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OptiGen Seeking Research Samples for Inherited Cataracts in Rottweilers

Modeled on our PRA research program, this project is aimed at identifying the genes and mutations responsible for specific cataracts found in certain breeds. There are many types of cataracts but Optigen is studying only 2 types at this time:

Bilateral, Posterior Subcapsular type that develops between 1.5 yrs and 3 yrs of age in the following breeds: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers and English Springer Spaniels
Bilateral Posterior Cortical type that develops between 1 yr. and 3 yrs of age in the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and the Alaskan Malamute

To Submit a Dog to this Study:

Mail, email, or fax a copy of the eye exam report (CERF report or other) plus a copy of a 4-5 generation pedigree for PRE-APPROVAL before sending a blood sample. If possible, provide an email address for a reply.
Wait for a response from OptiGen to learn if your dog has a diagnosis that qualifies for free testing.
Once you’ve received the PRE-APPROVAL notification from OptiGen, send a blood sample - at least 3 ml of unclotted blood - according to standard instructions (Ship Sample). Cheek swab samples are not suitable for most research purposes; a blood sample is greatly preferred. Print out and complete all details of the standard Request Test form (ignore any payment questions). Send this order form with the notation “Approved for Research” clearly printed on the first page. Including a copy of email correspondence noting the prior approval by OptiGen is helpful.

For more information on this study, visit the OptiGen website.

University of Florida Melanoma Study

University of Florida veterinarians are seeking dogs with melanoma to take part in an ongoing study of a new vaccine designed to fight the spread of the common skin cancer. Rowan Milner, chief of the UF Veterinary Medical Center's oncology service, says reseachers want to study the effect of the vaccine on dogs in all stages of the disease.

"The vaccine we have developed stimulates the natural killer cells in the body that act almost like Pac-men to destroy the tumors," he says. The study is one of three canine melanoma vaccine studies currently underway. The others are at the Animal Medical Center in New York and at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Between 5 percent and 7 percent of all skin tumors in dogs are melanomas, but it is the most common oral tumor in dogs, making up 6 percent of all cancer cases. Oral melanomas are most common in highly pigmented breeds such as chow chows, German shepherds, poodles and schnauzers. Symptoms include growths in the mouth, bad breath and drooling. Tumors can appear anywhere on the body, but are most frequent in the nail beds, the eye and the mouth. The UF study will accept 60 cases. For more information call (352) 392-4700 ext. 4700.

Osteosarcoma Study

The osteosarcoma study Rottweiler Health Foundation is currently funding is still in need of samples to complete their study. The study's veterinarian researchers currently have 80 dogs affected with osteosarcoma and 60 older healthy dogs and would like to have 120 of each to make our study be successful. Can you help?

BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION & ANTI-CANINE LEGISLATION IN GA

ARC Launches Legislative Action Center website, Paws4Laws, that makes sending letters to legislators as easy as clicking your mouse!

For news on active BSL across the USA, please visit The Monthly National Legislation Report, the most complete and up-to-date place for Anti-Canine and BSL news.

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