Breeders in England were having this problem 20 years ago. And they are still having it. And we are still having it here.
If we are interested in genetic markers, we could do something about it. Liz Hansen, Animal Molecular Genetics, University of Missouri, is embarking on a 5-year study of the canine genome. They are keeping blood samples for DNA from families of dogs with apparently hereditary defects. They started out with epilepsy (and the info on how to submit samples was at canine-epilepsy.net, which I can't bring up today), but they are also studying other genetic conditions. They want 5-cc blood samples from affected and unaffected family members. (They will take 3 cc from a small dog). Or, if euthanized, a spleen. They ask for paperwork, including a pedigree; all forms downloadable from the site. Instructions for the blood sample are also on the site: EDTA tube, not spun. Anyone who comes up with an affected litter should consider participating, for the good of the future of the breed. I haven't personally had this condition, so I have not started a DNA study on it, but if anyone is interested, send the samples to Liz and label the condition "rough coat syndrome". I'm not saying ethoxyquin couldn't be a trigger. But generally there are genetic predispositions in a condition where one bitch delivers two affected puppies in different litters. Leanne ========================================================= "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 2002 by its original author.
