Establishing a Genetic Linkage Between Addison’s Disease and DNA Markers

Statistical evaluation of the dogs’ pedigrees suggests a single locus of large Addison’s disease is a late onset disorder caused by deterioration of the adrenal gland cortex. Although Addison’s disease occurs in the general canine population, some breeds show a greater prevalence as noted by owners and breeders: Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Leonbergers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and West Highland White Terriers.

Results

We have demonstrated that for Standard Poodles and Bearded Collies, Addison’s disease is highly heritable. Effect significantly influences the expression of Addison’s in the Standard Poodle and that this locus acts as an autosomal recessive. Similar findings characterize Addison’s for the Bearded Collie although the level of significance is less robust.

The specific objectives of this grant are to expand our pedigree, phenotypic, and DNA databases for all possible Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Leonbergers, Portguese Water Dogs and West Highland White Terriers as related to Addison’s disease and to continue our genome scan of the DNA to identify a genetic marker linked to the single locus suggested by the pedigree analyses.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 00225

RESEARCHERS

Anita M. Oberbauer, PhD
University of California, Davis