Breed Health Center

Update - AKC Canine Health Foundation Media Alert

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Announces Genetic Test for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy [Thursday, May 8, 2008]

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is an adult-onset, progressive spinal cord disease causing weakness in the hind limbs and eventually paraplegia. Dog owners usually elect euthanasia within a year of diagnosis; however, when euthanasia is delayed flaccid paralysis and widespread loss of muscle mass occur. Because common acquired compressive spinal cord diseases can mimic DM, a definitive diagnosis currently can only be accomplished postmortem by histopathologic observation of the spinal cord.

Drs. Gary Johnson and Joan Coates at the Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory of the University of Missouri and Drs. Claire Wade and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh at the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard and their colleagues have identified a DNA mutation that is a major risk factor for development of degenerative myelopathy in dogs. The research project was funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, French Bulldog Club of America, and French Bulldog Rescue League.

A DNA test will soon be available for breeders and pet owners, along with information about what the test can and cannot tell them. The test clearly identifies dogs that are clear (have 2 normal copies of the gene), those who are carriers (have one normal copy of the gene and one mutated copy of the gene), and those who are at much higher risk for developing DM (have 2 mutated copies of the gene). However, having two mutated copies of the gene does not necessarily result in disease.

Click here to read more about this genetic test

Information about the benefits of this test, testing forms and instructions, and suggestions for using the test to reduce the frequency of DM .

Updates - AKC Canine Health Foundation Alert

The AKC Canine Health Foundation Grants Imulan BioTherapeutics Funding to Evaluate the TCR Vaccine for Canine Heart Disease [Tuesday, August 07, 2007]

Dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM, also known as congestive cardiomyopathy, is a condition in canines in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can also affect
the lungs, liver, and other body systems. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heritable disease in some dog breeds, including the Boxer, the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound and St Bernard. Treatment is based on
medication, including ace inhibitors, loop diuretics and phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation has granted funding to Imulan BioTherapeutics (Imulan) to study the effects of Imulan's immunomodulating T-Cell Receptor (TCR) Vaccine for canine dilated cardiomyopathy.

Recent Articles of Note

Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats
Margaret V. Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD, DACT
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108. (Kustritz)

Current Studies Needing Participants

Research Area: Ectopic Ureters

Researchers at the University of California, Davis invite Newfoundland breeders and owners to participate in a genetic study of ectopic ureters. DNA samples, submitted as cheek swabs or blood, are needed from both healthy and affected dogs. For affected dogs, it will be useful to obtain veterinary records documenting the diagnosis of the defect (this is helpful, but not essential). There is no cost to participate — all materials and
postage are paid for by UC Davis. The long-term goal of the research is to develop a DNA-based test that will enable breeders to eliminate this defect from the breed’s gene pool.

For additional information, please contact:

Katy Robertson, DNA Manager
UC Davis Center for Veterinary Genetics
(530) 752-3864

Mark Neff PhD.
Center for Veterinary Genetics
CCAH BuildingOne Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8744

Research Area: Osteosarcoma
Breeds: Bullmastiff, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhound, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, Scottish Deerhound

Researchers at the Broad Institute in Boston are requesting blood samples from any healthy dog (especially a dog 8 years or older). The registration number or pedigree information is also required. Samples should be 5 ml of blood in an EDTA tube and ship to the address below along with the signed consent form (below). Please let us know to expect the sample. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse for the cost of shipping or veterinary expenses, and we greatly appreciate your assistance with our research.

More details on blood collection and cheek swabs

If you have questions please contact:
Dog Genome Project
Broad Institute Fax: 617-252-1902
One Kendall Square, Bldg 300
Cambridge, MA 02139
Website

Blood Sample Request Form

Latest News:

DNA Blood Banking Clinic at the 2008 NCA National Specialty a huge success

Over 200 blood samples were colected at this year's National Specialty

This is amazing, remarkable, phenomenal... when you consider many dogs had previously been submitted, and the number of dogs attending was probably about 500.... this means almost 50% of the dogs present in Rhode Island have been collected for future research to hopefully benefit the future health and longevity of the entire breed.

READ MORE

Learn more about DNA Collection and the CHIC DNA Bank from Genome Barks:

Want to save even more on health testing?

Many all-breed dog clubs are now offering health clinics in conjunction with their dog shows. Want to know who's offering what, when and for how much?

We suggest you visit the following websites for information on the latest happenings in health clinics. Please remember, if you do plan to
participate in a health clinic, make sure you have your dog's registration papers with you so you can have all the information necessary to have the OFA forms filled out right there. Many of the health clinics offer discounted health testing as well as discounted OFA registration fees. It must be noted that, as always, equivocal or affected results for thyroid, cardiac, patellas or DNA (any disease that has a DNA test such as cystinuria) are recorded free of charge by the OFA. Just remember to initial the "Authorization to Release Abnormal Results" box on the OFA Form.

OFA

InfoDog Announcements

Cavalier Health Clinic Calendar

CERF Clinic Calendar

We would like to remind you that if you participate in a health clinic make sure you give those results to your regular veterinarian.

The Newfoundland Club of America enourages test and release of all health testing results.

NCA Recommends

The Newfoundland Club of America considers the following tests as necessary for all Newfoundlands: Hips
(x-ray), Elbows (x-ray), Cystinuria (DNA or parentage) and Hearts (cardiologist). Please be sure and discuss the status of these tests with your responsible breeder. Additional tests include CERF (eyes) Thyroid (blood tests) and Patellas. DNA Banking is also strongly encouraged.

Inherited Disorders Library

Veterinary Resources

Heat Stroke Information

Health Registries

Health Testing Designation

OFA Discount Programs

Details of OFA Discount Program

Rebate for DNA Submission