers (n = 4) and Pugs (n = 86) presenting for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome treatment. METHODS Either a plain computer tomography scan of the thorax or lateral and dorso-ventral digital radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column of each dog were assessed for any vertebral malformations and classed according to the Modified McMaster vertebral abnormality classification scheme proposed by Guiterrez et al. RESULTS: The prevalence of dogs with one or more abnormal vertebrae was 96.82% in French Bulldogs, 90.47% in British Bulldogs, and 76.74% in Pugs. Pugs had significantly lower instances of CVMs than French Bulldogs. The four Boston Terriers all had vertebral malformations, but the results were not considered to be statistically significant due to their small sample size. In French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs, ventral hypoplasia (Type 3) occurred at greater rates than all other types, followed by ventral and median hypoplasia (Types 7) and symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8). In Pugs, symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8) was the most common and then ventral hypoplasia (Type 3). The most affected vertebrae were T6-T9 in Pugs and T5-T10 in French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs. CONCLUSIONS The majority of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dogs assessed in this paper possessed one or more congenital thoracic vertebral malformations. Dogs with vertebral malformations were found to be more likely to have more than one affected vertebra. Sex had no effect on the prevalence of CVM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A substantial number of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dogs suffer from congenital vertebral malformations. Thus, the need for selective breeding programmes to eliminate this hereditary condition is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W B Moses
- Judhar Veterinary group, Hawthorne, Queensland, Australia
| | - I A Moses
- Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA
| | - E A Moses
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - P A Moses
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Jindalee, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ichikawa Y, Kanemaki N, Kanai K. Breed-Specific Skull Morphology Reveals Insights into Canine Optic Chiasm Positioning and Orbital Structure through 3D CT Scan Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:197. [PMID: 38254367 PMCID: PMC10812588 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study's CT scan-based morphometric analysis of 50 adult dogs explored the relationship between skull shape variations (determined by the skull index, SI), optic chiasm, optic canals, and orbital shape. Dogs were classified as brachycephalic (SI ≥ 59), mesocephalic (SI ≥ 51 but <59), and dolichocephalic (SI < 51). No significant age or weight differences were observed. Skull lengths (brachycephalic: 11.39 ± 1.76 cm, mesocephalic: 15.00 ± 2.96 cm, dolichocephalic: 17.96 ± 3.44 cm) and facial lengths (brachycephalic: 3.63 ± 1.00 cm, mesocephalic: 6.46 ± 1.55 cm, dolichocephalic: 8.23 ± 1.03 cm) varied significantly, with shorter orbital depths (brachycephalic: 2.58 ± 0.42 cm, mesocephalic: 3.19 ± 0.65 cm, dolichocephalic: 3.61 ± 0.77 cm) in brachycephalic dogs. The optic chiasm-to-inion horizontal length ratio to cranial horizontal length positively correlated with the SI (r = 0.883, p < 0.001), while the ratio to neurocranial length showed no SI correlation (range: 55.5-75.0). Brachycephalic breeds had a significantly wider optic canal angle (93.74 ± 16.00°), along with broader lacrimal-zygomatic and zygomatic frontal process angles. These findings highlight the zygomatic bone's role in influencing breed-specific orbital variations by connecting the face to the neurocranium, projecting the orbital rim outward and forward with facial shortening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Ichikawa
- Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi 23 Ban-Cho, Towada 034-8628, Aomori, Japan;
- Ichikawa Animal Hospital, 118-3 Negiuchi, Matsudo-shi 270-0011, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kanemaki
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuou-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Kanagawa, Japan;
- DVMs Animal Medical Center Yokohama, 2-2 Sawatari, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-0844, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Kanai
- Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine II, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi 23 Ban-Cho, Towada 034-8628, Aomori, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Konopelski Snavely SE, Srinivasan S, Dreyer CA, Tan J, Carraway KL, Ho HYH. Non-canonical WNT5A-ROR signaling: New perspectives on an ancient developmental pathway. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:195-227. [PMID: 36967195 PMCID: PMC11042798 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering non-canonical WNT signaling has proven to be both fascinating and challenging. Discovered almost 30 years ago, non-canonical WNT ligands signal independently of the transcriptional co-activator β-catenin to regulate a wide range of morphogenetic processes during development. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie non-canonical WNT function, however, remain nebulous. Recent results from various model systems have converged to define a core non-canonical WNT pathway consisting of the prototypic non-canonical WNT ligand, WNT5A, the receptor tyrosine kinase ROR, the seven transmembrane receptor Frizzled and the cytoplasmic scaffold protein Dishevelled. Importantly, mutations in each of these signaling components cause Robinow syndrome, a congenital disorder characterized by profound tissue morphogenetic abnormalities. Moreover, dysregulation of the pathway has also been linked to cancer metastasis. As new knowledge concerning the WNT5A-ROR pathway continues to grow, modeling these mutations will likely provide crucial insights into both the physiological regulation of the pathway and the etiology of WNT5A-ROR-driven diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Konopelski Snavely
