Digestion
Through the digestive tract, nutrients are absorbed into the body. Hereditary disorders can severely disrupt the functioning of this system. The Expertise Centre for Veterinary Genetics investigates the genetic basis of these conditions to gain a better understanding of their causes and progression.
Research on oesophageal dysmotility
We investigate inherited, congenital oesophageal dysmotility, including hereditary mega-oesophagus, in dogs. We aim to gain a deeper understanding of the various forms of this condition, its clinical progression, inheritance patterns, and the underlying genetic mutations. By deepening this knowledge, we hope to prevent the birth of affected puppies and contribute to broader scientific insight into oesophageal motility disorders.
These dog breeds are at increased risk of congenital mega-oesophagus and oesophageal motility disorders:
The White Swiss Shepherd
The German Shepherd
The Irish Setter
The Weimaraner
The Great Dane
The Dachshund
What are we researching?
Congenital esophageal motility disorders are hereditary, but the specific genes involved have not yet been identified. By collecting DNA material from affected dogs, we conduct targeted genetic research. This paves the way for the development of a DNA test, enabling breeders to make more informed breeding decisions and reduce the risk of passing on this condition to future generations.
How do we do this?
To better recognise and classify oesophageal motility disorders, we collect clinical data from puppies diagnosed with these conditions. We are developing improved screening methods, allowing for earlier diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate treatment.
A key tool in this process is video fluoroscopy (radiographic video recordings) of the swallowing process. This allows us to monitor the development of esophageal motility in young dogs, to detect early abnormalities, and to distinguish between healthy puppies and those with congenital esophageal motility disorders.
What are the findings?
Our research indicates that dogs with esophageal motility disorders burp more frequently, may be picky eaters, and appear to have an increased risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV).
If your dog is showing these symptoms or has undergone surgery for a gastric torsion, it may be advisable to have them examined for esophageal motility disorders at the Gastroenterology Clinic (in Dutch) of the University Animal Hospital.
Research into overbites
An overbite occurs when the lower jaw is too short in relation to the upper jaw. This prevents the teeth from fitting together properly, which can cause pain when the canine or incisor teeth pierce the palate. This causes chronic complaints in the animal. Understanding the genetic background is important for better diagnosis and treatment.
These breeds have an increased risk of overbite:
The Siberian Husky
What are we researching?
We focus on finding genetic factors that contribute to overbite. By identifying specific genetic regions in Siberian Huskies, we try to identify the mutations responsible. These mutations are then also investigated in other dog breeds to better understand the genetic basis of the condition.
How do we do this?
We collect raw genetic data via blood samples and DNA tests from Embark. The data is thoroughly analyzed to identify associations between genes and the development of overbite. This genetic research helps to find mutations that play a role in jaw development and therefore also in overbite.
What are the results?
Several genetic regions associated with overbite have now been identified in Siberian Huskies. By investigating these areas in more detail, we hope to find the specific mutations and use this knowledge for diagnostics and possible breeding advice. This research will be extended to other breeds.