The genetics work is currently waiting for more samples so we can do a second round of genetic analysis. We urgently need a further 11 samples from affected dogs (FROM ANY COUNTRY) so if your dog has suffered from seizures and you would like to help with the research, please email bryan.mclaughlin@aht.org.uk and request a DNA sample kit for Italian Spinone Epilepsy research. These kits are free of charge for dogs taking part in the research. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.
Category: Health & Welfare
Articles about Health & Welfare
{loadformmaker 12}
Here is the AHT’s current advice for breeding from dogs who are related to confirmed idiopathic epileptics.
The over-enthusiastic removal of too many dogs from our gene pool could reduce the diversity of the breed and bring other inherited diseases to the fore. Relations of confirmed idiopathic epileptics (siblings, offspring, parents) that are used for breeding, should be mated to a dog that has no common ancestors within 3 generations. Click on Read More for the full AHT article.
What stage are we at with this research?
Scientists at the AHT have conducted a genome-wide association study (genome scan) in the Italian Spinone in an attempt to identify regions of the DNA that might be involved in idiopathic epilepsy, as currently the mode of inheritance or genetic complexity of idiopathic epilepsy in this breed is unknown. This report summarises the results of our investigations and suggests future directions.
We have expanded the online Spinone health database to include additional conditions that have been reported by owners and/or breeders. Currently we include the following list of conditions which will be added to from time to time. Bloat, Cancer, Seizures, Thyroid, Auto Immune, Skeletal conditions
FRAZER’S DIARY
It all started back in May of 1999, Frazer would chew and lick at his feet until they were red raw, the soreness seemed worse right at the base of his pads and occasionally around the nail beds. The feet would be so sore that he could hardly walk on them and he would be lame for days to follow whilst the soreness was healing. Also periodically sores would appear in his inner thigh, groin area and underneath his front legs.
After taking the vets advise trying numerous creams, anti-biotics and various other treatments for dermatitis and fugal infections for the next three months, it was then suggested that maybe it could be a thyroid problem.
So in August of 1999 tests were carried out for thyroid, results showed that Frazer was Hypothyroid, so he was prescribed Soloxine.
If you wish to share any of the information in this article, please link directly to the page. Written permission is required to copy or reproduce the content in part or in full by any other method.
Copyright © 2014 by The Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain.
On Friday 7th November, the Animal Health Trust hosted a Spinone Open Day at their premises near Newmarket, Suffolk. Our Speakers for the day were Dr Luisa De Risio, Head of Neurology, Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics and Dr Davide Berlato, Head of Oncology.
Don’t forget we now have a DNA test for Cerebellar Ataxia.
Since March 2008, we have been able to test for Cerebellar Ataxia through the Animal Health Trust. We are now reaching the time when tested dogs may appear further back in pedigrees so the Health Committee would like to remind all breeders and stud dog owners of the recommendations for testing.
The AHT’s epilepsy study has now moved to the Genetics Phase. We have contacted the owners of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy that we know are still alive, to ask them to donate a DNA sample, to be collected as a simple cheek swab, from their dog.
We have been receiving these DNA samples from the cases that Luisa has identified and are about to start asking some of the dogs we have DNA from that are listed as healthy for confirmation that they remain, or remained (if they have died) seizure-free. Once we have this confirmation we will start the DNA analysis.
The data collection for the study on Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone in the UK has been completed. The numerous variables are undergoing analysis and will be presented at an international conference in September.
The interim results suggest that the prevalence of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinonein the UK is greater than the 0.6% prevalence estimated in epileptic dogs of numerous breeds in first opinion practice in UK. Seizures are commonly generalised tonic-clonic and frequently occur in clusters. More than 50% of Spinoni required more than one antiepileptic medication and seizure control was often challenging. Epilepsy related mortality rate was higher than previously reported in other canine breeds.