The Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) is excited to announce the launch of a new DNA test through Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT) for Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency (RVED) in Cocker Spaniels. Our discovery, made in collaboration with leading veterinary ophthalmologists, could have significant health implications for Cocker Spaniels, and not only those born in the future but potentially some that are alive today. Continue reading
Author: Canine Genetics Centre
Mutation responsible for progressive retinal atrophy in the English Shepherd published
Back in March, CAGT launched a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the English Shepherd Dog breed (PRA6). Since then we have been working on a manuscript detailing our research and we are very pleased to announce that it was published last Sunday in Genes.
Stanbury K, Schofield EC, McLaughlin B, Forman OP, Mellersh CS. Exonic Short Interspersed Nuclear Element Insertion in FAM161A Is Associated with Autosomal Recessive Progressive Retinal Atrophy in the English Shepherd. Genes. 2024; 15(7):952. doi: 10.3390/genes15070952
Investigating the genetics of disc calcification in Dachshunds
We have introduced Bruno Lopes to our supporters before – Bruno is a veterinary neurologist, from Southfields Veterinary Specialists, who has recently started studying for a PhD on a part-time basis at Cambridge Vet School. For his PhD, Bruno will be investigating the genetics of Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), the most common cause of spinal injury in dogs. IVDD can affect all breeds but chondrodystrophic (short-legged) breeds are at highest risk and Dachshunds are more likely to be affected by IVDD than other breeds. Continue reading
Meet the Beagles!
Hundreds of Beagles and their owners came together on Sunday 7th July at scenic Sysonby Acres, just outside Melton Mowbray, to enjoy a day of Beagle-related events, activities and stalls. The occasion was Beagle Welfare’s 45th Anniversary Fun Day and CGC keenly accepted an invitation to attend. Continue reading
8 runners, 4 legs, 2 teams and a Border Collie who started it all
On 1st September, two teams will be heading to London to run the Big Relay and raise funds to support the Canine Genetics Centre and its idiopathic epilepsy (IE) research. One team, who came up with the idea, was inspired by a Border Collie named Buddy; the second team is made up of CGC researchers who are eager to support the cause. Continue reading
CGC Member represents the UK at Flyball World Cup
All of the CGC team are dog lovers and most have at least one pet dog. Our Bioinformatician, Ellen, is slightly different though as she has multiple dogs and competes in the sport of flyball outside of work. Ellen has recently competed at the Flyball Open World Cup in Germany where her team came 4th in the world! Continue reading
Five go to Finland Forum
Last week five members of the Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) team visited Helsinki, Finland, to attend the 12th International Conference of Canine and Feline Genetics and Genomics (ICCFGG) – a trip made possible by a ring-fenced donation to the CGC. Continue reading
Epilepsy study sample collection off to a flying start
Earlier this year the CGC announced the broadening of its idiopathic epilepsy (IE) project to include Beagles, English Springers, Giant Schnauzers, Hungarian Vizslas and Irish Setters. The IE team is pleased to report that the launch has met with a very enthusiastic response from dog owners: around 160 swab kits for the above five breeds have been sent out, with more kit requests coming in every day. Continue reading
Breeding with Carriers – yay or nay?
With the recent launch of the Paradoxical pseudomyotonia (PP) test in the Cocker Spaniel, we have seen an increase in breeders asking whether it is OK to breed with carrier dogs or not. This is not a simple yes/no question and we need to look at a lot more information than just the single CARRIER result that you might have received. Please read more from our experts to help you better understand this area and what is best for your personal breeding program. Continue reading
Paper detailing PRA modifier frequencies published
The Canine Genetics Centre has had an important study published, in collaboration with Wisdom Panel, on the genetics of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs. The paper describes the frequency of two genetics variants, called RPGRIP1ins44 and MAP9del, in 132 different breeds of dog. Both the variants were originally identified in Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, and both are known to modify the development and progression of PRA. Continue reading
