VTMED 6222 - Canine and Feline Medical Genetics

Spring. 2 credits.

Prerequisite: VTMED 5200, VTMED 5300, and VTMED 5310. Minimum enrollment 10; maximum 40.

V. N. Meyers-Wallen.

This course covers a number of inherited canine and feline disorders that are encountered in small-animal practice. Specific disorders of clinical importance are presented in a lecture format to illustrate the underlying genetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms, availability of DNA testing, progress in treatment modalities, population distribution, and control of inherited diseases in these populations. Ethical considerations regarding treatment, prevention, and control measures are discussed. This includes practical advice for working with breeders and pet owners to avoid production of affected animals. Many of these disorders are strikingly similar to inherited disorders of man and other mammals, and are currently under study. Experts in particular disorders serve as invited lecturers, and in past years have included faculty from the University of Pennsylvania, Michigan State University and North Carolina State University and medical faculty from NIH.