Inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers

Anita M. Oberbauer Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

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Steven R. Hollingsworth Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

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Janelle M. Belanger Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

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Kelly R. Regan Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

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Thomas R. Famula Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.69.2.222
Volume/Issue:
Volume 69: Issue 2
Online Publication Date:
01 Feb 2008
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Abstract

Objective—To characterize heritability and mode of inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers.

Animals—872 Jack Russell Terriers from which buccal epithelial cells were collected and phenotypes for cataracts and lens luxation were determined and an additional 1,898 Jack Russell Terriers without phenotypic information used to complete pedigree relationships and that were included in the analyses.

Procedures—Narrow-sense heritabilities and genetic correlation for cataracts and lens luxation were modeled by use of threshold analysis, whereas complex segregation analysis was used to characterize mode of inheritance. For the analyses, dogs < 6 years old, unless confirmed as having cataracts or lens luxation, were classified as an unknown phenotype. The possible involvement of an HSF4 mutation in cataracts was determined by DNA sequencing.

Results—Cataracts and primary lens luxation were highly heritable and genetically correlated, and neither was controlled by a single gene. Cataracts were not associated with an HSF4 mutation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of the data indicated that concerted selection against both cataracts and primary lens luxation when choosing breeding animals can be used to improve ocular health in Jack Russell Terriers.

Abstract

Objective—To characterize heritability and mode of inheritance of cataracts and primary lens luxation in Jack Russell Terriers.

Animals—872 Jack Russell Terriers from which buccal epithelial cells were collected and phenotypes for cataracts and lens luxation were determined and an additional 1,898 Jack Russell Terriers without phenotypic information used to complete pedigree relationships and that were included in the analyses.

Procedures—Narrow-sense heritabilities and genetic correlation for cataracts and lens luxation were modeled by use of threshold analysis, whereas complex segregation analysis was used to characterize mode of inheritance. For the analyses, dogs < 6 years old, unless confirmed as having cataracts or lens luxation, were classified as an unknown phenotype. The possible involvement of an HSF4 mutation in cataracts was determined by DNA sequencing.

Results—Cataracts and primary lens luxation were highly heritable and genetically correlated, and neither was controlled by a single gene. Cataracts were not associated with an HSF4 mutation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of the data indicated that concerted selection against both cataracts and primary lens luxation when choosing breeding animals can be used to improve ocular health in Jack Russell Terriers.

Contributor Notes

Supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (grant Nos. 2228 and 0351).

The authors thank Dr. L. Janss for technical assistance with the computer software.

Address correspondence to Dr. Oberbauer.
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Feb 2008
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