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DNA Samples Needed from Scotties, Westies and Shelties
The Ostrander Laboratory at the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH, in collaboration with the Purdue Comparative Oncology program at Purdue University, is conducting research on transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder in canines. This is a devastating disease with genetic underpinnings and our ultimate goal is to identify the genetic variants responsible for susceptibility to this disease. Scottish Terriers are 20 times more likely to be diagnosed with TCC than other dogs while West Highland White Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs are five times more likely. Treatment of advanced TCC has often been met with disappointing results. Too many dogs die each year as a result of this terrible disease.
The Ostrander Lab is soliciting blood samples from two groups of dogs. They seek samples from all dogs with a diagnosis of TCC confirmed by biopsy. In addition, they seek DNA from Scotties, Westies and Shelties over nine years of age who currently have no known cancers. If your dog meets one of these criteria, please contact the investigators to receive a sample kit containing instructions and return address label.
All genetic and contact information collected for each dog will remain confidential. Your participation in the study, your dog's pedigree, health information you provide, and any data we get from your dog's DNA sample will not be disclosed to any breeders, Club personnel, the AKC, or the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Every sample is precious and provides researchers with new and unique genetic information. This research will ultimately lead to a genetic test for TCC for breeders to use to make informed decisions which will reduce the disease in the population. In addition, determining the genetic cause of the disease is a necessary first step in developing strategies to prevent the cancer and develop therapies for affected dogs.
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Participation Needed
Your help is needed with canine health research. DNA and tissue samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by certain diseases.
