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Health Events at the ASCA National Specialty

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASHGI has teamed with the ASCA's Health & Genetics and DNA Committees to offer a wide variety of health screening and genetic research opportunities. PLEASE note the specific times and locations for the items you are interested by clicking on the specific item or by scrolling down the page:

 

MDR1 (cheek swab)

AHT Cataract Screening (cheek swab)

Ongoing AHT Cataract study sample collection (cheek swab)

Optigen CEA & PRA Screening Tests (cheek swab)

CHIC DNA Repository (blood sample)

University of Minnesota Epilepsy Study (Dr. Patterson) (blood sample)

North Carolina State University Canine Cancer Study (Dr. Breen) (blood sample)

University of Pennsylvania/University of California Canine Behavioral Genetics Project

(blood sample)

ASCA DNA Parentage Verification Program (blood sample)

There will also be a CERF clinic sponsored by SNAC

 

 

Health Clinic Events

Important notes for clinic and blood draw participants.

These tests and studies all have specific requirements that must be met. Please see the detailed information below to make sure you show up with everything you need. Please copy and paste the directions for the test(s) or research project(s) you are interested in and follow them.

There are a few items common to most items - you must bring these with you when you present your dog for sampling:

We will not be available to provide photocopying or Internet services, so please plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need with you!

You MUST present your dog for sampling at the clinic to participate in any of the paid health-screening offerings. Previously collected samples CANNOT be submitted through the clinic.

Pre-Registration and payment strongly recommended. If you do not pre-register and pay we CANNOT guarantee we will have sufficient test kits for you.

 

Payment Information

Use PayPal button to make credit card payments for the health screening tests and the CHIC DNA Repository. Please note how many of each item you are paying for in the area provided on the PayPal payment screen.

 

 

 

 

Questions? Send an email to: 4_nationals@ashgi.org

 

ASHGI HQ at the ASCA National Specialty will be located in Barn A near the Show Office and Vet Clinic. Featured this year:

ASHGI will also have a list of other current research projects involving Aussies available at our HQ, along with information on how to participate.

 

2008 ASCA NATIONAL SPECIALTY

HEALTH SCREENING AND GENETIC RESEARCH

OPPORTUNITIES

PREREGISTRATION/PREPAYMENT DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31, 2008

Health Event

Where/Time

Cheek Swab

Blood Draw

CERF Clinic

Mon.

N/A

N/A

MDR1

Mon-Thurs ASHGI HQ 9 am - 4 pm
Fri ASHGI HQ 9 - 11 am

YES

 
AHT Cataract Study sample collection
(affected dogs only)

Mon-Thurs ASHGI HQ 9 am - 4 pm
Fri ASHGI HQ 9am - 11am

YES

 

AHT Cataract Screening Test

Mon-Thurs ASHGI HQ 9 am - 4 pm
Fri ASHGI HQ 9am - 11am

YES

 
Optigen CEA & PRA Screening Tests

Mon-Thurs ASHGI HQ 9 am - 4 pm
Fri ASHGI HQ 9am - 11am

YES

 

CHIC DNA Repository

Weds Vet Clinic 2 - 4 pm

 

YES

U of Minn Epilepsy Study

Weds Vet Clinic 2 - 4 pm

 

YES

NCSU Canine Cancer Study

Weds Vet Clinic 2 - 4 pm

 

YES

U of Penn/UCSF Canine Behavioral Genetics Project

Weds Vet Clinic 2 - 4 pm

Also in a box stall in Barn A throughout week

 

YES

ASCA DNA Program

Weds Vet Clinic 2 - 4 pm

YES

 

 

CERF CLINIC

Date: Monday, November 10, 2008

Sponsored by SNAC

 

 

MDR1 - $60 per dog (cheek swab)

Note: We must submit a minimum order to get the clinic price. Preregistration/payment is STRONGLY recommended. Your dog MUST be presented for sampling at this clinic.

Who does this test?

All collected samples, forms and payments received at the time of the clinic will be sent to VCPL at Washington State University by ASHGI. Information can be found on their website: www.vetmed.wsu.edu/announcements/ivermectin/

What is this test for?

