other research studies

While the following studies are not being funded by SCARF, they may be of interest to Samoyed owners:
 

Canine Genome Research - The Ostrander Laboratory at the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH is soliciting donations of blood samples from pure bred dogs for canine health research.  Our aim to use these samples as part of a larger dataset used to find genes important in disease susceptibility and progression, as well as to understand the genetic basis of canine body shape and size....more 

Canine Birth Defects Study - Researchers in the Bannasch Laboratory at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis are initiating a long term study on canine birth defects (CBD).  The birth defects that are currently being targeted are cleft palate, umbilical hernia (requiring surgical correction) and cryptorchidism.

Cancer Research at the Van Andel Institute - The Van Andel Research Institute, a world class human cancer research institute, recently received a Federally fund grant through the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, to study five types of cancer that occur in both dogs and humans. The ultimate goal is to develop improved diagnostics and more individualized therapies for both canines and people...more

VKH Study - Preliminary work, in cooperation with the Akita Club of America, is being done on VKH (UDS) by Dr. Neff at UC Davis.  Samoyeds have been asked to participate in this study....more 

Canine Epilepsy Research - needed are samples from a large number of affected individuals and their immediate family members (siblings, parents, and grandparents), from many breeds of dogs.

The University of Missouri is currently conducting a genetic marker study on glaucoma.

"Participation by the owners of affected dogs and their relatives is essential to the success of this project. Researchers need DNA samples from dogs who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or lens luxation, and immediate relatives (all available siblings, parents, grandparents, and offspring if the affected dog has been bred). Clinically normal dogs in these families are as important to sample as the affected dogs. Complete or nearly complete families are critical to the success of this research. Participation in the project is confidential -- the names of individual owners or dogs will not be revealed."...more

Early-onset (or Juvenile) Cataracts  - VetGen is interested in collecting samples from families of dogs in which two or more are affected.

Inherited Cataracts - Optigen
This is an expansion of a current research project aimed at identifying the gene(s) and mutation(s) responsible for these cataracts. Samples are needed from Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes with bilateral posterior cortical cataracts that developed between 1 and 3 years of age.

Contact Optigen prior to sending samples to make sure your dog qualifies for the research.

www.optigen.com
genetest@optigen.com
607.257.0301 phone
607.257.0353 fax 

Canine Hip Dysplasia - VetGen is interested in collecting samples from families of dogs in which two or more are affected.