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New health test packages available for 38 dog breeds
The Irish setter (pictured) is one of the 38 breeds for which health test packages are now available.

Tests allow owners to check dogs for breed's priority DNA tests

Thirty eight new CombiBreed health test packages have been introduced by The Kennel Club and equine thoroughbred registration body, Weatherbys.

The new tests are available in single and bundle packages for 41 breeds, including the American Cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, great dane, greyhound, Irish terrier, Newfoundland and bearded collie.

For a full list of breeds for which health test packages are available, please visit The Kennel Club website.

CombiBreed test packages use a single cheek swab to check a dog's DNA for all of the specific breed's priority DNA tests. Results will be automatically added to the dog's record and made available on The Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if the dog they are purchasing has come from health-tested parents.

The Kennel Club states that simplifying canine genetic health testing will help responsible breeders to combat and eventually eradicate some of the major genetic disorders affecting certain breeds.

CombiBreed test packages were first launched in 2019 and are now available for 61 dog breeds.

The tests can be used to detect a range of disorders, including:

  • sensory neuropathy, multidrug resistance gene one and trapped neutrophil syndrome in border collies
  • hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis in Irish terriers
  • exercise-induced collapse, progressive retinal atrophy and skeletal dysplasia type two in Labrador retrievers
  • phosphofructokinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy in American cocker spaniels.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.