AKC Canine Health Foundation - Participation Needed

Participation Needed
Review request from researchers on samples needed to conduct specific research.

Research Area: Sebaceous adenitis
Breed: Standard Poodles
Date Request Posted: July 27, 2010

Autoimmune disorders, affecting a wide range of organs and tissues, are becoming increasingly common in pure breeds of dogs. This increase appears to coincide with inbreeding and decreased genetic diversity. Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an autoimmune disease that is seen mainly in the Standard Poodle, Akita, and English Springer spaniel. The incidence of the disease in Standard Poodles appears to be low at this time but is increasing in frequency with time. The disease is a generalized skin disorder associated with an attack by the dog’s own immune system against the sebaceous glands. The first skin lesions occur mainly on the midline of the back and on the ears. The disease varies greatly in severity among affected Poodles. It can wax and wane in severity, with bouts of sebaceous gland destruction and regeneration. It is not always progressive and in mild cases can be treated conservatively, while severe cases may vigorous treatment. In the extreme, it may end in total destruction of the sebaceous glands and widespread baldness. This study will attempt to identify specific genetic associations between SA and specific regions or genes in either the whole genome or in a small region on chromosome 12 that contains genes regulating the immune response. This will be a collaborative study between investigators at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK (Dr. Mike Boursnell), and at UC Davis (Dr. Niels C. Pedersen).

DNA in the form of EDTA blood, or if not possible, buccal swabs, are being solicited from healthy Standard Poodles, but especially from dogs with biopsy confirmed SA. Details of the project and sample submission forms available at: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/pca_sa.cfm. Similar information on the UK Standard poodle SA project can be found at: http://standardpoodleclub.com/sa.html. Samples may be submitted to either institution.

Contact info:
Dr. Niels C. Pedersen, UC Davis
Email: ncpedersen@ucdavis.edu
Phone: 530-752-7402

Dr. Mike Boursnell, Animal Health Trust
Email: mike.boursnell@aht.org.uk
Phone: 01638 751 000 ext 1286

Research Area: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Breed: Rottweiler
Date Request Posted: July 12, 2010

Dr. Kathryn Meurs and Dr. Joshua Stern from Washington State University are currently looking for DNA samples from Rottweilers with a diagnosis of Subvalvular aortic stenosis (diagnosed by Doppler echocardiogram) or proven clear of Subvalvular aortic stenosis (as cleared by a cardiologist) to advance our study to identify a gene for the disease. To perform the study, they need DNA samples from 20-30 affected dogs and 20-30 clear dogs.

To learn more about the study and how you can participate by submitting blood samples, please visit the Familial SAS Study web site at: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/deptsVCGL/Rottweiler/index.aspx.

You may also contact the investigators at:

Dr. Joshua Stern, Washington State University
Email: jstern@vetmed.wsu.edu
Phone: 614.390.1516

Kathryn Meurs, DVM, Washington State University
Email: meurs@vetmed.wsu.edu
Phone: 509.335.6038

Research Area: Canine Cancer (Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, Melanoma
Breed: All Dogs
Date Request Posted: April 23, 2010

The Van Andel Research Institute is launching a new center of excellence in canine genetics and genomics. The first and most important program is the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC), which is headed by Drs. Jeff Trent (TGen), Nick Duesbery (Van Andel Research Institute), and Paul Meltzer (National Cancer Institute/NIH). The program is an unprecedented alliance of scientists, veterinarians and physicians. Drs. Duesbery and Froman are intensely focused on recruiting canine cancer patients for the study through a variety of clinical outreach programs. Samples from canine patients will not only allow the researchers to identify genes responsible for breed-specific susceptibilities (such as hemangiosarcoma in Clumber spaniels and osteosarcoma in Greyhounds), but also to translate these discoveries into new and more precise diagnostics and therapeutics for both canine and human cancer patients. The ultimate goal is to take personalized medicine for dogs to unscaled heights!
The CHCC has been developed to investigate five initial cancers in dogs, which also affect people. The first five cancers we’ll be researching are:

Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Lymphoma
Malignant histiocytosis
Melanoma (oral and digital)

In order to move forward, we need your help. The Institute will be studying only naturally ocurring tumors, so we need the assistance of owners with dogs who develop any of the above types of cancer. We are requesting fresh (NOT in formalin) tumor samples when the dog has surgery, a biopsy or is euthanized. We also need 3 mls of blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube. If a tumor sample is not immediately available, (a dog who has had surgery, for example), a blood sample is still useful.

