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Saluki encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADHD) and clinically characterized by early onset of seizures and abnormal behaviors. The condition, also known as central nervous system status spongiosus in Saluki dogs (SSSD), is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and affected puppies typically display seizures, hypermetria (exaggerated gait), and abnormal behaviors, such as episodes of vocalization, within the first 10 weeks of age. 

Congenital myotonia (CM) is a heritable neuromuscular disorder that affects the New Forest Pony and is characterized by a slow relaxation of skeletal muscles following voluntary contraction. This condition also affects humans and goats (“fainting” goats).

Affected foals are born normal and have well developed musculature soon after birth but begin showing signs of this neuromuscular disorder within the first few months of life. These affected foals are often seen lying down and have difficulty rising to their feet due to muscle stiffness. 

A collaborative study between Cornell University and University of California-Davis investigated the prevalence of congenital/juvenile cataracts in different horse breeds and highlighted an overrepresentation of Standardbred horses among affected individuals across two hospital populations, suggesting a genetic predisposition to this disorder in the breed.

Congenital ichthyosis is a genetic skin disorder in which the outer layer of the skin does not form properly. As a result, scaling and shedding of the outer layer of the skin is observed. Symptoms of ichthyosis include mild to moderate generalized scaling on the body, usually excluding the head, extremities, paw pads, and nose. The scales are initially a whitish color but become pigmented, progressing to gray or black, and can range in size from small to large.

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.