Les tests génétiques chez le chien

The dog is the mammal that shows the greatest morphological and behavioural diversity and the greatest susceptibility to genetic diseases. This diversity comes from its evolutionary history and from the creation of many distinct breeds by humans, for several centuries. The advent of molecular biology and the creation of powerful genetic tools allowed the dog to enter the era of molecular genetics. Over the past ten years, veterinary practitioners have been able to use DNA testing to diagnose and screen canine hereditary diseases. These diagnostic and predictive tools allow the veterinary to advise dog owners and breeders. However, only a limited number of DNA tests are available in France. These DNA tests offer many opportunities but veterinarians must not forget basic precautions to use these tests. After some canine genetics basics, we will focus on DNA tests available in France and on the steps that, from the clinical characterization of a new hereditary disease, lead to the validation and commercialization of a DNA test. Some examples of actual French canine research programs will be presented and we will focus on the creation of a French canine DNA bank (CaniDNA). An insert will be specifically devoted to hereditary eye diseases, particularly numerous and well studied in dogs. Finally, feline genetics will be briefly presented.