According to a 1997-1998 Chinook Breed Health Survey administered by canine geneticist Jerold S. Bell: "Some genetic mechanism is causing Chinooks and Chinook crosses to have seizures at a much higher rate than the general canine population."
Veterinary researchers Dr. Gary Johnson, a molecular geneticist at the University of Missouri, and Dr. Dennis O'Brien, a UMO veterinary neurologist, are part of a research consortium conducting an all breed DNA epilepsy research project designed to locate genetic markers for epilepsy.
The consortium is working with the Chinook as well as a number of other breeds. When a defective gene or marker is found, the research group can develop a test to identify dogs affected with the seizure disorder -before they show any symptoms - and also identify dogs that carry the seizure gene. With this information, Chinook breeders will be able to control the incidence of seizures in the Chinook by breeding away from the disorder, while continuing to strive toward good type, temperament, soundness, and health.
Dr. Johnson has also offered to maintain a Chinook and Chinook cross DNA Bank. This database of blood samples has enormous potential because it can be used for research into other genetic disorders and traits. It can also provide samples for the seizure research when additional family members might be called for.
Detailed information on the UMO research is found on the Canine Epilepsy Network web site: www.canine-epilepsy.net
Who Should Participate?
The short answer is ALL Chinooks and Chinook crosses should participate - Chinooks who have experienced or are experiencing any type of seizure-like behavior, Chinooks who have had only one seizure, Chinooks who have experienced a seizure(s) with an identified cause, Chinooks who have outgrown the seizures, Chinooks who have littermates or parents or distant relatives with seizures, and even Chinooks who have no family history of seizures. A variety of samplings will help the researchers differentiate the genetic-based seizures from other seizure types.
The ideal Chinook study family is one in which one or more littermates are experiencing seizures. For our breed's research purposes, the complete study family consists of the affected individual(s), all full-brothers and sisters, the two parents, and the four grandparents. It is best if the complete study family participates, but even a few members of a family are useful. Additional blood samples that may be helpful will be from half-brothers and sisters to the affected dogs, full-sibs of the parents, and great-grandparents, and also any other related or non-related Chinook. You may not know if your dog has a relative who is affected - more blood samples will be better than too few, so please participate!
Even if your dog is not a member of a seizure family, you can still help! Other rare breeds are collecting blood samples from their dogs so that their breed will have a DNA database available for genetic studies as questions arise, and as molecular studies become available. Storing samples in a database is especially valuable for those older Chinooks who may not be alive if a sample is needed from them in the future. Organ donations (spleen, kidney, or a portion of the liver) from deceased dogs can provide a great quantity of DNA for the studies and are an alternate way to contribute to the research..
How Do I Participate?
The CEN web site, www.canine-epilepsy.net, has detailed information on how to participate - look for the section "Sample Submission" - all the forms and the instructions for your vet are located here. Participation is easy and consists of four steps:
2 - Make an appointment with your vet to draw the blood sample. (Some owners find it convenient to schedule the sampling along with their dog's annual exam or heartworm test.)
3 - Package and ship the sample along with the individual dog submission form, pedigree, and any other paperwork, and overnight to Dr. Johnson at the University of Missouri. Detailed instructions for you and your vet on how much blood and type of container, as well as packaging, shipping directions, and address are available on the CEN web site under the section titled "Sample Handling".
4 - If your dog has experienced seizures you should also include a detailed seizure history and fill out the on-line seizure survey located at the very bottom of the "Sample Submission" page. This survey will provide the researchers with valuable info on your Chinook so please, take some time to fill out the survey.
****If your Chinook has had seizures, please also submit a video. A video is usually the only way that the researchers will be able to witness a Chinook seizure event.
Will Information Be Confidential?
As the submission form states: "the identity of dogs and owners participating in the research will not be revealed." Your confidentiality will be honored.
What Will this Cost?
The only cost to you for your participation in this Chinook study is your vet's charge to draw the blood and the cost of shipping the package to the lab. (Some vets have offered a reduced rate to draw the blood - don't hesitate to ask!) Dr. Johnson has grants in place that give the Chinooks the opportunity to participate in this research at no charge to the fancy.
Questions?
If you have any questions at all about the research, how to participate, or your Chinook's value to this research please contact:
As of January 26, 2007, 293 Chinooks and Chinook crosses have sent in samples, 35 of these dogs are affected - 17 males and 18 females.
Please participate if you haven't yet, and help spread the word to other Chinook and Chinook cross owners. More Chinooks are still needed for this study!
1 - Fill out the Individual Dog Sample Submission form (found at the CEN web site). Include a three - four- or five - generation pedigree, (or as much pedigree information as possible). There are also forms here that breeders can fill out.
