Re: A Request for Blood Samples from Dogs Affected by Chronic Active Hepatitis

Dear breeders and owners,
I am writing to invite you to participate in an exciting study aimed at understanding the genetics of Chronic Active Hepatitis in the Doberman.   The study is a collaborative effort between two laboratories -- Dr. David Twedt's lab at Colorado State, and Dr. Mark Neff's lab at UC Davis.

This project has arisen because of a unique opportunity to assist in the validation of a cutting-edge technology for DNA analysis. Nine breeds have been selected for a pilot study; the Doberman is one of these breeds.

For validating the emerging technology, we are in the process of  recruiting blood samples from 26 unrelated Dobermans, as well as 2 ‘trios' (sire, dam, and one offspring). The DNA of selected dogs will serve as a genetic representation of the breed in general.

Because of the validation, we also have an opportunity to map the basis of one or more diseases (without additional funding). If we can collect 12-24 blood samples from Dobermans that are affected by a specific disease (in addition to the samples collected from healthy ‘control' dogs), we would stand a reasonable chance of mapping causative regions in the dog genome.

The best mapping opportunity appears to be Chronic Active Hepatitis, which involves a progressive inflammation of the liver. The disease is often fatal, and anecdotal reports suggest that the incidence may be increasing within the breed. Although there are no good genetic epidemiological studies on the disease in Dobermans, the increased risk of the breed generally suggests a genetic component. The disease does not show a simple pattern of inheritance, and females seem to have an increased risk. Thus, the disease should be considered genetically complex.

Complex diseases are now resolvable in the dog owing to the availability of increased genetic marker panels. If a sufficient number of blood samples can be collected, there is a reasonable chance of successfully identifying at least some of the genes that contribute genetic risk.  As with all academic research, confidentiality is strictly maintained.  There is no cost to participate; blood draws can be reimbursed (up to $15/dog), and a Federal Express account number is provided so that 
shipping costs can be billed to my laboratory directly.

Any purebred Doberman that has been diagnosed with Chronic Active Hepatitis is a candidate for the study, and we invite the owners to submit a blood sample. A member of the research team will follow up to obtain (if possible) clinical records. Dr. Twedt will be available for consultation on case management for any affected dog that enrolls in the study.

Pedigree records are not needed (though a registration number is helpful). Samples submitted in the next two weeks will be given priority for the initial mapping phase, though sample collection will remain continuous and open beyond that time.
Questions? Contact Mark Neff at (530) 752-1381 or at mwneff@ucdavis.edu
or David Twedt at (970) 221-4535 or at twedt@colostate.edu

Blood Sample Procurement for Genetic Research
• Please collect whole blood using an EDTA or ACD Vacutainer (lavender or yellow top)
• Between 3-5 mls of blood will provide a sufficient yield of DNA
• Samples can be shipped using STANDARD overnight
• Please ship at ambient temperature (Please, NO ICE)
• Please use Federal Express Account #2527-7516-1 (check “Bill Recipient”)
• Please ship samples to:

Dr. Mark Neff
VGL Canine Genetics
CVG/CCAH Bldg
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1381
mwneff@ucdavis.edu

Please include the following with the blood sample (Diagnostic records helpful but not required):
Dog Name: ________________________ Registration #: ____________________________
Owner Name: 
_________________________________________________________________________
Address: 
_________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: 
_________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________email address: ______________________________

The Center for Veterinary Genetics can reimburse the cost of blood draws up to $15/dog.
Thank you for supporting our research. For more information, please visit us online at:
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/research/canine/research.html