GREAT NEWS! DNA Test for Degenerative Myelopathy - Page 3

Sadly, they have probably effectively dried up our sources of funding which may make it very difficult to continue our program to help GSDM. I still think that gene imprinting at puberty is what establishes the true risk of developing GSDM. While the SOD1 gene (or the RAPD based DM Flash test) may be important, they are not the sole determinate and to not continue to pursue the other factors would be very sad.

We will probably have to move our emphasis to stem cell therapy to try to find out how to use them to repair the nervous system. Eventually that may help GSDM patients, as well. We will stay active, but only time will tell what the future holds.

In summary, I embrace the MIT findings, since they help us explain the disease. It has provided us with perhaps a way to confirm what we found with the RAPD based DM Flash test and from whence that change is coming. We understand that we cannot compete genetically with MIT, but there is room for us both. The question is who will be the one to answer the questions of the people who are looking for help? Certainly, we have a history of doing so and being a guide to uncovering the mystery of GSDM. Whose treatment protocol is to be used? I think you know the answer to these questions.”

If you only look at the gene test and do not advance beyond that, you are doing a disservice to the dogs. First, if the SOD1 association is confirmed (DR Clemmons is working on that), it still does not explain the disease nor why only a very limited few get DM. So, we have a lot of answers that have not been discovered and they will not be if we do not continue to do research. Personally, I do not trust Dr. Coates to lead the research for GSDs. I would prefer to have a researcher work on the type of DM that affects our breed- as GSDM is different than the DM of Corgis and Boxers! They are 2 entirely different diseases. I would want to support a researcher whose findings will benefit MY breed!

Whew! That was a PITA!

Thanks, Marj, I appreciate your taking so much time to help us understand the difference in these tests and confirm that GSDM is specific to the breed. 

Well, people need the facts to be able to make an informed decision :) I could *date* myself by using that old TV Program line from Dragnet "Just the facts, m'am, just the facts..." but I wouldnt do that- I would give away my age ;)

Marj, is there a database other than the one on the OFA site that lists GSD's that have been tested with the Flash test?  I only see 8 dogs listed there as "negative for DM, Flash test". If I understand it correctly, the OFA plans to generate another database listing the results of the DNA test.  Also, are many with Am Lines taking advantage of the Flash test? I don't think too many breeders with imported dogs are interested in either test for their breeding stock as far as I can tell.  At least there has been little interest voiced here and on a few other breed boards I read. More pet owners are saying they will take advantage of one of the other. Breeders I know seem to not have any faith in either test and/or are concerned that a dog with  a "positive" test may be considered a poor breeding risk. I don't hear any of the researchers saying dogs that are likely to develop or produce GSDM should be removed from breeding programs, only that these tests are screening only. Given how many people lose GSD's annually to DM,  I'm rather surprised that there isn't a bigger interest in either test.  I will probably not buy another GSD from parents that have not been tested with one or preferably both of the available tests and would much rather have a dog from one clear parent and one that may develop DM or produce it in their progeny than from unknown parents. I see a huge missed opportunity for the breed if breeders don't adjust their way of thinking about this. The more who participate, the better the chance of find the cause and how to eliminate or reduce it's occurence in the breed.

--- > Is there  database other than the OFA site that lists GSDS that have been tested with the Fklash Test?

The GSDBBR (The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry) www.gsdbbr has a place for people to enter their dogs that have been Flash tested. The search feature on the GSDBBR will bring up all GSDS that have been Flash tested. Sadly, the GSDBBR is majorly under-utilized, which I will never understand for the life of me. I have tons of visitors from Germany and Schaeferhunde, as well as here in the USA, and actually, all across the world.

Having lost Jack Flash to DM, and now having another DM dog, my sweet Missie T, frankly, after this, I am done with the breed, as much as I love the breed. Its just too heartbreaking, and when I see the GSDBBR, which should have been ripe with information, by now, being ignored by so many, that speaks volumes to me about the thinking of the caretakers of the breed. I would never put myself in the position of having to live through the heartbreak of DM, ever again!

Marjorie --> The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (including frozen/chilled semen database)
Please utilize this registry to ensure a healthy future for our breed!
Be PROACTIVE!
 http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group
http://www.gsdbbr.org

I did look at that site last night. I was hoping I missed the information on the dogs that have been tested using the Flash test. Doesn't look like too many with AmLines are taking advantage of it either. Seems to me it should be a part of all breeding programs the same as other health clearances like hips, elbow, etc.. The breed is so fortunate ot have such tests available

I hope MissyT is doing well. I hear you about no more GSD's, the thought has crossed my mind more than once. Blitz is almost 7 and so far so good, no vet bills for being sick, but my first only made it to 7 1/2, all sorts of  problems including what looked to be the start of DM. Cancer took him before the neurological issues became a priority. It's all about health; all else pales in comparison.

Thanks for your input.

Without health, one has nothing....

Ginny Altman asked Dr Clemmons for some clarifcation regarding the testing and the differences between the 2 tests in reltion to GSDM. Here is the communication incorporating his answers. ( This will probably take several messages, as well.)