Dear Breed Health Co-ordinators,
It has been brought to our attention that some of you may not have received the BHC Newsletter that was sent out in January 2017. This may because it is an eNewsletter and was sent from our marketing platform and may have therefore gone to your junk folder or it may not have been delivered to you. We apologise for this and aim to rectify this problem before we send out the next newsletter.
Please see the newsletter attached. Alternatively, please click here to see the newsletter in your internet browser.
Apologies to those who have already received the newsletter.
Kind regards,
The Health Team
It has been brought to our attention that some of you may not have received the BHC Newsletter that was sent out in January 2017. This may because it is an eNewsletter and was sent from our marketing platform and may have therefore gone to your junk folder or it may not have been delivered to you. We apologise for this and aim to rectify this problem before we send out the next newsletter.
Please see the newsletter attached. Alternatively, please click here to see the newsletter in your internet browser.
Apologies to those who have already received the newsletter.
Kind regards,
The Health Team
CONNIE – HER STORY Ectopic Ureter
click the file to read the full story
Please contact Margaret Woods for more information. [email protected] or 01388 835112. Penny Gayler (Carolake) UK
click the file to read the full story
Please contact Margaret Woods for more information. [email protected] or 01388 835112. Penny Gayler (Carolake) UK
| connies_story_for_web_page.pdf |
To: Members of the Breed Council 30 March 2015
Hi Everyone
ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST - GOLDEN RETRIEVER DAY
Peter and I attended the Animal Health Trust free Golden Retriever Day last Friday, 20th March and am delighted to say it was a great day. The lecture hall was full and there were 60 Golden Retrievers taken along and screened for Goniodysgenesis. There were dogs and bitches of all ages, from both show and working lines. The main emphasis of the day was on Glaucoma and James Oliver delivered an excellent talk, supported by a brilliant power point presentation. I have attached a copy for you all to see.
Having met James I now have a better understanding of his project, Goniodysgenesis, Glaucoma and how unravelling the DNA will assist future breeding options. I will be writing more at a later date, as I gather more information.
Interestingly, the talks on Hereditary Cataract given by Dr Sally Ricketts and Jane Sanson were quite revealing. Jane, concentrating on the clinical aspect and Sally talking about genetics, the DNA samples, the number of screenings done and how they have been used so far. It would appear that the mode of inheritance of HC in our breed is not due to a simple recessive gene, and this would explain why the samples so far have not given us the answers we need. The most positive outcome of these talks was to learn that the research is ongoing without any further financial burden on our resources. I have agreed to help Sally collect more samples both for HC and MRD in an attempt to progress both projects. I have more information on this, and again will be in touch later.
The talk on Epilepsy given by Fabio Stabile, AHT Neurology Clinician, was interesting and he explained that reaching a diagnosis of Idiopathic (hereditary) Epilepsy was a process of elimination, and only after blood tests, MRI and other clinical investigations have ruled out other reasons for seizures, can this conclusion be reached. This of course is costly and only a fraction of cases are referred for specialist treatment. Most primary care veterinary surgeons opt for in house treatment, with varying degrees of success. Fabio explained how "cluster" fits and "Status Epilepticus" are emergency situations and sadly often result in severe brain damage or even death.
Cathryn had an Epilepsy questionnaire which was completed by some of the attendees (15). This is a questionnaire devised by the AHT and first used by the Italian Spinone Club. Cathryn is going to send me a blank copy to see if this can be of use to us in our epilepsy project.
Finally, it was very gratifying for me personally that so many people had come along to meet me, having spoken to them on the phone many times over the last few months about Epilepsy and Ectopic Ureter. With a full agenda, there simply was not enough time for me to talk to everyone. However, I have asked James to email everyone who attended and give them my contact details, so hopefully I will get to speak to them all at length soon.
Could you all give me some feedback please on all of these subjects: Epilepsy, HC, MRD and Glaucoma when you have had a chance to discuss with your Committees?
I need to take matters forward and sometimes there is just not enough time at Breed Council.
I will also send you the slides on Epilepsy & HC if you are interested.
See you soon,
Margaret
(Ref. http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/research_cgag.html
and http://www.aht.org.uk/skins/Default/pdfs/Animal_Health_Trust_Golden_Rretriever_Day.pdf)
Hi Everyone
ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST - GOLDEN RETRIEVER DAY
Peter and I attended the Animal Health Trust free Golden Retriever Day last Friday, 20th March and am delighted to say it was a great day. The lecture hall was full and there were 60 Golden Retrievers taken along and screened for Goniodysgenesis. There were dogs and bitches of all ages, from both show and working lines. The main emphasis of the day was on Glaucoma and James Oliver delivered an excellent talk, supported by a brilliant power point presentation. I have attached a copy for you all to see.
Having met James I now have a better understanding of his project, Goniodysgenesis, Glaucoma and how unravelling the DNA will assist future breeding options. I will be writing more at a later date, as I gather more information.
