Discoveries Issue 39 • Winter 2012

MISSION THIS ISSUE AT A GLANCE The Foundation is dedicated to Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)...... 2 Champion of Canine Health: Joye Neff... 10 advancing the health of all What is Posture and Why Should We Donate Your Vehicle to CHF...... 11 and their owners by funding sound Care about it?...... 4 Westminster Kennel Club Show scientific research and supporting Focus on Research...... 6 Poster Will Benefit the AKC Canine Health the dissemination of health Spotlight on Genetic Tests: Musladin-Leuke Foundation...... 11 information to prevent, treat, Syndrome in the Beagle...... 8 and cure canine disease.

U P O D E A C TE E Update From the AKC Canine Health Foundation FROM TH CEO, Terry T. Warren, PhD, JD

Happy New Year from the AKC Canine Liaisons to assist you in understanding of death in golden retrievers, so it’s Health Foundation! Together, we are the new grants and encouraging important for us to support this type advancing the health of all dogs and support. The details of all the new of research,” said David Kinghorn, GRF their owners. Because of your generous grants are listed on page 6. past president. CHF is very excited to contributions, the Foundation has partner with GRF in this large funding increased its funding of research With the New Year, we are energized initiative that will help the golden grants and educational programs for as we move forward with the recently retrievers and all dogs live longer, 2012. We are announcing 21 new announced joint venture of the AKC healthier lives. Oak grants. This new research will Canine Health Foundation (CHF) advance our understanding of canine and the Foundation 2012 is the time to renew our cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, (GRF) to fund a $1 million canine commitment to clipping weight circles and osteosarcoma, and will expand cancer research project by 2013. The and sending them into Nestlé Purina. our understanding of other canine Foundations are partnering to solicit, Parent Club Partnership Program diseases such as epilepsy, liver disease, review and ultimately select a canine (PCPP) participants who are proactive dermatitis, and inflammatory diseases cancer research project focusing on and clip the weight circles off Purina of the canine respiratory tract. golden retrievers and potentially dog food bags and send them in Samantha Wright, CHF’s Program benefitting the health of all dogs. are directly benefiting research to Manager, will be contacting Health “Cancer is the number one cause (continued on page 9)

AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION © Copyright 2012 AKC Canine Health Foundation. All rights reserved. H EDUCA H EDUCA LT T LT T A IO A IO E N AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION E N H H Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) continued from page 2 them to bulge or rupture over hip dysplasia. None of her research Acute traumatic injury is not the same Ms. Tjader hopes that by sharing time. This rupture leads to two indicated that Cardigan Welsh Corgis as IVDD, although the symptoms Ieuan’s story, more dog owners will types of damage to the spinal were at high risk of developing IVDD. can be very similar. IVDD involves understand that while keeping your cord, compression and concussion. Ieuan was a happy dog, full of pep. a degenerative process and does dog fit and healthy are important Compression is the physical pressure He was never overweight and was not result merely from sudden steps, awareness of genetic conditions exerted over time against the spinal always in excellent condition with trauma, although sudden trauma can like IVDD is critical in order to cord which leads to slow degeneration good muscle tone, facts that were cause rupture or herniation of an seek appropriate medical care and and loss of neurons (nerve cells). noted by every veterinarian Ieuan intervertebral disk in a dog whose consultation. As Ms. Tjader discovered, Intervertebral disc rupture that is visited over the years. disks already are weakened by IVDD. IVDD can affect many different breeds purely compressive usually begins of dogs and canine health alone is not slowly and leads to gradual worsening Shortly after Ieuan’s 7th birthday, he Treatment always an accurate indicator of the of neurologic function. Concussion suffered a ruptured disc in his back Definitive diagnosis of IVDD is made presence of a degenerative, genetic force is the physical damage caused and was diagnosed with IVDD. Ieuan by a veterinarian through physical disease. “Ieuan was a wonderful dog,” by a rapidly extruded disc impacting underwent successful surgery at Tufts exam and x-rays. In less severe cases said