News

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 new collaborative research study led by Dr. Rebecca Bellone of the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) provided further evidence that the CSNB2 allele 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.

A VGL research study lead by Dr. Rebecca Bellone identified a de novo genetic variant in the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene of a Thoroughbred stallion with splashed white coat pattern. Splashed white got its name because horses with this coat pattern look like they splashed in white paint, as they typically have high amounts of white markings on the legs, face, and abdomen.

A novel genetic variant causing Krabbe Disease in a family of mixed-breed dogs was identified in a study conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Veterinary Medicine in collaboration with the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Spinocerebellar ataxia (also known as cerebellar ataxia or CA) is an inherited disorder that affects the Spinone Italiano and is characterized by early onset of progressive incoordination (ataxia). Affected dogs are normal at birth and begin showing signs of incoordination and loss of balance at about 4 months of age. The disorder progresses with clinical signs worsening in the next few months. Affected puppies are often euthanized before they reach one year of age due to the inability to ambulate and poor quality of life.

Delayed embryo development is a rare occurrence in horses. In collaboration with researchers at Colorado State University, results from UC Davis VGL parentage testing verified this rare finding in a donor Quarter Horse (QH) mare. 

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a type of glaucoma that typically progresses gradually and without obvious signs of pain. A genetic inversion disrupting the ADAMTS17 gene is associated with POAG in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. POAG is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (increased pressure inside the eye) and partial dislocation of the lens.

GM2 gangliosidosis is a fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease that affects dogs. A genetic variant causing GM2 gangliosidosis has been identified in certain lineages of Toy Poodles.

Affected dogs typically display neurological signs that begin at 9-12 months of age and may include tremor, incoordination or stiff gait, and difficulty eating. Neurological deterioration progresses over 6-12 months, ultimately resulting in death.

The equine Dominant White test offered by the VGL has been updated to include a fifth allele: W13. This KIT mutation consists of a single base substitution and was initially identified in a Quarter Horse X Paso Peruano cross-bred family that had two white horses.

The VGL’s cat ancestry test was developed to determine which geographic region a random bred cat has originated from: Western Europe, Egypt, East Mediterranean, Iran/Iraq, Arabian Sea, India, South Asia and East Asia. It was not designed to answer the question, what is the breed composition of my cat? As such, the results that we are scientifically able to provide with this DNA test are not able to answer the question some of our clients have. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue the offering of this test effective December 16, 2022.

Understanding the results of genetic testing and how to best utilize them is an important component for advancing the health of animals. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) recently formed a task force consisting of veterinarians, geneticists, AQHA staff and AQHA members, to assist in the development of an online resource to aid in the understanding and utilization of the results of genetic testing performed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL). 

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) has just announced that the myosin-heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) test has been added to the American Quarter Horse Genetic Health Panel offered through the Association. The decision to add MYHM was made earlier this year at the 2022 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas, NV, following a rule-change proposal submitted by an AQHA member. Starting December 1st, 2022, MYHM will be automatically included in the health panel test ordered through AQHA.

Legend, a 6-year-old American Quarter Horse, was showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, dark urine, edema and muscle loss in the hindquarters. Soon after noticing a change in her horse, the concerned owner, Karissa Waber, decided to take him to her veterinarian for care. Legend was hospitalized for 8 days, but despite this care, his condition continued to worsen. In only a few days he developed colitis and signs of kidney failure. Nonetheless, Karissa’s veterinarian, Dr. Mem Dailey, was not ready to give up on Legend and started him on steroid treatments.