Any
questions about these or any of the other projects undertaken by
the Health Committee with the approval of the ISCA Board of
Directors, please contact the Chairman,
Anne Marie
Kubacz
at 732-367-9658
Feb. 2008
Health Committee Report
*New info on Canine Influenza Virus |
| Name of study |
who to contact |
what's needed? |
what to do |
Fee? |
ISCA foundation
funding |
matched by Canine
Health Foundation |
| HOD |
CHIC |
blood sample-2 EDTA tubes |
download form & follow
instructions |
none if affected by HOD |
none needed, done by CHIC |
n/a |
| |
CHIC DNA Bank |
|
be sure to include AKC
number for sire and dam |
indicate ISCA on form |
|
|
| Osteosarcoma |
Tessa Breen
919-513-1467 |
Tissue or blood samples |
Tissue or blood samples may be sent to Dr. Matthew Breen,
Dept. of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of
Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700
Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606. Include dog's name and
pedigree. Phone in advance to 919-513-1467 and ask to speak
to Tessa Breen. |
|
$5,100 |
yes |
| Epilepsy |
www.canine-epilepsy.net |
5-10 cc's from affected dog
and littermates |
download forms and sample
instructions. AKC pedigree is needed, forms for litter
online |
|
|
|
| Von Willebrands |
Cornell Diagnostic lab |
|
download forms and sample
instructions |
as per Cornell |
none at this time. Samples
stored by Dr. Marjory Brooks |
|
| CHIC DNA Repository |
CHIC DNA Bank |
blood sample-2 EDTA tubes |
download form & follow
instructions |
none, $20 fee waived if
indicate ISCA |
|
|
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
The Irish Setter Club of America Health Committee is pleased to
report a new initiative in the search for a research study into
the causes of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in our breed.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has offered to take
and store blood samples from dogs who have been affected with
HOD until such time as these samples are needed for a new study.
OFA has also been in contact with the University of California
at Davis, which has retained the samples previously sent to
them. The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory there has indicated
that they will release those samples and related paperwork to
the OFA/CHIC Sample Repository data bank.
We encourage all those who have been anxious to get started on a
new HOD research venture to participate in this first step.
It is simple to do. All information on how to send blood samples
and information can be found on the following website:
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org This will put you on
the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) web page. There you
will find a link to the CHIC DNA Repository. That will give you
details about this DNA storage bank and an application which you
may download, fill out and send to the address listed. You will
receive a survey form and a kit to take to your veterinarian.
The director of OFA encourages us to use blood samples rather
than cheek swabs. This is particularly important for ISCA
members because blood is stored at the University of Missouri
and cheek swabs are sent to the laboratory at UC Davis. Since
this laboratory appears to be no longer interested in our
project, it makes no sense to send anything there.
There is no fee for blood samples sent to OFA/CHIC Repository
from dogs who have been affected with HOD. You do not have to
send pedigrees as long as the sire and dam with their registered
numbers are provided. OFA/CHIC can access the rest of the
information through AKC when the time comes.
We are excited to have this opportunity and hope it leads to a
research project soon. Please help us by informing everyone who
has had experience with HOD and can provide the blood samples
and information to participate.
Connie Vanacore
Health Committee Chair (Past)
Chair ISCA Foundation
Member, AKC/CHF Grants committee
AKC Delegate
Protocol for treatment of Hypertrophic
Osteodystrophy (HOD) in Irish
Setters.
HOD is a serious illness affecting puppies, usually between 4-7
months of age. It is characterized by fever, pain, swelling of the
joints, lethargy, lack of appetite. If left untreated permanent
deformity of the front legs may occur. The treatment protocol
recommended here has been developed by ISCA member, S. Gary Brown,
DVM, an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Brown may be contacted at
gary@vetortho.com . It
is recommended that the dog’s veterinarian be the contact with Dr.
Brown for most efficient and timely treatment. |
|
Osteosarcoma Study
Funded by ISCA Foundation
The Health Committee has recommended that ISCA become part of a new
study into the genetic causes of certain types of cancer in canines.
Osteosarcoma is a major cause of death in large breed dogs, Irish
Setters among them. ISCA has participated in the first part of an
osteosarcoma study with the Broad Institute at MIT. This study has
been able to identify preliminary regions of the canine genome that
may influence risk in Rottweilers. This new study will continue this
work with two of the foremost cancer researchers in the world, Drs.