Ms. Tjader, “above and beyond the spinal cord causing profound University Hospital in North Grafton, all our expectations as a pet and I will swelling and degeneration and loss of MA and Ms. Tjader followed the never forget him.” In less severe cases medication The intervertebral discs neurons. Purely concussive forces are post-op recovery plan set out by the Symptoms may be provided for pain relief (the cushion that resides usually rapidly progressive and have veterinary surgeon. Ieuan improved The observable signs of IVDD vary. References an acute onset. Most intervertebral and recovered nearly all function And while the following list of with a combination of crate rest. The Merck Veterinary Manual in the space between symptoms associated with IVDD is not disc ruptures are a combination of in his hind limbs with only a slight, If IVDD has progressed and the adjacent spinal vertebrae) exhaustive, affected dogs may show American College of Veterinarian compressive and concussive forces occasional ‘knuckling’ in one back dog has ruptured a disc, surgery are subject to a number of one or more of the following signs Surgeons (ACVS) is the normal course of treatment, degenerative conditions that lead to the rapid degeneration of paw. In an effort to prevent injury, which can be sudden, intermittent http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/ nervous tissue in the spinal cord. Ms. Tjader had always made or gradual in onset: along with pain medication and forces that predispose HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/ sure Ieuan followed the advice of • Neck and/or back pain and and crate rest. In any case, IntervertebralDiscDisease/ them to bulge or rupture stiffness (reluctance to move the Breeds at risk the breeder and veterinarians to it is recommended that if your neck and head) over time. This rupture Chondrodystrophoid (dwarfed) breeds avoid stairs. The only stairs Ieuan WiggleLess • Lowered head stance dog seems to be suffering from leads to two types of of dogs with a short, stout appearance encountered regularly were the two http://www.wiggleless.com/ • Abdominal tenderness or tenseness IVDD symptoms a veterinarian chondrodystrophic-dog-breeds/ damage to the spinal —ie: , Beagle, Shih Tzu, leading into Ms. Tjader’s home—stairs • Arched back (hunched posture, is consulted to determine the cord, compression and Lhasa Apso, and Pekingese—are most that the veterinarian, after Ieuan was called “thoracolumbar kyphosis”) best course of treatment in order PetWave concussion. commonly affected. well recovered—indicated would be • Sensitivity to touch (possible http://www.petwave.com/ to help the dog live comfortably ok for him to handle. Unfortunately, aggression) Dogs/Dog-Health-Center/ Other chondrodystrophic breeds one evening Ieuan came up the two • Weakness, stiffness, and/or and free from pain. Bone-Joint-Muscle-Disorders/ sensitivity to movement Overview of Intervertebral that may be affected by IVDD stairs into Ms. Tjader’s home and was Intervertebral-Disk-Disease/ (yelping unexpectedly) disk disease Symptoms.aspx include Corgis, Cocker Spaniels, suddenly in pain. After consultation • Impaired, incomplete or Intervertebral disk disease is Pekingese, Shih-Tzu and . with an emergency room veterinarian inappropriate urination medication may be provided for pain degeneration and protrusion of the Nonchondrodystrophic breeds that are and Ieuan’s regular veterinarian, • Lameness and/or paralysis in one relief with a combination of crate rest. intervertebral disk that results in commonly affected by IVDD include Ms. Tjader declined more surgery or more limbs If IVDD has progressed and the dog compression of the spinal cord, the , Labrador and opted instead to begin a slow • Dragging one or more legs when has ruptured a disc, surgery is the spinal nerve, and/or nerve root. Retriever and Doberman Pinscher. and cautious recovery plan similar walking normal course of treatment, along with • “Toeing over” or “knuckling over” It is a common cause of spinal cord Obese dogs of predisposed breeds are to what Ieuan had experienced a few pain medication and crate rest. In any when walking or standing disease in dogs. especially likely to suffer from IVDD. months earlier. Sadly, Ieuan’s pain • Stilted gait; tentative gait case, it is recommended that if your grew much worse over the weekend • Reluctance to rise and/or collapse dog seems to be suffering from IVDD The intervertebral discs (the cushion After researching a breed of dog to add and after returning to the emergency • Tremors, trembling, shaking symptoms a veterinarian is consulted that resides in the space between to her family, Helen Tjader decided on veterinarian, it was agreed that there • Lack of coordination (“ataxia”) to determine the best course of adjacent spinal vertebrae) are Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Her greatest was no hope for recovery. • Abnormal reflexes treatment in order to help the dog live subject to a number of degenerative concern about possible genetic (continued on page 3) comfortably and free from pain. conditions and forces that predispose conditions that affect this breed was

