Questions tagged [factors]
How do dogs help researchers understand the role of epigenetics in disease?
Category: Medical Research
Dogs play a significant role in helping researchers understand the role of epigenetics in disease due to their unique genetic makeup, shared environment with humans, and susceptibility to many of the same diseases. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to t...
How do dogs help researchers study the effects of environmental factors on health?
Category: Medical Research
Dogs play a significant role in helping researchers study the effects of environmental factors on health due to their unique biological and social characteristics. They share many similarities with humans in terms of genetics, physiology, and exposure to environmental factors, making them valuable m...
What are the genetic factors behind syringomyelia in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Syringomyelia is a serious neurological condition that affects dogs, particularly small and toy breeds, and is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord. This condition is most commonly associated with Chiari-like malformation (CM), a structural defect...
What are the genetic factors behind meningoencephalitis in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Meningoencephalitis in dogs is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the surrounding membranes (meninges). While the exact causes of meningoencephalitis can vary, genetic factors play a significant role in predisposing certain breeds to this condition. Und...
How do genetic tests for paw sensitivity work?
Category: Genetics
Genetic tests for paw sensitivity in dogs are designed to identify specific genetic markers or mutations that may influence a dog's sensitivity to environmental factors, such as temperature, texture, or pressure on their paws. These tests are part of a broader field of canine genetic testing, which ...
What are the genetic factors behind hydrocephalus in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Hydrocephalus in dogs is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of hydrocephalus, particularly in certa...
What are the genetic factors behind glaucoma in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Glaucoma in dogs is a serious eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to pain, vision loss, and even blindness if left untreated. While environmental factors and secondary causes like trauma or infections can contribute to glaucoma, genetic predisposition ...
What are the genetic factors behind wobbler syndrome in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a neurological condition that primarily affects large and giant dog breeds. It is characterized by compression of the spinal cord in the neck region, leading to symptoms such as wobbliness, difficulty walking, and in severe cases,...
What are the genetic factors behind cerebellar hypoplasia in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Cerebellar hypoplasia in dogs is a neurological condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. This condition is primarily caused by genetic factors, though environmental influences during pregnancy can also...
What are the genetic factors behind myasthenia gravis in dogs?
Category: Genetics
Myasthenia gravis in dogs is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. The condition can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. While the acquired form is more common and often linked to autoimmune...