Research roundup: Are genetics to blame for a common orthopedic disease in Labrador Retrievers?

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is a leading orthopedic problem in Labrador Retrievers. Michael Conzemius, DVM, PhD, DACVS, and Molly McCue, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM, recently collaborated on a study to determine the disease’s heritability in Labrador Retrievers, meaning they measured the extent to which CCLR is associated with genetics in this breed. The methodology of this study has proven effective in horses, and this was the first study to use these techniques to estimate heritability in dogs with CCLR. The scientists found relatively high heritability for CCLR in Labrador Retrievers, which indicates that genetics contribute substantially to the disease’s prevalence in the breed. These findings help get clinicians one step closer to a genetic test for earlier diagnosis and treatment. However, heritability estimates do not pinpoint the genes involved, so the scientists say future studies should focus on determining which genetic mutations specifically increase the risk for CCLR in this breed. This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (K01‐OD027051), Veterinary Orthopedic Society, Tata Group Endowment at the University of Minnesota, and the Bernice Barbour Foundation.

Read more in the July 22 paper published in Animal Genetics.

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