You may be aware that Dr. Gary Patronek and his colleagues at Tufts University have been working on a formula to predict normal body weight in starved dogs, so that when the case goes to court there will be some way of showing the judge what the dogs should have weighed as well as calculating how long at minimum it took to get in that condition. The research involves collecting relatively simple body measurements in starvation cases, preferably at time of confiscation and later after successful refeeding. They've tested the formula on 5 St. Bernards from a case last year in CA and it worked very well.
If you become involved with rehabilitating a starvation case, please consider assisting with this important research. Measurement instructions and a data collection sheet for the dog measuring project have been placed on the web at the following address. Interested parties should go directly to this link - http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/bodyweight.html
Natalie A. DiGiacomo
Program Coordinator
Humane Society of the United States
Great Lakes Regional Office
745 Haskins Rd., Suite G
Bowling Green, OH 43402
(419) 352-5141 fax (419) 354-5351
ndigiacomo@hsus.org
10/20/02
"Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma" which is part of the laboratory program "Genetics of Canine Cancer". This program is part of a collaborative effort between Dr. Jamie Modiano at the AMC Cancer Research Center in Denver, CO. and Dr. Matthew Breen at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. This research is supported by the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation along with several breed clubs and animal health organizations.
The purpose of this study is to determine the role of genetics in the development of cancer in dogs. Breeds included in the study are Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and others with prior approval of the principal investigator. Enrollment is open until approximately December 2004.
For complete details refer to the following PDF files:
11/15/02
VetGen is conducting research on Goldens in the areas of Juvenile Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia, and now, von Willebrand's Disease.
For the research on Juvenile Cataracts, and also for research on Hip Dysplasia we are looking for "families" with at least two or more affected littermates. We would like to obtain DNA samples from the two or more affected dogs and their parents, both whenever possible, and a few unaffected littermates as well. We need a copy of the pedigree to see how the dogs are related to each other and if they are related to any families that we already have in. For our research on Hip Dysplasia we need copies of the vet's report indicating the nature and type of the Hip Dysplasia, the OFA cert is good if there is one. For Cataracts we need a copy of the eye exam report.
For our purposes, DNA samples are collected by means of small cheek brushes which we send to participants. Anyone wanting to participate in either research project should contact me here at VetGen. I will send out the DNA sample collection swabs, instructions for swabbing the dog, and a self-addressed, envelope for their return.
For our research on von Willebrand's Disease we are looking for Golden's who have had low scores, 20% or lower, on their blood assay or Elisa test. For this research we need 3ml whole blood in a purple top tube. It doesn't need to be kept cold, just protected from breaking during shipment. For vWD research we don't need pedigrees, don't need other family members, just the affected dog.
Participation in our research is free and completely confidential.
You can learn more about VetGen, our current DNA tests for Arabian Horses, and dogs at www.VetGen.com and follow the link to learn about our current research projects.
Blood for vWD should be sent to:
VetGen
3728 Plaza Drive, Suite One
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Attn: Research
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me at::
Cheryl Hogue
Research Coordinator
VetGen
1 800 483-8436
E-mail: healthydog@vetgen.com
Website: www.vetgen.com