Interestingly, the talks on Hereditary Cataract given by Dr Sally Ricketts and Jane Sanson were quite revealing. Jane, concentrating on the clinical aspect and Sally talking about genetics, the DNA samples, the number of screenings done and how they have been used so far. It would appear that the mode of inheritance of HC in our breed is not due to a simple recessive gene, and this would explain why the samples so far have not given us the answers we need. The most positive outcome of these talks was to learn that the research is ongoing without any further financial burden on our resources. I have agreed to help Sally collect more samples both for HC and MRD in an attempt to progress both projects. I have more information on this, and again will be in touch later.
The talk on Epilepsy given by Fabio Stabile, AHT Neurology Clinician, was interesting and he explained that reaching a diagnosis of Idiopathic (hereditary) Epilepsy was a process of elimination, and only after blood tests, MRI and other clinical investigations have ruled out other reasons for seizures, can this conclusion be reached. This of course is costly and only a fraction of cases are referred for specialist treatment. Most primary care veterinary surgeons opt for in house treatment, with varying degrees of success. Fabio explained how "cluster" fits and "Status Epilepticus" are emergency situations and sadly often result in severe brain damage or even death.
Cathryn had an Epilepsy questionnaire which was completed by some of the attendees (15). This is a questionnaire devised by the AHT and first used by the Italian Spinone Club. Cathryn is going to send me a blank copy to see if this can be of use to us in our epilepsy project.
Finally, it was very gratifying for me personally that so many people had come along to meet me, having spoken to them on the phone many times over the last few months about Epilepsy and Ectopic Ureter. With a full agenda, there simply was not enough time for me to talk to everyone. However, I have asked James to email everyone who attended and give them my contact details, so hopefully I will get to speak to them all at length soon.
Could you all give me some feedback please on all of these subjects: Epilepsy, HC, MRD and Glaucoma when you have had a chance to discuss with your Committees?
I need to take matters forward and sometimes there is just not enough time at Breed Council.
I will also send you the slides on Epilepsy & HC if you are interested.
See you soon,
Margaret
(Ref. http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/research_cgag.html
and http://www.aht.org.uk/skins/Default/pdfs/Animal_Health_Trust_Golden_Rretriever_Day.pdf)
Health report 2015
The Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria Health Report 2015
I would firstly like to draw peoples attention to the Animal Health Trust Golden retriever day that is free and open to all. The topics that will be covered should be interesting and the opportunity to partake in active glaucoma research is offered too.
To the update on the eye diseases that we experience in Golden Retrievers. Some are on going projects and others more recent.
Hereditary Cataract
Seems to be a condition that is affecting no dogs in great numbers. Cheek swab samples will still be accepted at the AHT but the progress on this project is slow due to the fact many genes are suspected of contributing to the condition. At the Golden retriever day, that is being host at the AHT, Dr Sally Ricketts will be presenting on HC in the golden retriever.
Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia
Again progress continues to be slow with this project and the debate of MRD continues.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma or the test for the predisposition for the development of glaucoma, in the form of gonioscopy has now come to the for and has for a number of years been under investigation within golden retrievers by the BVA. The test itself looks at the drainage angle of the eye and and is currently a one off test (this may change) carried out by a panellist. James Oliver of the AHT is currently looking into the prevalence of the closed drainage angle, within a number of dog breeds, one being the goldie. James is hoping to test more golden retrievers at the golden day at the AHT in March as well as others as the opportunity arises. The program is being sponsored by the Dogs Trust but some private donations are being made. This will be discussed fully at the next breed council meeting.
As mentioned James will be carrying out gonioscopy free of charge at the AHT golden retrievers day but for official certification the normal charges will apply as well as presenting his hypotheses and opinions.
Moving onto cancers.
Cancers
These are, as for humans, an obvious problem. The incidence rates are unknown but possible utilisation of veterinary records, which are being accessed by Daniel O,Neill of the RVC may shed more light on the numbers being diagnosed.
Mike Starkey at the AHT has until recently been collecting cheek swabs and veterinary records of goldens that are suffering with mast cell tumours, but he has accepted other incidences of cancers including lymphomas, and sarcomas. Although his research grant has concluded, I am sure Mike would continue to collect and store samples for any further research projects. Dependent on the cancers, he likes a sample of the tissue taken in a special solution (while the vet is either biopsying or excavating the tumour), the laboratory reports, a cheek swab and the pedigree.
Now to the problems, both new and old, facing the breed in the urogenital region.
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia is mostly fatal and seems to have popped up from no where. A DNA test was advertised for this condition in goldens, as well as other breeds, which was based on research carried out in the US and Canada.The test is now withdrawn in the UK, due to the fact that the research, which the DNA test was based on, has now been pulled from the peer reviewed journal that published it, this is due to questionable conclusions and assumptions.
Ectopic Ureter
Incidences of ectopic ureter are still coming to light, with Margaret still collecting cheek swabs from affected puppies. These are mainly female with a small number of males exhibiting symptoms and being diagnosed. The target for the affected sample is almost reached. I have found that there are some interesting papers being published in other breeds which explore clinical testing.