Matthew Breen and Jaime Modiano.
Tissue or blood samples may be sent to Dr. Matthew Breen, Dept. of
Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North
Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606.
Include dog's name and pedigree. Phone in advance to
919-513-1467 and ask to speak to Tessa Breen.
The study is called: Heritable and Sporadic Lesions in Canine
Osteosarcoma. The research will use advanced technology to pinpoint
specific genes that are associated with breed-dependent risk, using
Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and other breeds. Since Irish Setters
are already in the Broad study, we feel this is a good opportunity
for us to continue this work. The ISCA Foundation has received two
large gifts totaling $5,100 which has been contributed to the AKC
Canine Health Foundation for this project.
OFA/DNA/CHIC Repository
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) has established a DNA
repository into which individuals may contribute blood samples of
the dogs they own. The samples will be stored for use in future
research and would be available to researchers interested in
specific disease projects. At the National Specialty in Arizona on
April 10th our Health Clinic Blood draw will include the opportunity
for owners to participate. Blood drawn from dogs who have been
affected by any of the following three diseases, or who have had
affected siblings or parents will not be charged for this. They are:
epilepsy, osteosarcoma or HOD. All you need to do is to indicate on
the online form if your dogs have had any of these or if the
families have been involved with any of these three.
You can enter your dog’s blood into the repository even if you have
not experienced these particular problems. The ISCA Foundation will
pay the $20 entry fee for your participation.
Online forms are found on the OFA website:
www.offa.org.
The forms are available on these webpages:
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chic_dnaapp_main.pdf for
the main application, and the health survey, which must accompany
the samples is at
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/CHIC DNA Bank health survey.pdf
Questions can be answered by Connie Vanacore at
fcvanacore@aol.com or
Jan Ziech at JanRedDog@msn.com.
|
Progressive Retinal
Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a disease
which causes dogs to become blind. This project, which is now
complete, was the focus of research for over 25 years. Due to the
support and diligence of Irish Setter owners and breeders,
scientists were able to discover the mutation on the gene which
causes PRA in Irish Setters. A DNA blood test was developed which
reveals normal dogs, carriers and affected dogs. Dogs can be tested
as soon after birth as it is safe to draw blood.
Before the discovery of the DNA blood test, breeders test-mated their
dogs, an arduous and heartbreaking process, in order to eliminate
carriers from the breeding pool. To keep track of those test-mated
dogs, the Irish
Setter Genetic Registry was formed, independently of ISCA, but
closely affiliated with it. ISGR monitored all the paperwork and
procedures that each individual followed. TM (test mated) numbers
were given to all those dogs passing a test mating. If two TM dogs
were mated, then their offspring were issued TMA (Test Mated
Ancestry) numbers.
Once the blood test was developed it was thought that ISGR would no
longer be needed, but breeders found there still exists a need for a
registry that would enable them to keep track of the status of their
blood tested offspring.
The blood test is administered by a veterinarian and sent to
Optigen, the only laboratory currently approved by ISCA to analyze
and record the data on individual dogs. Once the dog has been DNA
tested results are sent by Optigen to
CERF (Canine Eye
Registry Foundation) at the University of Illinois. The owners of the dog
receive a certificate from CERF,
which sends the results of dogs tested
clear to OFA who is now administering ISGR . The owner of the dog
must fill out an appropriate form and send it along to OFA with a
fee of $7.50 in order to be registered with ISGR.
If the sire and dam of a litter have both been DNA blood tested by
Optigen, their offspring can receive a Gene Tested Ancestry (GTA)
certificate. In order for this to be issued, the CERF certificate
must be submitted along with an application obtained from ISGR. The
combination of the DNA Optigen blood test, which enables the dog to
get a permanent CERF number and the ISGR registry, offers breeders
the proof that their puppies have been cleared of PRA.
For those interested in registering blood tested dogs with ISGR or
registering offspring of dogs already in the registry
contact:
Sandy Novocin, 14311 Shirley
Bohn Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Phone: 301.831.5969
All forms now should be sent to the following address:
ISGR
c/o OFA
2300 E. Nifong Blvd.
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Information about the DNA blood test can be obtained by contacting
Optigen at e-mail:
genetest@optigen.com or on the Optigen website:
www.optigen.com. All applications and instructions can be found
there.
