THE O.E.S.BREED COUNCIL
FUND RAISING SUB COMMITTEE
FOR OES HEALTH.
FROM CATHRYN MELLERSH.
Thanks for your message. I'm
writing this from home today, so can't access all my files, but
I think there has been a steady trickle of samples and I believe
we have at least two or three affecteds in now. Sample collection
is obviously ongoing and there won't be a lot else to report (of
an interesting nature anyway!) for a while because we expect to
spend the next six months at least doing preliminary lab work
before we can do the interesting job of looking for mutations.
We will focus on three breeds initially - these breeds were described
in the proposal we wrote to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust that
won us the generous funding so we are duty bound to study those
first - and search in additional breeds (including the OES) once
we have made progress in the initial breeds.
I know it all sounds like a long drawn out process but the samples
collection seems to be going well and that shold be very encouraging
- we can't do anything without those samples!
076.06 KENNEL CLUB CHARITABLE
TRUST HELPS THE ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST CONTINUE GROUNDBREAKING GENETIC
RESEARCH YOU CAN HELP TOO AT CRUFTS
Friday, 3 March, 2006
PLEASE NOTE THE O.E.S. HAS NOT
BEEN INCLUDED DUE TO THE SHORTAGE OF SAMPLES.
PLEASE SEND IN YOUR DOGS DNA
SO THAT WE DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE FREE FUNDING.
THE AHT URGENTLY REQUIRE SAMPLES
FROM AFFECTED DOGS AND ANY RELATION OF AN AFFECTED
DOG.
Genetic breakthrough
During 2005 scientists at the
Animal Health Trust identified the genetic mutations responsible
for hereditary cataract in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and
juvenile cataract in the Boston Terrier and have developed DNA
diagnostic tests that are now available to distinguish carrier,
clear and affected dogs. The studies, which also included the
development of a diagnostic test for L-2-HGA in Staffordshire
Bull Terriers, have been funded in part by the Kennel Club Charitable
Trust, which through its Health Foundation Fund helps pay for
research to develop new DNA tests for inherited conditions. This
allows breeders to screen their breeding stock before they are
used for breeding.
“The work done by the Animal
Health Trust has been exceptional. Its findings will lead to improvements
in the health of several breeds of dog.” said Kennel Club
Charitable Trust chairman Mike Townsend.
New research
Now, funded by a £250,000 grant from the Kennel Club Charitable
Trust, the same team of researchers are starting an exciting new
project to study the genetics of hereditary cataract (HC) and
progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in other breeds.
Over the next three years the
Trust’s scientists aim to identify the genetic mutations
that are responsible for HC in the Golden Retriever and the American
Cocker Spaniel and for PRA in the Golden Retriever and the Tibetan
Spaniel. They will develop DNA diagnostic tests that breeders
can use to eliminate these debilitating diseases from their breeds.
Additional breeds to be
studied
In addition to the breeds listed above the Trust will investigate
the genetics of HC and PRA in any breed for which they collect
sufficient DNA samples. The success of this research will largely
depend on the successful collection of DNA from dogs that can
usefully contribute to the research.
How to help
The Trust will be launching its campaign to collect DNA samples
from its stand at Crufts. Any dog of any breed that has ever been
diagnosed as affected with either HC or PRA, or close relatives
of affected dogs, can help with their research to identify the
genetic cause of these diseases. Visitors and exhibitors can help
by picking up a DNA sampling pack from the AHT stand in Hall 5
(stand No 16). Can your dog help the AHT add hereditary cataract
and progressive retinal atrophy to the list of DNA tests available?
3rd March 2006
ENDS
Sent to the Secretary of the
Breed council.
First of all thank you for keeping the OESCA Health
and Research Committee informed regarding Dr. Mellersh's cataract
research. We are eager to support this work by encouraging members
to collect DNA samples.
In the next issue of the OETimes we have published
the article you forwarded on cataract research and the need for
international samples. The OETimes should be in the hands of our
members by mid February.
I am delighted to promote international cooperation
on health issues and diseases. We really need to view our breed
in this larger perspective as we work together to keep them healthy.
I will forward a copy of the email I sent to Dr. Mellesh
for your records.
Thank you,
Ann Lapp
OESCA Health and Research Committee, Chair
Sent to the AHT.
The Old English Sheepdog Club of America has recently
been made aware by our UK OES breeders of your research on hereditary
cataract disease and your need for DNA samples. This has resulted
in the OESCA Health and Research Committee voting to support your
research by urging our members to send samples.
In our breed publication, the Old English Times, February
issue, we are publishing an article, "Canine Genetic Research
and DNA Sample Collection at the AHT." It is our hope that
breeders/members with cataract affected dogs and close relatives
of affected dogs will send samples.
Should you wish to provide additional information or
instruction, we would gladly accommodate your need via our quarterly
publication and our breed web page.
We look forward to supporting your research in this
important area.
Sincerely,
Ann Lapp
OESCA Health and Research Committee, Chair
HISTORY.
An agreement has now been reached
with the Animal health Trust to collect and store DNA samples.Owners
wishing to support the research are asked to arrange to submit
a blood sample or DNA Swob together with the form
provided on this web site.
This is not just for the U K
dogs the Animal Health Trust are happy to receive samples from
anywhere in the world.
All samples are in confidence
and no owners names will be released.
Before research can begin the A.H.T.
require DNA from a number of dogs.
For research into H C they require DNA from some known
affected dogs and their parents.
The account name for donations is :- OES HEALTH
The account number is 00667730 and the sort code 11-00-63
and can be used for donations.
THIS ACCOUNT IS NOW HELD BY THE TREASURER OF THE BREED
COUNCIL.
Anybody wishing to support the research fund can send
a donation to the Breed council treasurer Mrs G Bigger.
Breed clubs can make donations as above or pledges
in writing to the secretary.
O E S Health fund now stands at £1476.87
PLEDGES
The Midland OES Club has pledged £500 to the
fund.
Donations from the East Anglian OES Club & the
Breed Council
INFORMATION FROM THE KENNEL CLUB.........Visit
this site.
REPORTS ON DNA & FORMS
Menu