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by Videx on 11 February 2012 - 22:02
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – re. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
TO ALL “GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG” BREEDERS AND OWNERS
DOGenes Inc. http://www.dogenes.com/
Is pleased to announce
that we have possibly identified a new gene and mutation for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).
This mutation has been identified in the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breed. As a result of this mutation the protein product of this gene is prematurely terminated. This means that the mutated gene produces a partial protein product that is not functional. While there is strong evidence from the biology of this gene that this mutation could be the cause of DM, we need many more clinical samples to confirm this finding.
The first priority is to get as many confirmed DM cases from your breed as possible. Anyone with a GSD that has DM is urged to contact DOGenes Inc. for materials to collect a DNA sample. At this point, I am very optimistic about this discovery.
Because this is such a very serious and fatal disease, I hope that we can work together to determine if this is a causative mutation.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AT ALL TIMES.
Sincerely,
Mary H. Whiteley, PhD
DOGenes Inc.
CONTACT: DMstudy@dogenes.com
by Videx on 13 February 2012 - 12:02
I have some people asking if the potential new test will offer anything more than existing tests for DM? – David (Videx GSD)
David (Videx GSD)
Whereas the current test is for a "RISK FACTOR" it does not necessarily mean that a dog that is homozygous for the mutant allele will develop DM. So the current test says that a dog that is homozygous for the mutant allele might develop DM or be affected with the disease or be normal. The test that I am hoping to develop will be a diagnostic test for the disease itself, and should impact breeding decisions to avoid the disease altogether. - Mary (DOGenes Inc.)
by starrchar on 13 February 2012 - 16:02
by Abby Normal on 14 February 2012 - 11:02
Whilst other research continues I do agree that we must continue to use the existing test for DM to limit as far as we can the incidence of this condition.
Hopefully everyone will contribute DNA samples to any organisation to further research in this field.
Yet STILL so few especially in the UK appear to be testing?
by marjorie on 19 February 2012 - 18:02
Said it before and will say it again- the Emperor's New Clothes.... I cannot wonder how many dogs will be thrown out of a gene pool, that is already small and subdivided, thus making other diseases more concentrated. This is a recipe for disaster :( I wont say *I told you so* when it
is proven that there is no relation to DM of the GSD and the SOD1. I will just cry for the breed and what greedy humans have done to it, IF there is even a breed left, at that time.
by Oskar1 on 19 February 2012 - 19:02
dont give up, if there are more of your kind out there, our breed will survive !
Thanks David, to keep us on top - you definately put a lot of work in this, thank you very much.
It is surprising for me that some will put the the "research", of some plus making orientated company, out there, as they would pronounce the cure of it all. Does not make sense to me.
Quote from David's post :"...is for a "RISK FACTOR",does not nesecerely mean....that dog that is homozygous for the mutant allele will devellop DM. The Test I am HOPING to devellop....."
There is a lot of hoping, as well as hoping to devellop involved, just a little too much for my taste.
Now before I am or Majorie are getting lynched, it is good that there are new aproaches out there. Quite good indeed, but I will not spend money in to private company, that says for itself, that the outcome does, at this point, prove nothing. "may not, does not have to, hoping to devellop..." is sure a nice thought, but has nothing to do with sience.
I sure would prefer if for instance, it would be mandotory to x-ray the backs - based on proven sience, given that ALL results would be reportet, that I would agree to any second.
Majorie, thanks very much for your very balanced post.
Ulli
by Videx on 19 February 2012 - 20:02
by Blitzen on 19 February 2012 - 20:02
Is the Flash test still available?
Hi Ulli,
Long time, how have you been?
by Blitzen on 19 February 2012 - 20:02
by Oskar1 on 19 February 2012 - 20:02
thanks for asking, doing good, thank you. Hope everything is fine with you and of course your dogs.
How could they possibly recommend that test - it' s at a start, it's not proving facts, they say it themselves - we are hoping, it does not mean.....
It sure is good to stay on the ball, and it definately is good to research, I am just a bit susspicious when profit orientated companys try to sell me something.
Ulli
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