To download the form for registering blood tested dogs with ISGR click
here.
To download the form for registering offspring of tested sires and
dams click here.
For information about CERF contact
www.vmdb.org.
Important Notice for Dogs to Be Tested by Optigen for
PRA
Make sure when getting dogs blood tested by Optigen for PRA that
you also register for CERF registration by paying the extra
fee. If you do not do that, none of dogs tested by Optigen or
their offspring will be eligible to be registered with ISGR.
CERF does not give numbers to offspring..(.only ISGR) so it is
important if your aim is to get numbers for the parents in ISGR
and any offspring that you also register for the CERF
registration fee on the Optigen registration form.
2010 Health Clinic – Olympia Resort -
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin June 9th, 2010
The ISCA
Health Committee and the ISCA Foundation will again sponsor a
blood draw and cheek swab clinic at this year’s national
specialty show. You can have your dog tested for PRA and CLAD,
provide blood for the OFA/CHIC repository and have an AKC
parentage identification cheek swab done all at the same time.
The blood test for OFA/CHIC is free. The ISCA Foundation will
pay ½ of the fee for the cheek swabs sent to AKC.
The blood drawn
for the OFA/Chic repository will be sent to OFA where it will be
stored for future studies such as the current study to determine
any genetic links for HOD. Researchers need blood from both
affected and non-affected dogs. A one time blood draw from your
dog may be used for many different studies. There is no need
to have your dog’s blood drawn more than once. You can go to
the OFA website
(www.offa.org)
and download the
forms – there are two pages. One page provides identification
information for the sample (this is kept private – no
identifying information is disclosed). The other page is a very
important questionnaire about your dog’s health history. We
will also have these forms available at the registration table
at the National. The forms are available on these webpages:http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chic_dnaapp_main.pdf
for the main application, and the health survey, which must
accompany the samples is at
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/CHIC DNA Bank health survey.pdf
IT WILL SAVE
YOUR TIME AND ALLOW MORE DOGS TO BE TESTED IF YOU FILL OUT THE
PAPERWORK BEFORE BRINGING YOUR DOG TO HAVE HIS/HER BLOOD DRAWN.
NOT TO MENTION YOU WON’T HAVE TO TRY TO FILL OUT FORMS WHILE
HOLDING TWO OR THREE DOGS!
IMPORTANT
INFO on the PRA/CLADD Testing at the ISCA 2010 National
There will be a PRA/CLADD clinic in
conjunction with the Health Clinic at the ISCA National in
June 2010. The day of the Health Clinic will be Wednesday,
June 9, 2010. The clinic will be in the afternoon with more
details pertaining to the exact time coming at a later date.
(Watch for detailed info at the Registration Table once you
get to the National if you don’t see info beforehand. )
If
you are going to participate in the PRA/CLADD testing at the
National it is strongly recommended that you do the
online registration at the Optigen site . First go to
Optigen, then go to Tips for Successful Online Entry, and
then to Tests. The Tips for Successful Online Entry will
tell you in advance all the info you need to complete your
Test Form. You will not be able to go online and
register for the clinic until _____May
29th_________. Once you register the amount of the
test will be charged on your credit card. If you prefer to
wait till the clinic and pay, you can still go online and
print out the form and fill it out before you come to the
clinic. It is best if you have filled out the forms
before you come to the clinic as there will be info you
need that you may not have at the clinic.
If you are paying online to register for
the PRA/CLADD tests, you will be able to get the discount
which is being offered in conjunction with the ISCA
National. The code you need to use is ___ISCAX612________.
This code will only be effect from_May
29, 2010 thru June 12,
2009. The cost of the tests with the discounts are as
follows:
1.
CLADD only- ___$101.25__________
2.
rcd1-PRA only- ____$90.00___________
3.
Both tests on the same sample- ___$150.00____________
Be careful in filling out the registration
form. Make sure all USA
residents complete Section 7 and pay for the
CERF fee. All others should also
pay for the CERF fee if they wish to have their dogs listed
on the OFA website or would like to register their
genetically clear dogs with ISGR in the future.
