Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of lumbosacral stenosis in Labrador retrievers

Abstract

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of lumbosacral stenosis in Labrador retrievers Meenakshi Mukherjee Lumbosacral stenosis (LS) is a structural narrowing of the spinal canal in the canine lumbosacral spine. Large-sized working and sporting dog breeds such as Labrador retrievers are predisposed for reasons that are incompletely understood. The narrowing of spinal canal observed in LS can cause compression of underlying meningeal, neural and vascular tissues, which in turn can lead to clinical symptoms like lower back pain, Labrador retrievers that might become working dogs can significantly improve the procurement process. And if reasons behind early occurrence of LS were premature degenerative changes instead, early detection would mean preventative conditioning training protocols and better therapeutic treatments. However, it is important to note that LS is not restricted to working dogs (young and old) alone, the disease also appears in non-working dogs (more commonly in older dogs). But, early detection of LS would improve the quality of life of Labrador retrievers-both working and non-working that might be affected by LS. It would also be beneficial for the agencies that employ and have financial stakes in these dogs. v DEDICATION This document marks the completion of a nearly four-and-a-half-year long project towards a doctoral degree in genetics. None of this would have been possible without the love and support from the two most important people in my life-my parents. I would like to thank them both from the bottom of my heart for all the sacrifices that they have made over the years, making it possible for me to be where I am today. I share the honor of this degree with both of them. I owe who I am today-as a person and as an academic-to the values that they instilled in me. I would also like to acknowledge all the friends I have made throughout my life-you all have shown me love, loyalty and support. I am a better individual today for having known all of you and I am extremely grateful that you all chose me to be your friend. And last but not the least (even though she will be unable to read this), I would like to thank my best friend and loving loyal companion Maggie, for always being present with unconditional love and support. vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would first like to thank all my committee members for their guidance throughout this project-both with experimental design and implementation of the study.