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Study reveals link between immune system genes and diabetes in certain dog breeds
This is the first study to examine the link between MHC genes and canine diabetes in individual breeds.

Important findings published as part of Pet Diabetes Awareness Month

A new study which examines associations between immune system genes and canine diabetes mellitus in high-risk breeds could help improve diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in dogs.

Diabetes mellitus affects approximately one in 300 dogs across the UK, and is much more common in certain breeds than others. Previous studies have implicated a group of immune system genes, or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, in canine diabetes mellitus, but this study is the first to examine this association in individual pedigree dog breeds.

The study – published in Canine Medicine and Genetics – was conducted by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the University of Manchester and the University of Oxford.

The team studied data from 646 diabetic dogs and 912 breed-matched non-diabetic controls, across 12 high-risk breeds including cocker spaniels, border terriers, Labrador retrievers and Tibetan terriers.

The findings confirmed that particular MHC genes are associated with canine diabetes in certain breeds of dogs, indicating the need for further research into the role of the immune system in the development of canine diabetes, as well as additional genetic studies in single breeds.

According to the study, future research will help identify causal variants and mechanisms, which could improve the diagnosis and management of affected dogs.

Alice Denyer, PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College, said: “I am pleased to have been part of this important research, particularly given that November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month.

“It is really interesting to see the variation that we found among the breeds studied, supporting the theory that canine diabetes mellitus is heterogeneous among breeds. Human diabetes mellitus is known to be highly heterogenous, but we do not know currently know how similar canine diabetes mellitus is to the human disease.

“Undoubtedly there is much more to uncover in this area, and I look forward to working further on this important issue which affects so many dogs in the UK.”

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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.