Dr. Tosso Leeb mapped a genetic risk factor for Alopecia X to a specific chromosome segment. However, further research is necessary to identify the actual mutation, which is responsible for the effect. Therefore, they cannot offer genetic testing at this time. To facilitate the research, the University of Bern continues to ask for the donation of blood samples and –equally important– updates on the health status of sampled dogs.
A major step was achieved in order to do the next phase of DNA study. In late July 08, Dr. Leeb reported that the EU-LUPA steering committee has approved the genotyping of our Alopecia X cohort for the whole genome association study. He continued by saying, “This is indeed great news and we all should be very grateful to the European Union, which supports this research very generously.” This represents approximately $40,000.00 worth of support. And without this amount approved, the total needed would have had slim possibilities to be able to be raised. In the first part of August 08, Dr. Leeb turned in an Acorn Grant request to the AKC-Canine Health Foundation which the Pomeranian Charitable Trust has promised to support. We are hoping that our donors see the necessity for raising and saving these funds so they can be put into immediate action when needed.
Should you have updates to report on a particular Pom’s medical health record, please contact Dr. Leeb’s study directly by emailing Theresa Mausberg at Theresa.Mausberg@itz.unibe.ch
This is particularly necessary for Poms that have been described as “unaffected” that have since become affected or if there have been recent veterinary test results to report. Thank you for taking care of these details. Accuracy of data “in” is vital for informational discovery “out.”