2 • WINTER 2011 Discoveries Discoveries WINTER 2011 • 3 H EDUCA H EDUCA LT T LT T A IO A IO E N AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION E N H H What is Posture and Why Should We Care about it? What is Posture and Why Should We Care about it? continued from page 4 This article is the first in a four part and coordination can be affected, but had four legs and the pads of our front its forelegs and hocks-to-the-ground series. This series is being contributed some of the other inputs for stance and toes were stretched flat on the ground, vertical. The reason this pose is used, by Dr. Karen Gellman, DVM, PhD balance are not quite as widely known. like the flat fingered hand, our brain historically, is that high quality dogs and Dr. Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM. For instance, we are highly dependent would conclude that we had contacted with good neurologic responses will Dr. Gellman provides postural upon our eyes to maintain equilibrium. a ground surface that was appropriate stack naturally. rehabilitation continuing education for This is why some people and dogs can to support our bodies. This sets off a veterinarians in addition to a variety of get carsick when riding in the back seat. cascade of reflexes to enable standing: So what are some of the reasons our other special clinical skills. She can be Under most circumstances, the eyes the extensor muscles of the leg switch on, dogs have trouble standing or “stacking” reached at [email protected]. can see level surfaces that give visual making it straight to stand on; the trunk correctly? And how does this affect clues to the terrain being traveled. But muscles switch on, holding the trunk everything they do? We will discuss When we think about the activities when watching scenery rush by from a and spine firm; and the head is held in this in later segments. It’s amazing how of our dogs usually we picture their car, the body perceives motion visually an appropriate position for standing; our important simply standing properly is! play, their “jobs,” or their quiet repose and is not able to register the ground stance stabilizers are at work. on our laps or couch. However, in all surface, resulting in queasiness from Coming up in this Postural animals the ability to stand quietly at mismatched information. Why are all animals, including Rehabilitation series: rest is critically important for health humans, posturally programmed to Oh, that flexible neck! In this and soundness. Many dog owners Much of the postural information stand up straight? Because it is the segment we learn how the neurologic don’t realize that the reason their dogs the body uses is related to gravity or most economical way to stand. Dogs, feedback from the upper neck is flop down on the ground as soon as “knowing where down is.” It seems like humans and horses, are large, critically important to posture and they come to rest may be that they pretty simple to know where down is, fast animals compared with most balance and how daily canine activities have postural problems that make it but when it goes wrong big trouble vertebrates. Comparative biomechanics For Veterinarians and other licensed that include restraint and confinement, uncomfortable or tiring to stand up for ensues! The postural control system is a has shown that the larger an animal is, professionals (DC, PT) as well as athletic feats, can compromise very long. In some ways, standing is complex system in which small changes the lower its metabolic rate. This means Introduction to Postural Rehabilitation, March 23-25, 2012 , Nottingham, PA this system. harder than moving. Think about riding to the input can have far-reaching that large animals have less metabolic a bicycle—the faster you go, the easier changes in the output. For instance, you energy per pound of body weight to Postural Rehabilitation is an integrative, evidence-based approach to alleviating Feet on the ground. For all terrestrial chronic performance problems and preventing musculoskeletal injury. It provides it gets. We have many mechanisms for can turn off a large part of your own devote to body maintenance. Large, animals essential information about postural stability by clenching your fast animals have solved this “problem” a global perspective on