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ATTENTION CAFE MEMBERS!!

I call your attention to this important notice below regarding research into Doberman diseases - if you think you can help, PLEASE, make this a priority!!

Please pass this on to anyone and everyone you know with an affected Dobe - the lives of our present and future Dobes depend on it!!

THANKS!!

Mars

Mars Martin
SND President
www.doberman911.org
www.doberman911.org/seniors

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June 8, 2010




IMPORTANT RESEARCH STUDY FOR DOBERMANS



Samples from Dobermans diagnosed with cancer, cardiomyopathy and/or wobblers are needed NOW for a new, well funded research program pursuing genetic markers for these diseases. There is NO COST to owners for submitting samples and ALL SAMPLES WILL REMAIN COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS.

The past year has witnessed remarkable advances in canine genetics including the launch of new molecular tools for elucidating the complete genetic code of an individual dog. Scientists at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), in collaboration with those at the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), are employing these advances to accelerate research into the basis of devastating diseases affecting both canines and humans.

There is presently seven figure funding, technological infrastructure and collective expertise to enable the rapid completion of canine genetic research projects in a matter of months as opposed to years. TGen/VARI have requested samples to pursue study of Doberman breed associated 1) cancer, 2) cardiomyopathy and 3) wobblers. IF sufficient numbers of DNA samples from affected Dobermans are received, initial results of research may be reported as early as at this year's National.

***You will be mailed a saliva collection kit free of charge to whatever address you indicate. The kit will include a postage pre-paid envelope for you to return the sample in. The saliva collection process takes less than 3 minutes, is painless, and can be done in the privacy of your own home- no vet visit/trip required.***

For EACH of these 3 conditions a minimum of 40 samples are needed- that is 40 Dobermans diagnosed with each disease. If the Institutes receive 40 or more samples from Dobermans with each condition, they will use them to pursue scientific evaluation of the underlying biology and genetic bases of these diseases. **At this time in our established Doberman DNA blood bank, there are only 2 dogs reporting wobblers and 7 reporting DCM. THUS, THIS OPPORTUNE, WELL FUNDED RESEARCH CAN ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN IF MANY MORE SAMPLES FROM DOGS DIAGNOSED W/ EACH DISEASE ARE SUBMITTED.**

For each of the following types of cancer, 10 affected Dobermans each are needed to submit samples: lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma and malignant histiocystosis.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for the Doberman Pinscher community to step up and help researchers address major health problems in our breed. Dr. Mark Neff (TGen/VARI) is on schedule to speak this October at National. He indicates he would be particularly enthused if he could present some successful findings on one or more breed associated diseases at that time.

We all KNOW there are more than 40 Dobermans afflicted with each of these diseases out there. The greater the number of specimens received, the greater the accuracy of research findings.

Please let's avail ourselves of these cutting edge research programs toward improving the health of our breed- the funds will not be there forever! PLEASE, take a few minutes to participate *For the Love of Dobermans*!!




For saliva submission kits (+/- info. on submitting blood), please contact with the number of kits you need, your mailing address and phone:
DNA Collections c/o Elissa Boguslawski
elissa.boguslawski@vai.org
616-234-5561




Please contact me with any questions.


Thank you very much,
Kathy Davieds DVM momdog@swva.net





Clarifications:

1. Occult OR actual clinically affected DCM dogs are both needed, simply note which stage your dog is in on the form they send you.

2. If you already donated your dog's blood to the DNA blood bank but at that time your dog was not diagnosed with any of these diseases but now is, you need to contact Eddie Dzuik with OFA (that maintains the samples/info.) at edziuk@offa.org and update that information. If this
is the case, I'd also suggest contacting Elissa and letting her know you've done this w/ your dog's previously banked blood so she will know to access your dog's blood sample for this research. Because there are so many dogs in the DNA blood bank not reported as diagnosed with any of these conditions, AT THIS TIME the researchers do not need samples from *healthy*
dogs. If that changes in the future I will certainly post.

Thank you to EVERYONE for submitting samples!!! This sure is a no brainer, free, painless,
confidential, and highly motivated researchers with excellent funding, interested in several Doberman diseases!


PS:
1. Blood samples are also very desirable from dogs diagnosed with any of the above conditions (desirable but not required). If you are willing to take the extra step of providing a blood sample from your dog, the Institutes will reimburse your veterinarian $10 for the blood draw procedure AND provide you with a FedEx account number to completely cover the cost of shipping the sample in. Simply indicate when you contact Elissa that you need the info. on how to submit a blood sample.

2. Dogs diagnosed with more than one of these diseases ARE eligible to participate; owners should simply note this on the submission form. Also, if your dog has other health issues besides these three conditions they too can participate.

IN SUM: ***NO COST
***COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL (switched over into code upon receipt at lab)
***SPECIMENS FROM DOBERMANS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, DCM (clinical/symptomatic OR occult), WOBBLERS NEEDED NOW!

PLEASE CROSSPOST WIDELY- THIS NEEDS TO REACH EVERY DOBERMAN OWNER POSSIBLE