Genetic research you can help with - Page 1

Hi Folks, Awhile back we connected with a researcher doing work on dwarfism in GSDs. Mr. Nemo bravely donated his blood to the cause and today we learned good things. The researcher Dr. Leigh Anne Clark has identified the chromosome and gene location for dwarfism. I will copy her post below.  She is moving on to other research and is looking for folks to donate blood samples. She will send you a kit and a shipping container w/ prepaid postage. All you need to do is get the blood drawn and possibly centrifuged. Our vet would not do it for free but it was a very minimal charge and we just did it as an add on to a regular visit.  Easy to do and as you can see - just might be helpful. Dr. Clark is currently looking for dogs who have EPI or degenerative myelopathy or megaesophagus. I believe she is also interested in family members and unrelated dogs who are free of the targeted disease. Her contact info is contained in the email below.  I also have information on a researcher who is working on Henamgiosarcoma. Once again looking for diagnosed dogs and first degree relatives esp if disease free. If you would like this contact info please PM or email me.

This is a scientist doing her research in the right kind of way  - as grant funded pure science - not trying to scam people out of money on the fake promise of a forthcoming commercial DNA test. I strongly urge you to support her efforts.  Here is a copy of her email with her contact info.

From:    " Leigh Anne Clark" lclark@cvm.tamu.edu>>> Date: September 16, 2008 11:57:56 AM PDT
>> To: "Julia Priest"    >> Subject: Re: Dwarf GSD/ Nemo--blood samples

>> I just wanted to send you another thank-you for participating in my  research and give you an update. I only collected 4 dwarfs, including  Nemo, but the approach I used is so comprehensive that it was enough.   We  found the location of the gene that causes dwarfism on chromosome 9.   The  gene there is known to cause dwarfism in humans. As it turns out, 
there  is a group in Europe that has identified this same gene and they are  working hard to identify the mutation. As such, I will not be working  on  dwarfism any further and will focus my efforts of EPI and other GSD  issues! We still need GSDs with EPI, degenerative myelopathy, and  megaesophagus, so if you hear of anyone that might want to donate  samples, please give them my info!  Thank you again,
>> Leigh Anne
>>
>> Leigh Anne Clark, Ph.D. >> <lclark@cvm.tamu.edu>Research Assistant Professor >> Canine Genetics Laboratory
>> Department of Pathobiology >> College of Veterinary Medicine >> Texas A&M University>>                                                  College Station, TX 77843-4467
 

Pity its Texas!

Hi Estweyn

I take it you are in the UK if you want to contribute your dogs DNA for research Contact Dorothy http://www.cermar.co.uk/GSD_Owners_Info.htm

Pam

Hi Estweyn,

  Dr. Clark sends a prepaid Fed Ex overnight shipping container for the samples. I'd bet she be happy to take samples from England by the same method.  Worth checking.

Beth

Hi Estwyn

''Research is presently being carried out on numerous problems, this has partly been made possible through owners of effected GSD's getting in touch with the GSD Owners Information Group. The group can provide information on anal furunculosis, auto-immune problems, epilepsy, exorine pancreatic insufficiency, HD, malabsorption, and thyroid deficiency."

http://www.cermar.co.uk/research.htm

This is the chance for all those in the UK that state they have the breeds health and welfare at heart to contribute, whether you have dogs/bitchs with these conditions or healthy dogs/bitchs, whether you own 1 dog or many, whether you are a breeder or an owner, Actions speak louder than words, I know some on here have contributed what about the rest of you?

Pam