how manual therapies alter the complex systems that their ground surface is transmitted by balance in motion that are not available control the neuro-musculoskeletal apparatus in animals. The training program hands in a fist with the tips of your by minimizing the metabolic energy the feet. However our modern man- to us for standing. What does it take to includes in depth study of the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology concerned with just stand up? A lot, actually! fingers tucked in against your thumb. required to support their own weight initiating and maintaining normal standing posture and locomotion, analysis of made environment tends to obliterate Get a pal and try this. Stand neutrally, through anatomic adaptations. They distal mechanoreceptor systems that contribute to postural control (upper cervical, the sensitivity of this feedback loop. Running animals, including humans, with your hands at your sides in a fist, have long, straight legs that support stomatognathic, distal extremity), and diagnostic and treatment methods using Even more critically, dogs can get very have multiple centers in the brain that and then ask a friend to try and push body weight in a vertical column. When applied clinical neurology and advanced neurologic reprogramming techniques. large distortions in ground perception if are devoted to postural control. Their you off balance from front or behind. the limbs are in position correctly—like their toenails scrape the ground in daily Feel your body’s responses to resisting the legs of a table—the only muscles Through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, and individually tailored tutorials, life, leading to postural distortions that job is to coordinate signals from many participants will learn how to diagnose and treat postural abnormalities. Correct parts of the body about where the the external forces and think about working are slow twitch postural posture promotes normal function of the neuro-musculoskeletal system while at are punishing to their joints. How does limbs, trunk, and head are located in which muscles you are using. Now muscles, which are strategically placed rest, allowing healing to take place. Correct posture integrates the movements of this mechanism work, and can we fix it space, relative to each other, and to the switch your hand position so that the to stabilize joints without a lot of costly locomotion, improving performance and decreasing the risk of injury. Postural when it goes wrong? ground. It’s like a big air traffic control pads of your fingers are flat on the energy. However, when the legs are Rehabilitation training also emphasizes correct postural usage for the practitioner, both to facilitate effective kinesthetic communication with animals and to prevent center where unconscious decisions heel of your palm. Try again to resist misplaced, or are very crooked, many It’s more than just bite! Did you your friend’s attempt to push you over. muscles must be recruited to keep the work-related injuries. The program utilizes a unique team teaching approach, know that more than half AKC breed are made about standing and moving with integrated contributions from our clinical, scientific, and kinesthetic experts Again, feel your body’s response. Quite dog standing. standards allow for a bite other than based upon information from the feet, throughout. the joints, the muscles, the inner ear, different! In the second instance you are a scissors bite? It’s not just aesthetics the eyes, and the jaw. The information more stable, able to resist the force of Normal neutral posture in dogs is like PR is open to licensed professionals only and programs are approved for 25 AVCA we are worried about—malformed is coordinated, analyzed and then being pushed with very little effort. a table, with a limb at each corner. Dog hours each (CE approval by individual state veterinary boards is in process, please dentition and distorted skull shapes sent to the movement centers of the show competitors are very familiar ask us if your state accepts PR yet). The introductory session is for both equine and have a profound effect on posture companion animal practitioners. For more information, contact Dr. Karen Gellman brain to generate stance or gait. Many This is an example of how our “fore-feet” with this posture; it is “stacking” the and balance. Some simple juvenile ([email protected]) or go to www.PosturalRehabVets.com. of us know that when someone has are programmed to give information to dog for the judge to examine, with interventions can go a long way to an inner ear infection their balance our brain about the ground surface. If we (continued on page 5) helping your dogs get a better bite.

