The method of genetic transmission of deafness in dogs is usually not known. There are no recognized forms of sex-linked deafness in dogs, although this does occur in humans.

Unilaterally deaf dogs cannot be detected by other means, and these dogs will pass on their deafness genes.

In the dog, there are 78 chromosomes existing of 39 matched pairs which make up the dog’s “genotype”. On the other hand, the dog’s “phenotype” is what the animal actually looks like and this can be influenced by both environmental and developmental factors. For example, a dog’s adult size is partially determined by his genotype but is also influenced by such factors as health and nutrition as a puppy.

Dr. John Hill 5658 E. 22nd Street Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 748-1415

Each gene provides the genetic instruction to make one protein or control one function. For example, the genes tell the cell to produce a certain chemical or to produce a specific characteristic like blue eyes.

Older dogs and male dogs are better hunting companions than younger dogs and female dogs says the author of a new study on the hunting ability and nutritional status of domestic dogs in lowland Nicaragua

Apr. 16, 2012

lowland Nicaragua, UC

male dogs seem to enjoy better success rates than do younger and female dogs.

A group of veterinarians at Oregon State and Iowa State Universities is now looking into the risk of flu for an unexpected population that doesn’t have access to flu shots: dogs, cats and other household pets.

Source Christiane Loehr, 541-737-9673 Jessie Trujillo, 509-432-9683

The first recorded, probable case of fatal human-to-cat transmission of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus occurred in Oregon in 2009, Loehr said. Details were published in Veterinary Pathology, a professional journal. In that instance, a pet owner became severely ill with the flu and had to be hospitalized. While she was still in the hospital, her cat - an indoor cat with no exposure to other sick people, homes or wildlife - also died of pneumonia caused by an H1N1 infection.