Customer Reviews

Control of Canine Genetic Diseases (Howell Reference Books)

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I have read books on genetics before, but this is the first that I was able to read through without a problem. Balances technical concepts with practicality. Also, indicates how it will take more than just OFA/CERF testing and points to the need for Breeders and National Breed Clubs to join in an open/honest atmosphere in order to more efficiently determine and solve genetic problems. This is a must read for every reputable breeder !

Dr. Padgett's book is unique in the field of canine genetics. Rather than delving into Mendelian theory, he dispenses with a formal discusion and gets right to the heart of the problem. A strong proponent of Open Registries he explains the difference between closed registries such as OFA and CERF and why use of closed registries will never allow breeders to eliminate genetic disease from their lines. Dr. Padgett provides tools, techniques and tables to allow breeders to analyze their pedigrees and make informed decisions regarding prospective matings in an effort to control disease occurrence. He also outlines steps breed clubs and breeders can take towards using Open Registries as a means of gathering data needed to determine the mode of inheritance for genetic diseases affecting their breed. Finally, a text on canine genetic disease that tells the whole story.

Without burying the reader in genetics, the author provides an outline for an effective system to control genetic diseases. If every breeder followed the recommendations set forth in this book, the quality of purebreed dogs would improve. Dr.Padgett is a proponent of open registries as a means to increase our knowledge of the genetic traits, both good and bad. In summary, a brilliant book for bring genetic diseases out of the closet.

This book is well-written, practical and easy to read from cover to cover. Genetic diseases is potentially a very dry subject yet Padgett's discussion of canine genetic diseases is even humorous at times.

Do not be put off by a book that looks as if it will be difficult to understand. Only a *very basic* knowledge of genetics is needed to get through this book as it is not packed with terminology, and what it does use it explains simply and quickly.

I believe this book is a must-read for all dog breeders and those clubs associated with dog breeders - whether you are a serious registered breeder, breeding two or three litters a year, or believe you are breeding "just one litter" from your favourite pet dog. Canine genetic diseases are a potentially heartbreaking issue you should be aware of whether you are breeding just one litter or several!

Being a vet student I've always heard about how difficult genetics are and how it bores us to death. This book is written so well that there aren't too many technicalities or hard words to understand. It is extremely clear and well written and its a must for everyone intending to breed dogs.

This book should be on every dog breeder's bookshelf!
In the introduction Dr Padgett candidly writes:

` My goal is to help prevent serious genetic diseases in dogs, both in breeds and in kennels. If you learn the material presented here, follow the guidelines, and apply this information to your breed or your kennel, you will reduce the frequency of disease, and it will not take you twenty-five years to do it.
You need three things to accomplish this task: knowledge, information, and honesty. All three are within your control '

A professor of Pathology, one of the world's most celebrated researchers, writers and lecturers on the entire subject of canine genetic diseases, George A Padgett DVM has published numerous papers and has appeared before almost 100 breed clubs speaking on his specialty.

In his book ` Control of Canine Genetic Diseases' Dr Padgett addresses breed clubs and challenges them to encourage and reward members with honest information regarding the diseases within their lines.

He starts off by explaining the background, and then goes on to explain how to trace disease in your own dogs with a chapter that is titled ` The development of pedigrees'. In this chapter Dr Padgett teaches the reader to keep records and gives a number of scenarios of which the readers can test themselves to see if they are on the right track with this lesson.

Other topics he addresses are; modes of inheritance; the interpretation and use of pedigrees to determine the genetic status of given dogs and, the probable mode of inheritance of a trait; test mating; registries and prioritizing genetic disease; tables and probabilities; breed clubs and control of genetic disease; and the last chapter is aptly titled ` For the breeder '.

Dr Padgett is not a geneticist and doesn't claim to be one. He even admits that some of his data finding procedures would have geneticists screaming.
He is not suggesting breeders' refrain from ever breeding with an affected or carrying dog. He's realistic about breeding from the best dog from an overall perspective, but instead he explains about breeding out or diluting disease in order to lower the chances of producing affected animals, whilst maintaining honesty.
He clearly states that he acknowledges a breeder shouldn't ever breed their dog to an animal of lesser quality than what they want to represent them, their line and breed, just because they're making a test-mating.

George A. Padgett writes fluidly and convincingly and at times is quite amusing. I found his advice on prioritizing disease very reasonable. He explains the necessity to develop a hierarchy of disagreeability for various diseases by evaluating the severity of the disease, and its impact on the dog itself, and the people that own it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to every breed club, member and breeder whose goal it is to produce healthy, functional and beautiful dogs.

I have recommended this book to everyone I know that is interested in breeding. Very informative, good concrete tips on how to correct genetic disease in purebred dogs without loosing type. Written for the layperson. Every breeder should read this book and use its methods to correct genetic disorders and improve their bloodlines for show. I have read it several times already. Without a doubt the best book I have read on this subject.

This is a 'must have' for any dog breeder. Chock full of excellent information for serious study and application. This is really a 'keeper'. Glad to have it in my library. Thanks

I can not praise this book enough for its quality and quanitity of useful and accurate information. It is a difficult text book to get through if you have little background in some of the basics of science such a introductory genetics but the material and thoughts that the author puts forth are excellent. Every breeder should have a copy of this book on their shelf.

This is a perfect resource for the serious breeder who wants more knowledge about genetic problems in their specific breed. I keep lending my copies out and this is another replacement copy. Invaluable!