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Originally Posted by seechell  Hi, I'm new to the community. I'm looking to purchase a yorkie and you mentioned in a previous post that you bought your Bella from Eldon Plank. You also mentioned she has LP. Is that genetic? |
I guess this question is addressed to me. Luxating patella is genetic in the sense that small breeds of dogs are more susceptible, but for all that is known about canine genetics, the mode of inheritance and the degree of heritability of luxating patella are unknown. Here is a quote from a recent review (Genetics of Canine Hip Dysplasia and Other Orthopaedic Traits, by Gert J. Breur, George Lust and Rory J. Todhunter, 2001, in The Genetics of the Dog.
http://gymnasium441.ru/files/ebook_s...1.pdf#page=274) :
Patella luxation
Patella luxation is common and may occur in lateral or medial direction. Affected dogs may be asymptomatic or present with a lameness. The aetiology is unknown but morphological changes in the hip may precipitate the disease (Putnam, 1968; Piermattei and Flo, 1997). Toy breeds seem to be at particular risk (Table 10.4; Priester, 1972; Hayes, 1994; LaFond et al., 1998). The mode of inheritance is unknown.
Luxating patella can crop up in the offspring of dogs that have not shown luxating patella in their lineages for many generations. On the other hand, no responsible breeder would knowingly breed a dog that has luxating patella. Bella came from good genetic stock, and just happened to be one of the unlucky ones with luxating patella. She has had no other health issues, was easy to potty train, and has a good personality. Eldon takes good care of his dogs and I would recommend him to people who are looking for a Yorkie in the central Illinois area.