| CANINE EPILEPSY RESEARCH PROJECT
Ned
Patterson, DVM
University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine
Gary
Johnson, DVM, PhD
University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine
The Canine Epilepsy
Project is a collaborative study into the causes of epilepsy in dogs. It is supported by
grants from the AKC Canine Health
Foundation (CHF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), individual breed clubs and
private donations. Grants
supporting this research are CHF Completed Grant #1718, CHF Active Grant #1729, CHF
Active Grant #1845, and NIH Award #1K08NS0224501.
Our goal is to find
the genes responsible for epilepsy in dogs so that wise breeding can decrease the
incidence of the disease in dogs. We also hope that knowing what genes regulate epilepsy
in dogs may help us better tailor our therapy to the specific cause.
SAMPLES
NEEDED FOR THE CANINE EPILEPSY GENETICS PROJECT
The Canine Epilepsy
Research Consortium headed by the University of Minnesota and the University of Missouri
Columbia is studying the genetics of epilepsy in all dog breeds. We are interested
in collecting samples from ANY PUREBRED DOG. Of the breeds collected so far, the Beagles,
Vizslas, English Springer Spaniels, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Otterhounds have the
most promising pedigree structures. Our goal is to find the genes responsible for epilepsy
in dogs so that wise breeding can decrease the incidence of the disease in dogs. We also
hope that knowing what genes regulate epilepsy in dogs may help us better tailor our
therapy to the specific cause.
To ensure the success of the study we must obtain DNA samples and health information from
more families (including siblings, parents, grandparents, offspring or distant relatives)
in which one or more members has epilepsy. If you have a purebred dog with epilepsy
or know of relatives of a dog affected with epilepsy, we would greatly appreciate
participation in the study.
All it takes is a blood sample being drawn by a veterinarian, the sample being shipped to
our laboratory, and a few pages of health and litter information to be filled out.
The cost of the blood samples being shipped can be paid for if needed. All needed forms
and information may be found at www.canine-epilepsy.net
or can be mailed to you. All information provided will be kept strictly
confidential. As the research progresses, participants may request information on the
genetic status of their dog(s).
Please contact us if you wish to participate or have questions. For more information on
this project, please visit www.canine-epilepsy.net
Canine Genetics Lab
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine
C303 Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
1352 Boyd Ave. St. Paul MN 55108
Lab: 612-624-5322
Office: 612-625-5799
Canine Epilepsy Research Consortium, www.canine-epilepsy.net
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