If your dog is scheduled for surgery, please contact VARI ahead of time so we can FedEx a tumor collection kit to your veterinarian. You can contact the CHCC at 616.234.5569. You may also email Dr. Froman at roe.froman@vai.org Consent forms and more information for veterinarians can be accessed and downloaded from our website, www.vai.org/helpingdogs In addition, we are collecting DNA samples from a wide variety of healthy, purebred dogs, for use as controls. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Research Area: Transitional Cell Carcinoma (Bladder Cancer)
Breed: Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs
Date Request Posted: August 28, 2009

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. We seek samples from all dogs with a diagnosis of TCC confirmed by biopsy. In addition, we 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 Donna Viglietti, Ostrander Lab Samples Manager, for a sampling kit by phone (301-451-9390) or email (dog_genome@mail.nih.gov). Each kit contains a one page consent form, a pair of vials for collecting 5-10 cc of blood at your veterinarian’s office, and instructions for handling the blood. The collection kit comes in a small cardboard mailer tube that protects the blood vials. A return address label is included so that the forms and blood can be sent back to the lab conveniently. Blood can be mailed at room temperature without cold packs.
All genetic and contact information collected for each dog will remain confidential. Specifically, 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.
The sample you provide will be instrumental in helping to identify the genomic mutations associated with TCC. Every sample is precious and provides researchers with new and unique genetic information. Finding the variant locus (the part of the DNA that is abnormal) is the first step in what we expect will ultimately lead to a genetic test for TCC. Breeders could use the test to make informed decisions resulting in a reduction of 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.

Research Area: Sebaceous Adenitis
Breed: Havanese
Date Request Posted: July 16, 2009
Genetic Basis of Sebaceous Adenitis in Dogs. Current Status: Active and enrolling
Principal Investigator: Sandra Koch, DVM, MS, DACVD The aim of this project is to hopefully determine the mode of inheritance of sebaceous adenitis in Havanese dogs with the ultimate goal of providing preliminary data for future studies to identify the gene(s) associated with sebaceous adenitis in dogs.

We are looking for Havanese dogs of any age with suspected or diagnosed sebaceous adenitis and Havanese dogs that are 7 years of age or older without sebaceous adenitis.

What we need:

One single visit at the Veterinary Medical Center
5 ml of blood sample
2-3 6 mm skin biopsy samples

The study covers costs of visit fee, blood sample and biopsy. In addition, the study clients will receive $12 for blood sample and $40.00 for skin biopsy samples as compensation.

To participate or to learn more, please contact one of the people below:

Mary Ellen: 763-213-1498 or e-mail: dejas1@msn.com
Dr. Sandra Koch: 612-625-6212 or e-mail nogu0005@umn.edu
Dr. Sheila Torres: 612-625-3715 or e-mail torre009@umn.edu

Research Area: Syringomyelia
Breed: Brussels Griffon
Date Request Posted: May 12, 2009

Syringomyelia (SM) has emerged as a common spinal cord abnormality in small breed dogs. Syringomyelia, characterized by the development of excess fluid in the spinal cord, is associated with a syndrome of severe pain and weakness. Certain breeds are predisposed to SM, most notably the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS). SM is associated with a condition referred to as a Chiari-like malformation (CM), which is a developmental abnormality of the skull. As a result of the skull malformation, part of the cerebellum and the brainstem may be compressed leading to an alteration in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and mild inflammation in the central nervous system. It is hypothesized that these abnormalities contribute to the development of SM.

