Eye testing

by Hazel Fitzgibbon, SCARF Foreign Liaison

At the British Samoyed Club Championship show in December 2008, eye testing and subsequent swabs were sponsored by SCARF. As eye testing is not routinely done by Samoyed owners in the UK and Dr Catherine Mellersh needed samples at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, UK, for the study into cataracts in Northern Breeds, SCARF decided that DNA ‘on the ground’ would be a way to get material for the study. Fourteen dogs took part.

Research Area: Hereditary Cataract (HC)

Breeds: Any breed, but particularly Golden retrievers, Boston terriers, Australian shepherds, Large Munsterlanders, Northern (Arctic breeds), American cocker spaniels

Researchers at the Animal Health Trust require DNA samples from affected dogs and their close relatives (siblings, parents and grandparents, affected or unaffected). The DNA can be submitted as a 5ml EDTA blood sample or as a cheek swab and be accompanied by a 5-generation pedigree and any relevant health certificates / veterinary diagnoses.

For additional information contact:

Cathryn Mellersh PhD

Animal Health Trust

Lanwades Park
Kentford
Newmarket CB8 7UU
U.K.

Tel: +44 (0)1638 750659
Fax: +44 (0)1638 750794
Email: cathryn.mellersh@aht.org.uk