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Dr. Johnson, at the University of Missouri, Columbia, has been one of
the geneticists conducting research into identifying the gene set
responsible for Fanconi Syndrome in our dogs.
Using a mouse model, his lab has found a candidate gene that looks
promising. This is an exciting finding, since identifying the correct
gene set for Fanconi could result in a true, verifiable test for the
disease and allow us to finally breed it out entirely. Furthermore,
while less likely,
a known gene set could even potentially lead to newer and better
treatment options for afflicted dogs.
I stand in full support
of Dr. Johnson and his work, but it will be up to each and every one of
YOU out there to make this research a success. What Dr. Johnson needs
now is DNA SAMPLES from which to carry out his work. The easiest way to
obtain this DNA is a simple sample of whole blood,
drawn by your vet and sent in a purple-top EDTA tube (which any vet
should have), into Dr. Gary Johnson, University of Missouri College of
Veterinary Medicine Animal Molecular Genetics Lab, Basenji Fanconi DNA
Research, 209-A Connaway Hall, Uinversity of Missouri, Columbia, MO
65211,
or contact Liz Hansen, Dr. Johnson’s assistant by phone (573-884-3712),
email (hansenl@missouri.edu).
Dr. Johnson is in need of
samples from AFFLICTED DOGS, and even better would be samples from
FAMILIES. This would include Siblings (afflicted or not), Parents,
Grandparents, and, if the dogs have been bred, Offspring.
ADDITIONALLY: PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO
UPDATE DR JOHNSON'S INFORMATION ON YOUR DOGS SHOULD THERE BE ANY CHANGE
IN THEIR HEALTH STATUS. THIS COULD INCLUDE DIAGNOSIS OF ANY CONDITION
OR DISEASE, OR DEATH (AND THE CAUSE). Dr Johnson has stated
in seminars at the BCOA national specialties that his samples are
worthless if they are not updated. Please, for the sake of the breed -
update information on your samples! And if you have not submitted
blood samples from bloodlines with fanconi, please please do so.
THANK YOU !!!
All the information on
sample submission is available online at:
http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/DNAhowto.html
This is part of the website on Canine Epilepsy (http://www.canine-epilepsy.net),
but PLEASE DO NOT BE CONFUSED, since this is the same research group
and the samples they need are the same. The sample MUST be identified
however, as being for FANCONI RESEARCH.
I have tried for years to
offer each and every one of you, along with your vets, free assistance
and information on treating your pets successfully which have fanconi
diagnoses. Now it is time for you to step up and offer help to ALL the
canine community and to future generations of this breed. PLEASE see to
it that your vet submits a sample to this important work next time you
have a vet visit. If not for the fact it is the RIGHT THING TO DO, then
at least do it because you want to say 'Thanks' for the Protocol, and
any help it has offered you and your beloved pet.
I think this may be a
pivotal moment in the health history of our breed. Up till now, I have
been very proud to be part of the Basenji community, since, as a whole,
we have faced health issues 'head on'. Well, now is the time to once
again not let the 'other guy' do it, but to do whatever each of us can.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH
Dr. Steve Gonto, author:
Fanconi Management Protocol For Veterinarians
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