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New DNA test for goniodysgenesis
Dogs at greatest risk of developing Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma have severe goniodysgensis.
Test detects condition in border collies

A new DNA test for severe goniodysgenesis and glaucoma in border collies has been approved by the Kennel Club.

Primary glaucoma is a painful and blinding condition associated with high pressure inside the eye.

Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) or Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma (PCAG) is linked to the defective development of the drainage angle, termed goniodysgensis. Dogs at greatest risk of developing PCAG have severe goniodysgensis.

In a press release, the Kennel Club said the new DNA test is a ‘candidate gene mutation’ test which differs from the DNA tests previously recorded.

“Whilst most DNA tests identify the actual mutation at a specific gene that is definitively shown to cause the disease, sometimes determining this can be difficult,” it said.

“In this case, the mutation identified is strongly associated with severe goniodysgenesis. However, although this association means it is very likely that the identified mutation is the cause of this disorder, it is not absolutely proven, and so is described as a ‘strong candidate’.

“A ‘candidate gene mutation’ test may nevertheless have considerable value in assisting breeding dogs free from the disease, while not being completely definitive.”

The Kennel Club adds that health conditions which have a candidate gene test are likely still be autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive and the breeding advice will remain the same.

Because of the lack of definitive proof that the candidate gene is the cause of disease, however, the Kennel Club cannot assign progeny as ‘hereditary clear’. As such, results will only be recorded for individual dogs.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."