Veterinary Genetics

Transforming veterinary care through genetics for healthy breeding of pets

The Expertise Centre for Veterinary Genetics works to improve the long-term health and well-being of dogs and cats by studying inherited diseases. These conditions can have a big impact—not just on pets, but also on their owners, vets, and even medical research. Yet we still know too little about how common they are, what causes them, and how to prevent them.

Through advanced DNA research, we pinpoint disease-causing mutations to enable early diagnostics that support responsible breeding strategies. By combining our expertise in clinical genetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics, our centre aims to provide essential knowledge to make informed decisions to promote healthy breeding.

Dogs and cats suffer from diseases similar to those of humans. By using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), sequencing techniques, and functional genomics, we gain insights into the molecular mechanisms that underly hereditary diseases in dogs and cats can be translated into human medicine.

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From treatment to prevention of hereditary disorders

Hereditary disorders, including hereditary disease, harmful exterior characteristics, and problem behaviour, are the main causes of health and welfare concerns in the canine and feline population. Our studies focus on epidemiological data of prevalence in different breed populations. We developed PetScan, the diagnosis registration system implemented in veterinary practice. We use PetScan data to monitor populations and to guide interventions. To support breeders in maintaining healthy populations now and in the future, we perform population analysis on clinical and genetic levels and have developed the breeding platform Fit2Breed. With this platform, we study population dynamics and genetic diversity. We support veterinarians in advising breeders in the selection of breeding dogs, aiming at healthier generations of pets in the near future.

Genetic epidemiology is the key to healthier pet populations in the future

Identifying disease-causing DNA mutations

The prevalence of hereditary disease in dog and cat populations can be as high as 50-100% due to malpractice in selection and inbreeding. Many genetic disorders observed in these animals also occur in humans. Our research focuses on identifying the DNA variants responsible for these inherited conditions, providing insights into their molecular mechanisms in both companion animals and humans. By developing DNA-based diagnostic tools, our research contributes to effectively eradicating hereditary diseases in pet populations.

Studying genetic diseases in pets can reveal how they develop and may offer insights into similar human conditions


Current studies

We are currently studying the following diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (Dobermann, Cocker Spaniel)
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cats)
  • Pulmonary stenosis (French Bulldog)
  • Patent ductus arteriosus (Stabyhoun, Schapendoes)
  • Tricuspid valve dysplasia (Labrador retriever)
  • Myxomatous mitral valve disease (Cavelier King Charles spaniel)

Neurological diseases

  • Epilepsy (Border collie, Labrador retriever, Cane Corso, and other dog breeds)
  • Paroxysmal dyskinesia (Labrador retriever and other dog breeds)
  • Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and other dog breeds)

Liver disease

  • Hepatitis and copper toxicosis (Labrador retriever, Dobermann, and other dog breeds)
  • Liver shunt (Cairn terrier and other dog breeds)

Gastro-intestinal disease

  • Oesophageal motility dysfunction (White shepherd, Irish setter, Weimaraner, and other dog breeds)

Cancer

  • Haemangiosarcoma (Golden retriever)
  • Gastric carcinoma (Belgian shepherd)
  • Soft tissue sarcoma (Labrador retriever)

Urological disorders

  • Ectopic ureters (Golden retriever, Labrador retriever and other dog breeds)

Contact

If you would like to contact the team, please click on the button or send an email to gezondgefokt@uu.nl.

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Our team members