Bayesian mixed model analysis uncovered 21 risk loci for chronic kidney disease in boxer dogs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the human population, with only a small fraction genetically defined. CKD is also common in dogs and has been diagnosed in nearly all breeds, but its genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we performed a Bayesian mixed model genome-wide association analysis for canine CKD in a boxer population of 117 canine cases and 137 controls, and identified 21 genetic regions associated with the disease.

A 1 bp deletion in HACE1 causes ataxia in Norwegian elkhound, black.

A number of inherited ataxias is known in humans, with more than 250 loci implicated, most of which are included in human ataxia screening panels. Anecdotally, cases of ataxia in the Norwegian elkhound black have been known for the last 40 years. Affected puppies from three litters were clinically and neurologically examined, and postmortem samples were collected for morphological studies, including ultrastructural analyses.

Serum biochemistry and haematology in wild and captive bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) from Svalbard, Norway.

Background: Health assessment of seals in captivity include haematology and serum biochemistry measurements. Because such parameters differ between species, it is crucial to have species-specific reference values for the interpretation of clinical samples. Furthermore, differences in nutrition and environment, life cycles as well as seasonal/annual cycles and varying physiological conditions can potentially affect serum chemistry and haematology parameters.

Effects of dietary deoxynivalenol or ochratoxin A on performance and selected health indices in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed with standard feed added one of five concentrations of either pure deoxynivalenol (DON; 0.5-6 mg/kg) or pure ochratoxin A (OTA; 0.2-2.

Genetics and epidemiology of hypothyroidism and symmetrical onychomadesis in the Gordon setter and the English setter.

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders, whereas symmetrical onychomadesis is a rare claw disease in the general dog population. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism and symmetrical onychomadesis in a birth cohort of 291 Gordon setters at eight years of age. Further, to describe the age at diagnosis of hypothyroidism in the 68 Gordon setters and 51 English setters included in the DLA study.

A Multi-Breed Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Canine Hypothyroidism Identifies a Shared Major Risk Locus on CFA12.

Hypothyroidism is a complex clinical condition found in both humans and dogs, thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In this study we present a multi-breed analysis of predisposing genetic risk factors for hypothyroidism in dogs using three high-risk breeds--the Gordon Setter, Hovawart and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Using a genome-wide association approach and meta-analysis, we identified a major hypothyroidism risk locus shared by these breeds on chromosome 12 (p = 2.

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and risk factors for seropositivity.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to estimate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Additionally, serum biochemistry and haematological variables for T gondii seropositive and seronegative cats were compared.

Methods: A convenience sample of surplus sera submitted to the Central Laboratory, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, was collected.

Age-related changes in hematologic and serum biochemical variables in dogs aged 16-60 days.

Background: The literature reporting hematologic and serum biochemical variables in puppies is limited. As puppies are physiologically different from adult dogs, an age effect would be expected.

Objectives: We aimed to describe age-related changes in hematologic and serum biochemical variables in puppies aged 16-60 days and compare the results to reference intervals (RI) for adults.

The ESR1 gene is associated with risk for canine mammary tumours.

Background: The limited within-breed genetic heterogeneity and an enrichment of disease-predisposing alleles have made the dog a very suitable model for the identification of genes associated with risk for specific diseases. Canine mammary cancer is an example of such a disease. However, the underlying inherited risk factors for canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are still largely unknown.

Serum chemistry and antibodies against pathogens in antarctic fur seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and Ross seals.

Information on health parameters, such as antibody prevalences and serum chemistry that can reveal exposure to pathogens, disease, and abnormal physiologic conditions, is scarce for Antarctic seal species. Serum samples from Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, n=88) from Bouvetøya (2000-2001 and 2001-2002), and from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii, n=20), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii, n=20), and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus, n=9) from the pack-ice off Queen Maud Land, Antarctica (2001) were analyzed for enzyme activity, and concentrations of protein, metabolites, minerals, and cortisol. Adult Antarctic fur seal males had elevated levels of total protein (range 64-99 g/l) compared to adult females and pups (range 52-79 g/l).

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Norwegian crossbreed grower pigs.

Background: Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals depend on many factors, including environment and age. Reference intervals for Norwegian grower pigs are lacking, and previously published reference intervals for similar pigs from other countries are now outdated due to significant changes in management and breeding on the pig farms.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine updated reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical analytes in healthy crossbred grower pigs, and to compare the results among 3 different farms.

Serum chemistry reference values in free-ranging north Atlantic male walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the Svalbard archipelago.

Background: Information regarding health and disease is limited for walruses, a keystone species in arctic marine ecosystems. Serum chemistry analysis is a useful clinical tool for the health assessment of walruses, but only a few captive Pacific walruses have been evaluated.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine serum chemistry reference values for free-ranging male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) on Svalbard and to assess potential differences in animals with low and high tissue levels of organic pollutants.

Hematology and serum clinical chemistry reference intervals for free-ranging Scandinavian gray wolves (Canis lupus).

Background: Scandinavian free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus) are endangered, such that laboratory data to assess their health status is increasingly important. Although wolves have been studied for decades, most biological information comes from captive animals.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to establish reference intervals for 30 clinical chemical and 8 hematologic analytes in Scandinavian free-ranging wolves.

Serum chemistry values for free-ranging ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Svalbard.

Background: Diseases and abnormal physiologic conditions can alter the concentrations of enzymes, metabolites, minerals, and hormones in the blood of animals. The ringed seal (Pusa hispida) has been selected as a key species for environmental monitoring, but information on disease and health parameters for this species is scarce.

Objectives: The aim of the study reported here was to obtain serum chemistry reference intervals for free-ranging ringed seals in Svalbard, and then to evaluate serum chemistry values in relation to age, body condition, and sex.

Serum chemistry of free-ranging white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Svalbard.

Background: Abnormal physiological conditions and diseases can change the concentrations of enzymes, metabolites, and minerals in the body. Serum chemistry information may thus be indicative of a specific disease; interpretation of such information requires knowledge of serum chemistry reference intervals from a seemingly healthy population of the species.

Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain serum chemistry reference intervals for a population of white whales.

Effects of storage time on chemistry results from canine whole blood, heparinized whole blood, serum and heparinized plasma.

The stability and storage characteristics of 24 blood constituents from dogs including nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Conditions studied included storing of nonanticoagulated and heparinized whole blood for 3 days (Part A), and storing of serum and heparinized plasma for 3 days (Part B). The storage temperature for both studies was +4 degrees C from day 0 to day 1, and +20 degrees C, from day 1 to day 2 and 3.