Hello and thank you for investing the time to complete this Birth Defects survey!
Birth defects are believed to result from interactions between genes and environment. Some of the common birth defects that occur in dogs include:
• Umbilical hernia – a defect in the body wall that could allow the intestine to become entrapped. The hernia is normally covered with skin. However, there are severe birth defects where the intestines and other internal organs have come through the defect and are actually on the outside. .
• Cryptorchidism – retention of one or both testicles inside the body instead of the scrotum. This is a common congenital problem seen in male dogs which makes them ineligible to show. Castration is recommended for these dogs in order to prevent tumors in the retained testicles..
• Cleft palate – is a hole or cleft in the hard palate (roof of the mouth). It can sometimes also include a lip cleft. .
These three birth defects are of concern to breeders since it is recommended that affected animals be euthanized (cleft palate) or not bred (cryptorchidism or umbilical hernia). In breeds predisposed to one or more of these birth defects, a genetic basis is probable. Genetic analysis should identify the genes involved and enable breeders to select against these defects.
Researchers in the Bannasch Laboratory at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California -Davis are undertaking a research project to identify genes and environmental factors that predispose puppies to these birth defects. Your contributed information and samples will allow us to proceed with this research project.
The information we are seeking is from both healthy litters and litters affected with one of the birth defects listed above. Please fill out a survey for every litter born over the past year.
Please note that you will need the litter registration information and an ability to print in order to complete the survey.
If you are willing or interested in contributing samples to the study, information and shipping instructions are found in the last page of the survey.