Recently, SM has been diagnosed in Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) dogs in North America, Europe and Australia. Drs. Marc Kent and Simon Platt of the University of Georgia are in the process of studying SM in the Brussels Griffon. Their hypothesis is that a subpopulation of the Brussels Griffon (BG) dog breed is affected by SM. The goals of their research are to identify the prevalence of SM in BG; to delineate clinical signs and spinal fluid abnormalities in BG with SM; and to utilize MRI to define structural abnormalities associated with SM in the BG breed.

Drs. Kent and Platt need your help to increase the number of Brussels Griffons participating in this study. To learn more about how this project, please visit the website of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Georgia, www.vet.uga.edu/hospital/smallanimal/neurology/syringomyelia.php. At this site, owners can find valuable information regarding the disease process involved in SM, the importance of the study, and enrollment criteria. Applications can be downloaded from the website. Application or questions regarding the study can be addressed to abgstudy@uga.edu.

Research Area: Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Breeds: All
Date Request Posted: May 8, 2008

Chronic degenerative valve disease is the most common heart disease that affects dogs. To date, the cause of this disease has remained elusive. It is known that the collagen that provides much of the support in the valve is damaged in diseased valves. One popular theory is the existence of an imbalance between the proteins that break down collagen and those that prevent collagen breakdown. The proposed study will determine the difference in the balance between these proteins in normal cultured valve cells and valve cells cultured from diseased leaflets. Differences that exist between normal and diseased valve cells will help target future research projects and aid in determining the cause of this prevalent disease process.

We are requesting mitral valve tissue from dogs that have died or have been euthanized that have significant degenerative mitral valve disease. This valve tissue will be used to culture cells from the tissue in order for us to study this disease from a cell culture perspective. For inclusion in the study, dogs need to have a diagnosis of degenerative mitral valve disease from their veterinarian (if echocardiography findings are available, those should be provided as well) and the owner needs to be willing to let their referring veterinarian remove the mitral valve from the dog after it dies or is euthanized. The tissue should be removed within 2 hours of death or euthanasia.

At this point we are not studying a specific breed so any dog diagnosed with mitral valve disease is qualified to enter the study.

We are requesting the anterior mitral valve leaflet (the larger leaflet most associated with the septum and aorta) but if there is any confusion the entire mitral valve can be shipped and we can collect the anterior mitral valve leaflet once it arrives here. The sample should be shipped in phosphate buffered saline. If needed, we can ship tubes of phosphate buffered saline for sample collection. The sample should be shipped on ice overnight to the address below. Please contact Dr. Heaney if you need additional information.

Allison M. Heaney, DVM
Marsha Robertson, Research Technician
Washington State University
100 Dairy Road
Pullman, WA 99164 - 1120
Tel: 509-335-0711
Fax: 509-335-0880

Research Area: Canine Diabetes Mellitus
Breeds: Samoyed and Australian Terrier
Date Request Posted: January 14, 2008

Canine diabetes mellitus is a common disorder of middle to older age dogs and Samoyed and Australian Terrier dogs are at increased risk for this disease. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the Australian Terrier Club of America, the Samoyed Club of America Education and Research Foundation, and the San Joaquin Kennel Club are working to determine if there are differences in the genetics of diabetic and control dogs.
The purpose of the study is to search for genes associated with increased risk for diabetes in Australian Terrier and Samoyed dogs. Early genetic identification of carriers and dogs that are likely to develop diabetes will enable breeders to determine which dogs are not fit for breeding with one another, years before clinical signs of diabetes develop. The ability to predict the disease in young, unaffected, breeding dogs may help prevent diabetes mellitus in Samoyeds and Australian Terriers. It may also protect potential owners of diabetic dogs from long term care for an animal with an incurable disease.

Dr. Rebecka Hess is conducting the study and needs the help of Samoyed and Australian Terrier owners. The study requires drawing 15 ml of blood (3 tablespoons) from your dog. This can usually be arranged with your local veterinarian. Please contact Dr. Hess with your name, phone number, and e-mail address and provide her with the name of your veterinarian and with their phone number. She will contact you and your veterinarian and arrange for FedEx pickup of the blood sample at a time convenient for you and your local veterinarian. There will be no expense involved for the owner.

