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ACE - ABOLISH CANINE EPILEPSY |
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Canine epilepsy is a widespread problem
in Border Collies. Both primary (potentially genetic) and secondary
(trauma, disease, drugs, etc) epilepsy manifestations are seen. While the
extent of epilepsy in dogs is estimated to be as high as 5.7% the
prevalence in Border Collies is not yet documented. However, we have
reason to believe there is great cause for concern. In 2004, BCSA invited
canine epilepsy researcher Dr. Ned Patterson, DVM, from the University of
Minnesota, to speak at our national specialty. He reported that in a
survey of all teaching hospitals in the country for dogs admitted
primarily for epilepsy, Border Collies are Number 1, with a statistically
much higher incidence than average. He also feels that in his own
practice, our breed is one of the most difficult to treat for epilepsy.
So, although these studies were small and informal, they still indicate
that we likely have great cause for concern and need to take action.
What you can do to help:
1. Donate funds towards epilepsy research. There are many good studies out there. BCSA has chosen to support the work being done jointly by Dr. Patterson and his colleague James R. Mickelson, PhD (University of Minnesota & University of Missouri). Please see their website, the Canine Epilepsy Network, to read more about their work. You can make a tax-deductible donation towards their work through the AKC Canine Health Foundation; the current grant funding their study is Grant #266. (Note that grant requests are submitted years before they are opened, so the text of this grant does not mention our breed, it was written before we became involved. But, rest assured that their work is all-breed in nature, and your money will indeed go towards helping the Border Collie and all other breeds!).
When choosing a study to support, it's recommended that you inquire what the researches plan to do with the study results. Currently, there is debate amongst the scientific community on whether it's ethical to accept public funding, and then later sell patent rights to the results of the study. Patented DNA tests result in higher test prices, making the test less accessible to the average breeder, less utilized, and less beneficial to our dogs. When Dr. Patterson spoke to our club, he confirmed their research department's commitment to release any study results to the public domain, meaning any DNA test company could offer the test; with the goal being to keep pricing competitive and low.
2. Submit DNA samples of epileptic Border
Collies and their unaffected relatives to a study. This is the most
important piece of the puzzle! If you have a dog who has exhibited multiple
seizure events, we want his DNA, as well as the DNA of as many of that dog's
relatives as you can track down! Blood samples are adequate, but a larger tissue
sample is desired. So, if you have the unfortunate situation of euthanizing an
epileptic dog, please consider having a larger sample collected from that dog at
that time. You can review a current count of how many affected/unaffected
samples from our breed have been submitted so far to Dr. Patterson's study, as
well as find sample submission instructions, by going to their website, Canine
Epilepsy Network. Dr. Patterson reported that as few as fifty affected samples
can lead them to the gene(s) responsible; but more samples are better and
increase the odds that we'll find the answer. The study is completely
confidential.
3.
Buy an ACE t-shirt
on SALE now. Proceeds go
towards Dr. Patterson's study; and by wearing the shirt in public, you may spark
conversation that could educate others on this effort.
Details
and ordering.
4. Educate yourself. There is a wealth of information on the Canine Epilepsy Network website; as well as information on participating in discussion lists and forums.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2006 -
NC State Scientists Looking for Genetic Clues in Canine Epilepsy |
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DETAILS & ORDERING All proceeds from the sale of the ACE logo t-shirt go to the epilepsy study the BCSA is funding. Not only will you help raise money for this project, you will raise awareness about this project by wearing this shirt to dog events. |
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Page Updated 10.22.2007