Anewly published study led by Dr. Leif Andersson and colleagues at Uppsala University in collaboration with researchers at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) discovered the existence of two different Gray alleles, one of which is associated with fast graying and increased risk for melanoma. 

Congenital myotonia (CM) is a heritable neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by a slow relaxation of skeletal muscles following voluntary contraction. Affected animals exhibit sudden muscle stiffness when excited or startled and this stiffness often causes the animal to fall over briefly. 

A recently published study led by Dr. Mandi de Mestre, from Cornell University, revealed that horses may be a valuable model species for studying miscarriage in humans. The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) was honored to collaborate on that work. 

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine researchers, Dr. Bannasch and Dr. Thomasy, have identified the likely cause of one form of PRA in racing Greyhounds. The researchers have shared these finding with the VGL pre-publication so that we could more rapidly offer genetic testing to Greyhound breeders.

The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory has launched a new test that is specific to the Shetland Sheepdog: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Shetland Sheepdog type).

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a term used to describe a group of inherited disorders of the retina, characterized by progressive retinal degeneration and consequent blindness. More than 20 mutations in various genes have been associated with PRA in dogs, many of which are breed-specific. 

In collaboration with the Collie Health Foundation, we are happy to announce our newCollie Health Panelthat bundles together 6 health tests that are relevant for Collie Health, three of which arebrand newtests at the VGL. 

The new tests are:

The VGL has just launched a new health panel for the Basenji breed.

TheBasenji Health Panel includes 3 tests that are specific for the Basenji:Fanconi Syndrome,Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency andProgressive Retinal Atrophy.

Saluki encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADHD) and clinically characterized by early onset of seizures and abnormal behaviors. The condition, also known as central nervous system status spongiosus in Saluki dogs (SSSD), is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and affected puppies typically display seizures, hypermetria (exaggerated gait), and abnormal behaviors, such as episodes of vocalization, within the first 10 weeks of age. 

Congenital myotonia (CM) is a heritable neuromuscular disorder that affects the New Forest Pony and is characterized by a slow relaxation of skeletal muscles following voluntary contraction. This condition also affects humans and goats (“fainting” goats).

Affected foals are born normal and have well developed musculature soon after birth but begin showing signs of this neuromuscular disorder within the first few months of life. These affected foals are often seen lying down and have difficulty rising to their feet due to muscle stiffness. 

A collaborative study between Cornell University and University of California-Davis investigated the prevalence of congenital/juvenile cataracts in different horse breeds and highlighted an overrepresentation of Standardbred horses among affected individuals across two hospital populations, suggesting a genetic predisposition to this disorder in the breed.

Congenital ichthyosis is a genetic skin disorder in which the outer layer of the skin does not form properly. As a result, scaling and shedding of the outer layer of the skin is observed. Symptoms of ichthyosis include mild to moderate generalized scaling on the body, usually excluding the head, extremities, paw pads, and nose. The scales are initially a whitish color but become pigmented, progressing to gray or black, and can range in size from small to large.

The Ann T. Bowling Fellowship was established by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) in memory of Dr. Ann Bowling, who was a pioneer in veterinary genetics. In line with the VGL’s mission to promote and enhance research and education in animal genetics, this fellowship provides one year of support to full-time graduate students in UC Davis Ph.D. programs whose research is directed at identifying and understanding the genetic basis of heritable disorders that afflict animal species.

A newcollaborative research study led by Dr. Rebecca Bellone of the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) provided further evidence that theCSNB2allele causes congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in the Tennessee Walking Horse. 

Rod-cone dysplasia type 2 (rcd2) is a type of early-onset retinal degeneration that affects collie breeds and typically leads to blindness. Affected dogs begin to show vision deficits in low light (night blindness) as early as 6 weeks of age and can be completely blind by 6-8 months.

DNA testing for rod-cone dysplasia type 2 can determine the genetic status of dogs. Dogs with one copy of the RCD2 variant are normal but are carriers. Matings between two carrier dogs may, on average, produce 25% of puppies with rod-cone dysplasia type 2.