MDR1 is the abbreviated name of a gene called Multi-Drug Resistance 1. A mutation of this gene causes sensitivity to Ivermectin and a number of other drugs. Dogs with the mutation will react to those drugs. Having two copies of the mutation will lead to drug reactions, but having a single copy can also confer some sensitivity with some drugs. Dogs with this mutation have a transport defect - the drug goes in to their brains, fails to be transported out, and builds up to toxic levels. This causes serious neurological problems including seizures and sometimes death.

How should I know if my dog should be tested?

All Aussies, even dogs of unknown parentage, should be screened for this mutation. These drug reactions CAN KILL. Exception: Dogs with both parents screened Normal/Normal

If you are going to have your dog tested for MDR1 please:

  • Print and complete this form in advance. Print NEATLY. Be sure to bring the form with you.
  • Pre-register/prepay. We will acknowledge receipt and prepayment will be verified before samples are collected.
  • We will provide the swabs.

For the MDR1 Test, you MUST bring:

AHT Cataract Screening - $88.50 per dog

Note: We must submit a minimum order to get the clinic price therefore pre-registration/payment is STRONGLY recommended. Your dog MUST be presented for sampling at this clinic.

Who does this test?

All collected samples, forms and payments received at the time of the clinic will be sent to the Animal Health Trust in England by USASA. All collected samples, forms and payments received at the time of the clinic will be sent to the Animal Health Trust in England by ASHGI.

What is this test for?

The cataract causing mutation of the HSF4 gene. For detailed information about this mutation, click HERE. Dogs with even one copy of this mutation have a very high risk of developing cataracts.

How should I know if my dog should be tested?

Cataracts are the breed’s most common eye disease and possibly the most common disease of any kind. Every breeding dog should be tested unless it is out of two parents that have tested clear for the HSF4 mutation.

If you are going to have your dog tested for the HSF4 mutation:

  • Print and complete this form in advance. Print NEATLY. Be sure to bring the form with you.
  • Pre-register/prepay. We will acknowledge receipt and prepayment will be verified before samples are collected.
  • We will provide the swabs.

For the cataract test, you MUST bring:

 

Ongoing AHT Cataract study sample collection (NO FEE)

The Animal Health Trust has already identified the mutation responsible for our breed's most common type of cataract. They now want to identify the genes responsible for the less common types. They are seeking samples from dogs affected with any type of cataract.

If you are going to submit samples from your dog for the cataract research please:

Cataract Study Forms:

For the cataract research, you MUST bring:

  • Your dog
  • Completed forms signed by the dog’s owner
  • Copy of the dog’s CERF report describing the cataract
  • 3-5 generation pedigree

 

Optigen CEA & PRA screening tests - PRices on Optigen web site (cheek swab)

Please Note: Pre-registration/payment via Optigen's website required. We must submit a minimum order to get the clinic price. If we do not meet the minimum, full price will be required.

PREPAYMENT DISCOUNT: There is a 5% discount if you sign up through Optigen's website (see below.) Your dog MUST be presented for sampling at the clinic.

Who does this test?

OptiGen, LLC, Ithaca, NY

What are these tests for?

Collie Eye Anomaly / Choroidal Hypoplasia (CEA) Test

Collies share Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) with several other breeds - it's not just a problem for collies. CEA is more technically known as Choroidal Hypoplasia (CH). It is a recessively inherited eye disorder that causes abnormal development of the choroid - an important layer of tissue under the retina of the eye.

prcd-PRA Test

The OptiGen prcd-PRA test is a DNA-based test that helps you avoid one form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA refers to a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly over time. The result is declining vision and eventual blindness.

How should I know if my dog should be tested?

Parents, siblings and offspring of dogs that have previously tested positive for even one copy of the mutation. Dogs that have affected or carrier near relatives, based upon ophthalmic exam or test results. Dogs diagnosed upon ophthalmic exam for which positive confirmation of diagnosis is desired.

Please Note: Puppies must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned.

If you are going to have Optigen test your dog:

The Optigen Site sign-up will run ONLY from October 31 through November 12:

http://www.optigen.com/opt9_request.html

To obtain the discount enter this code in the appropriate place on their form: ASCA81114

Payment by credit card required for this.

NOTE: The above code is only good for samples collected at the ASCA/ASHGI clinic and shipped with all other clinic participants' samples.

