The persons involved with the schemes below CAN NOT and WILL NOT treat your dog.  Please do not waste their time or yours by asking.

Renal Dysplasia

I am doing some initial research into this very serious and fatal condition which is effecting too many GSD litters in the UK.
Several full litters have died, and the majority of other litters have died, before they have reached 6 months of age. Most die when with their new owners, which not only brings considerable heartache and distress for the family, but also creates potentially difficult and costly consequences for the breeder, especially if there existed some “prior knowledge or suspicion” of the potential problem by the breeder, or the stud dog owner.
The information I require is in regard to effected GSD litters, size of litter, number of fatalities, age of fatality or euthanasia, copy of the litters pedigree.
For further details and how you can help contact: David Payne, VIDEX GSD. www.videxgsd.com

RESULTS OF PILOT STUDY
 


Help needed with research projects.


 Centre for Veterinary ScienceDept. of Veterinary Medicine
Haemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer in which the tumour is caused by unregulated proliferation of cells related to those that normally develop to make up blood vessels. The cancer may commonly be located in the spleen, the liver, or beneath the skin, although it can be found in other sites such as the heart. When dogs contract this form of cancer symptoms are often not visible until rather late in the course of the disease, by which time the outlook for the dog may be very poor.
We would hope that the minimum outcome of the research will be an improved understanding of the tumour leading to more effective treatment in cases when the tumour is recognized early in its growth.  We would  also hope that we can recognise genetic markers that are associated with higher risk of haemangiosarcoma in the German Shepherd Dog.
We would  also hope that we can recognise genetic markers that are associated with higher risk of haemangiosarcoma in the German Shepherd Dog.  Although it is unlikely that simply through the use of DNA based testing we shall be able to provide breeding advice leading to complete elimination of this tumour from the German Shepherd Dog breed, the recognition of  DNA markers associated with the disease could lead to a testing programme allowing marked reduction in incidence of haemangiosarcoma in the breed over the medium term.  In addition to the hope of improving the health of German Shepherd dogs the work also holds out the prospect that we may be able to gain a better understanding of the tumour in humans, in whom it occurs as a rare pediatric disease (a handful of cases per year in this country), and so is difficult to study. Both for this and for a human adult form associated with certain occupational toxins the prognosis for the patient is currently as grim as it is for dogs with the tumour.
To help us perform the study, what we need right now are blood samples from German Shepherd Dogs.  First and foremost we need blood samples from dogs that are or have been hemangiosarcoma patients. Ideally these would be 5ml samples in EDTA tubes, and we need at least 2ml to be useful.  We also need similar samples from older healthy German Shepherd Dogs. These should be around twelve or more years old because the tumour typically has onset in older dogs, and we are trying to minimize the chances that we sample dogs for our control group who subsequently go on to get the tumour.
Download form to participate in the study

Yours sincerely
David Sargan
Senior Lecturer in Molecular PathologyDirector of Postgraduate Studies
 
 


Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization of people whose pets have MRSA infections







Principal Investigator: J Scott Weese DVM, DVSc, DipACVIM
   Dept of Clinical Studies
   Ontario Veterinary College
   Guelph, Ontario
   (519) 824-4120 Ext 54064
   jsweese@uoguelph.ca

Background
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic-resistant bacterium that has recently been identified in a number of different animal species in North America. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is commonly found on many body surfaces of healthy people. It is most commonly present on the skin and in the nasal passages. This bacterium uncommonly causes disease in otherwise healthy people, however infants, elderly people and those with other illnesses may be more susceptible to disease. MRSA is an antibiotic resistant form of Staphylococcus aureus, which makes it more difficult to treat. MRSA is a problem in human hospitals because hospitalized individuals are more likely to develop disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA infections are difficult to treat. Recently, MRSA has emergence as a problem in animals, including household pets. Further, transmission of MRSA between people and their pets, in both directions, has been identified. We are trying to determine the extent of transmission of MRSA between infected pets and their household contacts. We are also evaluating risk factors for people and their pets carrying the same strain of MRSA. A better understanding of MRSA in animals may help reduce MRSA infection in animals and people, and decrease transmission of MRSA between animals and people.

