The ASC Foundation partners with AKC Canine Health Foundation
to study cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases in spaniels.
CROSSVILLE , TN —The American Spaniel Club Foundation announced support for three
canine medical research studies over the next two years. They are canine lymphoma,
genetic susceptibility of hypothyroid disease, and histocompatibility and autoimmunity,
all often seen in Cocker Spaniels.
“Through a combination of resources, we approved what will be more than $20,000,” said
Marilyn Spacht, president, American Spaniel Club Foundation. “The total amount
allocated for these three studies is $10,000, and includes $1000 of funds from
our Purina Parent Club Partnership in our Donor Advised Fund.
“These dollars, the $10,000 total, doubles through the partnership with the American
Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation who matches them dollar for dollar, making
our contribution $20,000 in support of these identified research studies,” she
explained.
The total dollar amount required for these three projects is over $273,000, said
Debbie Bell, ASCF Grants Director.
“Our outlay of $9000 is just over three percent of the total cost and is an example
of the benefit of leveraged funds,” she said. “In addition to the ASC Foundation,
we share resources with 22 other parent clubs and breed foundations. Two of the
studies are fully funded now, with only the autoimmunity still needing $30,000.”
“Because lymphoma, thyroid disease and autoimmune diseases are significant health
issues in Cockers, research in these area will improve our ability to identify
at-risk dogs,” said Bell . “That is, genetic carriers or genetically predisposed
animals. We can then use this information to plan our breeding programs as well
as therapies for these dogs.”
Funding research is a long-term commitment and when this scientific base leads
to effective diagnosis and treatment, together with improved pre-breeding screening
tests or gene therapies to breed healthier dogs, we will be part of it all. “And
that is our goal, to support the breed now and those yet to be born,” said Bell
.
The American Spaniel Club Foundation is a not for profit, 501( c)(3) organization
founded to support scientific research and program development that advance the
health and well being of flushing spaniels, and specifically Cocker Spaniels.
| November 15, 2006 AMERICAN SPANIEL CLUB FOUNDATION RECRUITS DNA SAMPLES FOR EYE DISEASE STUDY The American Spaniel Club Foundation is coordinating the distribution of sample collection kits for an eye research study underway in England that includes Cocker Spaniels. Researcher Catherine Mellersh DVM, needs cheek swab samples from registered purebred Cocker Spaniels anywhere in the world. ASC-F Scientific Research Committee members, Debi Lampert-Rudman is the project coordinator responsible for distributing the cheek swabs. Owners should contact Debi to request Swab Kits. Criteria for the study are: 1) Affected dogs with either PRA or HC (hereditary cataract) 2) Close relatives of affected dogs (parents, siblings, off-spring). 3) Dogs six years old or older who are clear of eye conditions determined by AVCO exam. The later the better, as these dogs will be controls. All materials (swabs, forms and mailing envelopes) are provided in the kits. Owners are asked to include *five generation pedigree* & *most current eye exam* for each dog sampled (affecteds and clear dogs). Samples, form, pedigree and copy of the eye exam are mailed by Owners DIRECTLY TO Animal Health Trust in England. To request Swabs, email Debi at Bonbritany@aol.com with the number of Swabs kits needed, or owners can also request kits directly from Dr. Mellersh's lab at bryan.mclaughlin@aht.org.uk The American Spaniel Club Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established for the health and welfare of flushing spaniels, and particularly Cocker Spaniels. |
