Canine and feline molecular genetic diseases 1.: Clinical genetic aspects

Up to date research of molecular genetics reveals more and more information about genetic diseases of humans, laboratory, domestic and companion animals. The clinical manifestation of the disease (disorder, anomaly) has a consistent age of onset and clinical course. Discovery and detailed molecular description of the causative gene can allow to develop a DNA-based test and to identify and screen the healthy heterozygous phenotypes (carriers). Identification of the carriers is the best prerequisit to use selective breeding and to reduce the frequency of the disease (disorder, anomaly) significantly in animal populations. This article reviews the genetic basis, general clinical course and breeding importance of several inherited canine and feline diseases that can be investigated by currently developed DNA tests.