Health Concerns
There are minimal health concerns regarding carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by otherwise healthy individuals. We are testing people to help understand how this bacterium moves though animal and human populations to gain a better understanding of the organism and potentially to help decrease transmission of MRSA to sick animals. If you participate in the study and are identified as a nasal carrier of MRSA, you will be informed. The goal of this study is not to diagnose human disease or identify people at risk for developing disease. If you are concerned about your test results, you are encouraged to contact your physician. Standard personal hygiene measures, particularly handwashing, are the best method to prevent transmission of MRSA.

This study
The objective of this research project is to determine the prevalence (frequency) of nasal MRSA carriage by people whose pets have an MRSA infection. MRSA carriage is diagnosed via a nasal swab. This study requires is insertion of a cotton-tipped nasal swab into both nasal passages. A brief questionnaire will also be provided to evaluate risk factors associated with MRSA carriage.

Study participation
Participation in this research project is voluntary. You can decline to be involved without any consequences. You are free to withdraw from this study at any time with no adverse results.
All people in the household are eligible to participate. Children may participate with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. Children of all ages are eligible. However, a nasal swab must be collected from them so they must be willing to allow their parent to stick a cotton-tipped swab ~0.5-1 cm (1/4 – 1/2 inch) up their nose. The choice of whether to include children is at the discretion of the parent. If the child is reluctant to allow nasal swab collection, we recommend that they not participate. It is not mandatory for all members of the household to participate.

Results
All results are strictly confidential. In the event that you are identified as a carrier of MRSA, it will be recommended that you contact your physician to discuss the situation, although there is minimal risk to your health.

Result Reporting
 You will be informed of your/your child’s results by email, telephone or regular mail (your choice). Each person will be informed individually unless you designate on your consent form that you would prefer your results be given to another member of the household. If you choose to have results reported to you, they will not be reported to anyone else in the house.

Questions
If you have any questions or would like further information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Weese.

Information needed into Dwarfism (Hypothpituitarism) for research project.

The first thing every owner and breeder needs to realise is that dwarfs are just the tip of an iceberg.  The vast majority of hypopituitarism in this breed does not show itself as dwarfs but as stillborn and fading puppies.  Dead 'mummified' puppies are sometimes associated with dwarfism.  The Delayed Growth Syndrome is associated with dwarfism and there is also evidence that some normal size relatives have similar intermediate hormone balances.

The second thing every owner and breeder needs to know is that there now exists a research project based in The Netherlands dedicated to finding the defective gene or genes responsible for this crippling condition using DNA analysis.  Once the genes have been identified it is hoped to produce a DNA based diagnostic test to enable breeders to determine whether their breeding animals carry this serious defect or not.

YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO SUPPLY BLOOD SAMPLES FOR THIS IMPORTANT DNA RESEARCH PROJECT.   SAMPLES ARE NEEDED FROM GSD DWARFS, THEIR PARENTS,  AND THEIR SURVIVING LITTERMATES ALONG WITH LITTER AND PEDIGREE DETAILS - ALL IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
DWARFISM IS A WORLD-WIDE PROBLEM. IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO HELP PLEASE CINTACT BY EMAIL NOW VIA WEB SITE:

View information about the project at  http://www.accdata.co.uk/dwarfism

WARNING!  This site contains some unpleasant images and information or contact John Walker direct at:
              Shepherd Cottage, Clwt-y-Bont, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd, LL55 3DE. UK

Database and Survey of German Shepherd Dogs suffering from DM.

Your help is required to submit health related information.
 


 

Auto Immune health Problems.

C.I.M.D.A. on behalf of the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital at Cambridge University, are conducting a survey and require information from owners whose dogs have been affected by auto-immune disease.

