Genetic and genomic investigations into canine atopic dermatitis – presented by Dr Tom Lewis

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common but complex condition that represents the most common health related reason for withdrawal for Guide Dogs. This study utilised SNP data on 347 dogs to determine genomic heritability and identify genes with potential influence on the disease.

Tom is a quantitative geneticist and has spent over a decade in research focusing on the genetic analysis of complex inherited disease and population structure in pedigree dog breeds. With a background in animal science, he gained his PhD investigating multiple aspects of quantitative genetics at the Roslin Institute and Nottingham University. Since then, Tom has worked at the Animal Health Trust and the Kennel Club, using pedigree and health testing data as the basis of his research, including the provision of estimated breeding values (estimates of genetic risk of hip and elbow disease), for multiple Kennel Club registered breeds. He joined Guide Dogs as Head of Canine Genetics in January 2021 and is now Breeding and Genetics Lead with responsibility for managing the breeding programme.