Re: Calling All One and Casino litter and everyone else...

["J. Renee Brooks" <jrbrooks@cs.utah.edu>]

Hi Everyone,

	I would like to chime in here, since I am a scientist, but I study
trees not dogs, so what I would like to say is very general to genetic
studies. I would like to encourage you all to participate. 
	Background: In any health problem that has been related to genetics,
there is a portion that is related genetics and another portion that
is related to the "environment".  However, knowing what those
proportions are is extremely difficult without detailed genetic
studies of the kind Gina has outlined below.  Scientists can use this
information to determine the heritability of a particular trait or
health related problem.  In addition, this study may help identify the
gene or genes that increase the probability of this health problem. 
This could lead to early screening of potential breeding dogs to see
if they posses these genes.  The best genetic studies to determine
heritability and detect genetic markers are from large family studies
such as the One and Casino litters.  
	Gina is very brave as a breeder to venture into the testing of all
dogs produced by Brier.  She may learn wonderful things about her dogs
but more than likely she will also learn things that will be hard to
take.  In spite of the personal pain she may experience, she is doing
this to produce better dogs for the breed and for us.  We do owe it to
our dogs and to Gina to help in this endevor.  

Thanks Gina, for being such a concerned breeder.

Renee

Gina Heitz wrote:
> 
> Hi Guys,
> 
> Here is your chance to make breed history and to help all Goldens:
> 
> As you all know we did our eye clinic on Sunday the 30th and had a great
> turn out.  One of the "One" litter did not clear eyes, Abbey Brooks.  This
> is of no consequence to Abbey as the cataracts she has are the classic
> puntate <sp> posterior and they will not affect her vision at all.  However
> this can affect the breed over all.  There is a study going on through Vet
> Gem for affected lines and we have a great opportunity here to make a
> significant impact toward research since there are 20 puppies of this
> breeding.  Some of the other litters as well are related and may as well be
> able to be included in this study.  I have a note out to get details but
> here is what I already know:
> 
> 1. Each dog form these litters will need to be examined.  One pup's any
> time and Casino pup's after they are 6 months to a year of age.
> 
> 2. DNA samples will need to be collected from everyone.  Very simple to do,
> a cotton cheek swab is rub on the inside of the gums.  This can be done at
> home, no vet needed.  I will order the kits and get them to everyone and or
> I will do them for those of you who don't feel confident.
> 
> It is my understanding that all of the above will be paid for by Vet Gem if
> we are accepted into the program.  So stay tuned and if you have questions
> please pose them to the list as this is something we can all learn
> from.  Abbey is our first dog to not clear eyes and if we can nip this in
> the bud here and help find answers for all goldens that would be great!!!
> 
> Best,
> 
> Gina

-- 
J. Renee Brooks
U.S. EPA                          (541) 754-4684 (Office)
NHEERL/Western Ecology Division   (541) 754-4799 (FAX)
200 SW 35th St                    jrbrooks@cs.utah.edu
Corvallis, OR 97333