Research

We work with pet owners, veterinarians, fellow researchers, and dogs to solve puzzling genetic diseases. This creates a more happy and healthy canine population. We investigate the genomes of companion animals using modern veterinary and laboratory techniques together with the latest computing technologies.

Current Projects

We have a multitude of research projects covering a wide variety of dog breeds:

• Golden Retriever pigmentary uveitis
• Genetics of hemivertebrae and other spinal phenotypes
• Genetic causes of bleeding in canine pathology cases
• A dilution coat color phenotype in Boxers
• Limb aplasia in English Cocker Spaniels
• Ocular diseases in multiple dog breeds
• Cat and dog musculoskeletal diseases
• Webbed feet (fact or myth?) in dogs

Past Successes

• Glycogen storage disease in Basset Hounds (genetic test available through the
  Indiana ADDL)
• Neuroaxonaly dystrophy, a slowly-progressive neurodegenerative disease in Miniature American Shepherds (genetic test available through the Indiana ADDL)
• The first non-HSF4 genetic cause of cataracts in Miniature American Shepherds (genetic test available through the Indiana ADDL)
• The second non-HSF4 genetic cause of cataracts in Miniature American Shepherds (genetic test available soon through the Indiana ADDL)
• Ichthyosis in two random-bred kittens (Yes, we do occasionally have cat projects in the Canine Genetics Lab!)
• Three forms of hypomyelinating polyneuropathy in Golden Retrievers
• Dwarfism in Great Pyrenees (collaborative work with the University of Minnesota’s Canine Genetics Lab)
• Genetic indicators of welfare in dogs
• Allele frequency changes over time (15+ years) for two common genetic eye diseases, Collie Eye Anomaly and PRCD-PRA
• Genetics of vaccine-induced immune response in dogs