Association of the FGF4L2 retrogene with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in dogs

Abstract Background Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is a well‐documented condition in dogs although rarely reported in chondrodystrophic breeds. Genetic associations have not been defined. Objectives Define the association of the chondrodystrophy‐associated FGF4L2 retrogene with histopathologically confirmed cases of FCE. Animals Ninety‐eight dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of FCE. Methods Retrospective multicenter study. Dogs were genotyped for the FGF4L2 and FGF4L1 retrogenes using DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Associations between breed, FCE and retrogene status were investigated with reference to a hospital population and known breed and general population allele frequencies. Results FGF4L2 genotype was defined in 89 FCE cases. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was present in 22 dogs from FGF4L2‐segregating breeds with allele frequencies of ≥5%; however, all dogs were wild type. Two Labrador retrievers with FCE carried FGF4L2 alleles. Frequency of the FGF4L2 allele was significantly (P < .001) and negatively associated with FCE relative to predicted hospital‐population dogs. FCE was overrepresented in Boxer, Great Dane, Yorkshire Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Study data based on genotypically and histopathologically defined cases support the historical observation that FCE is uncommon in chondrodystrophic dog breeds. FGF4 plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular integrity; anatomical studies comparing chondrodystrophic and non‐chondrodystrophic dogs might provide insight into the pathogenesis of FCE.