Dog Genetics Studied To Fight Disorders
This is some exciting research! I came across this article in the Nevada Appeal.
UC Davis genetic mapping is going to the dogs
By Kara Fox
Sierra SunFrom rescuing cats of Hurricane Katrina to setting up a local cat rescue, Dr. Bree Montana likes to use her veterinary practice for good, and her most recent venture will help dogs for years to come.
When the University of California, Davis, called Montana last week asking if she would help with two studies they are currently conducting, Montana jumped at the chance. As a veterinarian who practices oncology, she constantly calls UC Davis for help, she said.
My family and I believe in giving back,” said Montana, who owns the Agate Bay Animal Clinic in Kings Beach. If you reach out for help from UC Davis, they will help. Thanks to Davis, we have a great success rate.”
Now Montana is asking locals to assist UC Davis in their studies by bringing their dogs in to give blood to be used in genetic mapping.
One study by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis is seeking border collies with seizure disorders to find the genetic site in which the disorder is located,” according to Montana. The goal is to identify dogs that may have seizures so owners can determine whether to breed them or not.
The other study will look at the DNA sequence of various dog breeds. All breeds of dogs are needed for this study, but the dogs must be AKC-registered and have an AKC number, Montana said.
The more we know about genetics, the more we know about diseases,” she said. It is like genetic counseling for dogs.”
Montana said blood samples are needed from dogs who qualify for either study, which will not cost anything to the owner. The appointment will take only 10 minutes, she said.
