Saint Health Page

Autoimmune diseases cause significant amounts of mortality and debilitating disease in dogs. In humans many autoimmune diseases occur only in individuals expressing one of the few predisposing histocompatibility genes. For example, all cases of type I diabetes in humans are associated with only a few of the many allelic forms of class II histocompatibility genes. Consequently, if the frequencies of these few alleles were reduced by half, the incidence of diabetes would be reduced by half. Here we propose to characterize histocompatibility susceptibility alleles for three major, heritable canine autoimmune diseases - diabetes, immune-mediated thyroiditis and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. If any of these three debilitating (or lethal) autoimmune diseases have a restricted number of susceptibility alleles it will allow: (1) development of diagnostic tests for identifying individuals at risk for prophylactic therapy and research and (2) reducing the incidence of the disease by reducing the breeding of individuals carrying the predisposing histocompatibility alleles. For each of the three autoimmune diseases, we propose to collect DNA samples from approximately 100 purebred dogs diagnosed with the disease. Histocompatibility genes will be cloned and sequenced for each dog for a total of approximately 1100 sequences. Histocompatibility alleles will be tested for significant associations with each of the autoimmune diseases.

We need samples from purebred dogs that have confirmed diagnosis of one of these three autoimmune diseases: diabetes, immune-mediated thyroiditis or immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. If your dog has been diagnosed with one of these three diseases please download a consent/diagnosis form. Fill it out completely, including the diagnosis criteria signed by your veterinarian and return to us. We will then send you a DNA collection kit, which only requires cheek swabbing your dog and returning the swabs to us in a pre-stamped envelope.
For additional information, please contact:

Katy Robertson, DNA Manager
UC Davis Center for Veterinary Genetics
(530) 752-3864

Mark Neff PhD.
Center for Veterinary Genetics
CCAH BuildingOne Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8744

The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

Greater representation of a breed in the DNA bank can lead to more researchers choosing that breed for study. Send your dogs DNA in today-

More Information:

CHIC DNA Repository
The CHIC DNA Repository is now open to receive samples from all participating CHIC breeds.
We would like to thank the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Golden community in general for their overwhelming support during the pilot phase in which over 750 samples, pedigrees, and health surveys were collected

The Canine Health Foundation Press Announcement Frequently Asked Questions about the CHIC DNA Repository

Mission Statement
The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

Objectives
Facilitate more rapid research progress by expediting the sample collection process Provide researchers with optimized family groups needed for research. Allow breeders to take advantage of future DNA based disease tests as they become available Foster a team environment between breeders/owners and the research community improving the likelihood of genetic discovery Submission by Blood Sample Blood is the gold standard for genetic material; the yield of DNA is sufficient for all research methods, including technologies on the horizon. Moreover, the stability and purity of the DNA is of the highest caliber, which offers many benefits. The drawback of banking blood samples is cost — drawing, shipping, storing, and extracting DNA from blood are more expensive endeavors than the alternative.

Submission by Cheek Swab
Cheek swab-derived DNA is a viable option for DNA banking. Although the yield and purity of this DNA is inferior to that obtained from blood, the material is suitable for most genetic approaches. The swabs are inexpensive, and the samples can be taken by the owner of the dog without the necessity of a veterinary office call. Swabs are easily shipped in standard envelopes using the postal mail, and they can be stored for at least a decade at room temperature, so long as they are stored under conditions of low humidity. The success rate for obtaining DNA from a swab in the laboratory is roughly 98%, so multiple swabs should be submitted for each dog to ensure representation in the archive.

Laboratories
The CHIC DNA Repository has partnered with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of California–Davis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri. UC Davis will receive and store all swab samples, and Missouri will receive and store all blood samples.

To Participate, complete the following application form and submit to the OFA. You will receive the appropriate swab or blood collection kit in the mail. The health survey below may be completed online, printed, and mailed to the OFA with the DNA samples. Instructions for submission of DNA samples via Blood Sample

Instructions for submission of DNA samples via Cheek Swab

Health Survey for DNA Repository

DNA Application Form download at: http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabank.html

This form has been translated in to the 3-fold brochure, published in Acrobat (pdf) format click here: http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html

The PDF version has information and images not currently in the webpage version. It is highly recommended you use this version!

As in the printed version, please do not modify the contents so as to have all the information available if you make a copy; please, feel free to give links/printouts to anyone...who owns a Saint Bernard.

http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html

OFA—The Non Profit
As a private not-for-profit foundation, the OFA has funded nearly $3 million in research aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of inherited companion animal disease. The OFA funds projects through the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and occasionally through direct grants. The OFA has achieved Ruby Donor status with MAF, and Millennium Founder status with the AKC CHF. OFA supported research is not limited to orthopedic disease, and has included cancers, heart disease, and thyroid disease as examples. Some research has been breed specific, some for all breeds, some for multiple species, and has been done at many of our leading universities and research institutions. And, with the recent completion of the mapping of the canine genome, the OFA is focusing more of its research dollars towards research at the molecular level.

