Scottish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

Cavalier Club ‘Delighted’ with new DNA tests.

Scientist working in the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust has identified the mutation responsible for causing dry eye and curly coat syndrome and episodic falling in cavaliers.

Episodic falling is a neurological condition induced by exercise, excitement or frustration, in which muscle tone increases. This means the dog is unable to relax its muscles, becomes rigid and falls over, scientists say:-

Affected dogs usually start to demonstrate clinical signs before they are a year old, with most having their first episode aged between four and seven months of age.

This study was undertaken in collaboration with Professor Jacques Penderis from the Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, who diagnosed many of the dogs who contributed to the study.

We now have a real chance to eradicate dry eye and curly coat, which is fantastic news for anyone involved in cavaliers.

PhD student Oliver Foreman, who analysed more than five million letters of DNA from dogs affected with the two diseases, identified the mutations. By identifying the genetic mutations responsible for causing these conditions, the AHT has been able to develop DNA tests to identify carriers.

Charitable Trust chairman Mike Townsend said ‘Every dog deserves to lead a healthy, happy life and this breakthrough will make a real difference to the future health of cavaliers’.

(Full report in Dog World 8 April 11)