One of the Trust’s key funding priorities is to support innovative Science and Research projects that lead to better health outcomes for dogs and happier experiences for the people who care for them.
The Kennel Club Genetic Centre (KCGC) has these same objectives at the very heart of its mission to understand the genetic basis of inherited diseases and develop DNA tests which promise to improve the health and welfare of generations of dogs. In September, experts at the KCGC shared their latest research findings at the Canine Genetics Research Day, held at the University of Cambridge’s West Hub facility. Attended by 44 representatives of 29 breeds, the event was a fantastic opportunity to update a like-minded audience about the KCGC’s latest research programmes into both simple and complex inherited diseases.
Collaboration that counts
An important theme of last month’s event was to present research and investigative approaches that were relevant to as many breeds as possible. The recently established Canine Genetic Testing service (CAGT), was just one example of a programme designed to give breeders access to accurate, customer-focused data that makes a real difference to dogs. Profits from the CAGT initiative are also ploughed back into supporting genetics research projects that often depend on collaboration with other canine experts including specialist canine scientists and veterinary surgeons.
Amongst the experts presenting in Cambridge, were Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of the KCGC, Prof Paul Freeman from Queens Veterinary School Hospital and Dr Louise Burmeister also from the KCGC. As well as covering advances in recognising and treating Inherited Eye Disease, Intervertebral Disc Disease and other complex conditions, the team were on hand to answer key questions from the floor and illustrate the benefits of the latest research to dogs across the UK.
Find out more
To hear more about the work of the KCGC and catch up on all the event’s content, go to https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/canine-genetics-research-day/
Or, if you’d like to learn more about the Trust’s Science and Research programmes or make a gift to this area of our work, simply visit our donation page or get in touch at https://www.kennelclubcharitabletrust.org/contact-us