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Srisathya Srinivasan
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Courtney A Dreyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Jia Tan
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kermit L Carraway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Hsin-Yi Henry Ho
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leeb T, Bannasch D, Schoenebeck JJ. Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Monogenic and Complex Canine Diseases. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:183-205. [PMID: 36322969 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-050622-055534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Advances in DNA sequencing and other technologies have greatly facilitated the identification of genetic risk factors for inherited diseases in dogs. We review recent technological developments based on selected examples from canine disease genetics. The identification of disease-causing variants in dogs with monogenic diseases may become a widely employed diagnostic approach in clinical veterinary medicine in the not-too-distant future. Diseases with complex modes of inheritance continue to pose challenges to researchers but have also become much more tangible than in the past. In addition to strategies for identifying genetic risk factors, we provide some thoughts on the interpretation of sequence variants that are largely inspired by developments in human clinical genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Danika Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California, USA;
| | - Jeffrey J Schoenebeck
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paul ES, Packer RMA, McGreevy PD, Coombe E, Mendl E, Neville V. That brachycephalic look: Infant-like facial appearance in short-muzzled dog breeds. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e5. [PMID: 38487431 PMCID: PMC10936394 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2022.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Brachycephalic dog breeds are highly popular, yet their conformation-related disorders represent a major welfare concern. It has been suggested that the current popularity of such breeds can be explained by their cute, infant-like facial appearances. The concept of 'kindchenschema' refers to the observation that certain physical features of infant humans and other animals can automatically stimulate positive and nurturant feelings in adult observers. But the proposal that brachycephalic dogs possess heightened 'kindchenschema' facial features, even into adulthood, has never been formally investigated. Here, we hypothesised that relative muzzle shortening across a range of breeds would be associated with known 'kindchenschema' facial features, including a relatively larger forehead, larger eyes and smaller nose. Relative fronto-facial feature sizes in exemplar photographs of adult dogs from 42 popular breeds were measured and associated with existing data on the relative muzzle length and height-at-withers of the same breeds. Our results show that, in adulthood, shorter-muzzled breeds have relatively larger (taller) foreheads and relatively larger eyes (i.e. area of exposed eyeball relative to overall face area) than longer-muzzled breeds, and that this effect is independent of breed size. In sum, brachycephalic dog breeds do show exaggeration of some, but not all, known fronto-facial 'kindchenschema' features, and this may well contribute to their apparently cute appearance and to their current popularity as companion animals. We conclude that the challenge of addressing conformation-related disorders in companion dogs needs to take account of the cute, 'kindchenschema' looks that many owners are likely to be attracted to.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Paul
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
| | - Rowena MA Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, HertsAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Paul D McGreevy
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW2351, Australia
| | - Emily Coombe
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
- Positive Dog Training, Long Ashton, Bristol, UK
| | - Elsa Mendl
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
| | - Vikki Neville
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Raymond PW, Velie BD, Wade CM. Forensic DNA phenotyping: Canis familiaris breed classification and skeletal phenotype prediction using functionally significant skeletal SNPs and indels. Anim Genet 2021; 53:247-263. [PMID: 34963196 DOI: 10.1111/age.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights a novel application of breed identification and prediction of skeletal traits in forensic investigations using canine DNA evidence. Currently, genotyping methods used for canine breed classification involve the application of highly polymorphic short tandem repeats in addition to larger commercially available SNP arrays. Both applications face technical challenges. An additional approach to breed identification could be through genotyping SNPs and indels that characterise the array of skeletal differences displayed across domestic dog populations. Research has shown that a small number of genetic variants of large effect drive differences in skeletal phenotypes among domestic dog breeds. This feature makes functionally significant canine skeletal variants a cost-effective target for forensic investigators to classify individuals according to their breed. Further analysis of these skeletal variants would enable the prediction of external appearance. To date, functionally significant genes with genetic variants associated with differences in size, bulk, skull shape, ear shape, limb length, digit type, and tail morphology have been uncovered. Recommendations of a cost-effective genotyping method that can be readily designed and applied by forensic investigators have been given. Further advances to improve the field of canine skeletal forensic DNA phenotyping include the refinement of phenotyping methods, further biological validation of the skeletal genetic variants and establishing a publicly available database for storage of allele frequencies of the skeletal genetic variants in the wider domestic dog population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Raymond
