Current canine research at the AHT
Hereditary Cataract & Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Funded by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust the canine genetics team are now involved in an exciting project to study the genetics of Hereditary Cataract (HC) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in the Golden Retriever, the American Cocker Spaniel and the Tibetan Spaniel.
We aim to identify the genetic mutations that are responsible for HC in the Golden Retriever and the American Cocker Spaniel and for PRA in the Golden Retriever and the Tibetan Spaniel. We will develop DNA diagnostic tests that breeders can use to eliminate these debilitating diseases from their breeds.
In addition to the 3 breeds listed above we are also investigating the genetics of HC in Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Large Munsterlanders and any other breeds for which we can collect sufficient DNA samples.
The success of this research will largely depend on the successful collection of DNA from dogs that can usefully contribute to our research. All research is carried out in the strictest confidence and we do not share genetic information about any dog with anybody except that dog’s owner.
Research into additional canine inherited conditions is ongoing at the AHT, including
- Primary lens luxation in terrier breeds (in collaboration with David Sargan (University of Cambridge) and David Gould (Davies Veterinary Specialists)
- Sebaceous adenitis in Standard Poodles,
- Cerebellar ataxia in Italian Spinones.
- Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers
- Idiopathic epilepsy in Border Collies
We are also collecting samples from dogs of other breeds affected with any of the conditions listed above.
CAN YOUR DOG CONTRIBUTE TO THE AHT’S INHERITED DISEASE RESEARCH?
Below are some questions that will help you determine whether your dog can contribute to the AHT’s inherited disease research and assist with the development of a diagnostic test in your breed:
Q. Which dogs can contribute to the AHT’s research
A. There are two types of dog that are useful to our research:
- Any dog of any breed that has been diagnosed as AFFECTED with any of the conditions under investigation.
- Close relatives of affected dogs. By close relatives we mean parents, siblings or grandparents
Q. If my dog falls into either of the categories listed above can I contribute to the AHT’s research?
A. We need a sample of your dog’s DNA. The DNA can be extracted from a small blood sample collected by your vet at any time when your dog is having blood drawn for any other purpose, or as a buccal (cheek) swab that you can collect yourself.
Q. My dog can help your research – what do I do next?
A. Request a DNA sampling pack from the AHT by contacting Bryan McLaughlin
The pack contains: 2 buccal swabs, Instructions for the successful collection of DNA, A Sample Submission Form for you to sign confirming the AHT can use your dog’s DNA for genetic research. This form also contains instructions for your vet if you choose to submit DNA as a blood sample and information about where to send the swabs/blood, pedigree and health information.
Once research into a particular inherited condition is complete, and a DNA test has been developed, we happily provide the results of any dogs that were used in the research, free of charge, to that dog’s owners upon request. The dogs we use in individual studies varies; sometimes we will use all dogs from an extended pedigree whereas sometimes we will only use affected dogs and their parents. Our choice of dogs depends on several factors, including the nature of the disease and the samples that we have available.
If you have any further questions please contact us
ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS
We gratefully acknowledge funding from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, The American Kennel Club, Masterfoods and Petsavers, and the very many dog owners and breeders who have contributed funds and samples from their dogs to our research.
For more information about genetic research at the AHT please contact us