Blood samples are being collected from any Samoyed and Australian Terrier diabetic dog and also from any Samoyed or Australian Terrier dog that is 7 years of age or older that does not have diabetes.

Contact information for coordinating the samples:
Rebecka S. Hess, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Phone: (215) 898-9427
E-mail: rhess@vet.upenn.edu

Research Area: Vaccine-Induced Allergic Reactions
Breeds: Dachshund, Pug Dog, Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher
Date Request Posted: January 8, 2008

Allergic reactions continue to be the most common adverse event associated with vaccination in dogs. Recent research has demonstrated that small dogs in general, and several specific breeds, are at higher risk for these reactions. Laboratory studies have shown that normal dogs make antibodies against many vaccine components, even though they may not show an allergic reaction immediately following vaccination. Although the specific cause of allergic reactions in dogs remains unknown, vaccine components residual from the manufacturing process have been incriminated. These specific components need to be identified, so that manufacturers can make safer vaccines for dogs.

Researchers including Dr. George Moore at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine – with funding provided by the AKC Canine Health Foundation – are looking to identify causes of vaccine-induced allergic reactions. Using serum from dogs of high-risk breeds, this study will compare antibody concentrations in dogs demonstrating allergic reactions versus antibody concentrations in dogs of the same breed that don’t have reactions. To complete this study, samples are urgently needed from 5 high-risk breeds including the Dachshund, Pug dog, Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher.

Your dog may participate in this study if they are a member of this group, and have been vaccinated in the past three weeks. Two (2) ml of serum are needed per dog for the analyses, necessitating withdrawal of approximately 4-5 ml of blood. Samples may be taken from affected dogs as soon as clinical signs of an allergic reaction develop, or within 3 weeks thereafter. Samples may be taken from non-affected dogs as soon as the day following vaccination, or within 3 weeks thereafter.

For samples from dogs that meet the eligibility criteria, veterinarians can email the investigators their mailing address at: k9vaxrxn@purdue.edu. Postage-paid mailers will be sent to the veterinarian for return of the serum sample to the laboratory at Purdue.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.vet.purdue.edu/k9vaxrxn/.

Research Area: Canine Cancer
Breeds: Akita, American Cocker Spaniel, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Mastiff, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pointer, Pug, Rottweiler, Scottish Terrier, Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Toy Poodle

After completing the dog genome sequencing project, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and collaborators are now working on identifying disease genes predisposing to cancer. Identification of such genes could lead to carrier testing, a better understanding of the disease and long term better treatments for the disease in both dogs and humans. More information can be found at: www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog.

For each of the below diseases researchers need blood samples from affected dogs as well as blood samples from healthy older (>6 yo) dogs.

1. Osteosarcoma:
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad and Kenine Comstock
Focus: Rottweilers and Greyhounds
Additional breeds included: ALL Mastiff and long limber breeds
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

2. Hemangiosarcoma:
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Chieko Azuma, Tufts
Focus: Golden Retrievers
Additional breeds included: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, Bullmastiffs, Leonbergers, Poodles, Boxers, and Pointers
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

3. Mammary tumors
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Elizabeth McNiel
Focus: English Springer Spaniel
Additional breeds included: German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

4. Melanoma
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Phil Bergman
Breeds included: ALL including Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Black Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Pugs
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

5. Lymphoma
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad
Focus: Golden Retrievers, Boxers
Additional breeds included: Cocker Spaniel, Rottweiler, Akita, Flat-Coated Retriever
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

6. Mast cell tumors
Collaborators: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad and Cheryl London, OSU
Focus: Pugs and Chinese Shar-Pei
Additional breeds included: Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Boxer
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

Research Area: Primary Lens Luxation
Breeds: Lancashire Heeler (aka Ormskirk Terrier), Parson Russell Terrier, Miniature Bull Terriers, all other terriers

Researchers at the Animal Health Trust require DNA samples from affected dogs and their close relatives (siblings, parents and grandparents, affected or unaffected). The DNA can be submitted as a 5ml EDTA blood sample or as a cheek swab and be accompanied by a 5-generation pedigree and any relevant health certificates / veterinary diagnoses.