Download a copy of the acknowledgement form they provide. You must bring a copy with you to the clinic as proof of payment.

After completion, advise ASHGI of how many dogs and what tests you have ordered by sending an email to: 4_nationals@ashgi.org

We will provide swabs.

For the Optigen Tests, you MUST bring:

CHIC dna repository - $20 per dog (BLOOD SAMPLE)

Note: Your dog MUST be presented for sampling at the clinic.

Who is responsible for this Repository?

The CHIC DNA Repository is operated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The OFA has contracted with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of California - Davis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri for sample processing and storage. UC Davis receives and stores all swab samples, and Missouri receives and stores all blood samples.

What is the CHIC DNA Repository?

The objectives are:

Why should my dog be in the CHIC DNA Repository?

The CHIC DNA Repository, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

How do I know if my dog can be entered in the CHIC DNA Repository?

All registered Australian Shepherds can have samples entered into the repository.

If you are going submit a sample from your dog to the CHIC DNA Repository please:

For the CHIC DNA Repository, you MUST bring with you:

University of Minnesota Epilepsy Study (Blood Sample) - NO FEE

Who is doing this study?

Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota in association with the Canine Epilepsy Network.

What is this study?

The goal of this project is to develop a DNA screening test for this disease in Australian Shepherds. Dr. Patterson is a member of the Canine Epilepsy Network (CEN) and has access to the samples at the University of Missouri, but if anyone wants to send him a second sample it never hurts to have a little more DNA. ASHGI is financially supporting this study.

How do I know if my dog can participate?

Your dog can participate if:

If you are going to submit samples from your dog for the epilepsy research please:

If you would like to submit samples on one or more Australian Shepherds, please download the following forms, complete them and bring them with you to the clinic:

For the epilepsy research study, you MUST bring with you:

uNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA canine cancer STUDY (BLOOD SAMPLES) - no fee

Who is doing this study?

Dr. Matthew Breen and Dr. John Cullen at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. The study is funded by the Canine Health Foundation (award number 760). ASHGI is financially supporting this study.

What is this study?

To identify recurrent chromosome aberrations associated with canine soft tissue sarcomas, in particular those of histiocytic origin. This project will identify areas of the canine genome associated with such cancers for further investigation at the sub-chromosomal level. Two of these cancers, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, were found to be our breed's most common cancers during the ASHGI Cancer Survey completed in 2007.

Dr Breen has added our Australian Shepherds as one of the target breeds for this study.

How do I know if my dog can participate in this study?

Your dog can participate if:

If you are going to submit samples from your dog for the cancer research please:

For the cancer, you MUST bring with you:

University of Pennsylvania/University of California-San Francisco Canine Behavioral Genetics Project (Blood sample)

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) are looking for Aussies to participate in their study. Representatives from the Canine Behavioral Genetics Project will be on-site during the week and will have a box stall in Barn A. They will be collecting DNA samples and behavioral data. For detailed information click here.

ASCA DNA PARENTAGE VERIFICATION PROGRAM - $40 PER DOG (BLOOD CARD OR TUBE)

Special note: ASHGI is not handling payment for this offering. To pre-register, please fill out and return this form, a copy of your ASCA registration and a check made to ASCA to DNA Committee Chair Lori Middleton (address on form). Pre-registrations must be received no later than October 13, 2008.

Who administers this program?

ASCA

What is this program?

The ASCA DNA program was the first established by a purebred dog registry for parentage verification and genetic identity purposes. ASCA offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the accuracy of its registry: voluntary DNA Profiling; the Frequently Used Sires/Dams requirement; the Fresh-Extended/Frozen Semen requirement; the Multiple-Sired Litter Registration Policy; and the Foreign-Born registration requirement.

How do I know if my dog should participate in this program?

The DNA Program is for owners and breeders electing to add value to their breeding programs by eliminating concerns or questions about identification and parentage.

ASCA DNA Profiling is required for: Frequently Used Sires and Dams (dogs having the greatest impact on the ASCA Stud Book); Foreign-Bred registration; dogs whose semen is collected for fresh-extended or frozen use; and for the sires, dam and puppies for Multiple-Sired Litter Registration.

ASCA DNA testing is for purebred ASCA registerable Australian Shepherds only.

You MUST bring with you: