PREDISPOSITION TO GASTRIC DILATION-VOLVULUS IN RELATION TO GENETICS OF THORACIC CONFORMATION IN IRISH-SETTERS

Thoracic depth/width ratios (TDWRs) were calculated from measurements of the parents (i.e., common dam and two sires) and puppies in two lif ters of Irish setters. The TDWRs of the parents, distribution of TDWRs in the litters, and comparisons with earlier population studies sugge st that an incompletely dominant major gene and a background of minor genes and environmental factors are responsible for the TDWR. A histor y of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) (i.e., bloat) was correlated wi th high TDWRs in this family as if was for Irish setters and certain o ther breeds studied earlier. It may be possible to reduce the incidenc e of GDV by selective breeding of dogs with lower TDWRs.