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American journal of veterinary research1970; 31(10); 1871-1879;

Congenital defects in domesticated animals: general considerations.

Abstract: A mass survey of the distribution of congenital defects in various types of livestock was made possible by the processing by the Veterinary Medical Data Program (VMPD) of standard observations collected on 137, 717 patients seen at veterinary college clinics between Mar. 1964 and Jan. 1969. A total of 6455 animals with 1 or more congenital defects was found. The data were analysed according to species, institution and organ system. Pigs had the highest proportion of congenital defects, cats the lowest. Over all, the systems most frequently involved were the musculo-skeletal and urogenital. The 4 most frequently occuring defects (in order) for each major species were: (1) bovines-umbilical hernia, defects of penis and prepuce, hydrocephalus, and contracted tendons; (2) equines-cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, contracted tendons, and patellar dislocation; (3) pigs-inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism, umbilical hernia, and atresia or imperforate anus; (4) dogs-hip dysplasia, eye and lid defects, patellar dislocation, and cryptorchidism; (5) cats-hypoplasia of the cerebellum, umbilical hernia, eye and lid defects, and cryptorchidism. Of 44 cases of elbow dysplasia in dogs, currently a widespread genetic problem in large breeds, 28 were in German Shepherds (19 ♂♂, 9 ♀♀), 8 in St. Bernards (3: 5), 7 in Basset Hounds (5: 2) and 1 in a ♀ Black and Tan Coonhound; these findings are consistent with the previously reported breed, size and sex distributions.
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Publication Date: 1970-10-01 PubMed ID: 5528341
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study presents a mass survey of congenital defects in various types of livestock based on observations collected from over 137,000 patients at veterinary clinics. The research reveals the highest and lowest proportion of congenital defects in different animals, the most frequently involved system, and the most common defects in each major species.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • The data for the survey was collected between March 1964 to January 1969 from veterinary college clinics. A total of 137,717 patients’ standard observation data was processed by the Veterinary Medical Data Program (VMPD).
  • The data collected found a total of 6455 animals with one or more congenital defects.
  • The data was then categorized and analyzed based on species, institution, and organ system. This approach enabled an in-depth, segment-wise understanding of the occurrence and distribution of congenital defects.

Results and Findings

  • Pigs had the highest proportion of congenital defects, while cats had the lowest. This suggests that congenital abnormalities vary significantly among different species of animals.
  • The musculo-skeletal and urogenital systems were the most frequently affected. This shows that these systems might be more susceptible to congenital defects than others.
  • The study also identified the four most common defects in each major species. These findings can help in the identification, treatment, and potentially, the prevention of such defects in specific species.

Case Study: Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

  • Among the 44 cases of elbow dysplasia found in dogs, 28 were German Shepherds, 8 were St. Bernards, 7 were Basset Hounds, and 1 was a Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • This condition is currently a widespread genetic problem in large breeds which aligns with the findings of the study regarding breed, size, and sex distributions.

In summary, this research contributes valuable data and analysis about the prevalence and types of congenital defects in various species of domesticated animals, aiding the veterinary medical field in understanding and addressing these issues.

Cite This Article

APA
Priester WA, Glass AG, Waggoner NS. (1970). Congenital defects in domesticated animals: general considerations. Am J Vet Res, 31(10), 1871-1879.

Publication

American journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 0002-9645
NlmUniqueID: 0375011
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 10
Pages: 1871-1879

Researcher Affiliations

Priester, W A
    Glass, A G
      Waggoner, N S

        MeSH Terms

        • Abnormalities, Multiple / epidemiology
        • Abnormalities, Multiple / veterinary
        • Animals
        • Animals, Domestic
        • Canada
        • Cat Diseases / epidemiology
        • Cats
        • Cattle
        • Cattle Diseases / epidemiology
        • Congenital Abnormalities / epidemiology
        • Congenital Abnormalities / therapy
        • Congenital Abnormalities / veterinary
        • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
        • Dogs
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horses
        • Musculoskeletal Abnormalities
        • Sheep
        • Sheep Diseases / epidemiology
        • Species Specificity
        • Swine
        • Swine Diseases / epidemiology
        • United States
        • Urogenital Abnormalities

        Citations

        This article has been cited 10 times.
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          pubmed: 30510313
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          pubmed: 8490809
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          pubmed: 4270814
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          doi: 10.1007/BF00213600pubmed: 1736684google scholar: lookup
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          pubmed: 1000384
        8. David TJ, Illingworth CA. Diaphragmatic hernia in the south-west of England. J Med Genet 1976 Aug;13(4):253-62.
          doi: 10.1136/jmg.13.4.253pubmed: 957374google scholar: lookup
        9. Leech RW, Hauges CN, Christoferson LA. Hydrocephalus, congenital hydrocephalus. Aminal model: bovine hydrocephalus, congenital internal hydrocephalus, aqueductal stenosis. Am J Pathol 1978 Aug;92(2):567-70.
          pubmed: 677272
        10. Giusto G, Bellino C, Cerullo A, Gandini M. Short-Term Outcomes of Abdominal Surgeries Performed with Epidural Anaesthesia in Italian Calves. Vet Sci 2025 Apr 28;12(5).
          doi: 10.3390/vetsci12050417pubmed: 40431510google scholar: lookup
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