Early update on research project investigating inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD) in dogs. Primary researcher Karin Allenspach at the University of London.
This study is investigating the genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) from the UK and the USA by using a new technique called Genome— Wide Association Study. The results of this study will reveal important factors that contribute to the disease and that could in the future help to find novel treatment options. Owners and veterinarians of the cases and control dogs were contacted to ascertain that their group allocation is still correct. We have started extracting DNA from GSD with IBD and controls from the UK and are well underway to get the samples analyzed by Genome—Wide Association Study.
For the US part of the study, we are looking for help from owners and breeders of GSD. We will need DNA from GSD that have either been diagnosed with IBD at their vets or are healthy, over 8 years of age and have never had significant bouts of diarrhea in their lives. If you own a GSD that could fit one of these criteria, please get in touch with us to see if you could contribute to this important study by donating DNA from your dog.
Contact information: Atiyeh Peiravan, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Services Royal Veterinary College (RVC), University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK. apeiravan@rvc.ac.uk.
