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Csibra B, Bunford N, Gácsi M. Development of a human-analogue, 3-symptom domain Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale (DAFRS). Sci Rep 2024; 14:1808. [PMID: 38245569 PMCID: PMC10799898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51924-9] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The family dog, in its natural environment, exhibits neuropsychological deficits redolent of human psychiatric disorders, including behaviours that are similar to human attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Based on standard questionnaire methods in humans, we aimed to develop and validate a detailed, psychometrically improved tool to assess owner views on relevant dog behaviours. We modified available questionnaires by adding items that allow for separate analysis of impulsivity, and items on functional impairment. We collected data from 1168 owners for different validation steps of the new questionnaire and, similarly to assessment of humans where teachers also evaluate as an expert control, we collected data from dog trainers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed 3 factors: inattention (IA), hyperactivity (H) and impulsivity (I), corresponding to all three human symptom dimensions in dogs. Test-retest analyses showed excellent agreement between measurements for all factors. Similarly to findings with humans, trainer-owner rating comparisons showed fair (IA) to moderate (H, I) agreement. As in humans, greater ADHD scores were associated with greater functional impairment scores. We suggest that in dogs, similarly to humans, parallel examination of (extreme) ADHD and functional impairment scores could help distinguish diagnosable individuals, after further validation of the questionnaire using a relevant behaviour test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Csibra
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Bunford
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Magyar tudósok Körútja 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
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Xu Y, Peremans K, Salden S, Audenaert K, Dobbeleir A, Van Eeckhaut A, De Bundel D, Saunders JH, Baeken C. Accelerated high frequency rTMS induces time-dependent dopaminergic alterations: a DaTSCAN brain imaging study in healthy beagle dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1154596. [PMID: 37261109 PMCID: PMC10228829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1154596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The neurobiological effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are believed to run in part through the dopaminergic system. Accelerated high frequency rTMS (aHF-rTMS), a new form of stimuli delivery, is currently being tested for its usefulness in treating human and canine mental disorders. However, the short-and long-term neurobiological effects are still unclear, including the effects on the dopaminergic system. In aHF-rTMS, multiple sessions are delivered within 1 day instead of one session per day, not only to accelerate the time to response but also to increase clinical efficacy. To gain more insight into the neurobiology of aHF-rTMS, we investigated whether applying five sessions in 1 day has direct and/or delayed effects on the dopamine transporter (DAT), and on dopamine metabolites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in beagles. Materials and methods Thirteen beagles were randomly divided into two groups: five active stimulation sessions (n = 9), and 5 sham stimulation sessions (n = 4). Using DaTSCAN, DAT binding indices (BI) were obtained at baseline, after 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months post stimulation. CSF samples were collected after each scan. Results Active aHF-rTMS significantly reduced striatal DAT BI 1 day post-active stimulation session (p < 0.01), and the effect lasted to 1 month (p < 0.01). No significant DAT BI change was found in sham group. No significant changes in dopamine metabolites of CSF were found. Conclusion Although no significant effects on CSF dopamine metabolites were observed, five sessions of active aHF-rTMS significantly decreased striatal DAT BI after 1 day and up to 1 month post stimulation, indicating immediate and delayed effects on the brain dopaminergic system. Our findings in healthy beagles further substantiate the assumption that (a)HF-rTMS affects the brain dopaminergic system and it may pave the way to apply (a)HF-rTMS treatment in behaviorally disturbed dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Xu
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kathelijne Peremans
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sofie Salden
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kurt Audenaert
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andre Dobbeleir
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information (FASC), Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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Evaluating ADHD Assessment for Dogs: A Replication Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070807. [PMID: 35405798 PMCID: PMC8997028 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The family dog, in its natural environment, exhibits neuropsychological deficits redolent of human psychiatric disorders, including behaviours similar to human Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. For dogs, Vas and colleagues developed a 13-item questionnaire to measure inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity (Dog ARS; 2007). We re-assessed, in a large sample of dogs (N = 319), psychometric properties of the Dog ARS, to identify possible limitations as a basis for further development. We examined the cross-study stability of factor structure and 40-day temporal stability of item and subscale scores and compared owner-report with expert (dog trainer)-report (n = 86), paralleling human parent/teacher assessments. To identify ambiguous items, we administered a modified version (including “I don’t know” options, N = 520) to a different sample. We could replicate the factor structure with evidence of good internal consistency and test–retest reliability of both subscales. Agreement between owner and trainer ratings was fair (inattention) and moderate (hyperactivity/impulsivity). Three ambiguous items were identified. Overall, we claim that the Dog ARS is a reliable tool to assess ADHD-like behaviour in dogs, but in its current form, it is not suitable to detect diagnosable individuals, as it does not comprise items assessing functional impairment, and also, the inclusion of owner-expert ratings in the evaluation process would be necessary.
