Preliminary insights into β-Amyloid, phospho-tau and inbreeding in Labrador Retriever dogs

Abstract

Serum concentrations of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ40 and Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) are emerging as potential biomarkers of age-related neurodegenerative processes in dogs, particularly in relation to canine cognitive dysfunction. At the same time, the genetic background,especially inbreeding, may influence aging trajectories and brain pathology. This paper reports preliminary observations on the relationship between plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and p-tau levels and the inbreeding coefficient in 24 healthy Labrador Retriever dogs. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA kits specific for canine Aβ and phosphorylated tau, and inbreeding coefficients were calculated based on pedigree data. In addition, the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) was administered. Although the small sample size limits the strength of statistical inference, initial findings suggest potential associations between age, biomarker concentrations, and sex. However, the inbreeding coefficient was too low to detect possible correlations with biomarker levels. These results offer preliminary insight into the complex interplay between neurobiological aging and genetic factors in dogs, supporting the need for further investigation in larger cohorts.