Gj. Ubbink et al., Familial clustering and risk analysis for fragmented coronoid process and elbow joint incongruity in Bernese Mountain Dogs in the Netherlands, AM J VET RE, 60(9), 1999, pp. 1082-1087
Objective-To analyze familial clustering and genetic risk for various forms
of elbow dysplasia (ED) in Bernese:Mountain Dogs:(BMD) in The Netherlands
and define possible means to select against ED.
Animals-98 BMD born in 1992 and 64 BMD born in 1995.
Procedure-Dogs were examined radiographically when 12 to 18 months old. The
population was resolved into familiar clusters, and distribution of ED for
the clusters was analyzed. Common ancestors associated with each form of E
D were identified, and risk for having ED in the 64 off spring born in 1995
was calculated by relatedness to common ancestors. Risk was compared with
radiographic outcome.
Results-The 2 forms of ED identified were fragmented coronoid process (FCP)
and elbow joint incongruity (INC). Incidence of ED decreased from 63/98 (6
4%) in 1992 to 29/64 (45%) in 1995. None of; the familial clusters was free
;of FCP or INC. Common ancestors associated with FCP differed from those as
sociated with INC. There was more potential variation in risk for FCP and I
NC in the 64 offspring than was achieved by breeders, indicating a decrease
in population heterogeneity.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-FCP and INC had differing familial sourc
es; thus, they most likely are different genetic traits. Although incidence
of ED decreased from 1992;through 1995, we did not detect variation among
pedigrees in genetic risk far ED remaining in the offspring born in 1995;th
us, selection among families cannot further improve ED health status of BMD
in The Netherlands; Phenotypic selection within families remains the only
alternative.