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Van Buren SL, Oberbauer AM, Minor KM, Belanger JM, Furrow E. Association analysis of dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) variants with risk for seizures and aggression in Border Collies. Anim Genet 2021; 52:573-574. [PMID: 34081804 DOI: 10.1111/age.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Van Buren
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Anita M Oberbauer
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Katie M Minor
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Janelle M Belanger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Eva Furrow
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
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Abstract
Abstract
Background
Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a common neurological disorder in the domestic dog, and is defined as repeated seizure activity having no identifiable underlying cause. Some breeds, such as the Belgian shepherd dog, have a greater prevalence of the disorder. Previous studies in this and other breeds have identified ADAM23 as a gene that confers risk of IE, although additional loci are known to exist. The present study sought to identify additional loci that influence IE in the Belgian shepherd dog.
Results
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed a significant association between IE and CFA 14 (p < 1.03 E− 08) and a suggestive association on CFA 37 (p < 2.91 E− 06) in a region in linkage disequilibrium with ADAM23. Logistic regression identified a 2-loci model that demonstrated interaction between the two chromosomal regions that when combined predicted IE risk with high sensitivity.
Conclusions
Two interacting loci, one each on CFAs 14 and 37, predictive of IE in the Belgian shepherd were identified. The loci are adjacent to potential candidate genes associated with neurological function. Further exploration of the region is warranted to identify causal variants underlying the association. Additionally, although the two loci were very good at predicting IE, they failed to capture all the risk, indicating additional loci or incomplete penetrance are also likely contributing to IE expression in the Belgian shepherd dog.
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Koller D, Kubinyi E, Elek Z, Nemeth H, Miklosi A, Sasvari-Szekely M, Ronai Z. The molecular effect of a polymorphic microRNA binding site of Wolfram syndrome 1 gene in dogs. BMC Genet 2020; 21:82. [PMID: 32723293 PMCID: PMC7390163 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00879-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the molecular function of wolframin remains unclear, the lack of this protein is known to cause stress in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some variants in the Wolfram Syndrome 1 gene (WFS1) were associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, such as aggressiveness, impulsivity and anxiety. Results Here we present an in silico study predicting a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs852850348) in the canine WFS1 gene which was verified by direct sequencing and was genotyped by a PCR-based technique. We found that the rs852850348 polymorphism is located in a putative microRNA (cfa-miR-8834a and cfa-miR-1838) binding site. Therefore, the molecular effect of allelic variants was studied in a luciferase reporter system that allowed assessing gene expression. We demonstrated that the variant reduced the activity of the reporter protein expression in an allele-specific manner. Additionally, we performed a behavioral experiment and investigated the association with this locus to different performance in this test. Association was found between food possessivity and the studied WFS1 gene polymorphism in the Border collie breed. Conclusions Based on our findings, the rs852850348 locus might contribute to the genetic risk of possessivity behavior of dogs in at least one breed and might influence the regulation of wolframin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Koller
- Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary. .,Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Eniko Kubinyi
- Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Elek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Helga Nemeth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam Miklosi
- Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Sasvari-Szekely
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ronai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Bellamy KK, Storengen LM, Handegård KW, Arnet EF, Prestrud KW, Overall KL, Lingaas F. DRD2 is associated with fear in some dog breeds. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Sacco J, Ruplin A, Skonieczny P, Ohman M. Polymorphisms in the canine monoamine oxidase a ( MAOA) gene: identification and variation among five broad dog breed groups. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2017; 4:1. [PMID: 28101368 PMCID: PMC5237129 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-016-0040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, reduced activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) due to genetic polymorphisms within the MAOA gene leads to increased brain neurotransmitter levels associated with aggression. In order to study MAOA genetic diversity in dogs, we designed a preliminary study whose objectives were to identify novel alleles in functionally important regions of the canine MAOA gene, and to investigate whether the frequencies of these polymorphisms varied between five broad breed groups (ancient, herding, mastiff, modern European, and mountain). Fifty dogs representing these five breed groups were sequenced. RESULTS A total of eleven polymorphisms were found. Seven were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; two exonic, two intronic and three in the promoter), while four were repeat intronic variations. The most polymorphic loci were repeat regions in introns 1, 2 (7 alleles) and 10 (3 alleles), while the exonic and the promoter regions were highly conserved. Comparison of the allele frequencies of certain microsatellite polymorphisms among the breed groups indicated a decreasing or increasing trend in the number of repeats at different microsatellite loci, as well as the highest genetic diversity for the ancient breeds and the lowest for the most recent mountain breeds, perhaps attributable to canine domestication and recent breed formation. While a specific promoter SNP (-212A > G) is rare in the dog, it is the major allele in wolves. Replacement of this ancestral allele in domestic dogs may lead to the deletion of heat shock factor binding sites on the MAOA promoter. CONCLUSIONS Dogs exhibit significant variation in certain intronic regions of the MAOA gene, while the coding and promoter regions are well-conserved. Distinct genetic differences were observed between breed groups. Further studies are now required to establish whether such polymorphisms are associated in any way with MAOA level and canine behaviour including aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sacco