Funding has been raised and the options will be discussed further at the next breed council meeting.
On a lighter note and a minor success.
ICT-A
Ichthyosis, I believe is now being widely tested for in the show golden retrievers, but the tests are being carried out in France by Antagene. So the results are not being published in the breed record supplements, as they would be if tested by Labokin in the UK. Therefore it is proving extremely difficult to find dogs suitable to use with carrier bitches. I think we are acknowledging this condition and being surprised by the results we are turning up.
And now to the taboo!
Epilepsy
We still have limited information but individuals are coming forward with pedigrees, if not samples, to Margaret. The fear here lies with people carrying on breeding from lines that are problematic and not disclosing the possible problems. Moving forward with epilepsy will not be quick. The incidence of affected animals is unknown however the AHT are collecting samples of all breeds that are suffering from the condition and again utilisation of Daniel O'Neils tools may provide us with further information. There has been a few papers published on potential gene candidates for epilepsy in other breeds which may aid us in the future.
Heather Crawford
I would firstly like to draw peoples attention to the Animal Health Trust Golden retriever day that is free and open to all. The topics that will be covered should be interesting and the opportunity to partake in active glaucoma research is offered too.
To the update on the eye diseases that we experience in Golden Retrievers. Some are on going projects and others more recent.
Hereditary Cataract
Seems to be a condition that is affecting no dogs in great numbers. Cheek swab samples will still be accepted at the AHT but the progress on this project is slow due to the fact many genes are suspected of contributing to the condition. At the Golden retriever day, that is being host at the AHT, Dr Sally Ricketts will be presenting on HC in the golden retriever.
Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia
Again progress continues to be slow with this project and the debate of MRD continues.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma or the test for the predisposition for the development of glaucoma, in the form of gonioscopy has now come to the for and has for a number of years been under investigation within golden retrievers by the BVA. The test itself looks at the drainage angle of the eye and and is currently a one off test (this may change) carried out by a panellist. James Oliver of the AHT is currently looking into the prevalence of the closed drainage angle, within a number of dog breeds, one being the goldie. James is hoping to test more golden retrievers at the golden day at the AHT in March as well as others as the opportunity arises. The program is being sponsored by the Dogs Trust but some private donations are being made. This will be discussed fully at the next breed council meeting.
As mentioned James will be carrying out gonioscopy free of charge at the AHT golden retrievers day but for official certification the normal charges will apply as well as presenting his hypotheses and opinions.
Moving onto cancers.
Cancers
These are, as for humans, an obvious problem. The incidence rates are unknown but possible utilisation of veterinary records, which are being accessed by Daniel O,Neill of the RVC may shed more light on the numbers being diagnosed.
Mike Starkey at the AHT has until recently been collecting cheek swabs and veterinary records of goldens that are suffering with mast cell tumours, but he has accepted other incidences of cancers including lymphomas, and sarcomas. Although his research grant has concluded, I am sure Mike would continue to collect and store samples for any further research projects. Dependent on the cancers, he likes a sample of the tissue taken in a special solution (while the vet is either biopsying or excavating the tumour), the laboratory reports, a cheek swab and the pedigree.
Now to the problems, both new and old, facing the breed in the urogenital region.
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia is mostly fatal and seems to have popped up from no where. A DNA test was advertised for this condition in goldens, as well as other breeds, which was based on research carried out in the US and Canada.The test is now withdrawn in the UK, due to the fact that the research, which the DNA test was based on, has now been pulled from the peer reviewed journal that published it, this is due to questionable conclusions and assumptions.
Ectopic Ureter
Incidences of ectopic ureter are still coming to light, with Margaret still collecting cheek swabs from affected puppies. These are mainly female with a small number of males exhibiting symptoms and being diagnosed. The target for the affected sample is almost reached. I have found that there are some interesting papers being published in other breeds which explore clinical testing.
Funding has been raised and the options will be discussed further at the next breed council meeting.
On a lighter note and a minor success.
ICT-A
Ichthyosis, I believe is now being widely tested for in the show golden retrievers, but the tests are being carried out in France by Antagene. So the results are not being published in the breed record supplements, as they would be if tested by Labokin in the UK. Therefore it is proving extremely difficult to find dogs suitable to use with carrier bitches. I think we are acknowledging this condition and being surprised by the results we are turning up.
And now to the taboo!
Epilepsy
We still have limited information but individuals are coming forward with pedigrees, if not samples, to Margaret. The fear here lies with people carrying on breeding from lines that are problematic and not disclosing the possible problems. Moving forward with epilepsy will not be quick. The incidence of affected animals is unknown however the AHT are collecting samples of all breeds that are suffering from the condition and again utilisation of Daniel O'Neils tools may provide us with further information. There has been a few papers published on potential gene candidates for epilepsy in other breeds which may aid us in the future.
Heather Crawford
