The Importance of Genetics in Leading Orthopedic Problem in Dogs

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is a leading cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. About 6% of Labs suffer from this orthopedic problem and since this breed is one of the most popular in the U.S., Michael Conzemius, DVM, PhD, DACVS, and Molly McCue, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM,  with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine decided to collaborate on a study to determine the disease’s heritability in Labrador Retrievers and they wanted to measure the extent to which CCLR is associated with genetics in this breed.