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| What are the genetic risk factors for itching in labs and golden retrievers? |
Have you ever lived with an itchy dog? Not just a scratch
here and there, but every time you turn around they’re chewing their feet or
biting around their tale or vigorously scratching an ear with a hind leg.
Its uncomfortable. And if you happen to share a bed with
a dog who scratches, no one gets any sleep. The main causes of itching or
pruritis in dogs in Australia are fleas (I think we routinely underestimate the
impact these guys have on dog’s quality of life), atopic dermatitis (allergies
to pollens, dust mites, things we can’t see that are often airborne), and food
allergy. Some dogs have a combination which can make management frustrating and
tricky.
Researchers in the UK are trying to get to the bottom of
a genetic basis for atopic dermatitis in Labradors and retrievers. Owners of Labradors
and golden retrievers (must be purebred) over three years old are invited to
take part.
According to Nottingham Veterinary School Research Fellow Dr Naomi Harvey, “We know that at least 10 per cent of dogs suffer from long-term skin allergies and it can have a serious impact on their lives, and on the owners’ lives in dealing with it. We need to collect data on both atopic (itchy) and non-atopic (non-itchy) dogs from these breeds so we can look for differences between them at a genetic, environmental and behavioural level to help us better understand the causes and impact of the disease.”
You can read more here, and register your dog for the survey
here. This site also contains information about atopic dermatitis, and info for vets
and nurses.
