Hi all,

I'm a postdoctoral researcher in a genetics research lab.  I currently work on human genetic disease and have discovered several 'disease genes' in my career so far.  These discoveries have led to diagnostic tests becoming available in NHS genetics labs.  This work is very similar to the work behind the development of genetic tests for our breeding dogs, and I would really like to get into this field (and of course the discoveries made in dogs may give insights into similar conditions in humans).  I am hoping to put together a grant application and I need some help.  I have Labradors but I want this to be open to ALL pedigree KC registered dogs.  For my background research prior to writing this grant, I would be very grateful if some of you could let me know of any (presumed) hereditary conditions that affect your breed, for which there is NO genetic test at present. If you want to PM me that's fine, or you can reply on this thread.  

Thanks in advance,

Clare

ETA:  just realised my motivations probably aren't clear.  As a scientist, I want to gain real insight into the genetic and molecular basis of disease and hopefully publish some scientific papers based on our results.  This isn't (and couldn't be) a money making strategy - though I'm sure it is for some labs, it would be impossible in our University.  Obviously as a dog person, I get quite frustrated when I hear of hereditary conditions that haven't been 'solved'.  I know many other institutions work on similar things, but they can't work on everything... so the more the merrier I say :-)

PRA in Papillons. There is a test for PRA1 abroad, but not for other types, and this is becoming a major problem in so far that certain countries do have quite a few reported cases, the UK apparently has stayed clear (according to the eye specialist I was talking to he's never seen any case yet has tested many) but it makes it very risky to import. In fact the eye specialist told me to stick to UK dogs only as it was the only way to play safe!

Thank you.  Please can you let me know (by PM if you like) which countries are affected by this?  I have to be able to sample a decent number of affected dogs.  Fortunately this can be done by cheek swabs and airmail, but I have to be able to show in advance that there is a potential cohort of affected dogs, with owners who are willing to take part in the research :-)

What about hereditry cataracts in Labradors? Sorry but labs are my breed too ;) Its great having the cPRA test but cataracts is another one that usually shows up only after dogs hve been bred so would be wonderful to have a test for HC too.

Thanks, HC is top of my 'wish-list' too.  I just thought, perhaps wrongly, that someone was already working on it.  I'll look into it, thank you for the suggestion.

Canine Malignant Histiocytosis in Bernese...and other breeds, there is work being done in the US but not in the UK. It is the dread of all Bernese owners.
Aileen

My wish list :

Hereditary Cataracts in Golden Retrievers
Epilepsy in Border Collies
Deafness in Border Collies
Narrow Angle Glaucoma in Border Collies

I understand that the Animal Health Trust is already working on the above conditions but as yet no DNA test .