Genetic Risk Test for Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Labrador Retrievers

CHF Grant 02624: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Publication: peer-reviewed publication pending

What can we learn?
Genetic features of cruciate ligament rupture were studied in a population of just over 1,000 Labrador Retrievers. Heritability was found to be 0.62 and while thousands of genes are involved, a genetic risk test is now available. Results will show a dog as ‘predicted to be a case’ (the dog has genetic markers that predict it will likely rupture a cruciate ligament) or ‘predicted to be a control’ (the dog has genetic markers that are protective against cruciate ligament rupture).

Conclusion:
62% of the risk of cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador Retrievers is caused by genetic factors, while the remaining 38% of risk is associated with environmental factors.
A genetic risk test is now available for cruciate ligament rupture in the Labrador Retriever. It is important to remember that this is a risk test for a complex disease which requires more thoughtful consideration than testing for a simple mendelian disease.

For more information, visit www.vetmed.wisc.edu/lab/corl/canine-genetic-testing/.