1428: Inheritance Patterns and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Doberman Pinschers and Boxer Dogs with Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Grant Status: Closed
Project Summary
This study found that ventricular arrhythmias in Boxers are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Researchers found that asymptomatic Boxers have frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), a specific type of irregular heartbeat that is a common form of ventricular arrhythmia. They determined that a two- to three-minute electrocardiogram (ECG) is a poorly sensitive indicator of VCPs, and instead recommend the use of a 24-hour ambulatory ECG (Holter monitor), even on asymptomatic Boxers. In studying Doberman Pinschers, they ruled out some potential candidate genes for study by demonstrating that two specific proteins and a specific gene that are abnormal in some humans with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) a primary heart muscle disorder that can cause the heart to beat erratically are normal in Dobermans with DCM. Linkage analyses for both Boxers and Dobermans.
Publication(s)
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.