IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT re Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) - Page 1

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Videx

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

Videx

by Videx on 13 February 2012 - 12:02

Mary (DOGenes Inc.)
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.)

starrchar

by starrchar on 13 February 2012 - 16:02

Thank you Videx. I have a dog with DM and plan on contacting them. I have lots of questions, but will ask directly. I hope in the meantime all breeders will continue to use the DNA test presently available.

Abby Normal

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?


marjorie

by marjorie on 19 February 2012 - 18:02

The existing test is a bad joke for GSDS- diagnostics test results dont match, nor do the symtoms and etilogy of the diseases.  GSDS are beiing thrown out of a gene pool, prematurely based upon bad sceince..The existing test is not for GSDS. There have already been incidences where carriers have developed DM and a clear dog has developed DM. Not even ONE generation of dogs has been followed to prove what they re claiming is in fact, the truth. The progeny of clear dogs get an automatic clear. The ALS society has said there is no animal model of ALS, and in fact, a new gene (not the SOD1) has been implicated in the development of ALS, which, of course, is not DM, no matter what you might wish to call it. According to the ALS Society, the SOD1 has a long way to go to be implicated in the development of ALS. They are not entirely sure it is casual, not casual.

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.

Oskar1

by Oskar1 on 19 February 2012 - 19:02

Yikes Marjorie,

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

Videx

by Videx on 19 February 2012 - 20:02

marjorie: A truly, very appropriate post. Thank you.

by Blitzen on 19 February 2012 - 20:02

Why would anyone throw out a dog just because it tested at risk? As far as I know there has never been a recommendation by OFA, Clemmons, or Coates to withdraw any dogs from a breeding program based on the test results.  Haven't they all suggested a more conservative approach? 

Is the Flash test still available?

Hi Ulli,

Long time, how have you been?






by Blitzen on 19 February 2012 - 20:02

Wouldn't it be great if all these researchers pooled their knowledge and went in the same direction?

Oskar1

by Oskar1 on 19 February 2012 - 20:02

Hey Blitzen,

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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