MADAM Colleagues cannot have escaped the media interest in heritable diseases of pedigree dogs that has arisen following a recent documentary on the issue. There is known to be a heritable risk of neoplasia in humans for specific cancer types. Strong epidemiological evidence now exists to indicate that there is an elevated risk of neoplasia of the anal sac glands particularly in spaniel breeds (Polton and others 2006). I am writing to inform your readers of an ongoing investigation to define the heritability of anal sac gland carcinoma in cocker spaniels. English cocker spaniels, and to a lesser extent springer and cavalier King Charles spaniels, are at higher risk of developing anal sac gland tumours than other dogs. This conclusion is based upon the analysis of large numbers of cases of anal sac gland carcinomas using data from veterinary pathology laboratories (Finn Pathologists, Diss, UK, Abbey Veterinary Services, Newton Abbott, UK and Animal Health Trust Diagnostic Services, Newmarket, UK) and breed incidence data from Pedigree Masterfoods’ Pet Ownership Survey 1998, The UK Kennel Club registrations 1995-2004 and pathology laboratory databases (Finn Pathologists and Animal Health Trust) (Polton and others 2006). A joint project is currently being undertaken by Gerry Polton of North Downs Specialist Referrals, Surrey, UK and David Sargan of Cambridge University Veterinary School, Cambridge, UK. The aims of this project are To use pedigree analysis to establish whether there is an inherited risk of the development of anal sac gland carcinomas in English cocker spaniels. To use genotypic analysis to establish a specific genetic cause for the disease. If colleagues have encountered this tumour in an English cocker spaniel, a springer spaniel or a cavalier King Charles spaniel, it would be of great value to this project if a blood sample and/or the affected patient’s pedigree certificate could be submitted for inclusion in the analyses. For genotypic analyses, 5ml whole blood in EDTA is requested. If blood is obtained, this should be done in accordance with the local rules governing sample collection for scientific procedures. In the UK this means that blood could only be used if venepuncture was already going to be performed for other reasons, for instance routine haematology or serum calcium concentration determination. Blood can be shipped within the EU without legal implications. For transfer of samples from outside the EU please contact Gerry Polton first. For further information or to submit blood or pedigrees please contact Gerry Polton at North Downs Specialist Referrals, Friesian Building 3&4, Brewerstreet Dairy Business Park, Brewer Street, Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QP, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1883 741440, Fax: +44 (0) 1883 347030 E-mail: gerrypolton@gmail.com website: www.ndsr.co.uk