Devoted to the health and welfare of Irish Wolfhounds
A research project funded by the European Commission investigating a number of genetic diseases in dogs. In Liverpool, we are involved in investigation of dilated cardiomyopathy in Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Boxers, Dobermanns and Irish wolfhounds. The aim is to collect DNA samples from individuals both with and without DCM, for inclusion in 2 cohorts for genome-wide analysis and comparison. It is hoped the results of the study can be used to identify the causative genes in both dogs and people. We would welcome DNA samples from dogs of these breeds that have been definitively diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, and we are also offering screening free of charge to older healthy dogs of these breeds (6 or older in Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, 8 or older in other breeds) to include echocardiography, blood sample and ECG and/or Holter monitor (24 hour ambulatory ECG) if indicated.
Hannah Copeland is the LUPA project research assistant.
email: hmc79@liverpool.ac.uk or tel 0151 795 6100
Dog Genome Project
Everyone of us has either lost a wolfhound to bone cancer or wept with a friend who was struck by this strategy. The progress of science has made it possible now to find defective gene(s) responsible for bone cancer in our wolfhounds. When the gene(s) is identified it will allow us to screen wolfhounds before breeding and therefore significantly decrease numbers of hounds succumbing to this terrible, incurable disease. Not only that, the results of such research project may help in treatment of human bone cancer as there are appear to be large similarities in the dog and human osteosarcoma, particularly the kind that affects children.
Here is a chance for all of us to contribute to improvement of health of our wonderful hounds through aiding research regarding bone cancer. A large, international project including experienced scientists from among others USA and Sweden has been launched. The project already has sufficient funding and equipment and the only element missing for success is enough samples from our hounds. We are indeed lucky that one of the best research teams in genetics wants to devote time and huge resources to our hounds!
What is needed are blood samples from sick hounds affected with bone cancer as well as healthy, old hounds whose DNA will be used for comparison. It is very easy to take a small blood sample and all information regarding your hound and the results will be treated strictly confidential.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Henrik von Euler at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences or Anna Blom at Lund University, Sweden.