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brandon D Velie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire M Wade
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O'Neill DG, Packer RMA, Francis P, Church DB, Brodbelt DC, Pegram C. French Bulldogs differ to other dogs in the UK in propensity for many common disorders: a VetCompass study. Canine Med Genet 2021; 8:13. [PMID: 34911586 PMCID: PMC8675495 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-021-00112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The French Bulldog is a highly popular dog breed but is linked with many serious health issues. A holistic view of breed health in French Bulldogs would assist efforts to appreciate the overall health strengths and weaknesses in the French Bulldog and to take appropriate steps to mitigate these. Based on random sampling of French Bulldogs and non-French Bulldogs under primary veterinary care during 2016 within the VetCompass Programme, a cohort study design was used to estimate the one-year (2016) period prevalence of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in each group. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling methods. Results The analysis included 2,781 French Bulldogs and 21,850 non-French Bulldogs. French Bulldogs were younger (1.51 years, IQR 0.86 – 2.77 vs. 4.48 years, IQR 1.94 – 8.14) (p < 0.001) and lighter (12.45 kg, IQR 11.00 – 14.03 versus 13.80 kg, IQR 8.10 – 25.12) (p < 0.001) than non-French Bulldogs. Of 43 common specific-level disorders across both groups, French Bulldogs had significantly increased adjusted odds of 20/43 (46.5 %) disorders and significantly reduced adjusted odds of 11/43 (25.6 %) disorders compared to non-French Bulldogs. Highly predisposed disorders in French Bulldogs included stenotic nares (OR 42.14; 95 % CI 18.50 to 95.99; p < 0.001), Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (OR 30.89; 95 % CI 20.91 to 45.64; p < 0.001), aural discharge (OR 14.40; 95 % CI 9.08 to 22.86; p < 0.001), skin fold dermatitis (OR 11.18; 95 % CI 7.19 to 17.40; p < 0.001) and dystocia (OR 9.13; 95 % CI 5.17 to 16.13; p < 0.001). At a grouped-level of diagnostic precision, French Bulldogs had increased adjusted odds of 12/32 (37.5 %) disorders and reduced adjusted odds of 6/32 (18.8 %) disorders compared to non-French Bulldogs. Conclusions These results identified ultra-predispositions with worryingly higher odds in French Bulldogs for several disorders, suggesting that the health of French Bulldogs has diverged substantially from, and may be lower than, the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population. Many of these predispositions are closely associated with the conformational extremes that define the French Bulldog breed. Shifting the typical conformation of the French Bulldog population towards a more moderate phenotype is proposed as a logical opportunity to reduce the serious health issues endemic in the French Bulldog breed. The French Bulldog is currently a hugely popular dog breed in the UK. However, the breed is linked with a range of serious health issues. Using veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College, this study aimed to compare the frequency of common disorders in French Bulldogs against that of all remaining dogs to identify health strengths and weaknesses in French Bulldogs. This overall view of breed health can assist owners, breeders and veterinarians to take appropriate actions to improve the health of French Bulldogs. From an overall population of 905,544 dogs, random samples of 2,781 French Bulldogs and 21,850 non-French Bulldogs were included in the analysis. French Bulldogs were younger (1.51 years versus 4.48 years) and lighter (12.45 kg versus 13.80 kg) than non-French Bulldogs. French Bulldogs had increased risk of 20/43 (46.5 %) specific disorders and decreased risk of 11/43 (25.6 %) specific disorders compared to non-French Bulldogs. The disorders with greatest relative risk in French Bulldogs compared to non-French Bulldogs were narrowed nostrils (x 42.14), Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (x 30.89), ear discharge (x 14.40), skin fold dermatitis (x 11.18) and difficulty giving birth [dystocia] (x 9.13). When the disorders were grouped into broad disease categories, French Bulldogs had increased risk of 12/32 (37.5 %) disorder groups and reduced risk of 6/32 (18.8 %) disorder groups compared to non-French Bulldogs. This study suggests that the health of French Bulldogs is very different, and largely much poorer, that the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population. Many of these differences are closely associated with the extreme body shape that defines the French Bulldog breed. Shifting the body shape of French Bulldogs to become more moderate, and hence less extreme, is proposed as a logical opportunity to reduce the current serious and common health issues in the French Bulldog breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK.
| | - Rowena M A Packer
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Peter Francis
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Camilla Pegram
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shaffer LG. Special issue on companion animal genetics: Novel variants discovered in wide variety of diseases in dogs, identification and further characterization of traits in dogs and cats, and the use of microarrays in the detection of aneuploidy in dogs. Hum Genet 2021; 140:1501-1503. [PMID: 34599369 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02375-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Shaffer
- Paw Print Genetics, Genetic Veterinary Sciences, Inc., 220 E Rowan, suite 220, Spokane, WA, 99207, USA. .,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|