Forelimb Anomaly Research Has Begun! SAMPLES NEEDED!

[Sula217]

I need your help!

I am so excited to report that Dr. Lohi's world-renowned canine research group (associated with the University of Finland, http://www.koirangeenit.fi/in-english/ has begun research on Forelimb Anomaly in Newfoundlands (as part of their research into Osteochondrodysplasia in dogs). They have been very successful with other breeds so I am very hopeful. They have DNA samples but they need more samples and more information.

Here is a link to a page on my website that talks a little bit more about the research and includes a link to the Submission Packet. (I tried to attach it but exceed the file size maximum.) Go to: http://www.sulathenewfie.com/#!research/cc7u

Besides blood from affected dogs and as many family members as possible, they want pedigrees and even info about any affected litters or litter mates even if there aren't samples for them. They want photos and x-rays too. They also want blood samples from dogs that are presumed to NOT be affected or carriers.

This issue has impacted Newfs all over the globe. More dogs are being born with it and without the ability to test prior to doing a breeding, more affecteds will be born. This is a HUGE opportunity to improve the health of this breed. Last time research was done, 12+ years ago, it was inconclusive because there were not enough samples. Let's not let this opportunity pass us by!

Helsinki takes a strong position on confidentiality so you can send your samples directly without any worry or concern any others would know you submitted it. However, if you want help with the submission, I am happy to reimburse you for any vet costs to draw the blood and ship it to Finland. I just want to make sure that cost is not a factor in not submitting DNA.

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!

PLEASE, at least take the time to check out the Submission Packet and consider submitting DNA. You can help whether your dogs are affected/carriers or not.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

Kristin and Sula

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

I know you know of Apache. Apache has the same father as Snuffles, and the mothers are litter sisters and Snuffles is about 1 1/2 month older than Apache. Snuffles does have bad elbows but not the twisting legs of Apache.

I have no definite proof of all this, since I am not the original owner and Snuffles was never registered. I knew the old owners and Snuffles as a brand new puppy and saw the web site with his parents before he moved to Decatur. And somewhere I did have a litter AKC number too that agrees to other info I know. I would need someone to cover the expenses if I did do this. I am pretty tapped out right now.

BTW, there is a fairly current digital x-ray of Snuffles left elbow taken like last Sept. It is posted here. His old vet took more full leg x-ray back when Snuffles was 3. I took some pictures of them and posted them here. If someone wants to contact my old vet, I would give the OK to copy and send, but other than that, I do not want to deal with them in anyway shape or form.

http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=107452
http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=53771

 

[Sula217]

Hi Leonard (and Snuffles), I would be more than happy to help you make a submission. I am traveling this week for work, but when I return, I would like to speak with you on the phone about how I can help and we can make this work. I will am going to send you a private message with my direct phone numbers and arrange a time to talk. I am happy to call you if that is what you prefer.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Let me know when you are back, and we can make some kind of arrangement.

Here is a picture of Snuffles and Apache taken in 2011. Apache has stayed here several times. This is the only one I can find showing front legs on both. Most of the time one or both dogs are down.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/sammy56/Apache_Vacation_Aug_2011/DSCN8099_800.jpg

Hi Leonard (and Snuffles), I would be more than happy to help you make a submission. I am traveling this week for work, but when I return, I would like to speak with you on the phone about how I can help and we can make this work. I will am going to send you a private message with my direct phone numbers and arrange a time to talk. I am happy to call you if that is what you prefer.

 

[victoria1140]

Is it only open to dogs with kc certification as Max hasn't got that but he has had both elbows and hips done.
Will also have to check out costs initially

 

[Sula217]

DNA Submissions are open to ALL Newfoundlands, even if they aren't registered. Just be sure to include their pedigree (or at least the parents or some other identifiers) so they know how the "map" fits together. They told me that the more information they can have about all the Newfoundlands, the better (which is why they want specific photos, X-rays, etc.). Let me know if you feel the costs are prohibitive. I would be happy to help.

 

[Sula217]

Leonard - that is a good quality photo they are cute too.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

I remembered, I do know someone that has a full sister, but maybe a year older of Apache that lives in OH. She got her as a retired breeding dog from the same breeder Snuffles and Apache came from. I also have a local friend over River King's rescue that had a dog pass through rescue and that I found out about after the fact who was one of the the OH dog's offspring that I gather lives up in the very NW IL I gather. I am going to see if I can get them interested.

 

[Sula217]

That is great! The more the better! Responded to your private message as well. Sorry for any delay, I have been traveling for work.