Histiocytic Sarcoma
Overview
Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare disease in dogs, but certain breeds are more predisposed to it, one of these breeds being the Bernese Mountain Dog.
It is a cancer of the histiocytes, which are cells responsible for immune function, which are present in the lymph nodes and a number of organs. No treatment is effective to date, and the disease is fatal.
Characteristics and Symptoms
There are no specific symptoms other than weight loss, fatigue, anorexia, and sometimes fever, cough, and pale gums.
Definitive diagnosis is achieved by detecting masses and analyzing them. The average age at diagnosis is 6.5 years, but much younger or older dogs can also be affected.
Prevention
Current testing is being done by collecting blood samples from dogs belonging to predisposed breeds (Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever) in order to extract their DNA. The aim is to compare the genomes (all 38 chromosomes + XY) of a large number of affected and healthy dogs within the same breed, in order to identify the chromosomal regions containing the genes involved in histiocytic sarcoma, and the causal mutations.
The test for Histiocytic Sarcoma gives results expressed as a genetic index which is based on the statistical analysis of genetic markers from the research data. It is a selection tool and does not constitute a predictive test for the development of this cancer. The test for Histiocytic Sarcoma is a genetic tool to assist breeders in the management of their kennels and decisions on matings to enable them to reduce the incidence of histiocytic sarcoma in the population of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
A - The individuals tested have four times the chance of NOT developing histiocytic sarcoma.
B - Neutral INdex
C - The individuals tested have four times the risk of developing histiocytic sarcoma. The risk markers associated with the disease being trasmitted to offspring is greatly increased.
It is important within a breeding population to give priority to individuals with the best index but is also of the utmost importance when selecting breeding pairs that sufficient genetic diversity is maintained in the breed. This genetic test should be just one of the many selection criteria.
An Index C dog with a number of other positive qualities should not be removed from the breeding programme, rather it should only be mated with individuals showing Index A or B results. Mating programmes should be planned to avoid C x C matings.
Possible Test Results :
- Index A
- Index B
- Index C
Loading