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New Research

A group blog by Research Impressions in General

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About this blog

Here we will be featuring links to current research that may be of interest to clubs, health committees and dog breeders. Comments and perspectives will be posted as time permits. Viewpoints and impressions - dog breeder, veterinary epidemiologist, health club advisor

Entries in this blog

Reviews and Horizon Papers

Horizon Topic paper: A new future for dog breeding

Helle Friis Proschowsky, from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Copenhagen University, has just published a Horizon Topic paper with Maja Arendt, Brenda Bonnett, Camilla Bruun, Irena Czycholl, Merete Fredholm, Dan O'Neill, James Serpell, and Peter Sandøe. The title of the paper is "A new future for dog breeding". The paper presents a review of modern dog breeding, outlining the current situation and suggesting improvements to enhance the health and welfare of dogs in the f
Katariina Mäki
New research

High heritabilities for BOAS grades in Finland

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), observed in many flat-faced dog breeds, is one of the most urgent welfare problems in pedigree dogs. A Finnish study evaluated the results gained from the Finnish Kennel Club's (FKC) BOAS test and estimated the heritability for clinically graded BOAS signs. The BOAS test used by the FKC includes: an exercise component with a recovery assessment, BOAS grading by a veterinarian that evaluates upper respiratory signs before and
Katariina Mäki
New research

Nordic collaboration study: Is there enough variation to breed healthier Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers?

A Nordic collaboration study aimed to reveal if there is enough phenotypic and genotypic variation to breed for a change in anatomy and predisposition for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The study gathered data and samples from each Scandinavian country on a wide variety of individual dogs of four brachycephalic breeds – English bulldog, French bulldog, Pug and Boston terrier. Here's the summary of the study: Lack of success in reduction of illness related to a
Katariina Mäki
Research Blog

Various stakeholders' awareness, experiences, and opinions on canine Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

A new research paper from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences explored the awareness and experiences of health issues related to the physical appearance of brachycephalic breeds and compared perceptions and opinions on how to counteract these issues among various stakeholders. The research is based on an online survey which was distributed to a random sample of owners and breeders of brachycephalic as well as non-brachycephalic dogs, show judges, and veterinarians. Altogether, 1602
Katariina Mäki
Research Blog

AMR - Research - updates

Marco-Fuertes A, Marin C, Lorenzo-Rebenaque L, Vega S, Montoro-Dasi L. Antimicrobial Resistance in Companion Animals: A New Challenge for the One Health Approach in the European Union. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(5):208. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050208    This research includes data collected from multiple EU countries on use of Antibiotics in companion animals - cats/dogs along with other species (cows, sheep, chickens...) Alternatives to Antibiotic Use are covered. C
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Dobermann Dog Breed - Genetic Diversity and Inherited Disease Risk - Application of Citizen Science

Comment: Grassroots efforts by people who know and care for breeds can lead to better understanding of issues affecting breeds of dogs - this study taps into internationally based "Citizen Science" project collections along with Kennel Club resources. It is remarkable that in today's sometimes divisive society, where different views of how to best manage dog health and welfare exist, that Citizen Science project data collected can be analyzed by scientific researchers to offer potential ideas fo
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Mapping of initiatives to prevent inherited diseases and exaggerated phenotypes in dogs

Bruun, C. S., Fredholm, M., Proschowsky, H. F., & Sandøe, P. (2023). Mapping of initiatives to prevent inherited diseases and exaggerated phenotypes in dogs. Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. PDF Link: https://static-curis.ku.dk/portal/files/333480261/Rapport_om_avl_af_racehunde_Jan_23.pdf (Internal: Rapport_om_avl_af_racehunde_Jan_23.pdf) Excerpt... "Aim The aim of this report is to describe initiatives – and when possible also the
Ann Milligan
New research

New study on front limb conformation in three short-legged breeds: clinical findings and methods for breeding healthier dogs

Lappalainen et al. from Helsinki University have published a study on differences in front limb conformation between three chondrodysplastic breeds. Chondrodysplasia is a skeletal disorder characterized by dwarfism and abnormal body proportions, giving the short-legged breeds their characteristic phenotype. The researchers studied angular front limb deformity (ALD), which refers to an excessively curved limb conformation, seen in some chondrodysplastic dog breeds. Common characteristics of
Katariina Mäki
New research

