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Genetic test identifies dogs' risk of cruciate ligament damage
The findings enabled researchers to ascertain the genetic risk of developing cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador retrievers. 
The test only requires a cheek swab or blood sample. 

US researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind genetic test that identifies a dog's risk for cruciate ligament damage. 

The test, developed by scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, requires only a blood sample or a cheek swab that can be collected at home.

Researchers first developed the test for Labrador retrievers – a breed with a high risk of developing the disease – in September 2021. The team now hopes to extend the tool to other susceptible breeds, such as the Newfoundland and the Rottweiler.

Similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, the canine cranial cruciate ligament plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee joint in both species. While any dog can rupture the ligament, it seldom occurs through injury alone. 

Instead, the deterioration of the cruciate ligament, which increases the chance of rupture, is greatly influenced by genetics, scientists say.

Identifying if a dog is more likely to rupture a cruciate ligament due to genetics enables its owner and veterinary surgeon to take preventative action, such as keeping the dog healthy and monitoring for signs of injury. It can also help to avoid the recovery and expenses involved in a rupture. 

The new test was developed by Professor Peter Muir who, together with his team, analysed the genome of more than 1,000 Labrador retrievers across the USA. According to Muir, genetic markers for cruciate ligament ruptures are more complex than markers for other traits. 

Most genetic tests seek one particular DNA mutation to determine whether a particular disease or trait is present. However, several gene variants found across the dog's genome contribute to cruciate ligament rupture. 

“There are all these little variants that act together,” explained Muir, “so, any individual Labrador that inherits enough small effect variants in combination will have high genetic risk typical of a cruciate ligament rupture case.” 

The team used array genotyping to determine genetic markers for each dog. By studying the DNA and gene variants in multiple samples, they could pinpoint the minor variants associated with cruciate ligament rupture. 

Their findings enabled them to ascertain the genetic risk of developing cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador retrievers. They found a heritability estimate of 0.62, meaning for each Labrador that develops cruciate ligament rupture, about 62 per cent of the risk is genetic, and approximately 38 per cent is environmental. 

From this study, a cruciate ligament rupture genetic risk test for individual Labrador retrievers can now be performed in the lab with 98 per cent accuracy. Looking ahead, the team hopes to further genetic testing research for animals and humans alike.

“Our initial interest in the disease is as a spontaneous animal model for human orthopaedic disease,” Muir explains, to better understand human ACL tears and associated genetics.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."