Dr. Todhunter is interested in the broad sweep of orthopedic genetic research with a focus on prevention, as opposed to treatment, of hip dysplasia and other inherited orthopedic traits in dogs. He also works to identify genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that point to the associated or causal genes and the genes themselves underlying the development of canine hip dysplasia and secondary hip osteoarthritis.  He also has interest in genetic mapping of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and elbow dysplasia.

Dr Rory Todhunter received his BVSc from the University of Sydney and had a private veterinary practice in Newcastle, Australia for two years. He went to Michigan State University for a residency in Equine surgery, and subsequently completed a PhD at Cornell University in 1992. Dr. Todhunter has been at Cornell since 1993 and is currently Professor of Surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences. His clinical work is in small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery, and his research focuses on the genetics of osteoarthritis and canine hip dysplasia.  He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.