WOBBLERS RESEARCH UPDATE!!!!!
(posted Jan. 2012)
EXCITING UPDATE ON THE WOBBLERS RESEARCH AT VARI/TGEN!!!!!
The researchers at Van Andel Research Institutes and TGEN have found regions of interest in the genome (genetic changes) in Doberman Pinschers that appear to be associated with Wobblers Syndrome (Caudal Cervical Spondylopathy) in that breed!!!!
Now they are asking for more samples from Mastiffs and Great Danes that have Wobblers to compare their DNA to the DNA from the affected Doberman Pinschers!!
In a couple of weeks they will be running specialized SNIP Chips for various research projects and they would like to include more samples from Mastiffs and Great Danes with Wobblers!!!
This is an EXCITING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY FOR MASTIFFS and I encourage everyone with a Mastiff with Wobblers to order FREE DNA Saliva Kits today and as soon as you receive them collect the sample of saliva from your affected Mastiffs and Great Danes and immediately return the kits to have them included in this important research!!!
You'll receive a submission form with the free DNA Saliva Kits and you can include the details of symptoms and diagnosis information on the form for the researchers to use when studying the data from these samples..... PLEASE HELP AND PLEASE SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT HAS A MASTIFF OR GREAT DANE WITH WOBBLERS!!!
If the Wobblers dog has already passed away, they will also accept DNA from the CHIC DNA Repository, Optigen (PRA & CMR DNA tested dogs), from other research facilities and frozen semen in order to get more samples.
The clock is ticking so please forward this information to everyone you can think of that might be willing to help and ask them to move quickly as it is very important to have more Mastiffs included in this next phase of the research!!
AND... THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HAS ALREADY SENT IN SAMPLES FROM YOUR MASTIFFS WITH WOBBLERS!!!!! With cooperation and participating we can make things happen!!!
Click the following link to access the online submission form to order the free DNA Saliva Kits:
http://www.tgen.org/research/canine-wobbler-frm.cfm ?
Megaesophagus Study
The GDCA is currently underwritting research on congenital (juvenile) megaesophagus with Dr. Leigh Anne Clark of Clemson University who found both the harl & merle genes, and has found the source for mega already in GSDs. She has some samples right now in Danes to check for mega & we are waiting to see if this disease in Danes is the same as she found in GSDs or different.
Meanwhile a writer for the AKC Gazette is writing an article on "mega" and wants input from Dane owners. So if you've had mega in a litter, bought a mega pup, had a mega tragedy and/or raised one to adulthood, TJ Libby wants to hear your story. Here's her email:
Permission to repost is granted. "jp"
Best regards, JP Yousha
Chairman, Health and Research Committee
Great Dane Club of America
http://www.gdca.org/healthandwelfare.htm
danehealth@gdca.org
432-684-8940 (TX)
5/12/11
Bone Cancer and Wobblers Study
I am writing on behalf of the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, MI and the Program for Canine Health & Performance. Perhaps you've heard of us, as we have some exciting research going on in the world of dogs! Our goal is to improve the health of dogs by investigating different diseases and traits, with the goal of eventually developing treatments or diagnostics to help breeders improve their lines.
We are actively looking into the genetics of the Great Dane; program director Dr. Mark Neff is currently following up some leads in the areas of Wobbler's Syndrome and osteosarcoma. We are very interested in expanding our studies and are looking to owners and breeders for any help they can provide. It was recommended that we contact breeders approved by the Great Dane Club of America; I hope you don't mind my contacting you.
Our research projects are completely driven by owner-donated samples, from which we hope to analyze genetic differences between affected and control populations. We are looking for as many Great Dane samples as possible, whether they are affected (with Wobbler's or osteosarcoma), healthy, or afflicted with other conditions. All that is required is a simple, painless cheek swab which can be collected at home and returned to our lab with no cost to the owner. Everything is completely confidential.
We are hoping that as a breeder and lover of Great Danes, you may be willing to help this research by submitting samples from your own dogs and/or putting us in touch with other owners you may know. We are also happy to ship you extra kits to distribute to owners near you. Our goal is to collect hundreds or even thousands of Great Dane DNA swabs to help forward the studies.
Please let me know if you can help, and I will be happy to talk to you further if you have any questions.
Thank you for your consideration,
--
Angela Rhoades
Research Technician, Laboratory of Neurogenetics & Canine Behavior
616-234-5437
http://www.vai.org/helpingdogs
