title: Genetic counseling in the era of molecular diagnostics.
abstract: Veterinarians with an interest in theriogenology will often be asked by small animal clients for advice concerning hereditary diseases in their breeds. Many new DNA-based tests for analysis of genetic diseases and traits (e.g. coat color) are now available for use by both breeders and veterinarians. With appropriate interpretation, these tests can be invaluable tools in a breeding program. For example, they can be used to produce animals free of specific diseases, to quickly eliminate a disease from an entire breed, or to select for specific traits in breeding stock. Selection strategies that do not take into account maintaining genetic diversity of the breed may be detrimental and reduce the potential for future improvement.
authors.affiliation: Section of Medical Genetics and Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA. atraas@vet.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Traas
authors.forename: Margret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casal
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haskins
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Henthorn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D002415:Cats / Q000235:genetics*; D004285:Dogs / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012641:Selection, Genetic
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers