07/29/2015
UPDATE ON UNIVERSITY OF PA / DR. AGUIRRE CATARACT GENETIC STUDY
More than a hundred ASC members and Cocker Spaniel fanciers, including many of today's most prominent breeders, gathered at the Purina Event Center during the ASC National in St. Louis early July to hear world-renowned canine ophthalmological researcher Dr. Gustavo Aguirre speak about the genetic Cocker cataract research project being conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by American Spaniel Club Foundation. If Dr. Aguirre and his team succeed, it will be the end of a fifty-year long struggle to find the cause of inherited cataracts in the Cocker Spaniel and will broaden the gene pool by allowing carriers and affected cockers to be bred without devastating consequences. For those of you who were unable to attend the presentation, a video of the entire event will be posted on either the ASC or ASCF site in the next month or so.
Dr. Aguirre made this trip to the Cocker National to update the group on the study, including the continuing challenges his team faces after six months of research. The main challenge continues to be the critical need for more Cockers to be included in the study – “affected, relatives of affected, and older clear cockers and their relatives that will provide the “control group”.
So, what was the take-away from the afternoon and what can you do?
In a nutshell, 15 genes have already been eliminated as genetic markers for inherited Cocker cataracts. But, as Dr. Aguirre responded when asked about the chance of success, “…. The process is a long, arduous one that will require lots of support and participation from those who love the breed…but, with a little luck… “
In past research projects, the team has had success with 20-40 samples in each group. So now, it’s up to you!
WE NEED YOUR COCKERS!
*Cockers (2-5 and 6-9) – AFFECTED AND CLEAR - and their relatives (most importantly, siblings and parents)
*CLEAR Cockers, 9 years and older
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN INCLUDE YOUR DOG(S) IN THE STUDY:
PLEASE NOTE – ALL PARTICIPATION IS 100% CONFIDENTIAL
*If you are bringing your dog(s) to your own veterinary ophthalmologist, go to the following website to download complete information on how to participate and to print out
the research form for the study:
http://www.optigen.com/opt9_cataractrsrchacs.html
PLEASE NOTE - it is crucial for your doctor to complete the research form with
detailed information and drawings.
***
OR
*You may bring your dogs to University of Pennsylvania for a
private appointment with Dr. Aguirre –
Cost is equivalent to an eye clinic if you bring more than 2-3 dogs and register them under one name as a “litter exam” (no need to be littermates).
Please contact: Lydia Melnyk, (215) 898-9426 - [email protected]
Cost:
OR
You may bring your dogs to Dr. Aguirre at the following eye clinic:
Sunday, January 10, 2016 – Lenape Golden Retriever Club
Richboro Veterinary Hospital, Richboro, Pennsylvania
Contact: Leslie Adams, (215) 538-2415
OR
The Cocker Spaniel Club of Orange County will sponsor an
All-breed eye clinic on Saturday, February 13, 2016 with Dr. Dean Vestre D.V.M.,
5676 Francis Ave Chino, CA 91710.
Contact Quinn Ruvacava at 714-901-1885.
OR
From Debbi Rudman comes this announcement
The Watchung Mountain Poodle Club will be offering free blood draws for all Cocker Spaniels diagnosed with Cataracts at its Annual Health Clinic being held Sunday, August 23, 2015, 9am to 3pm, at Top Dog Training Center, 24 Bartley-Flanders Rd, , Flanders, NJ 07836. This event supports Dr. Gustavo Aguirre's research study with the American Spaniel Club Foundation's funded research to find a DNA marker for cataracts in Cocker Spaniels.
Eye exams cost $35.00, are by appointment only and must be prepaid by 8/18/15. For code, details, information and eye appointments please call Candy Vaughan 973-455-0841. Make checks payable to WMPC and mail to WMPC c/o Candy Vaughan, 3 Harter Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. ALL TESTING MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE AND THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS!
Other clinics, including those with Dr. Aguirre, will be announced at a later date.
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Research Samples for Cataract Study in Cocker Spaniels
Diagnostic lab service and information for genetic diseases in purebred dogs. Located in Ithaca, New York.
optigen.com
