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GENETICS AND
HEALTH COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2000
LENS LUXATION PROJECT: Liz
Hansen from Dr. Johnson's lab called tonight with an update on the Mini Bull
lens luxation project. As yet there has been no breakthrough in finding a
genetic marker. The markers they have tried have all been present in each of
the 73 Minis for which they now have blood samples. This indicated how
closely related our Minis are. They will continue to search for a marker
which is not present in 100% of the dogs.
The lab will be getting a new
sequencing machine in April. This should speed up the rate at which the lab
can run blood samples.
Some promising news is that the
Tibetan Terriers are contributing blood samples (100 are already logged in)
and the Sealyhams may soon start sending samples also. Liz has recently
spoken to someone from the Jack Russell club. If these other breeds, which
also suffer from lens luxation, add their genes to the study, there may be a
marker which is not found in every Tibetan Terrier, as this breed is less
homogeneous than ours. This is assuming that the defective gene is the same
in these three breeds, which is a good possibility as the Tibetans do have
"real Terriers" in their ancestry.
Adding additional breeds to the
study should also help us financially if they pick up some of the cost of
additional research.
Liz is still trying to get
samples from other members of the families already in the study. If you
don't know whether or not people with your puppies have sent in blood
samples, Liz can tell you which dogs she has and which are still missing.
The Mini pedigree study is also extremely important. Of course, if a dog has
luxated since the blood sample was sent in, give Liz a call. Her number at
the lab is 573-884-3712.
Liz suggested that spring
heartworm testing visits to the vet would be an ideal time to have your vet
draw a little extra blood and have him send it along to add yet another Mini
to the study.
AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION:
Erika Werne from the Foundation wrote to let us know that they have an
application for a grant to study "genome screening and linkage analysis".
Breeds to be studied include Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers. The
breeds involved are asked to consider supporting the project. I called Erika
for more information. She does not yet have the details, but will send me a
copy of the researcher's actual proposal when it is submitted later this
month. I explained that, as a small club, we have very limited funds. She
understands this as many other clubs are in the same boat. I also asked her
to send me the latest list of ongoing heart research projects. Heart
research was of special interest to Susan Hall. However, I don't know
whether she was ever able to contact Dr. Meurs and colleagues at |
