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Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama  I can't say for sure in pups, but in humans there IS a genetic component for cleft lips and palates. There are currently about 50 known syndromes that have one of both of those defects noted as a characteristic.
In the general population, there is about a 1 in 1000 chance of a baby having one of the defects. In a family with the history of the defect (especially in a sibling) the rate rises 40 times!
That's why I was questioning the study. It's kind of like saying "I didn't make any left hand turns today and I didn't have an accident. So that means turning right prevents accidents". Without knowing if you have a history of having accidents when you do make a left hand turn, it's just pulling something out of the air. KWIM?
In the case of the study, without knowing if her breeding program had a history of clefts prior to the introduction of folic acid, it's (in my mind) not a logical conclusion to say that the reason her lines don't have clefts is because of the folic acid. |
Just heard that from a breeder and was wondering as I didn't think I had seen anything like that on this forum before. I don't think it's given (in this case ) to say "see, no cleft palates, so it's the folic acid" rather it's given (or suggested to be given) as a "preventative" process --- kinda like giving them calcium after whelping...as a preventative to eclampsia...etc. If it doesn't hurt, and even if it doesn't help, why not give it? Just like a lot of advice given for pregnant women...no real "proof" something may help...just as a preventative "just in case". Anyway, just thought it was something new and was wondering.