A PhD project carried out by Arabella Baird BSc Hons. Mres

 

Newfoundland's & Cruciate disease

 

Newfoundland cruciate study – A genetic project

Newfoundland’s are very susceptible to tearing or completely rupturing their cruciate (knee) ligament (as are many other large or giant breed dogs such as Labradors, Saint Bernard’s and Rottweiler’s).

Cruciate disease is the most common cause of hind leg lameness in all breeds of dog

It has been found that there may be a genetic component to the disease meaning that the condition is inherited from the dogs’ parents.

Around 1 in 4 Newfoundland’s rupture their cruciate ligament and if they have already damaged one knee then the chances of them damaging the other knee’s ligaments  within a couple of years from the first injury is quite high (around 60%).

The veterinary fees for consultations, surgery and after care are huge (in the United States in 2003 it was estimated that the annual cost for treating cruciate disease was $1.32billion). These costs are only going to go up year on year, as the surgery techniques become more advanced with more specialist equipment, and as the dogs are becoming increasingly more popular as pets.

It is clear from these figures that if a test can be identified to determine which dogs have the causative gene then breeding strategies can be put in place to reduce the incidence of the disease in the dogs - a great benefit to Dogs, breeders, owners and all!

 

 

 

Welcome:  this site has been set up to give information, help and advice about my PhD project. You can also download sample submission forms.

 

LAST UPDATED 22/03/11