Genetic disease resources
Register for our upcoming Webinar: Canine Genetics 101
Embark and the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center Presents:
Canine Genetics 101 - Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6p.m.
Get your burning questions answered by specialized veterinarians and researchers with Embark and the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center on how to apply genetics to your breeding program. Topics include applying genetic testing results, responsible breeding practices, and the fun world of coat color.
Panelists:
- Jacquelyn Evans, Ph.D., assistant professor, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Jenna Dockweiler, M.S., D.V.M., D.A.C.T., C.C.R.T., C.V.A.T., is a veterinary geneticist at Embark Veterinary, Inc.
- Callum Donnelly, BVetBiol/BVetSc, DACT, DACVIM (LA), assistant professor, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Moderated by: Rory Todhunter, Ph.D. '92, Professor of Surgery, Director of the Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Rooted in research
Cornell University has been a pioneering institution in the advancement of canine health for more than 70 years. As part of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the establishment of the James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health in 1951 created the world’s first laboratory dedicated to improving the well-being of dogs through basic and applied research, with an early emphasis on infectious diseases.
In addition to its renowned clinical care, over the last few decades, the college has continued to broaden its canine-related research and become an international leader in the field of genetics and genomics. In 1997, a collaborative team published the first map of the canine genome — paving the way for scientists to develop better tools to predict, diagnose and treat genetic diseases.
Since 2006, the college has maintained a library of canine DNA as part of the Cornell Veterinary Biobank, and four years later, CVM launched the world’s first canine genomics program. Now, united under the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center (RCHC), our experts continue push the boundaries of research and clinical treatment to transform the future of canine well-being.
Delving into dogs' DNA
Genetic testing can be an important resource to help understand if your dog is at risk for any hereditary diseases.
Dr. Adam Boyko, associate professor of biomedical sciences, has spent years studying breeds from around the world to identify variations of the canine genome. He says, "“It’s been a labor of love to understand the origins of dogs, and through genetics, we are understanding dog behavior, looking for predisposition to illness and to understand canine aging.”
In 2015, he co-founded Embark Veterinary Inc., a canine genetics company that has developed DNA tests for dogs that allows owners to trace their dog’s family tree and learn more about individual health risks. This ongoing effort has also produced an unprecedented wealth of genetic data that scientists are using to pin-point the origins of hereditary diseases — helping give dogs longer, healthier, happier lives.
As a proud research partner of CVM, Embark is also collaborating with the RCHC so that we can provide dog owners with the best possible information about canine genetic diseases — giving you the resources you need to make the most of your time with your canine companions.
Learn more about the risk factors, clinical signs and treatment options for different genetic diseases: