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 DNA mutations to enable early diagnostics that support responsible breeding strategies. By combining our expertise in clinical genetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics, our centre provides essential knowledge to improve sustainable breeding strategies.

Dogs and cats suffer from genetic diseases similar to those of humans. By using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), sequencing techniques, and functional genomic research, 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

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.

Hereditary disorders can often be prevented through responsible breeding practices

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. By developing health criteria, we support veterinarians in advising breeders on the selection of suitable breeding animals – with the goal of healthier generations of pets in the near future.

Identifying disease-causing DNA mutations

The prevalence of hereditary disease in dog and cat populations can be very high due to poor selection practices and inbreeding. Many of the genetic disorders observed in dogs and cats also occur in humans. Our research focuses on identifying the DNA mutations responsible for hereditary conditions. This provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited diseases in both companion animals and humans. By developing DNA tests that breeders can use in the selection of breeding animals, our research contributes to the effective control of hereditary diseases in companion animal populations.

Studying genetic diseases in dogs and cats helps to understand disease mechanisms in both companion animals and humans.


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 (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Neurological and muscle disease

  • 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)
  • Polymyositis (Dutch kooikerhondje)
  • Myopathy (schapendoes)

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 and golden retriever)

Urological disorders

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

For more information about the research of the Expertise Centre for Veterinary Genetics, please visit their website or click the yellow button below.

More information about the research

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