Humans play guinea pigs for dogs
We often hear about the cloning of animal genes for human purposes however this breakthrough in genetics is an example of how the roles can be reversed.
Von Willebrand’s is an inherited disease prevalent in both humans and dogs. Marked by a defect in blood platelet composition Von Willenbrand’s causes hemophilia and excessive bleeding in humans and dog’s respectively. Specifically, the defect gene in the autonomic trait disease is characterized by the elimination of blood clotting factor VIII in canines.
The prevalence of the disease is moderate in dogs, occurring more severely in some breeds than others including Scottish terriers, Pinscher Dobermans and Shetland sheep dogs. This incurable disease causes heavy blood loss which can often be fatal
A recent genetic breakthrough involving cloning of the equivalent gene in humans has led to the development of a test which can identify whether individual dogs are carriers of Von Willebrands. The test, involving the collection of a swab of DNA from the inside of the mouth of the dog can be used on dogs of any ages.
This innovation associated with Veterinary genetics has obvious benefits. The test can successfully be used by dog breeders to identify carriers before using individuals for reproduction, largely reducing the rate of incidence of the disease in offspring. It can also be used by Veterinarians to determine whether surgery is a suitable option for the dog. The development of this test is an insightful example of how human genetics can be applied to veterinary genetics for the benefit of animals.
Tallulah Whitehead
S41224827
Sources:
http://www.vetgen.com/canine-ref-human-dna,html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1614&articleid=488
http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/clinical%20pathology/von%20Willebrand
Von Willebrand’s is an inherited disease prevalent in both humans and dogs. Marked by a defect in blood platelet composition Von Willenbrand’s causes hemophilia and excessive bleeding in humans and dog’s respectively. Specifically, the defect gene in the autonomic trait disease is characterized by the elimination of blood clotting factor VIII in canines.
The prevalence of the disease is moderate in dogs, occurring more severely in some breeds than others including Scottish terriers, Pinscher Dobermans and Shetland sheep dogs. This incurable disease causes heavy blood loss which can often be fatal
A recent genetic breakthrough involving cloning of the equivalent gene in humans has led to the development of a test which can identify whether individual dogs are carriers of Von Willebrands. The test, involving the collection of a swab of DNA from the inside of the mouth of the dog can be used on dogs of any ages.
This innovation associated with Veterinary genetics has obvious benefits. The test can successfully be used by dog breeders to identify carriers before using individuals for reproduction, largely reducing the rate of incidence of the disease in offspring. It can also be used by Veterinarians to determine whether surgery is a suitable option for the dog. The development of this test is an insightful example of how human genetics can be applied to veterinary genetics for the benefit of animals.
Tallulah Whitehead
S41224827
Sources:
http://www.vetgen.com/canine-ref-human-dna,html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1614&articleid=488
http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/clinical%20pathology/von%20Willebrand
