Tag archives: coagulopathy

The discovery of various disease-associated genetic mutations has greatly changed the way some inherited canine diseases are categorized and perceived by the veterinary community. Through the use of genetic testing developed to identify these discovered mutations, various diseases which were once assumed to have a single underlying molecular cause (due to similarity between disease states) have been found in some cases to actually be caused by many different mutations, often in different genes. This phenomenon, known as genetic heterogeneity, elucidates the way genes work together in pathways and how a disruption in different genes of a pathway may result in similar or nearly identical disease states despite seemingly disparate underlying molecular etiologies. Understanding that there may be one of many different genetic mutations responsible for a dog’s clinical signs can help plot a better course for veterinarians to obtain an accurate, definitive diagnosis and in some cases, may alter treatment strategies.

Pet Owner vs Breeder

The accuracy and specificity of an inherited disease diagnosis are particularly important in the world of dog breeding where every potential health issue must be considered prior to breeding. Unlike general pet owners who may not need to know the specific underlying molecular mechanisms of ...

In my years as an undergraduate college student, struggling to make ends meet, I lived next door to a woman with an old, Labrador mix named Bubba.  By initial impression, he seemed to be a very normal, happy and well-socialized dog.  However, one day, during my daily greeting from Bubba, I noticed some blood around his mouth.  At the time, I was a biology major trying to wade through prerequisites for admission to veterinary school and I hadn’t yet been exposed to the world of clinical veterinary medicine.  So, when I saw the blood around Bubba’s mouth, I didn’t pay much attention.  I had seen blood in my own dog’s mouth on occasion after chewing on a toy or a bone and it never amounted to much.  So, my uninformed mind had little to worry itself about.  I later learned from Bubba’s owner that he had bled like this since he was young.  However, the owner had never taken Bubba to a veterinarian for a diagnosis and to this day I still don’t know what was wrong with him.  Though the memory of Bubba had ...