03134-T: Use of a Service Dog Breeding Program to Unravel the Genetics of Congenital Idiopathic Megaesophagus in German Shepherd Dogs
Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) is characterized by an enlarged esophagus and ineffective swallowing. Affected puppies are unable to pass food into their stomachs, regurgitate meals and water, and show a failure to thrive. Survivors are susceptible to aspiration pneumonia and intussusception. CIM affects all breeds, but German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) by far have the highest […]
02172-MOU: Understanding Hereditary Deafness in Dogs
Hereditary deafness associated with white pigmentation occurs in numerous dog breeds. The breeds most affected are the Dalmatian (Dal, 22% unilaterally deaf, 8% bilaterally deaf) and the Australian cattle dog (ACD, 11.4% and 3%). The mechanism of inheritance is unknown, and previous studies to determine the mode of inheritance and locate the causative gene(s) have […]
02575-MOU: Genetic Basis of Exercise-Induced Collapse in Border Collie Related Breeds
An episodic nervous system disorder triggered by strenuous exercise, termed Border Collie collapse (BCC), exists in Border Collies, mixes, and related breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Kelpies, Bearded Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Whippets. BCC is recognized throughout the world and is observed in dogs used for working stock, participating in agility and fly-ball competitions, or repeatedly […]
01536-A: Identification of the Gene Associated with Hypomyelination and Tremors in the Weimaraner
This research project aims to identify the gene and mutation responsible for a tremor syndrome which is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder in the Weimaraner breed. Affected dogs develop a severe tremor at 10-12 days of age which gradually diminishes with time so that by 4-5 months, the tremor is no longer seen in […]
00927: Gene Discovery in Hereditary Cerebellar Abiotrophy of Scottish Terriers
This study has not identified the definitive mutation underlying Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Scottish Terriers as yet, but has identified a small, highly associated region. To date we have provided a detailed description of the clinical signs and diagnostic findings of this disease that has been published in one of the top veterinary journals. We have […]
02658: Characterization of Sensory Neuronal and Muscle Pathology in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy to Identify Targets for Therapeutic Intervention
Many dog breeds, including mixed breeds, carry genetic mutations for degenerative myelopathy (DM), a late adult-onset disease that begins with loss of coordination and progressive hind limb paralysis. The disease is particularly prevalent in Boxers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in people. Approximately two to three years after […]
0002501: Transmission Analysis of Breed Specific Necrotizing Encephalitis in the Pug Dog: Pedigree Collection Phase
The long-term goal of the proposed research is to understand the molecular genetics of breed specific necrotizing meningoencephalitis in the Pug (Pug Dog Encephalitis, or PDE), the etiology of which is currently unknown. However, the breed predilection of PDE strongly suggests a genetic component. A necessary resource for this goal is detailed information regarding the […]
01212-A: Phenotypic Characterization of Peripheral Nerve Disease in Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a disease of the spinal cord causing progressive weakness in the hind limbs which progresses to affect the front limbs and shows signs also in the muscles and nerves. Though most commonly reported in German Shepherds, high disease prevalence also exists in other breeds, such as Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis […]
02290-MOU: Further Studies to Identify the Mutation Responsible for DUNGd
A hereditary disease that the breeders called DUNGd was recognized in Gordon Setters in the early 1990s and reported in the veterinary literature in 2000 (Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 12:570–573). Affected pups develop normally until 3-4 weeks of age when they show progressive behavioral changes, gait abnormalities and weakness. By 5-6 weeks of age, […]
0002463: Evaluation of Pharyngeal Function in Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis Prior to and After Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization
Laryngeal paralysis causes difficult breathing, which significantly limits activity and can be life threatening, in many large breeds of dogs. Surgical treatment maintains one side of the larynx, or voice box, in an open position. Coughing and gagging associated with eating and drinking and aspiration pneumonia may be present at the time of diagnosis or […]