WSAVA Academy

Cathryn completed a BSc in genetics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1984, followed by a PhD in developmental genetics from the University of Leicester in 1991. She stayed in Leicester for her first post-doctoral position during which she identified some of the first canine genetic markers. Her next role was at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, (Seattle, USA), in Elaine Ostrander’s laboratory, where she played an integral role developing the first maps of the canine genome. Cathryn took up her position at the Animal Health Trust in 2001 where she developed a research team whose primary aim is to investigate the genetic basis of inherited canine diseases which are painful, blinding, require surgical or medical intervention or otherwise reduce the quality of life of affected dogs. Cathryn and her team investigate a wide variety of inherited canine diseases but have a longstanding interest in inherited ocular and neurological diseases. An immediate-term objective of Cathryn’s research is the development of DNA tools that dog breeders can use to reduce the prevalence of disease in future generations of dogs and that veterinary surgeons can use to help diagnose disease. A longer-term aim is to improve our understanding of disease aetiology in dogs and other species. Cathryn and her team, who collaborate closely with many different canine stakeholder groups, including fellow canine geneticists, veterinary surgeons, the Kennel Club, dog Breed Clubs and the dog-owning public, have identified over 30 different genetic variants that are responsible for inherited diseases in over 50 breeds of dog. In 2021 Cathryn and her team moved to the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge where they continue to investigate inherited diseases in dogs and, from Autumn 2021, will also offer a commercial DNA testing service. In 2015 Cathryn was recognised for her contributions to veterinary science and canine health as the co-winner of the International Canine Health Awards (International Prize), run by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and in 2016 was awarded the PetPlan Charitable Trust Scientific Award. Cathryn is a member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Hereditary Disease Committee, the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, and the Kennel Club Health Screening & Genetics Sub-Group.