Research into additional canine inherited conditions is ongoing at the Animal Health Trust, 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

AHT 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 AHT.