On our website, at https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/research/research-overview/.
FAQ Category: Ongoing Research
Is there a list of your projects anywhere?
On our website, at https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/research/research-overview/.
Has the Welsh Springer genome been fully mapped?
We have sequenced the genomes of two Welsh Springer Spaniels, and are currently trying to raise funds to sequence more, to investigate a potential new and emerging neurological disorder that has come to our attention. I sent an email about this to the WSS BHC recently, but would be happy to provide more details if of interest.
Could you tell me if the DNA samples bank collected by the AHT for future research into the Pre Disposition to Primary Glaucoma in Spanish Water Dogs still exists? We have a small fund raised towards research into this. Also please can you advise if you have a Genome for SWD? If not could this be arranged?
All the samples that were held at the AHT were transferred to Cambridge and are safe. We have not sequenced the genome of a Spanish Water dog to date, but that could certainly be discussed.
I believe you have recently received funding from the KC for Skye Hepatitis research. What is the up to date position on this research?
We are not aware of any funding from the KC for this disease. Perhaps it was provided to Dr Penny Watson?
Would numerically small breeds benefit the least as they would never pass the threshold needed whereby to investigate a disease it would need to “affect a large number of dogs”
Thank you for this comment. We believe all dogs, regardless of whether they belong to numerically large or small breed populations, should benefit from our research. In fact, published data demonstrates that the breeders of numerically small breeds are more likely to implement DNA testing in their breeding programmes than breeders of numerically large breeds. And our own experience is that small breeds are just as likely to engage with, and help to finance, research as the larger ones. So we will continue to continue all our research projects equally, regardless of how many dogs will benefit from it.
The work that is done for conditions affecting a large population unquestionably has a huge cost benefit. As a devotee of a numerically small breed that is vulnerable world wide, I am concerned that our research will be affected. I have owned keeshonds since 1957 and my involvement with the PHPT research commenced in 2002 when my Anni succumbed to the disease and Barbara Skelly commenced her research. To the breed community world wide, this research is vital for the future wellbeing of the dogs we love.
Thank you for this comment. We believe all dogs, regardless of whether they belong to numerically large or small breed populations, should benefit from our research. In fact, published data demonstrates that the breeders of numerically small breeds are more likely to implement DNA testing in their breeding programmes than breeders of numerically large breeds. And our own experience is that small breeds are just as likely to engage with, and help to finance, research as the larger ones. So we will continue to continue all our research projects equally, regardless of how many dogs will benefit from it.
If enough funding is not secured, what will happen to the team and the ongoing research projects?
Unfortunately if we do not raise a significant proportion of the shortfall by the end of February, or have evidence that sufficient donations will be forthcoming, the University will issue redundancy notices to the relevant staff members. At this point much of our research will cease.
Over the years our breed clubs sent funding for research into Hereditary Cataract and I believe the AHT held some testing will this research still continue and is what has been done secured?
Inherited eye diseases remain one of our major interests and all the samples we hold, that have been submitted for eye disease investigations are safe. Hereditary cataract has proved challenging to investigate, but we have made progress recently with one group of breeds, and hope to publish that work very soon.
Can the research you are doing be done anywhere else?
There are other research groups around the world that undertake canine genetic research. However different groups tend to have different areas of expertise and interests, so not all our current projects will be of interest to other groups. And other groups would almost certainly need funding to take over our projects.