- Ellis Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311 USA
| | - Andrew Ruplin
- Ellis Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311 USA
| | - Paul Skonieczny
- Ellis Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311 USA
| | - Michael Ohman
- Ellis Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311 USA
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Verstegen JP. Does diet contribute to abnormal dog behaviour? Vet Rec 2017; 180:16-17. [PMID: 28062775 DOI: 10.1136/vr.j52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John P Verstegen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University ofWisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA e-mail:
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Cagan A, Blass T. Identification of genomic variants putatively targeted by selection during dog domestication. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:10. [PMID: 26754411 PMCID: PMC4710014 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs [Canis lupus familiaris] were the first animal species to be domesticated and continue to occupy an important place in human societies. Recent studies have begun to reveal when and where dog domestication occurred. While much progress has been made in identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic differences between dog breeds we still know relatively little about the genetic changes underlying the phenotypes that differentiate all dogs from their wild progenitors, wolves [Canis lupus]. In particular, dogs generally show reduced aggression and fear towards humans compared to wolves. Therefore, selection for tameness was likely a necessary prerequisite for dog domestication. With the increasing availability of whole-genome sequence data it is possible to try and directly identify the genetic variants contributing to the phenotypic differences between dogs and wolves. RESULTS We analyse the largest available database of genome-wide polymorphism data in a global sample of dogs 69 and wolves 7. We perform a scan to identify regions of the genome that are highly differentiated between dogs and wolves. We identify putatively functional genomic variants that are segregating or at high frequency [> = 0.75 Fst] for alternative alleles between dogs and wolves. A biological pathways analysis of the genes containing these variants suggests that there has been selection on the 'adrenaline and noradrenaline biosynthesis pathway', well known for its involvement in the fight-or-flight response. We identify 11 genes with putatively functional variants fixed for alternative alleles between dogs and wolves. The segregating variants in these genes are strong candidates for having been targets of selection during early dog domestication. CONCLUSIONS We present the first genome-wide analysis of the different categories of putatively functional variants that are fixed or segregating at high frequency between a global sampling of dogs and wolves. We find evidence that selection has been strongest around non-synonymous variants. Strong selection in the initial stages of dog domestication appears to have occurred on multiple genes involved in the fight-or-flight response, particularly in the catecholamine synthesis pathway. Different alleles in some of these genes have been associated with behavioral differences between modern dog breeds, suggesting an important role for this pathway at multiple stages in the domestication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Cagan
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Torsten Blass
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Lee HE, Choi BH, Lee DH, Kwon YJ, Eo J, Choi Y, Jeong H, Gim JA, Kim TH, Ha JH, Han KI, Kim HS. Polymorphism analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase gene variable number of tandem repeats in various Korean dogs. Genes Genomics 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-014-0243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Rayment DJ, De Groef B, Peters RA, Marston LC. Applied personality assessment in domestic dogs: Limitations and caveats. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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The advent of canine performance science: offering a sustainable future for working dogs. Behav Processes 2014; 110:96-104. [PMID: 25444772 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Working and sporting dogs provide an essential contribution to many industries worldwide. The common development, maintenance and disposal of working and sporting dogs can be considered in the same way as other animal production systems. The process of 'production' involves genetic selection, puppy rearing, recruitment and assessment, training, housing and handling, handler education, health and working life end-point management. At present, inefficiencies throughout the production process result in a high failure rate of dogs attaining operational status. This level of wastage would be condemned in other animal production industries for economic reasons and has significant implications for dog welfare, as well as public perceptions of dog-based industries. Standards of acceptable animal use are changing and some historically common uses of animals are no longer publicly acceptable, especially where harm is caused for purposes deemed trivial, or where alternatives exist. Public scrutiny of animal use appears likely to increase and extend to all roles of animals, including working and sporting dogs. Production system processes therefore need to be transparent, traceable and ethically acceptable for animal use to be sustainable into the future. Evidence-based approaches already inform best practice in fields as diverse as agriculture and human athletic performance. This article introduces the nascent discipline of canine performance science, which aims to facilitate optimal product quality and production efficiency, while also assuring evidence-based increments in dog welfare through a process of research and development. Our thesis is that the model of canine performance science offers an objective, transparent and traceable opportunity for industry development in line with community expectations and underpins a sustainable future for working dogs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Canine Behavior.
