Geneticists from the Canine Genetics Centre, along with veterinary cardiologists and neurologists from the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, are becoming increasingly concerned by reports of sudden, unexpected deaths in young Labrador Retrievers – often occurring during rest or sleep – in dogs that appeared otherwise healthy. Continue reading
Since our last update, the CGC Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE) project has had a great response to our call for samples. A huge thank you to everyone who has sent us swabs or completed our epilepsy questionnaire, especially those of you who have been organising big batches of cheek swab DNA collection kits! Continue reading
In this week’s feature, we talk to Jim Johnson, Idiopathic Epilepsy Study Coordinator at the Canine Genetics Centre (CGC). Jim joined the team over three years ago, not long after its move to the University of Cambridge. Working closely with Dr Sally Ricketts and Dr Chris Jenkins in the idiopathic epilepsy team, Jim liaises with dog owners, breeders, and vets to encourage participation in epilepsy research. We spoke to Jim about his work and how his Border Collie, Nell, ensures he never sits still for long. Continue reading
The CGC’s DNA sample collection is unique. Developed over the last quarter of a century, and comprising DNA samples from over 42,000 different dogs, it has been used to identify over 30 different mutations that cause inherited diseases in well over 40 different breeds. But beyond its historic use, the CGC’s sample collection is the foundation for all the CGC’s current research projects, including our investigations of inherited eye diseases, idiopathic epilepsy and intervertebral disc disease. Continue reading
Unique is a word that is often overused. But when it comes to discussing the Canine Genetics Centre’s collection of DNA samples, which dates back to the early 1990s, we are confident that use of the word unique is justified. The CGC is fortunate to have a dedicated member of staff, Bryan McLaughlin, who manages this unique canine resource and has been a member of the CGC for 19 years. Continue reading
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK and so it is unsurprising that a number of inherited diseases have been reported over the years in this breed including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Retinal Dysplasia (RD) and Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency (RVED). A DNA test for PRA (prcd) has been available for a long time and so this disease is now, fortunately, very rare in this breed. Very recently, the Canine Genetics Centre has also solved the cause of RVED in this breed and so, with the use of DNA testing, this disease should be easy to eradicate in a few generations. Continue reading
The CGC’s idiopathic epilepsy research project has taken on a real Vizsla vibe this week, as dozens of Vizsla owners from around the world have reached out to support our work. Continue reading
The CGC’s research database currently consists of 41,717 samples from 215 dog breeds collected since the early 1990s for the purpose of tackling inherited canine diseases. Roughly three quarters of sample contributions have come from UK-based donors, and the remaining quarter from 46 countries around the world. Alongside the data generated by the group over the years, our sample collection is a key resource that enables researchers to determine genetic variants responsible for heritable diseases in dogs. Continue reading
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
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
