PFK (Phosphofructokinase Deficiency) Study
To read more about the disease, please see: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency in the English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel Epilepsy Research Project
On February 27, 1999 the English Springer Spaniel Epilepsy Research Project introduced itself at a seminar following the annual meeting of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, Inc. (ESSFTA) (parent club) in Providence, RI.
Researchers at the colleges of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota and the University of Missouri are funded to study the molecular genetics of canine epilepsy. At the University of Minnesota, P. Jane Armstrong, DVM, James R. Mickelson, PhD, and Ned E. Patterson, DVM, will study English Springers, Vizslas, and Beagles. At the University of Missouri, Gary R. Johnson, DVM, PhD, and Dennis O'Brien, DVM, PhD, will study English Springers, Standard Schnauzers, and several other breeds. The researchers will collaborate on their English Springer research. These studies are possible because of grants from the ESSFTA Foundation, Inc., and the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
The goal of these studies is to identify a marker or a gene for epilepsy and to develop a screening test to determine normal, carrier, and affected status, thus allowing breeders the potential to eliminate epilepsy. To read the project abstracts, please visit the Seizure Research Information Page and read Inherited Epilepsy can be Devastating in Dogs by Ned Patterson D.V.M..
Complete Springer families from field, show, and pet lines, including both seizing and non-seizing dogs, are critical to this project. Wherever possible, breeders and owners should include seizing dogs and all their siblings, both parents and their siblings, and all available grandparents and their siblings (and beyond, if available). Individual seizing and non-seizing dogs whose families are not being studied also can participate; these dogs will be used later in the project.
Participants must sign a consent form, submit a blood or tissue sample from each dog, fill out litter and individual dog information forms, and submit a pedigree on each litter (or individual). Owners of seizing dogs also will complete a 20-minute telephone interview with the researchers. In addition to blood or tissue samples, the researchers can extract DNA from frozen semen, but this option is preferred only for deceased dogs.
If you are interested in participating in this important project or need additional information, please contact:
Karen Foster, Project Liaison, e-mail: georgian.kf@mindspring.com
Inheritance of Progressive Retinal Degeneration in the English Springer Spaniel Study
The purpose of this study is to determine the inheritance of PRA in the population of show English Springer Spaniels.
To read more about the study, please see: Inheritance of Progressive Retinal Degeneration in the English Springer Spaniel Study