*No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. There are multiple environmental factors such as caloric intake, level of exercise, and weather that can affect the severity of clinical signs and phenotypic expression (radiographic changes). There is no rhyme or reason to the severity of radiographic changes correlated with the clinical findings. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs with barely any arthritic radiographic changes that are severely lame.

General Hip Dysplasia Information can be found at:

http://www.offa.org/hipgeninfo.html

AKC Canine Health Foundation
Grant # 790
Research Institution: Ohio State University
Title: MicroRNA Profiling and MicroRNA-Based Treatment of Canine Cancers
Researchers: Dr. William Kisseberth

View Abstract:

www.akcchf.org/research/grants/search/index.cfm?search=number&
display=results&number=790

While the exact mode of inheritance is unknown, osteochondrosis is considered to be an inherited disease. In affected individuals there is a disruption in ossification of the cartilage mold beneath the articular cartilage of the joint. This results in aseptic necrosis and when the weakened area collapses, the articular cartilage fractures resulting in lameness.

OCD has been reported to occur in the shoulder, elbow, stifle, hock, and spine, and can be unilateral or bilateral. Most affected dogs that develop clinical signs are less than one year of age.

OCD is seen in many breeds but appears to be more common in the larger body type breeds. It is also seen more frequently in males than females.

More Information found at:

http://www.offa.org/shouldergeninfo.html

Heat stroke is unfortunately a common occurrence in the emergency room during the summer months. Unless very prompt and aggressive treatment is obtained, many of these dogs will die. For more information....read more in article listed below:

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/health/healtharticle4.htm

Primary Addison's disease is a deficiency or total loss of the hormones made by the dog's adrenal glands. These glands produce three different hormones; corticosteroids, aldosterone and cortisol.

The corticosteroids help the body during times of stress, raise heart rate and blood sugar. Cortsol and aldosterone mobilize nutrients, raise blood sugar, help the body control water, and regulate salt levels which in turn, affect blood pressure and blood volume.

Most major cases of Addison's disease are due to inherited immune system defects. What happens is the immune system creates antibodies against cells of the adrenal glands. These antibodies slowly weaken, and eventually destroy the adrenal glands.

Other dog illnesses such as cancer, have also been linked to this disease.

Early symptoms of Addison's disease are vomiting, digestion problems, poor appetite, lethargy, limping and lameness. These common symptoms are similar to other dog illnesses so Addison's quite often goes undetected.

More severe signs occur when a dog becomes stressed or when potassium levels are high enough to interfere with heart function. When this happens, severe shock can occur (system crash). If potassium levels get to high, heart function can be affected or even cease.

The disease is manageable but treatment for this Saint Bernard health condition is expensive.

More Information:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/deaddisons.html

A canine disease caused by pressure to the spinal cord in the area of the dog's neck. The cause for this disease is thought to be a combination of nutrition and genetics. Typically, early signs of Wobblers Syndrome appear within the first 18 months of a pups life, yet the disease can develop much later.

Early on, a newly affected dog may show coordination problems in the hind legs. An affected dog may also show signs of neck pain. No case is the same; some dogs may develop a slight case and live out there lives fine. In others, the disease will progress over time and incapacitate the animal. One of the more troubling dog illnesses to the Great Dane owner as it can slowly, methodically, incapacitate a wonderful Dane.

Note, a dog with Wobblers Syndrome is predisposed to further injuries like ACL tears. This loss of coordination in the limbs can cause the legs to be out of position when the dog is running or playing.

Fortunately, progress is being made with treatments. Medications, anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, bead implants and surgery are options for those with a wobbler. Your specialist can perform a complex x-ray called a myelogram to confirm this deformity.

There is a simple Wobblers home test you can perform on your dog if you suspect the onset of wobblers. Ask your vet to instruct you regarding this procedure.

More Information:

http://petsurgery.com/wobblersyndrome.html

A painful condition of the bones that occurs during the rapid growth phase of a Saint puppy causing lameness. Fortunately your Saint pup should pass this "growing pain" phase on its own. If symptoms persist, your veterinarian may provide pain medication for your pup.

Panosteitis is a spontaneously occurring lameness that usually occurs in giant breed dogs. Some veterinarians feel that this disease may be induced or worsened by stress.

Currently, a common rumor is that low protein, low calcium diets may prevent this condition.

More Information:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/depano.html

Typically inherited, affects the Saint Bernard's immune system. This condition is a result of the thyroid gland not producing enough hormone to keep-up the dog's metabolism.

