A Dog’s Torn Knee Ligament—Injury or Disease?
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are common in large breed dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Rottweilers. Factors such as diet, obesity, activity level, and genetics have been considered as potential sources of CCL injuries. Some large breeds, such as Greyhounds, rarely have CCL injuries. Why?
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Peter Muir, along with funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation has spent years investigating. CCL is not solely an “injury” but a ‘DISEASE’! His research findings indicate that in most cases CCL injury is a genetic disease.
Dr. Muir’s team has developed a polygenic risk test for Labrador Retrievers. The test examines thousands of genetic markers in an attempt to predict a dog’s risk of developing a CCL tear. He is currently working on a test for other high-risk breeds.
The Labrador Retriever polygenic risk test is available via the University of Wisconsin-Madison using saliva or blood. It costs approximately$250/dog. genetics@vetmed.wisc.edu