This year Optigen is going to let those who
cannot attend the National also participate in the
discount prices that are being offered if they go online
to register between ________________5/27-6/12/2010_________________.
Blood samples must reach Optigen at the same time as
those being shipped from the clinic ; therefore,
blood must be shipped the
week following the National (samples should arrive by
June 18)_____________________so that the
blood from the clinic and the blood sent by individuals
arrive the same week. Directions on the procedures to
follow in shipping the blood samples are on Optigen’s
website.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact
Sandy Novocin (co-coordinator of the PRA/CLADD tests) at
santeraken@comcast.net or by phone at 301-831-5969.
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
ISCA is a member of the
Canine
Health Information Center
(CHIC) which is a repository for information about the health
clearances for which Irish Setters have been tested.
The AKC Canine Health
Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the
Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals (OFA) jointly sponsor the CHIC database. The mission
statement of CHIC is to provide a source of health information for
owners, breeders and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy
dogs.
In order to enter an Irish Setter into the CHIC database, the Health
Committee determined that clearance information about hips, eyes and
thyroid must be included. Once a dog has been tested for these three
conditions it is eligible to be admitted to this data base. For the
exact tests required,
and to search for
Irish Setters listed with CHIC, consult the CHIC website.
Recommendations
The Irish Setter Club of America recommends that
dogs used for breeding have all available veterinary health
clearances. The most often used tests are those that measure eyes
(PRA), thyroid levels and hips. Hip X-rays are used to determine the
status of a dog’s hips. A veterinarian performs X-rays and the
radiographs are usually sent to the
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) where a panel of
veterinarians grades them. Hips are rated Excellent, Good, Fair or
with 4 grades of dysplasia. Another method of evaluating hips is
done through PennHip. OFA now recognizes hip evaluations from
PennHip.
Other Research Projects
Bloat
The largest study ever undertaken into the causes
and risk factors leading to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus- GDV)
in large and giant breed dogs was undertaken at Purdue University
over a period of 5 years. The study was conducted by Dr. Larry
Glickman at Purdue and involved almost 2,000 dogs. The study was
begun with support from Morris Animal Foundation and ISCA. We were
one of the first breeds to enter the study and our participation
gave impetus to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to enter. As a
result eleven breeds were included in the study. Findings were
published in several issues of the Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association and summaries appeared in several
issues of the ISCA Memo To Members starting in April, 2000.
Epilepsy
ISCA has supported research into finding the causes
for idiopathic epilepsy in our breed. We have been part of the study
undertaken at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary
Medicine in conjunction with the University of Minnesota College of
Veterinary Medicine. This study is ongoing. For information about
epilepsy or to join the study, contact the canine epilepsy network
at: www.canine-epilepsy.net
The U of Missouri is working in conjunction with a lab in
Finland which has just been awarded more than $1 million to study
epilepsy through SNP mapping. They are accepting new blood samples.
Those who would like to participate can do so by logging on to the U
of Missouri epilepsy network
www.canine-epilepsy.net
. There is a link there to access an online seizure survey and a
sample submission form.
VonWillebrand’s Disease
In April and May 2005, over 200 samples
were collected from Irish Setters to determine the presence of VonWillebrand's Disease, astounding the veterinarians at Cornell.
You all can be proud of our willingness to cooperate in this study.
The Health Committee approved a suggestion by the research
veterinarian at Cornell to cooperate with the research team at the
British Animal Trust in England. Follow up testing is dependent upon
research at British Animal Trust.
Health Information for Irish Setter Owners
The Health Committee has published an informative
booklet which breeders and owners will find useful in identifying
what is normal in growing puppies and older dogs. It describes many
conditions which affect our breed. The book costs $3.00 for
individual copies and $2.50 for multiples of 10 copies. They are
ideal to include in puppy packets. Available from Connie Vanacore or
from ISCA Secretary, Fran Sloughy, 20 Maple Shade Lane, Fleetwood,
PA 19522. Make checks payable to the ISCA Foundation.
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Health
Survey results
now available!
Large file, may download slowly.
Adobe Acrobat
Reader needed.
Videos
and Podcasts available from the AKC Canine Health Foundation |
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SETTER CLUB OF AMERICA, INC. Webmaster:
Jan Ziech |
