Scottish Terriers and their owners came together at Inverness Campus recently to mark National Scottie Dog Day \u2014 and support vital cancer research.<\/p>\n
Organised by the Scotland North Scottie Meet Up group, the event on August 26 also welcomed researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands Division of Biomedical Sciences, who are leading a study into transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) \u2014 a type of bladder cancer disproportionately affecting Scotties.<\/p>\n
Scottish Terriers walk, UHI. Photos by Paul Campbell.<\/p>\n
Funded by recent grants, the team has been collecting samples from Scotties across the UK to investigate genetic risk factors and develop early detection methods. At the event, owners contributed cheek swabs and urine sample from their dogs, supporting both genetic research and efforts to create a diagnostic test.<\/p>\n
For many owners, the project is personal \u2014 several have cared for dogs with TCC.<\/p>\n
National Scottie Dog Day: Scottie dogs and their owners on Inverness Campus. Photos by Paul Campbell.<\/p>\n
Associate Professor Antonia Pritchard, who leads the project, said her own experience with her mother\u2019s Scottie, Hamish, inspired the study.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis research aims to benefit not only dogs, but may also provide insights relevant to human health.\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The day also included a walk around the campus and behind-the-scenes tour of the Genetics and Immunology labs.<\/p>\n
Scottish Terriers walk, UHI. Photos by Paul Campbell.<\/p>\n
The event highlighted the powerful bond between the Scotties and their owners \u2014 and the hope that together, they can change the future of cancer detection and treatment.<\/p>\n
Click here to learn more about the genetics and immunology team\u2019s research.<\/a><\/p>\n