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New genetic test detects faulty shar pei gene
shar pei puppies
SPAID is a spontaneously occurring auto-inflammatory disease affecting the Chinese shar pei.
Hopes 'ITHACA' will reduce breeding of 'high risk' dogs

Immunologists and scientists at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) have developed a means of testing for the faulty gene responsible for shar pei auto-inflammatory disease (SPAID).

In collaboration with scientists in Sweden and a culmination of years of research, the equipment required for developing the test was bought with a $50,000 grant from the Chinese Shar-Pei Charitable Trust.

SPAID is a spontaneously occurring auto-inflammatory disease affecting the Chinese shar pei and is carried on a mutated gene first discovered by the team in 2011.

The droplet digital PCR test, ITHACA, measures the number of copies of the faulty gene, with dogs carrying mutations from both parents at extremely high risk. Symptoms include fever, swollen joints, ear problems, skin 'bubbles' and kidney failure.

With the majority of shar peis carrying the defective gene, it is hoped the test will decrease the chances of breeding high risk dogs.   

Long standing Cornell alumna Dr Linda Tintle first began researching SPAID in the 1980s, and explained a positive result could enable owners to watch carefully for signs of the disease. It would also be used "as a breeding tool, with the aim of reducing the presence SPAID in the worldwide shar pei population."

Currently the test is available at Cornell’s AHDC and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.