Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 11th September 2017

Scientists explore genetic predisposition to obesity
Dr Raffan hopes that future research will improve the satiety of diets, allowing dogs to feel ‘full’ without the potential for excessive weight gain.
Genetic mutation in Labradors increases appetite

Scientists are exploring a gene mutation found in Labradors that is responsible for increasing their appetites. It is hoped further research will help to improve the satiety of their diets.

Ongoing work in this area was discussed at the British Science Association Festival in Brighton, BBC News reports.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analysed DNA from the saliva of Labradors across the UK and found that particularly ‘greedy’ animals had a gene mutation that increases appetite. A quarter of pet Labradors were found to have at least one copy of this mutation in the gene.

Dr Eleanor Raffan, who led the research team, cautioned against attempts to ‘breed out’ this mutation. Speaking to BBC News, she warns that although the mutation may predispose dogs to obesity, it could also explain why they are so easy to train.

“If we try to get rid of the mutation, we might find we change the personality of the breed, and that would be a real shame,” she said.

Dr Raffan hopes that future research will improve the satiety of diets, allowing dogs to feel ‘full’ without the potential for excessive weight gain.

Elsewhere, scientists at the University of Liverpool are using state-of-the-art imaging technology to study diseases that affect the knee joints in Labradors.

Canine cruciate ligament damage is the most common orthopaedic problem seen in veterinary practices and such injuries are more common in overweight dogs.

Researchers are using high speed x-ray cameras to film Labrador patients walking in the laboratory, watching their knee bone movements in real-time. They are aiming to improve understanding of how walking contributes to the breed’s risk of ligament injury and rupture.

“This data will help veterinary surgeons and engineers design better treatments for ligament damage in Labradors, like customised knee implants,” Dr Karl Bates from the University of Liverpool is quoted by the BBC as saying.

Scientists also hope to challenge public perceptions of ‘desirable’ traits in dogs.

Dr Raffan adds: “There is a real risk when we breed dogs to be cuddlier and cuter. I think people have seen so many overweight Labradors, they start to assume it’s normal.”



Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2024 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.