Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Canine experts launch ‘revolutionary’ DNA test
DNA
“This holds great promise for taking science outside the lab, to make discoveries that impact animal, and likely human, health.”
Tracks over 200,000 genetic markers

A canine DNA test, designed to be the most comprehensive pet genetic test on the market, is set to ‘revolutionise’ the genetic testing market.

Developed by leading experts in dog and consumer genetics, the Embark Dog DNA Test tracks over 200,000 genetic markers, giving an extensive overview of both genetic disease risk and heritable traits.

It is hoped the information will help dog owners understand their pet’s health, plan for its future and provide the best possible personalised care.

Embark founders Adam and Ryan Boyko will describe their test at a South by SouthWest panel titled “Can Your Dog’s DNA Transform Human Health and Ageing?” on Tuesday, March 15.

“As lifelong partners in pet health, we started Embark to develop platforms that allow pet owners to become involved in genetic research and to provide the breakthroughs from that research right back to those owners,” said CEO Ryan Boyko.

“This holds great promise for taking science outside the lab, to make discoveries that impact animal, and likely human, health.”

“Dogs were the first domesticated animal species, and have lived and worked alongside humans for over 15,000 years,” added Dr. Adam Boyko, chief science officer and assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the Cornell veterinary college.

“Our canine friends are diagnosed with many of the same diseases as people and share our homes and environment. That makes them a particularly valuable model species for understanding cancer, immune disorders, behaviour and ageing.”

Customers who join the waiting list at www.embarkvet.com will be among the first to buy the test when it becomes available next month.  

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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."