The University of Missouri Project Dr. Gary S. Johnson, a molecular geneticist from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia is currently doing DNA research to try to locate the mutation(s) responsible for causing epilepsy in dogs. The genes controlling seizure problems in dogs are not well understood, but this project is attempting to find the marker(s) or mutation(s) responsible. When these can be identified, a blood test will tell if an individual dog is a carrier, clear, or likely to become an affected (even before symptoms begin). Using this information, breeders can choose breeding partners who will not produce additional affected puppies.
Researchers working on this project need information from affected dogs and their families. Specifically, what is needed is a 3- to 5-generation pedigree of the litter where an affected dog (or dogs) appeared, and blood samples from the affected dog(s), all full siblings, parents, and when possible, the grandparents. More distant relatives are potentially useful, but the most important samples are from the affected dogs, their siblings, and parents. Family groups are important so that the genotype of the affected dogs can be compared to that of close relatives who are not affected, and allow researchers to decipher how these genes are inherited from one generation to the next. An affected dog with little or no family available may also be of some use. Participation in the project is confidential - the names of dogs and owners who participate in the research will not be revealed. When the research produces results, individual owners will be able to request the results of testing on their own dogs. Results of research are published in such a way that the identity of individual dogs is anonymous. There is a packet of information sheets and forms for submitting samples. You may make copies and distribute them to other interested breeders and owners. The packet can be downloaded at the Canine Epilepsy Network web site, http://www.cvm.missouri.edu/cen/ or, upon request, may be faxed or mailed to you. Please contact the co-ordinator of Veterinary Information Liz Hansen 573-884-3712 (office) ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 1999 by its original author.