4 • WINTER 2011 Discoveries Discoveries WINTER 2011 • 5 ON RES EDUC S EA TH AT U R L I C C A O O H AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION E N F H Focus on Research Focus on Research continued from page 7 Below is a list of the new OAK research grants approved for funding in September of 2011. These research projects Dr. Markus H. Kuehn, Ph.D.; Dr. Albert E. Jergens, DVM, PhD; Dr. Daniel A. Gingerich, DVM; Dr. Carl Walkley; St Vincent’s commence in 2012. Visit our website at www.akcchf.org for more detailed information about any of our research University of Iowa Iowa State University Imulan Bio Therapeutics, LLC Institute of Medical Research grants and to make a donation. Project Goal: Primary angle Project Goal: Idiopathic Project Goal: The purpose of this Project Goal: This project uses WE REACHED OUR closure glaucoma appears to be inflammatory bowel disease study is to confirm efficacy and high-throughput screening Highland White , Grant 1557: High-Resolution Grant 1586: Genome Wide 2011 GOAL an inherited autosomal recessive (IBD) is a common cause of safety of TCR peptide treatment technology (siRNA libraries) in Cytogenetic Analysis of Histiocytic and Shetland Sheepdog Association Analysis for Sebaceous trait in Basset . The goal of gastrointestinal disease in dogs. in dogs with the frustrating and human and dog osteosarcoma Malignancies and Development Adenitis in Havanese Dogs ! this project is to map and identify This study will help to determine chronically relapsing skin disease, cells in combination with the of a Targeted Assay to Screen for Dr. Elaine Ostrander, PhD; the disease gene so breeders will if probiotic therapy is effective atopic dermatitis. chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. National Human Genome Expression Level Changes Dr. Sandra N. Koch, $2,300,000 have the tools to identify dogs and can be applied to widespread The researchers will be looking Research Institution DVM; University of Minnesota carrying the disease gene. clinical use. The study will be Grant 1633: Phase I S100B for the individual genes that are Dr. Matthew Breen, PhD; North beneficial for the treatment of Inhibitor Clinical Trial for Canine silenced by siRNA and improve Carolina State University Project Goal: The goal of this Project Goal: The ultimate goal 2,000,000 Grant 1601: Unraveling both canine and human IBD. Melanoma Therapy the response to doxorubicin. project is to find the gene of this study is to develop DNA- the Genetic Background of Project Goal: The goal of this mutation that is responsible for based tests for susceptibility to 1,750,000 Intrahepatic Portosystemic Grant 1612: Use of Modified Dr. Heather M. Wilson, DVM; Grant 1658: Urinary project is to narrow down the Transitional Cell Carcinoma, a the inflammatory skin disease Shunt in Irish Wolfhounds Cyclosporin A to Improve Cataract Texas A&M University Protein and Gene Expression search for genes playing a key type of bladder cancer, in three sebaceous adenitis that would be Surgery Outcomes Characterization and Comparison role in Histiocytic Malignancies breeds of dogs with higher risk used for diagnostic confirmation; 1,500,000 Dr. Peter A.J. Leegwater, PhD; Project Goal: This study is a with Renal Biopsy Findings and thus move a step closer to for the disease. in breeding decisions to help University of Utrecht Dr. Heather Chandler, PhD; collaborative effort between and Clinical Data in Dogs with developing targeted therapies for reduce the incidence of the 1,250,000 Ohio State University basic scientists and clinicians Proteinuric Renal Diseases canine patients diagnosed with Grant 1584: Conformation disease; and potentially develop Project Goal: Intrahepatic to determine if combined this devastating cancer. in Cranial Cruciate Ligament more specific therapies for the 1,000,000 portosystemic shunt is a liver Project Goal: Posterior capsular pentamidine/chloropromazine Dr. Mary B Nabity, DVM, PhD; Deficiency in Dogs disorder. disease that is hereditary in Irish opacification is a complication therapy is safe for canine Texas A&M University Grant 1569: Evaluation of Wolfhounds. The goal of this of cataract surgery that causes melanoma patients. These drugs GS-9219 in Canine Cutaneous Dr. Dominique J. Griffon, DVM, Grant 1591: Discovery 750,000 project is to identify the genes secondary vision loss. This project are currently used in veterinary Project Goal: The purpose of this Lymphoma PhD; Western University of of Genetic Susceptibility Loci responsible for the disorder and will evaluate the use of the medicine to treat other diseases, study is to evaluate promising Health Sciences in Atopic Dermatitis using a 500,000 develop a test that will help drug Cyclosporin A to prevent so the probability is high that indicators of kidney injury that Dr. Douglas H Thamm, VMD: Genome-Wide Association Study breeders reduce the incidence this complication in hopes they will be safe for melanoma might improve the detection and/ Project Goal: The goal of this Colorado State University