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

Health Clinic Events

Pre-Registration is now CLOSED

If you did not pre-register we CANNOT guarantee

we will have sufficient test kits for you.

Show site payments must be by cash or personal check as

we will NOT be able to accept credit cards.

Payment

Prepayment via PayPal is now closed.

Important note 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 all events - you must bring these with you when you present your dog for sampling:

There will not be an internet capability available at the show site.

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

2008 USASA National speciality

health screening and genetic research opportunities

for those items requiring preregistration/prepayment; cut off date is 12 April 2008

CERF CLINIC - $25 per dog

For everyone's convenience, this is a walk-in service. No pre-registration is necessary.

Who is doing this CERF Clinic?

Steven M. Roberts DVM, DAVCO will conduct the eye examinations.

When?

For the CERF Clinic, you should bring with you:

MDR1 - $35 per dog (cheek swab)
Please Note: USASA is underwriting portions of the cost for this test. But, we must submit a minimum order to get the clinic price therefore pre-registration/payment is required.

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:

You MUST pre-register/prepay. We will acknowledge receipt of your payment via e-mail. Prepayments will be verified before samples are collected. We will provide the kits and forms. You may also fill out and print this form in advance.

For the MDR1 Test, you MUST bring:

AHT Cataract Screening - $88.50 per dog

Please Note: USASA is underwriting portions of the cost for this test. But, we must submit a minimum order to get the clinic price therefore pre-registration/payment is required.

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 USASA.

What is this test for?

HSF4 is the abbreviated name of a gene that is connected to cataracts in several breeds. The mutation of HSF4 fund in Australian Shepherds is dominant. However, since not every dog with the mutation develops cataracts (though most appear to do so) the inheritance is termed “dominant with incomplete penetrance.” The lack of full penetrance is caused by other, as yet unidentified, genes. Dogs with even one copy of this mutation have an 11x greater risk of getting bilateral posterior cataracts than those that do not have the mutation. Posterior cataracts are by far the most common type found in Aussies per CERF statistics.

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.

•          Your dog
•          Your receipt for the prepayment via PayPal
•          The above forms, completed and signed by the dog's owner
•          A copy of the dog' s AKC registration certificate

Ongoing AHT Cataract study sample collection

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.

Cataract Study Documents:

Study Submission Form MS Word    PDF

Individual Results Request Form MS Word    PDF

Swab Sample Collection Instructions MS Word    PDF

 

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

Please Note:  Pre-registration 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.)

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 March 24 through April 7:

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

To obtain the discount enter this code in the appropriate place on their form: SCS847

Payment by credit card required for this.

NOTE: The above code is only good for samples collected at the USASA/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

For the Optigen Tests, you MUST bring:

CHIC tests dna repository - $10 per dog (BLOOD SAMPLES ONLY)

Please Note: USASA is underwriting portions of the cost of this blood sample submittal. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to help further important research that will ultimately help our breed!

To be eligible for participation, all dogs must have permanent ID (microchip or tattoo)

Who is responsible for this Repository?

The CHIC DNA Repository is jointly operated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Health Foundation. The CHIC DNA Repository has partnered with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of CaliforniaDavis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri. 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, co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, 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.

Download and complete Application and Health History forms ahead of time

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

Please Note: Pre-payments will be verified before samples are collected. IF you do not have your paperwork, we will not be able to sample your dog.

University of Minnesota Epilepsy Study (Blood Sample)

PLease Note: Joint financing From USASA, the USAS Foundation, ASHGI, and Tobys Foundation is making this effort possible PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP CONQUER EPILEPSY IN THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD!

Who is doing this study?

Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota. Canine Health Foundation Active Grant No: 748: SNP Association Mapping for Canine Epilepsy

What is this study? This is the first major canine epilepsy research project in the US that will specifically include Australian Shepherds.  ASHGI, USASA, the USAS Foundation, and Toby's Foundation jointly provided the funding that enabled Aussies to be part of 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 those samples, but if anyone wants to send him a second sample it never hurts to have a little more DNA.

How do I know if my dog can participate?

Your dog can participate if:

If you are going to participate:

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 hEMANGIOSARCOMA & lYMPHOMA STUDY (BLOOD SAMPLES ONLY)

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

What is this study?

It has been established that non-random chromosome aberrations are characteristic of specific types of many different human cancers. The knowledge of such aberrations has identified areas of the human genome to be targeted for further research. In the dog the extent and identity of chromosome aberrations associated with specific cancers are still largely unknown. Soft tissue sarcomas in dogs are relatively rare, occurring at a frequency of approximately 1%. However, in certain breeds, such as the Flat-Coated Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog, soft tissue sarcomas account for up to 50% of all malignant tumors and thus represent a serious health and welfare issue for those breeds. Histiocytic malignancies and hemangiosarcoma are also prevalent in these two breeds as well as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Briards. These tumors are difficult to classify by conventional methods alone and so attention is required to develop improved modes of diagnosis. In humans sarcomas have been demonstrated to be associated with specific chromosomal aberrations that have been shown to have both diagnostic and prognostic significance. This CHF funded project is using major recent advances in canine molecular cytogenetics 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.

Only Flat-Coated Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds Briards and Australian Shepherds are eligible for inclusion into this study without prior approval of the P.I.

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

Your dog can participate if:

PLEASE NOTE: the affected dog does NOT have to be in this study for your dog to participate

If you are going to participate:

If you would like to submit blood samples for one or more Australian Shepherds, please download the Owner Consent form, complete it and bring it with you to the clinic:

For the Hemangiosarcoma study, 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 table in the Events Center next to the ASHGI Booth. They will be collecting DNA samples and behavioral data. For detailed information click here

AKC DNA Program - $30 per dog (cheek swab)

Due to the need to order the kits, pre-registration/payment is required.

Who administers this program?

AKC's DNA service provider, MMI Genomics

What is this program?

The AKC offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry: voluntary DNA Profiling; the Frequently Used Sires requirement; the Fresh-Extended/Frozen Semen requirement; the Multiple-Sired Litter Registration Policy; the Import Breeding Stock requirement; and the Kennel Inspections/Compliance Audit Program. The AKC has built the world's largest database of canine DNA profiles for parentage verification and genetic identity purposes.

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

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

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

Save some time and print/fill-out this form in advance.

For the AKC DNA program you, MUST bring with you: