Genetics: Labrador Retriever Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Tricuspid valve dysplasia is an inherited heart defect that is characterized by an abnormally formed tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart.
Participation Requirements
It is reported to be most commonly observed in the Labrador Retriever although it has been observed in a few other breeds as well including the Boxer and Golden Retriever among others.
Although some affected dogs only have a very mild valve malformation and can live quite comfortably with the defect, others are born with a very abnormal valve that results in heart valve leakage and the eventual development of congestive heart failure.
Tricuspid valve dysplasia has been shown to be an inheritable trait in the Labrador Retriever and has been suggested to be a single gene defect.
In this study, we propose to identify a genetic marker for tricuspid valve dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever and to use this information to develop a strategy to gradually reduce the prevalence of the variant and tricuspid valve dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever. This study is funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. All information that you provide with the samples is strictly confidential.
Sample Collection
Please ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician to pull a blood sample into an EDTA tube. Most veterinary hospitals have these readily available.
- Blood drawn into a Standard EDTA Tube does not need to be refrigerated.
- Blood draw volume should be 1 to 2 ml, if possible.
- Please label tube well, with dog’s call name and family last name and send the samples to our lab via the address above.
Blood drawn does not need to be mailed back with ice packs or be shipped overnight. However, if possible please try to send the sample within a few days by standard mail. Until the blood can be mailed, it is a good idea to refrigerate it (i.e., if the blood was drawn late Saturday and cannot be mailed until Monday, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it between Saturday and Monday).
Sample Submission
Please complete the submission form and return along with the sample and required cardiologist report and pedigree to:
NCSU-College of Veterinary Medicine
Attn: Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory
Research Bldg. 228
1060 William Moore Dr
Raleigh, NC 27607