THE WIND MORGAN PROGRAM
AUGUST 1990-JUNE 2002

The Wind Morgan program was initiated in August of 1990 as a mechanism to improve the orthopedics of the Labrador Retriever by giving breeders valuable genetic information concerning joint dysplasias. Dr. Alida Wind, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Joe Morgan, orthopedic radiologist, both renowned in their fields, initiated and supported this program for the duration of its existence. Their only compensation was the knowledge they gained through the experience.

The Wind Morgan program encouraged the evaluation of litters of Labrador Retrievers radiographically at the age of one year, for dysplasias of the elbows, hips, shoulders and hocks. The radiographic results were tabulated by the Institute for Genetic Disease Control (GDC) in Davis, California, into an open data base, accessible to anyone interested in obtaining phenotypic genetic data for breeding planning or research. Private breeders supported the program by organizing x-ray clinics where dozens of dogs could be radiographed at a nominal fee. Often, concurrent cardiac and ophthalmologic examinations were offered at the same clinic. Dogs found to be normal in all four sites were awarded a Wind Morgan number. Over 2000 dogs participated in the program.

Valuable information about the joint status of individual dogs and their progeny was obtained through this study, but even more important hypotheses were proven. We confirmed that the most important information about the genetic propensity an individual carries for producing joint dysplasias can be obtained by the evaluation of littermates rather than the evaluation of the great-grandparents, grandparents and parents. The incidence of inherited joint disease is most drastically reduced when breeding selection is based upon the status of a dog's littermates. Dogs from normal litters produce much less dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia occur with more frequency in the breed than osteochondrosis of the shoulder, hock or stifle.

Data from the Wind-Morgan program will still be available to researchers for further analysis, and has been merged with an open data base at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), accessible through their web site. The radiographs will be microfilmed and archived with the GDC. The GDC office in Davis will close August 1, 2002, but GDC will continue to operate the Eye and Tumor registries, as well as to provide KinReports, from the new location in Warner, NH. In the future GDC will be focusing on providing informational resources for breeders. Breeders are encouraged to continue to actively improve the orthopedic status of their puppies by planning breedings based on the phenotypic evaluation of joint health of entire litters from which their breeding dogs are selected. This will provide the best outcome until genetic markers specific for joint dysplasias are developed.

Thank you for your support
Autumn Davidson, DVM, DACVIM
Clarion Labrador Retrievers