in West Highland White 250,000 of the disease. of improving the veterinary treatment and improve survival or assessment of progression in project is to understand the ophthalmologists options for for dogs with melanoma. dogs with chronic kidney disease. Project Goal: This clinical trial relationship between genetics, Dr. Natasha J Olby, VetMB, PhD; Grant 1602: Longitudinal restoring long-term vision. The results can be evaluated to aims to determine if the novel body characteristics and Cranial North Carolina State University $0 Study Investigating the Grant 1651: Serum Antibody determine if the novel tests are Cruciate Ligament Deficiency cancer drug GS-9210 is effective YOUR DONATIONS Progression and Pathogenesis Grant 1615: Identification Reactivity Profiling for Canine more accurate and less invasive for in fighting canine cutaneous (CCLD) in dogs. Identifying which Project Goal: This research of Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism of Idiopathic Epilepsy Genes in Lymphoma Detection and assessing kidney damage in dogs. T cell lymphoma. dogs are predisposed to the team will conduct a genome START HERE in Scottish Terriers Australian Shepherds Monitoring disease is a crucial first step to wide association study of Atopic Grant 1660: Alternative Grant 1572: Targeting reducing risk or delaying onset Dermatitis in Westies to identify Dr. Kurt Zimmerman, DVM, PhD; Dr. Ned E. Patterson, DVM, PhD; Dr. Stephen A Johnston, PhD; Genetic Approaches for Identifying Neutrophil Activation to Develop of CCLD. chromosomal regions associated Virginia-Maryland Regional University of Minnesota Arizona State University Canine Osteosarcoma Genes Novel Drugs to Treat Respiratory with the disease. The long-term THANKS TO EVERYONE College of Veterinary Medicine Tract Inflammation in Dogs Grant 1585: Phase I Study goal is to develop genetic tests WHO HELPED US REACH Project Goal: This research Project Goal: Most canine Dr. Carlos E. Alvarez, PhD; Ohio of Involved-Field Radiotherapy that can be used by breeders to Project Goal: This research group aims to identify the lymphoma patients respond to State University College of Dr. Samuel L. Jones, DVM, PhD; (IFRT) for Advanced Stage Canine decrease the prevalence of this OUR GOAL IN 2011! group will use a combination genetic mutation associated with chemotherapy but eventually Medicine North Carolina State University Lymphoma condition. Together, we’re helping dogs of traditional laboratory, epilepsy in Australian Shepherds relapse. This project is live longer, healthier lives! functional and genetic tests to try and develop a DNA-based test meant to investigate serum Project Goal: This research group Project Goal: This research group Dr. Michael Deveau, DVM, MS; Grant 1592: Investigation understand why Scottish Terriers to identify affected dogs and aid immunoproteomic profiling for will use an innovative genetic has developed a new compound Texas A&M University into the Genetics of Scottie are predisposed to developing in diagnosis. After identifying a monitoring of remission status approach that enables genome- called the MANS peptide. The goal Cramp: Sequencing of Associated atypical Hyperadrenocorticism and mutation, the researchers will also in dogs with lymphoma. wide discovery of the genetic of the project is to determine if Project Goal: The goal of Chromosomal Regions deep sequencing techniques how best to treat and screen for test to see if the mutation(s) affect variations in Greyhounds to assess MANS peptide can be used to treat this phase I clinical trial is to to identify genetic mutations the disorder. other dog breeds with a high Grant 1657: Defining New risk for osteosarcoma. Findings on serious inflammatory diseases of determine the safety of treating Dr. Natasha J Olby, VetMB, PhD; associated with Scottie Cramp. incidence of epilepsy. Therapeutic Approaches for the genetic risk for osteosarcoma the canine respiratory tract. canine lymphoma with Involved- North Carolina State University Grant 1609: Probiotic VSL# Osteosarcoma through Genome would lead to rapid development Field Radiotherapy using helical Grant 1594: Genetic Analysis 3 Reduces Enteritis in Dogs with Grant 1620: Clinical and Wide Screening and Comparative of therapies and clinical trials for Grant 1577: Fine Mapping of tomotherapy. This treatment is Project Goal: Following up on of Familial Glaucoma in the Basset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Laboratory Efficacy and Safety Oncology dogs with translation to human Loci for Transitional Cell Carcinoma being used in human medicine previous research funded by CHF, Studies of T-Cell Receptor (TCR) medicine. in the Scottish Terrier, West and needs to be evaluated for the goal of this project is to use (continued on page 7) Peptides in Canine Atopic use in veterinary medicine. Dermatitis

