I'd like to bring to your attention
a study that the Animal Health Trust are undertaking. You may already be aware
of this, but if not, the details are as follow:
"Scientists and clinicians at the Animal Health Trust (www.aht.org.uk) are embarking on an exciting
project to investigate the genetic basis of epilepsy in the dog. By combining
the expertise of the clinicians to diagnose dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
and state of the art genetic research capability we hope to identify the genetic
factors involved. If the research is successful the end product will be a
DNA test that can identify the risk of developing the condition and passing
it on to future generations
At the moment we are in the initial stages and the project is likely to
take several years to complete but the first, and arguably the most important,
step is DNA sample collection. Once sufficient samples have been collected
we will analyse genetic markers distributed evenly across the dogs genome
to identity those that are shared by all affected dogs and different from
those carried by dogs that don't suffer from epilepsy. These markers will
point us to the region(s) of the DNA that contains mutation(s) that are responsible
for causing epilepsy. Once we have determined the region of DNA that contains
the mutations we can undertake additional experiments to identify the mutations
themselves.
If we are to be successful we need DNA samples from dogs affected with idiopathic
epilepsy and their close relatives, and also from unaffected dogs The DNA
can be provided as a blood sample (if blood is being drawn from your dog for
another purpose) or as a simple cheek swab. We would also appreciate a pedigree
of all dogs that donate a sample so we can understand how the samples we
collect are related to one another. This will help us to understand the mode
of inheritance of the condition and how many genes are involved.
All research is undertaken in complete confidence. The identity of all samples
submitted to the research effort will be kept confidential and the results
from individual dogs will only be shared with the dog's owner(s), once the
research has been completed.
We are collecting samples from dogs that are:
1. Affected with idiopathic epilepsy
2. Closely related to a dog that is affected with idiopathic epilepsy
3. Unaffected with epilepsy and over 7 years of age.
If you have a dog or dogs that meet any of the above criteria then we would
very much appreciate a sample from them. To request a free swab kit or sample
submission form, please contact our sample manager, Bryan McLaughlin (bryan.mclaughlin@aht.org.uk)
indicating the number of kits you require and your full postal address.
You will need to complete the sample submission form that is included in
the swab kit and if your dog is affected please provide us with as much information
about your dog's epilepsy as you can.
It helps us to know:
* The age at which your dog develped epilepsy
* How often he/she has a seizure
* How long the seizures last
* What tests or scans your dog has had to determine or rule out possible
causes of the epilepsy
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in
this project, and if you have any more questions please do not hesitate to
get in touch.
Many thanks
Luisa De Risio, DMV, MRCVS, PhD, DECVN
European and RCVS recognised specialist in veterinary neurology
Neurology/Neurosurgery Unit
Centre for Small Animal Studies
and
Cathryn Mellersh, PhD
Department of Genetics
Centre of Preventive Medicine "
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