This condition is easily detected by a simple blood test. The disease is manageable with thyroid replacement therapy. Treatment typically continues over the rest of your Saint's life.

Some signs of Hypothyroidism are skin problems, excessive shedding, hair loss, loose eyes, and frequent infections.

If you suspect your Saint may have Hypothyroidism, take him in for a blood test. It used to run around $80.00. Money well spent for piece of mind and reassurance about your Saint's health.

Frequently ask questions:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dog-hypo.htm

While that day has not come yet, the owners of German Shepherd dogs have the rare opportunity to help make this dream come true.

In the February 2007 issue of the REVIEW, an article appeared written by Dr Mathew T. Pletcher of The Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Pletcher is conducting a research project on the behavioral genetics in herding dogs. While watching our dogs in the pen with sheep, haven't most of
us asked ourselves "how do they know how to do that?"How does that instinct survive generations without practice? Fascinating subject.

In addition, Dr. Pletcher has agreed to add a component  to his research. He has agreed to look for a DNA marker for bloat/torsion. In GERMAN SHEPHERDS! What does this mean for our dogs? The rare opportunity to find a DNA marker specific to our breed. A marker will allow breeders
to breed away from this disease, eventually eradicating it all together.

How do you participate? If you have a dog that has survived bloat/torsion or has had a relative (dead or alive) bloat/torsion contact Dr Pletcher or his assistant Laura Schultz. Have a 5 Generation pedigree available to send with the blood sample and medical history on your dog and their relatives, as much as you know. Then make an appointment with your Vet for a blood draw. The Scripps Research Institute does not charge for your participation. Please also note that all information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. The names of dogs or owners are not released to anyone.

Information for your Vet:

5ml blood in an EDTA tube marked with the Dog's
name, AKC #, Breed, Sex. If the dog has been sick
(even if healthy now please include any diagnostic tests.

Send samples to

Dr. Mathew T Pletcher
The Scripps Research Institute - Florida
Building RF-1 Room 110
5353 Parkside Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=64179&nfid=crss
Pfizer Animal Health (PAH) announced today the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved Cerenia(TM) (maropitant citrate),
the first medication to prevent and treat acute vomiting in dogs.
This first-in-class drug has been proven to be a safe and effective
medication that veterinarians can use to control emesis (vomiting),
quickly and effectively, regardless of the cause, including motion sickness.

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners take their dogs to
the veterinarian. According to Pfizer Animal Health market research,
veterinarians see on average 30 cases of vomiting per month, with an
estimated 2.8 million dogs experiencing vomiting each year in the
U.S. In addition, another 1.2 million dogs suffer from vomiting
caused by motion sickness.

While distressing to both dog and owner, vomiting may also be a sign
of a serious underlying problem. To date, there is no product
developed and approved specifically to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs.

While there are two pathways that cause vomiting in dogs, central and
peripheral, veterinarians mainly rely on human-labeled products that
address only a single pathway. This can often lead to inconsistent
treatment results and frustration for owner and veterinarian. Cerenia
is unique because it prevents and treats canine vomiting regardless
of the pathway involved.

"In many cases it is important to treat vomiting in order to prevent
further deterioration of the dog's health and to alleviate
suffering," said S. Kristina Wahlstrom, VMD, MS, group director, U.S.
Companion Animal Veterinary Operations, Pfizer Animal Health.
"Current treatments may not be effective depending on the pathway
involved, resulting in unnecessary distress to the dog and owner."

Cerenia addresses an unmet need in veterinary medicine. The product
is administered once daily, unlike many human-labeled drugs that are
often dosed as many as two to four times per day. Available in both
injectable and tablet formulations, Cerenia starts to work within one
hour of administration. Cerenia will be available by prescription
only from veterinarians in the summer 2007.

"This has been an exciting year for veterinarians and their canine
patients with the approval of two first-in-class medications to treat
and manage serious medical conditions," said George Fennell, vice
president, U.S. Companion Animal, Pfizer Animal Health. "Both
medications -- the first drug to manage canine obesity and now the
first treatment for canine vomiting -- demonstrate Pfizer's
commitment to provide innovative and groundbreaking medications that
will help dogs lead longer, healthier lives."

Pfizer researchers and veterinarians spent seven years conducting the
research and development leading to the approval of Cerenia. In
clinical trials involving 577 dogs, Cerenia was shown to be safe and
effective, producing consistent results in a wide range of dog breeds
and causes of vomiting such as parvovirus, gastroenteritis and renal
disease.

Cerenia is generally well tolerated by dogs. Side effects observed
include excessive salivation, vomiting and muscle tremors. Cerenia
has not been evaluated in dogs used for breeding, pregnant or
lactating bitches, dogs with gastrointestinal obstruction, or dogs
that have ingested toxins. Cerenia is recommended for use in dogs 16
weeks of age and older. Cerenia should be used with caution in dogs
with hepatic dysfunction and with other medications that are highly
protein bound. Cerenia is not for use in humans.