Review on ocular surface disorders in brachycephalic dogs

A review on ocular surface disorders in brachycephalic dogs has been published in December 2022. This review by Lionel Sebbag and Rick F. Sanchez "offers a summary of the physiological and anatomical features of brachycephalic ocular syndrome (BOS) that predispose brachycephalic dogs to develop ocular surface disease, followed by a concise description of common ocular diseases associated with BOS. It ends with an overview of evidence-based guidelines and animal welfare legislation that some in t
Katariina Mäki
Research Blog

Canine Medicine and Genetics - Breed-Specific Reports and Other References 2014-2021

This article provides a list of references to articles published in the Canine Medicine and Genetics Journal. Read more about IPFD's collaborator, Canine Medicine and Genetics which is a peer-reviewed, open access journal addressing genetic, genomic and epidemiological research in both domestic and wild canids, relating to breed and species diversity, and canine evolution. The articles, published from 2014 - 2021, are open access; many have been shared throughout the years on Dog
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Regulating Companion Dog Welfare: A Comparative Study of Legal Frameworks in Western Countries

Andersen SS, Meyer I, Forkman B, Nielsen SS, Sandøe P. Regulating Companion Dog Welfare: A Comparative Study of Legal Frameworks in Western Countries. Animals (Basel). 2021 Jun 2;11(6):1660. doi: 10.3390/ani11061660. PMID: 34199669; PMCID: PMC8228344. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8228344/ Commentary: A hobby breeder's point of view Of late the role of legislation in maintaining the welfare of companion animals has been receiving a good deal of attention within
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Parameters in Canines After Cesarean Sections - Research Germany

Front. Vet. Sci., 16 June 2022 Sec.Animal Reproduction - Theriogenology https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.886691   News from science In a recently published study by the University of Giessen, the fertility of bitches after a caesarean section was compared with that after a natural birth. Parameters such as the time of the next heat after the first birth or the caesarean section, which of the following heats was used for another mating attempt, whether this was success
Barbara Thiel
Research Blog

Infographic - Quick Facts on Degenerative Myelopathy and Genetic Testing

In general: Despite the devastating nature of this condition, it is rarely or infrequently diagnosed in all breeds; and the sod1 test is not – on its own – predictive of DM in any breed. Most occurrences of dogs presenting with typical signs have other degenerative conditions, not DM. Breeders:  Sod1 testing should not form the basis of breed-wide strategies. Eliminating dogs from breeding based on the sod tests is detrimental to breed diversity and will not achieve desired results, even in
Ann Milligan
New research

Correcting the confusion around Degenerative Myelopathy

Correcting the Confusion around Degenerative Myelopathy Brenda Bonnett, BSc, DVM, PhD, Veterinary Science Officer, International Partnership for Dogs Jerold Bell, DVM, Adjunct Professor of Genetics Department of Clinical Sciences Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University, USA, Chairman, Hereditary Disease Committee, World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and IPFD friend and collaborator has written the definitive paper on Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), DEGENERA
Brenda Bonnett
Research Blog

"Genetic Rescue of the Highly Inbred Norwegian Lundehund" - New Research

Genetic Rescue of the Highly Inbred Norwegian Lundehund   ... is a new paper about attempts to 'save' the Lundehund breed and is a good reference for anyone working with a rare breed.  This Lundehund was reduced from a relatively rare one to one with such low genetic diversity that its survival was doubtful.  Under these conditions, outcrossing to other breeds offered the one possibility.  This paper shows some success, but, not surprisingly, researchers found that crossing the fi
Brenda Bonnett
Research Blog

Inbreeding has proven negative effects for health, says a new study in dogs

Inbreeding has proven negative effects for health, says a new study in dogs by Katariina Mäki A recent study by an international team led by veterinary geneticist Danika Bannasch is a welcome wake-up call for all of us in the world of pedigree dogs. While it has been well established that closed studbooks cause inbreeding to accumulate, the special importance of the study lies in the bond between inbreeding and health: the results in 162 breeds show that inbreeding contributes
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

The epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population

Engdahl K, Hanson J, Bergström A, Bonnett B, Höglund O, Emanuelson U. Epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population. Vet Rec. 2021;e197. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.197 https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.197     Abstract Background: Stifle joint diseases (SJD) are common in dogs and include a variety of diagnoses. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of S
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Summary of Kennel Club Breed Records: Pug 2020

Summary of Kennel Club Breed Records: Pug 2020 A new research report, Summary of Kennel Club Breed Records: Pug 2020, has been produced by Cassandra Smith. The report utilises publicly available data offered by The Kennel Club to describe health and breeding-related statistics and information. The author’s previous reports on similar and other breeds have been well-accepted, with appropriate methodology and presentation.  This analysis includes KC-registered dogs with statistics presen
Brenda Bonnett
research participation request

Guest Blogger, Quinn Rausch : The Puppy Project!

As part of IPFD's support of new research and research participation, we welcome this guest blog by Quinn Rausch. The Puppy Project is an opportunity for  breeders in the US and CA to contribute to important research on puppy socialization and behaviour development. The content of this blog, including  external links and all information was provided by Quinn Rausch, and all questions should be directed to them.  Background to the Puppy Project To what extent does a young puppy’s experi
Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi
Research Blog

The epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population

The epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/vetr.197 Engdahl, K, Hanson, J, Bergström, A, Bonnett, B, Höglund, O, Emanuelson, U. Epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population. Vet Rec. 2021;e197. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.197 Abstract Background: Stifle joint diseases (SJD) are common in dogs and include a variety of diagnoses. The objective of the stu
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Swedish Experiences From 60 Years of Screening and Breeding Programs for Hip Dysplasia—Research, Success, and Challenges

"As one of the first countries to notice the clinical significance of hip dysplasia (HD) as a developmental disorder resulting in arthritis, active research, and actions to reduce its prevalence have now been performed in Sweden for more than 60 years." Swedish Experiences From 60 Years of Screening and Breeding Programs for Hip Dysplasia—Research, Success, and Challenges Hedhammar A (2020) Swedish Experiences From 60 Years of Screening and Breeding Programs for Hip Dysplasia—Rese
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK & Effectiveness of Canine Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia Improvement Programs in Six UK Pedigree Breeds

Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK excepts from the study... This study was conducted in the UK; it "shows that elbow joint disease is a relatively common diagnosis in dogs and has a high welfare impact. There are strong breed predispositions, in particular for large breed dogs." "The current study substantiated some previously reported breed-related variation in prevalence of elbow disease. The breeds with
Ann Milligan
Research Blog

Canine DVL2 variant contributes to brachycephalic phenotype and caudal vertebral anomalies

Researchers discover new features of a gene defect that affects the length of the muzzle and caudal vertebrae in dogs Date: February 23, 2021 Source: University of Helsinki Summary: A recent genetic study provides new information on the occurrence of a DVL2 gene defect associated with a screw tail and its relevance to canine constitution and health. The variant was found in several Bulldog and Pit Bull type breeds, and it was shown to result in caudal verteb
Ann Milligan

Come for the looks, stay for the personality? Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs

Come for the looks, stay for the personality? A mixed methods investigation of reacquisition and owner recommendation of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs ...is the latest analysis of data collected and reported on in a 2019 study - see - Great expectations, inconvenient truths, and the paradoxes of the dog-owner relationship for owners of brachycephalic dogs.  As we said in that blog: "Popularity of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds is increasing internationally despite well-documen
Brenda Bonnett

Hemangiosarcoma and Golden Retrievers

Morris Animal Foundation answers questions about hemangiosarcoma May 21, 2020   "This is a webinar which answers some questions about hemangiosarcoma, a cancer dreaded by all golden retriever owners and veterinarians. Dr. Kelly Diehl, Morris Animal Foundation Senior Director of Science and Communications, speaks with Dr. Rod Page, Director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center, and Principal Investigator for the Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study."   The present
Ann Milligan

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