01362-A: Investigation of the Genetics of Scottie Cramp: DNA Sample Collection

Grant Amount: $11,923.2

Natasha J Olby, VetMB PhD; North Carolina State University

November 1, 2009 - October 31, 2011

Sponsor(s): American Belgian Malinois Club, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Breed(s): Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier

Research Program Area: Neurology

Project Summary

The aim of this project was to create a bank of DNA from Scottish and Cairn Terriers that suffer from Scottie Cramp, and from normal dogs. Our goal was to use this DNA bank to perform a genome-wide association study of this disease in future work. With the help of the breed societies and the owners and breeders of these fantastic terriers, we have been able to create a large DNA bank including 252 samples from normal dogs and 31 samples from affected dogs. These samples were instrumental in our obtaining funding for the next phase of the research; mapping the disease with a genome-wide association study. In the course of our work, we did find that some dogs exhibit very severe signs that are not responsive to medication. This was unexpected based on previous descriptions of the disease, and we will publish a paper describing the full spectrum of signs seen currently to update the veterinary medical literature. We are continuing to solicit samples from affected dogs in support of our ongoing work, and are grateful for the support received so far.

Publication(s)