6 • WINTER 2011 Discoveries Discoveries WINTER 2011 • 7 EDUC ILS WA TH AT TA GG L I P I A O E N E N AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION E G H K Spotlight on Genetic Tests: Musladin-Leuke Syndrome Update From the AKC Canine Health Foundation CEO, Terry T. Warren, PhD, JD in the Beagle continued from page 1 Musladin-Leuke Syndrome (MLS), previously known as Chinese Beagle prevent, treat and cure canine disease. This program alone raises Syndrome, is a genetic disease in Beagles that affects the development and approximately $250,000 annually for canine health research. structure of connective tissue. It involves multiple body systems, including bone, So, please take the time to be an active member and clip those heart, skin and muscle. The disease resembles human stiff skin syndrome. Beagles weight circles in 2012! Go to www.purinaproclub.com for with MLS are born with several defects characterized by short outer toes on the more details. front and sometimes all four feet, high set creased ears on a flat skull with extra cartilage in them, slant narrowed eyes and very thick tight skin with little scruff. On sale now is the 2012 Living Art Calendar. We thank our art Such pups are small in stature with a very stiff gait. Seizures have also been noted photographer Miguel Betancourt and the Living Art Calendar in affected dogs. Publisher, Tom and Amy Grabe of The Canine Chronicle for again producing a keepsake calendar. And a huge thank you Breeders worked with Dr. Mark Neff and provided the necessary DNA samples goes to all the dog owners that have each contributed $5,000 for his team to identify the genetic mutation responsible for Musladin-Leuke to canine health research for the honor of being part of this Syndrome as well as document the phenotypic presentation of the disease. The outstanding project. researchers also developed a genetic test for the mutation. Calendar of Events There are so many that continue to help us achieve our mission The mode of inheritance for Musladin-Leuke Syndrome is homozygous recessive. February 11 through their generous support. We are pleased to announce When breeders or owners submit a sample for testing, they will receive results Charity Cocktail Party, Affinia Manhattan, that when you purchase a 2012 Westminster Kennel Club identifying their dog in one of these three categories: New York, NY Dog Show Poster, you will be supporting the work of the AKC April 12 Canine Health Foundation. The Westminster Kennel Club Breeder’s Symposium has generously named the Foundation as the recipient of all CLEAR: the dog has two copies of the normal gene and will neither develop MLS, Colorado State University proceeds from the sale of this year’s Poster. More details on nor pass a copy of the MLS gene mutation to any of its offspring. how to purchase are on page 11. And please join us at our Cocktail Party being held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at CARRIER: the dog has one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutant the Affinia Manhattan Hotel. Tickets can be ordered on line at gene that causes MLS. It will not develop MLS but will pass on the mutant gene Visit our Booth www.akcchf.org. to 50% (on average) of its offspring. February 13-14 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show The 2011 year ended with a very successful “Canines and AFFECTED: the dog has two copies of the mutation and is affected with MLS. New York, NY Cocktails,” where we raised a glass to honor the importance of the purebred dog as the ideal research model for canine and February 23-26 human health. Thanks to our corporate sponsor, The Canine Breeders can reduce the incidence of MLS by testing their breeding stock and International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Chronicle, all of our host sponsors, individual ticket purchasers making breeding decisions that avoid producing offspring with two copies of the Shows, Chicago, IL and for the generous contribution made to our raffle by mutation. The test can also be used by Beagle owners to confirm diagnosis if there Darla and Kevin Brooks of BB Unlimited for making this a is a question about whether a dog is affected. March 24-25 Tarheel Cluster Dog Shows huge success. To order the test kit visit the University of California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Raleigh, NC We also thank our major alliances, the , Laboratory at http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/MLS.php. Nestlé Purina PetCare and Pfizer Animal Health for their continuing commitment to advancing our mission to prevent, Taken from the Musladin-Leuke Syndrome webpage maintained by Salenko New Club Members treat and cure canine disease. Beagles in the UK (http://www.salenko.co.uk/MLS/) and the University of New Club Members as of November 10, 2011 California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/ (new since August 5, 2011 ): Wishing you all a very prosperous and healthy 2012! services/MLS.php.). Mid Florida Havanese Club Russian Club of America

