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

We are also collecting samples from dogs of other breeds affected with any of the conditions listed above.

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:

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.

Q. If my dog falls into either of the categories listed above can I contribute to the AHT’s research?