genome

The SVCA Board of Directors heartily endorses voluntary participation with this research.

Cancer Genetics Branch

National Human Genome Research Institute

National Institutes of Health

50 South Drive, Bldg. 50, Room 5347

Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8000

Phone: (301) 451-9390

Fax: (301) 594-0023

The Ostrander Laboratory at the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH is soliciting donations of blood samples from Swedish Vallhunds. Our aim to use these samples as part of a larger dataset aimed at finding genes important in disease susceptibility and progression, as well as to understand the genetic basis of canine body shape and size. Samples from Swedish Vallhunds are of particular importance for our research on canine morphology and achondroplasia, or dwarfed limbs. In addition to this research, our lab has active projects focused on finding genes for several types of cancer, hip dysplasia, and complex morphologic traits. We have, or are currently collaborating with other research groups studying canine heart disease, retinal disease, and epilepsy. Finally, we are interested in understanding the architecture of the canine genome and the historical relationships between breeds.

We are seeking to collect blood samples from at least 20-40 Swedish Vallhunds for inclusion in our studies. In addition to a blood sample we ask that owners provide the name and sex of the dog, registration number, owner’s contact information, and a signed consent form. We also ask for a three generation pedigree with each blood sample. It is not necessary of the pedigree to be available at the time for sample collection.

The Ostrander Lab is also seeking a set of body measurements of Swedish Vallhunds from owners who donate samples. These measurements include limb lengths, snout length, body length, etc. Measurements can be completed in about 10 minutes for most dogs and provide tremendously valuable data for our research.

The above measurements, as well as all genetic and contact information collected for each dog will remain confidential. Specifically, your participation in the study, your dog’s pedigree, morphology data, health information you provide, and any data we get from your dog’s DNA sample will not be disclosed to any other Club personnel, the AKC, or the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

If you are interested in participating, know someone who is interested, or have questions please contact me contact me at mosherd@mail.nih.gov or (301) 451-9390. For information about the Canine Genome Project in the Ostrander lab and for links to recent publications, please visit our website at http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/dog_genome/.

Thank you so much for supporting canine health research!

Sincerely,

Dana Mosher

Samples Manager

Ostrander Canine Genomics Lab

CGB/NHGRI/NIH

301-451-9390

Dana Mosher

Samples Manager/Ostrander Lab

CGB/NHGRI/NIH

50 South Drive

Building 50 Room 5347

Bethesda, MD 20892-8000

Phone: (301) 451-9390

Fax: (301) 594-0023