Speaker Biography
Stacey A. Sullivan
DVM, ACVIM (Neurology)
Professor of Practice, Neurology & Neurosurgery at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Sullivan is a native of New York who completed her secondary education and training in the southeastern US. Her early career as a veterinary neurologist was spent in private neurology practice in New England and then on the Neurology/Neurosurgery faculty at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Mid career, Dr. Sullivan moved to Los Angeles, where she spent 17 years establishing and growing the neurology department at a big urban referral hospital, along with associated training programs in neurology for veterinary students and graduate veterinarians. Dr. Sullivan joined the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in Dec 2023. Outside of work, Dr. Sullivan is an avid dachshund lover and breeder, who breeds dachshunds primarily for hunting performance and competes on the national stage in dachshund field trials.
Lectures
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Friday, October 30, 2026 10:45 - 11:35 a.m. Legacy
Can We Breed IVDD Out of Chondrodystrophic Dogs? Small Animal II
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the most important inherited diseases of dogs. This lecture will review the genetic discoveries that have transformed our understanding of IVDD risk, present the latest information about spinal health screening of breeding dogs, and discuss emerging breeding strategies to improve canine spinal health while preserving genetic diversity. A brief synopsis of current Auburn research into the breeding management of IVDD will be presented and future research directions explored.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:
- Describe the roles of the FGF4 retrogene variants (FGF4L1 and FGF4L2) in chondrodystrophy and IVDD susceptibility.
- Interpret current evidence regarding the relationship between FGF4L2 genotype, radiographic disc calcification (KN score), and IVDD risk.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of genetic testing and radiographic screening as tools for reducing IVDD prevalence in breeding populations.
- Discuss the impact of selection for spinal health on genetic diversity using outcomes from the Danish KN-scoring program.
- Identify emerging research approaches, including whole-genome sequencing for modifier gene discovery, that may improve risk prediction beyond currently available genetic tests.
- Describe future opportunities for IVDD prevention, including KN screening programs, CT-based spinal scoring in young dogs, and early interventions for puppies identified as high risk.