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Rigterink A, Houpt K. Genetics of canine behavior: A review. World J Med Genet 2014; 4:46-57. [DOI: 10.5496/wjmg.v4.i3.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen rapid progress in the field of canid behavioral genetics. The recent advances are summarized in this review. The identification of the genes responsible for tameness in silver foxes is the culmination of a half century of behavioral testing and, more recently, genomic investigation. There is agreement that domestic dogs evolved from wolves, but when and from which population remains controversial. The genetic differences between wolves and dogs identified include those for neurotransmitters and digestion. Breed differences in behavior are well known, but only recently have the genetics underlying these differences been investigated. The genes responsible for flank sucking in Doberman Pinschers and for several other obsessive compulsive problems in other breeds have been identified. Aggression is the least desirable canine trait, and several laboratories have detected differences in neurotransmitters and their receptors between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs. In English Cocker Spaniels, the genes linked to aggressive behavior code for dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate receptors. A dopamine transporter gene has been associated with impulsive behavior in Malinois.
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Ekenstedt KJ, Oberbauer AM. Inherited epilepsy in dogs. Top Companion Anim Med 2014; 28:51-8. [PMID: 24070682 DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disease in dogs and many forms are considered to have a genetic basis. In contrast, some seizure disorders are also heritable, but are not technically defined as epilepsy. Investigation of true canine epilepsies has uncovered genetic associations in some cases, however, many remain unexplained. Gene mutations have been described for 2 forms of canine epilepsy: primary epilepsy (PE) and progressive myoclonic epilepsies. To date, 9 genes have been described to underlie progressive myoclonic epilepsies in several dog breeds. Investigations into genetic PE have been less successful, with only 1 causative gene described. Genetic testing as an aid to diagnosis, prognosis, and breeding decisions is available for these 10 forms. Additional studies utilizing genome-wide tools have identified PE loci of interest; however, specific genetic tests are not yet developed. Many studies of dog breeds with PE have failed to identify genes or loci of interest, suggesting that, similar to what is seen in many human genetic epilepsies, inheritance is likely complex, involving several or many genes, and reflective of environmental interactions. An individual dog's response to therapeutic intervention for epilepsy may also be genetically complex. Although the field of inherited epilepsy has faced challenges, particularly with PE, newer technologies contribute to further advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari J Ekenstedt
- Department of Animal and Food Science, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, WI, USA.
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Lit L, Belanger JM, Boehm D, Lybarger N, Oberbauer AM. Differences in behavior and activity associated with a poly(a) expansion in the dopamine transporter in Belgian Malinois. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82948. [PMID: 24376613 PMCID: PMC3871558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In Belgian Malinois dogs, a 38-base pair variable number tandem repeat in the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) is associated with behavior changes in Malinois. By additional sequencing in SLC6A3, we identified an intronic 12-nucleotide poly(A) insertion (“PolyA(22)”) before the terminal exon that was associated with seizure, “glazing over” behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors in a sample of 138 Malinois. We next investigated whether PolyA(22) was associated with 1) increased locomotor activity and 2) response to novelty. Using a sample of 22 Malinois and 25 dogs of other breeds, dogs’ activity was monitored in a novel and non-novel environment while wearing activity monitoring collars. All dogs were more active in novel compared with non-novel environments, and Malinois were more active overall than other breeds. There was an effect of PolyA(22) genotype on activity levels, and this effect appeared to underlie the difference detected between Malinois and other breeds. There was no effect of PolyA(22) genotype on the relative decrease in activity between novel and non-novel environments for either group or all dogs considered together. In addition to an association between PolyA(22) and owner reports of seizure, “glazing over” behaviors, and episodic biting behaviors, these findings support an effect of PolyA(22) on dopamine transporter function related to activity. Further investigation is required to confirm mechanistic effects of PolyA(22) on SLC6A3. The complex polygenic nature of behavior and the range of behaviors associated with this insertion predict that effects are likely also modified by additional genetic and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lit
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Janelle M. Belanger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Debby Boehm
- Precision Canine, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Nathan Lybarger
- Left Coast K9, Marysville, California, United States of America
| | - Anita M. Oberbauer
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Kwon YJ, Eo J, Choi BH, Choi Y, Gim JA, Kim D, Kim TH, Seong HH, Kim HS. Bioinformatic Analysis of the Canine Genes Related to Phenotypes for the Working Dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.5352/jls.2013.23.11.1325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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