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0002219: Longitudinal Clinical Study, Mode of Inheritance and Therapeutic Trial of Protein-Losing Enteropathy and Nephropathy in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $74,959

Dr. Shelly Vaden, DVM PhD, North Carolina State University

April 8, 2002 - March 31, 2004

Sponsor(s): Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Endowment Fund

Breed(s): Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Disease(s): Protein-Losing Enteropathy, Protein-Losing Nephropathy

Abstract

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWT) are at risk for protein wasting diseases of the kidneys and intestines. Clinical signs vary but can be severe, even fatal. We demonstrated that the disease is associated with food allergies. We propose to continue the evaluation of our colony of dogs that are genetically predisposed to this disorder. Some of these SCWT already have the disease. Longitudinal evaluation of these dogs will allow us to characterize the early clinical signs, progressive nature, and mode of inheritance of this disease. These findings will allow for future development of a genetic marker and selective breeding programs aimed at elimination of this disorder from the SCWT population. Once dogs become overtly affected with this disease, we will enter them into a treatment trial, using methods known to be effective in food allergies. Information obtained from this trial will be invaluable in developing treatment regimens for affected SCWT in the general population. The youngest dogs in our colony have been weaned directly to a unique diet to determine if diet can be used to prevent disease. Results from these studies have applicability to other breeds of dogs that are at risk for food allergies and/or specific gastrointestinal and renal diseases.