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
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. 
A question that members of the Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) are sometimes asked is how we decide which diseases to investigate. The answer depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are DNA Samples, clinical expertise, breed community engagement, genetics expertise and funding. 
This week, we turn our focus to Dr Katherine Stanbury, who manages our inherited eye disease programme, 
The Canine Genetics Centre has worked closely with many breeds over the years, to investigate inherited disorders that represent a challenge to their health. In the first of a series of ‘
The CGC’s 
