INHERITED DISORDERS THAT AFFECT CANINE REPRODUCTION: 

In the laboratories at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Dr. Vicki Meyers-Wallen focuses upon inherited disorders that affect canine reproduction. Our goal is to identify genes that have a negative impact upon reproduction, with the final goal of producing practical tests to identify those carrying harmful mutations. The long term goals are to reduce, and eventually remove, such deleterious genes from purebred dog populations, thus improving the reproductive soundness of purebred dogs.

We are asking for breeders and owners to participate in our study by allowing us to collect blood samples from their dogs and related dogs. Those interested can e-mail Dr. Meyers-Wallen at:

Email: vnm1@cornell.edu  
Website: http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/research/meyers_wallen/meyers_wallen.html 

We are studying the DNA to find the gene mutations that cause cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). Since this is the most prevalent inherited disorder of the canine reproductive system, it would be very helpful to have a test to detect carriers of these genes. Then breeders could plan matings in which
no cryptorchid offspring would be produced, while allowing the offspring to receive other desirable genes that such carriers may have.



Best Regards, JP Yousha
Chair, H&W, GDCA
danehealth@gdca.org
432.684.8940

Permission to reprint as submitted for educational purposes is given. 
Submitted by JP Yousha, Chair, H&W Committee, GDCA 2004.

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