If you have a dog with an auto-immune disease or have been unfortunate enough to have owned a dog who has died from one of these diseases.... Haemolytic anaemia, Hypothyroidism, Addison's disease; Thrombocytopenia; SLE; Polyarthritis; Pemphigus; EPI and other auto immune diseases ... you can help

Completed surveys will enable a comprehensive investigation to be carried out into the apparent increase in occurrence, individual "trigger factors" and the possibility of predisposition of certain dogs to these diseases. The information secured by this survey will advance their understanding of these life-threateneing diseases and hopefully, in the long term, reduce the frequency of auto-immune disease

If you have an animal suffering from any of these conditions further details of the research and an appropriate form can be obtained by your vet contacting jo@cimda.fsnet.co.uk
Address: C.I.M.D.A. 73, Osidge Lane, Southgate, London N14 5JL
Tel (UK no.) 020 8368 9148. All details are returned direct to Cambridge University and are regarded as confidential.

C.I.M.D.A. = Canine Immune Medicated Disease Awareness and  offers support to owners who have dogs with auto-immune disease.
 
 

The UK GSD Breed Council are collecting health related information for inclusion on their database.
Further details of this scheme and submission form can be obtained from John Allinson

Urine samples from dogs suffering from DM (formerly known as CDRM), dogs suffering from arthritis and dogs suffering from HD. are required  to help with a research project currently being undertaken at Royal Veterinary College, London.
If you have an animal (German Shepherd Dogs only) suffering from any of these conditions further details of the research and an appropriate form can be obtained by your vet contacting
Dr Brian Catchpole.
The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street,
London NW1 0TU
Forms and accompanying urine samples must be wrapped in bubble-wrap and in a Jiffi bag labelled "Veterinary Pathological Specimen".
In the interests of security and confidentiality of information submitted, it is recommended that you participate as above and not through any unregistered third party.
 

This research project is now completed.

Haemophilia A brought into this country by descendants of Canto von der Wienerau Sch H3 presents a risk through haemophiliac dogs and carrier bitches and other imports.  A test for those at risk is available at the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket at the labratory of Dr Littlewood  or Idexx  labs contact IDEXX at 01937 544000

Pedigree Research: The GSD Helpline through can check or extend pedigrees of UK or German origin, mostly as far back as required. A small charge may be required for this service.

    The International Veterinary Brain Tumor Registry (IVBTR) was established by Dr. Steve Steinberg, a veterinary neurologist in 1994.
The IVBTR collects and disseminates epidemiologic data pertaining
to cats and dogs with brain tumours diagnosed by histopathology. Any licensed veterinarian can submit a case via the Internet and these will be added to the database after two stained, histopathologic slides from the submitted case and the necropsy or biopsy report are received.
Cases can be freely viewed and filtered searching options are available. Each case presents basic information, diagnostic information, and initital and secondary treatment options. Information is provided on the history and purpose of IVBTR, registration and case submission process.
If you have an animal suffering from any of these conditions further details of the research and an appropriate form can be obtained by your vet contacting IVBTR.

   Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)

 Other than flea allergy, atopic dermatitis or "atopy", is the commonest allergic skin disease in dogs affecting around 10% of dogs. Atopy is the result of a reaction to allergens such as pollen, moulds or house dust mites.
At the University of Glasgow Veterinary School researchers led by  Dr Pauline McNeil have improved the diagnosis of atopy based on clinical features and developed laboratory tests that determine dogs at risk of atopy before symptoms appear. The investigators are able to identify dogs at 15 months of age that are likely to develop atopy. The likelihood that treatment would be successful or not can also be predicted by examining markers in blood obtained from these animals.
At the Animal Health Trust, researchers led by Professor Michell
aim to identify components of the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pterynyssinus that are responsible for atopy in order to develop therapies that block their effects.
By identifying such factors it is hoped that therapies can be developed for dogs and humans with allergic skin and respiratory conditions.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of   the eyelid and is often seen in parallel with atopy. In the dog,the causes of the condition are poorly defined with no clear diagnostic criteria being determined.
At the AHT, researchers have examined tear samples from cases of bilateral  conjunctivitis to build up a clinical picture and define diagnostic criteria. A consistent pattern of inflammation has been
determined in these dogs. This will prove useful in helping other
 vets make a definitive diagnosis and treat the condition appropriately.
If you have an animal suffering from any of these conditions further details of the research can be obtained by your vet contacting University of Glasgow Veterinary School or AHT.