With 2006 sales of $2.3 billion, Pfizer Animal Health is a global
leader in discovering, developing and marketing medicines and
vaccines for companion animals and livestock, including beef and
dairy cattle and swine.

Pfizer Animal Health
http://www.pfizerah.com

http://www.kattwalkgolden.com/estrus_chart_3.html

http://www.kattwalkgolden.com/images/Estrus_Chart_2.jpg

Outbreaks of parvo starting in the late 1970's were recognized by researchers at Cornell and much work went into the study of the virus due to the high mortality rates. Vaccines were developed to help control the problem; however, parvo outbreaks still continue. There is some question as to the exact origin of the parvo virus (CPV-2) and there are those that feel it may have come from the enteritis of mink or feline parvo.

With time there have been some changes in CPV-2 and a second strain, CPV-2a, was identified in the late 1980's. It can present with fewer signs and more rapid death than the original picture of parvo in the late 70's.

Canine Parvo Virus-1

J.K. Veatch, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Dept. of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigations

College of Veterinary Medicine

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS 66506

For more information:

http://www.heirlair.com/parvo.htm

Researchers are studying the microarchitecture of the canine zona pellucida which is an extracellular coat of the oocyte. To conduct our study, we need freshly collected ovaries from any healthy, normal dog breed (age 1 year or older) so that we can isolate the oocytes. We also are interested in antibodies that recognize the canine zona pellucida during immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. Please contact Dr. Shirley Wright at the address below. Please contact Dr. Wright if you need additional information.

Shirley J. Wright, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Programs in Biology
Department of Biology
University of Dayton
300 College Park Avenue
Dayton, OH 45469-2320
Phone: 937-229-2857
Fax: 937-229-2021

Perhaps no aspect of pet ownership in the U.S. elicits as passionately supportive emotions as the subject of spay and neuter. In fact, this orientation is so well established that saying anything that questions the procedure is akin to blasphemy. However, just as women were routinely relieved of their reproductive organs with a "La de da, you'll never miss 'em" attitude until studies exploring the nonreproductive effects of reproductive hormones made human physicians rethink this position, so veterinarians and other animal-care professionals are making tentative moves to rethink wholesale sterilization of companion animals, too.

To understand what difference this may make in our attitudes about the procedure, let's consider the subject in it's entirety at:

http://www.mmilani.com/commentary-200509.html

Researchers at the University of Missouri, Columbia are seeking samples from dogs with the above disorder as well as from relatives of affected dogs. The preferred sample is blood in an EDTA tube. For sampling instructions and forms, see our Website. Click on any project link, then on SAMPLE SUBMISSION.

For additional information, contact:

Liz Hansen
University of Missouri
College of Veterinary Medicine
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 884-3712

**Below is the URL to a new research project that may lead to new approaches to managing drug treatment for epileptic dogs. The project is being performed in the Department of Genetics and College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University.

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com

***Below is the URL for ... "All you ever wanted to know about Canine Epilepsy "

www.canine-epilepsy.com

 

Submitted by:

Brenda McWhorter, Health Chairman SBCA

For these breeds: Bullmastiff, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhound, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, Scottish Deerhound

Researchers at the Broad Institute in Boston are requesting blood samples from any healthy dog (especially a dog 8 years or older). The registration number or pedigree information is also required. Samples should be 5 ml of blood in an EDTA tube and ship to the address below along with the signed consent form (below). Please let us know to expect the sample. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse for the cost of shipping or veterinary expenses, and we greatly appreciate your assistance with our research.

More details on blood collection and cheek swabs

If you have questions please contact:
Dog Genome Project
Broad Institute Fax: 617-252-1902
One Kendall Square, Bldg 300
Cambridge, MA 02139
Website

Although taurine is not dietarily essential for dogs, taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are sporadically reported in large-breed dogs. Recent evidence also suggests that taurine stores and the development of DCM may be affected not only by diet, but also by a dog's size. There is a prevalence of DCM in families of dogs and specific breeds, many of which are the large and giant breeds. Dr. Fascetti and her colleagues at UC Davis, are carrying out a variety of investigations to find out how diet composition affects taurine metabolism in dogs, and how taurine dificiency may play a huge role in the development of DCM, particularly in large-breed giant dogs.

Please see: Dietary Taurine Deficiency and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs UC Davis: URL is: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/Update06-2/6-2_Taurine.html

Information from the studies will contribute to ongoing and subsequent research on taurine metabolism in dogs, and will help clinicians interpret taurine profiles to make appropriate therapeutic recommendations, according to information in these studies...the deficiency in Taurine in the dogs diet can lead to this malis.