Do dogs have inherited diseases? Over 350 inherited diseases have been recognized in dogs. Many are restricted to particular breeds but others such as hip dysplasia occur in a wide range of breeds. The different diseases affect almost every part of the dog’s body including eyes, heart, skeleton, liver and skin.
The genes responsible for inherited disease are found in the complex DNA molecule which is the genetic blueprint for every individual. Over the last five to ten years scientists have begun to identify individual genes and DNA-based technology has been developed to test animals for the presence of disease-causing genes. At the moment there are only a few tests available, but tests for many more of the common inherited disorders will become available in the future.
Unfortunately there are many underlying health conditions AND genetic problems that can appear in the Doberman.
For more information on canine genetics, go to:
compiled by
Suzanne McDonald
and
Cathy Kendrick