February 1, 2017 – The Portuguese Water Dog Foundation is pleased to announce we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) along with the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America to collaborate with AKC CHF to jointly fund research at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) – Section of Medical Genetics, Pediatrics and Reproduction to better characterize the clinical disorder of syndromic microphthalmia and delayed growth seen in the PWD, commonly known in our breed as Puppy Eye Syndrome (PES). The goal of this research is to confirm the suspected mode of inheritance, continue to obtain research samples, and to investigate the genetic cause for this disorder in PWDs as well comparative research in humans. This MOU is a first step: further details will be available once this grant has undergone the peer review process.
About the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
The PWD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life and health of Portuguese Water Dogs. Since 1998 the Foundation has funded more than $580,000 in canine medical research focused on issues that affect the health and well-being of Portuguese Water Dogs. Donations to the PWD Foundation are tax deductible.
For the past 9 years the PWD Foundation has supported early data gathering for Puppy Eye Syndrome (PES), collaborating with researchers, veterinarians, breeders and volunteers. The PWD Foundation would like to thank all who have supported this endeavor.