 Osteochondrosis & hip dysplasia

  Osteochondrosis and hip dysplasia are common orthopaedic problems. The conditions are the result of a failure of the bones
  at the joints to develop properly leading to lameness and arthritis.
     Research carried out by Dr Matthew Pead at the Royal Veterinary College, has established the value of arthroscopy (key-hole surgery) in the early diagnosis of elbow osteochondrosis. Samples of the fluid lining the joints has also been examined in order to determine the causes of the damage. This should lead to improved treatment of this potentially disabling disease.
    Vets treating dogs with difficult or complex orthopaedic conditions can receive advice from Dr Pead.
    At the University of Liverpool, researchers led by Dr Stuart Carter are examining levels of enzymes in joints that are known to be responsible for maintaining a healthy joint structure and how the activity of these enzymes changes during osteochondrosis.
    By determining the enzymes involved it will be possible to  prevent joint damage using new inhibitors of these enzymes  recently developed for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis in humans.
If you have an animal suffering from any of these conditions further details of the research can be obtained by your vet contacting  Royal Veterinary College or University of Liverpool

Canine genome project

   Since 1990, researchers at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) led  by Dr Matthew Binns  have been  examining the canine genome. They have successfully identified a number of genetic markers for various inherited disorders such as progressive retinal dystrophy, cataracts, epilepsy and allergic skin disease (atopy).
  Genetic tests are being developed to identify dogs with these  inherited disorders so that the animal can be regularly monitored for clinical signs and treatment provided when  necessary. In addition, genetic tests will allow breeders to select brood bitches and stud dogs that are free from genetic "defects" and reduce the risk of puppies inheriting these disorders.
Dog genetic material could help to identify people affected by these diseases and through genetic counselling  similarly help to reduce the risk of inherited disorders in humans.
Dr Jeff Sampson, has recently been appointed as the Kennel Club Genetics Co-ordinator. Originally based at the University of Leicester, Dr Sampson has relocated to the AHT  to maintain close contacts with the research. His role as Genetics Co-ordinator is to provide Kennel Club members with help and advice on inherited health problems that affect specific breeds.

The UK DNA Archive for Companion Animals is a national resource which has no parallel in the UK or Europe. The concept emerged from discussions between Professor Stuart Carter and Annette Barnes of Liverpool University Vet School, and Professor Bill Ollier of CIGMR at Manchester University.

Consultations with Britain’s six veterinary schools led to 46 diseases with a genetic cause or component being identified as priorities – 27 canine, 11 equine and 8 feline diseases. Funding has been secured to support the physical infrastructure and employ an experienced veterinary nurse, Wendy Hallows, to act as the Archive’s Co-ordinator.

Initially, we’re concentrating on collecting canine blood samples. Our primary strategy is to collaborate with the relevant breed clubs, since they have a vested interest in eradicating or minimising the effects of particular diseases, but we would be happy to receive samples from veterinary practices and veterinary researchers. Criteria sheets are already available for many of the canine diseases and some of the equine diseases. We’ve also prepared information sheets to circulate to owners, together with informed consent forms.

Samples will be made available to bona fide researchers. By identifying patterns in large numbers of samples, in time research will yield information which can be used to minimise a condition’s impact through the use of diet, treatments and lifestyle changes – or breed it out of existence.

Priority diseases Canine

Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Cruciate Disease, Inflammatory Polyarthritis, Anal Furunculosis, Lymphoma, EPI, Hypoadrenocorticism, Diabetes Mellitus, Atopic Dermatitis, Obesity, Gastric Dilatation, Hypothyroidism, Mast Cell Tumours, Soft Tissue Sarcomas, Gastric Carcinoma, Pyoderma, Cataracts, Melanoma, Otitis, Haemangiosarcoma, Lymphosarcoma, Pancreatitis, Patellar Luxation, Syringomyelia, Mitral Valve Disease, Canine Epilepsy.
 

FURTHER INFO: If you are a veterinary practitioner or researcher who is in a position to contribute blood samples from animals suffering from one of these diseases and/or healthy controls, or you represent a breed club with an interest in helping to collect samples, please contact Wendy Hallows at Whallows@liverpool.ac.uk to obtain the relevant criteria sheet.