8 • WINTER 2011 Discoveries Discoveries WINTER 2011 • 9 ILS WA ILS WA TA GG TA GG P I P I E N E N E G AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION E G K K Champion of Canine Health: Joye Neff Donate Your Vehicle for Canine Health Each year Joye helps raise money at You can donate your vehicle to the AKC Canine Health the Bernese club specialty. She has Foundation through V-DAC (Vehicle Donation to Any served as co-chair of their health Charity). auction and is also on the Health Auction permanent committee each • Donate any vehicle, anywhere in the United States even year. At the specialty she collects items if it doesn’t run anymore! for the auction donated by vendors • It is free, easy, quick, and a secure alternative to selling who are sympathetic to the cause. Joye or trading-in yourself. also helps Pat Long, owner of Berner-L, • There are potential tax benefits. with Longshots Photography to raise • Donate through the internet or over the phone. money for the breed. Over the past • Proceeds will benefit the AKC Canine Health Foundation two years Joye has raised more than $89,000 for health projects benefitting Look for us on the V-DAC website (www.v-dac.com) as Bernese Mountain Dogs. either “American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation” or “Canine Health Foundation.” Since she was little Joye Neff has Most recently Joye helped raise over grown up with dogs. It wasn’t until $58,000 for Histiocytic Sarcoma Kudos If you would like assistance or have questions please call 1985 though, when she got her first (HS), formerly known as Malignant us at 1-888-682-9696. , that her love Histiocycosis (MH). Joye achieved Outstanding work from the Westie for the breed was fully recognized. 100% participation from every Foundation of America, Inc. for After her best friend got a Berner she regional club in the USA, and supporting Grant 1663-A for $3,000.00! decided to go to the same breeder donations from the Bernese Mountain Mr. George Pappas expressed his support and it was love at first sight. Joye’s Dog Club of America and the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada. by donating $5,000 towards the Berner Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Poster Will Benefit love for the breed remains true today Lover DAF for research to benefit the and she devotes her time and energy Additionally, two regional clubs in breed. the AKC Canine Health Foundation supporting canine health research. Canada, members of the Australian Club, and the BMD Club of Great Our sincere gratitude goes to the Gray “Hickory” a pen, ink, and watercolor image produced on Joye has been called a fundraising Britain also made donations. Histio is Lady Foundation for donating $25,000 paper by noted illustrator Chris Duke has been selected towards canine cancer treatment “guru” for her success in helping raise a type of cancer common in the breed, as the winning artwork to represent the 136th Annual research. money for canine health, education, and one that often strikes them young. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show February 13-14, 2012. Joye has lost one Berner at 4 years and rescue. Those familiar with Joye We applaud Coyote Classic dog shows for appreciate her passion to help the of age and a second at 7 years old. their unrestricted donation of $1,250.00. For the second consecutive year the contest was sponsored Berner breed. Through this passion According to Joye, if you have been in by the New York Academy of Art, which also selected five she uses her acute fundraising skills to the breed longer than a year, you have Many thanks to the Leonberger Health additional finalists. The winning image of the 2011 Best In help our beloved canines. Her secret either been directly affected by it, or Foundation for contributing $7,500 Show winner will be utilized in a poster and in other club towards Grant 1678-A, 1651, and 1672-A. for success? Target specifically and you know someone who has lost a dog materials to promote the 2012 show. to Histio. get the word out to as many people as We are grateful to the Kenneth A. Scott possible to let them know what you Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust for their Proceeds from sales of the poster will go to benefit the are raising money for. When raising Joye lives in Pittsburg, PA with her recent grant of $10,000 in support of the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF). CHF will also receive money for canine health Joye actively husband, Bill; her first female Berner, Genome Barks Podcast Series. the original artwork. Posters will be available for sale at the keeps in touch with several contact Breeze; and their German Shorthaired dog show, or you can visit www.akcchf.org/wkcposter to lists including the Berner-L, BARC, Pointer, Will. Hats off to the French Bull Dog Club of order today! America for a successful fundraiser at Working Dogs, and the BMDCA’s their national specialty show and raising Regional Club Council as good sources over $7,400 in donations from individuals Thank you Westminster Kennel Club for your support of the for donations. and the club for their DAF. AKC Canine Health Foundation!

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