The UK Canine Diabetes Register and Archive (UKCDRA) was established over 25 years ago by Professor Brian Catchpole and now contains thousands of archived samples and data from diabetic dogs. This invaluable resource has led to a number of discoveries about canine diabetes, which have been documented in several papers in prestigious veterinary journals. 

Certain breeds of dog, including the Samoyed, Cairn and Tibetan terriers are predisposed to developing diabetes, whereas others, including the boxer and German shepherd dog, are less susceptible. Such breed differences suggest that there is a genetic component to disease susceptibility. This recognition of a genetic basis increasing risk for canine diabetes led to the formation of the Canine Diabetes Genetics Partnership (CDGP). The CDGP is a diverse group of expert clinicians and scientists from leading institutions across the UK with a focus on understanding more about canine diabetes genetics.

Current calls for samples

Canine Pancreatitis -Associated Diabetes

We are focussing on learning more about the genetic factors behind canine diabetes mellitus and the involvement of pancreatitis in the disease, using techniques such as high-throughput whole genome sequencing technologies and untargeted metabolomics. Although we know that some breeds are predisposed to developing diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis, why this happens is still a mystery. We hope that with increased understanding of the genetics of these diseases, we can formulate precision medicines and novel therapeutic targets.

The cause of most cases of canine diabetes mellitus is unknown, but β-cell death caused by exocrine pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) is thought to be an under-recognised contributor to canine diabetes, with up to 30% of canine diabetic patients with evidence of pancreatitis at post-mortem1. DGGR lipase is a measure of pancreatic inflammation, similar to the Spec cPL test2. We are offering free DGGR lipase measurement to inform clinicians of potential pancreatitis presence in their diabetic patients and to raise awareness of this potential contributor to canine diabetes. In return for sample submission using the study-specific form (please see the link to the form above), clinicians will receive a DGGR lipase result free of charge from Axiom Laboratories.

Any surplus sample after completion of diagnostic testing will be banked at the RVC (Royal Veterinary College ethics URN 2024 2288-2), in the UKCDRA. Please note that as all samples are anonymised once entered into the archive, patient-specific results arising from the research will not be available to clinicians or owners beyond published data.

1. Morrow, L. and Graham, P. (2021) 'Is the DGGR lipase test as reliable as the Spec cPL test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs?', Veterinary Record, 188(3), 109-110, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.166.
2. Johnson-Pitt, A., Catchpole, B. and Davison, L.J. (2024) 'Exocrine pancreatic inflammation in canine diabetes mellitus – an active offender?', The Veterinary Journal, 106241, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106241.
3. Niessen, S.J.M., Bjornvad, C., Church, D.B., Davison, L., Esteban-Saltiveri, D., Fleeman, L.M., Forcada, Y., Fracassi, F., Gilor, C., Hanson, J., Herrtage, M., Lathan, P., Leal, R.O., Loste, A., Reusch, C., Schermerhorn, T., Stengel, C., Thoresen, S. and Thuroczy, J. (2022) 'Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE): Diabetes mellitus - a modified Delphi-method-based system to create consensus disease definitions', The Veterinary Journal, 289, 105910, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105910. 

Ongoing projects: Tools, techniques, and collaborations in the Multi-Species Functional Genomics Laboratory     

Genetics research at the RVC has a multi-species approach and investigates the relationship between genotype and phenotype in humans and veterinary species. In the case of diabetes mellitus, by understanding the function of the genes affecting risk of diabetes mellitus, we have the potential to reveal novel pathways for preventative or therapeutic intervention across species. We are also interested in the role of environmental factors in diabetes risk, such as variation in the microbiome and its associated metabolites.

We use a combination of techniques to investigate complex diseases and their biology. This includes whole genome sequencing, RNA-sequencing, single cell transcriptomics, electrophysiology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene modification, cell culture and protein expression.

We also study other complex traits in a range of animal species, and as the “Multi-Species Functional Genomics Lab”, we work closely with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. We are interested in the genetic basis and pathophysiology of diseases as diverse as insulinoma, hyperthyroidism, feline obesity and diabetes, mitral valve disease, Canine Respiratory Coronavirus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and chronic kidney disease and we enjoy a wide range of national and international collaborations.

Funding

We are very grateful for the support of our funders across a range of projects, who have included:

• The Medical Research Council (UKRI)
• PetPlan Charitable Trust
• American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation
• Evetts-Luff Animal Welfare Trust
• EveryCat
• BSAVA PetSavers
• KennelClub Charitable Trust
• ECVIM-CA Clinical Studies Fund
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc
• Royal Canin

Publications