title: Genetic testing in veterinary dermatology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Molecular genetics has made significant advances in the analysis of hereditary dermatoses during the last several years.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an update on currently available genetic tests for skin diseases of dogs, cats and horses, and to aid the veterinary clinician in the appropriate selection and applications of genetic tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  The scientific literature on the topic was critically reviewed. The list of known causative variants for genodermatoses and hair morphology traits was compiled by searching the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Genetic testing has become an important diagnostic method in veterinary medicine. Genetic tests can help to establish the correct diagnosis in some diseases with relatively nonspecific signs. Genetic tests are also essential for sustainable breeding programmes and to help minimize the frequency of animals with hereditary diseases. Advances in genetic methodology and bioinformatics already allow genome-wide screening for potential disease causing mutations for research purposes. It is anticipated that this will become a routine process in clinical practice in the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As specific DNA tests and broad genome-wide analyses come into more common use, it is critical that clinicians understand the proper application and interpretation of these test results.
authors.affiliation: Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.|DermFocus, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Tosso
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0553-4880
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leeb
authors.affiliation: DermFocus, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.|Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.|Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, Bern, 3010, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Eliane J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: DermFocus, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.|Vetsuisse Faculty, Division of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 128, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roosje
authors.affiliation: DermFocus, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.|Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Welle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D002415:Cats / Q000235:genetics; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D004285:Dogs / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D006736:Horses / Q000235:genetics; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*