Most people think of the Pomeranian Charitable Trust or its Health & Scientific Research Fund as synonymous with its Alopecia X fund. Alopecia X certainly was a prime motivation factor in the PCT’s formation. It is also natural to reflect the prime health concern of the American Pomeranian Club and its membership. This elusive problem has been a world-wide concern of Pomeranian enthusiasts. The Pomeranian Charitable Trust is fortunate that the Alopecia X fund has received wonderful support of members of the American Pomeranian Club and the Pomeranian Club of Canada, along with individuals from other countries. It makes so much sense to pool our resources and work together to find answers.
The Pomeranian Charitable Trust has been able to provide financial assistance to Dr. Linda Frank’s studies in clinical aspects of Alopecia X at the University of Tennessee. In 2006, the Pomeranian Charitable Trust also was able to financially assist Dr. Tosso Leeb’s DNA study of Alopecia X at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Both of these grants were made through the AKC Canine Health Foundation.
Presently, we have assisted in organizing a DNA sample blood draw project in conjunction with the Mars Veterinary Foundation. These DNA samples were designated to assist Dr. Tosso Leeb’s research project in Bern, Switzerland which is conducting DNA analysis related to Alopecia X. Once again we are also supporting Pomeranian DNA samples being sent to the canine genome project at the Broad Institute. The canine genome project will have not only a vast scope of effect on future projects, but also a direct effect integrated with the present research of Alopecia X.
Research is very costly to conduct. The current phase of study during 2009 will probably come with a $100,000.00 US price tag. We are appreciative of our donors support. It will be necessary to furnish PCT funds for this study to take place. The Pomeranian Charitable Trust will not be able to do this alone however; so our role also becomes fostering other sources of possible support.
Approximately $40,000 US of the needed funding is being furnished by EU-LUPA (European based research funding). In January 2009, the PCT donated $6,480 in support of Dr. Leeb’s Canine Health Foundation Acorn Grant. This exceeds and is additional to the $6,150 the PCT has donated previously toward Alopecia X research.
In the beginning of 2010, the PCT donated $2,916 to help Dr. Frank further her study of this hair loss condition.
We are very pleased that progress is now being made toward finding out information regarding the elusive Alopecia X. We also know that much continued study will be needed before Pomeranians can receive the beneficial results.
We have a long road ahead in the understanding of Alopecia X. But hopefully the time will come that the Pomeranian Charitable Trust will be able to turn its focus and support to other types of Pomeranian health research. The Pomeranian Charitable Trust has the ability to do so. The Trustees have the desire. Your continued support will help us help Poms.
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.
Most people think of the Pomeranian Charitable Trust or its Health & Scientific Research Fund as synonymous with its Alopecia X fund. Alopecia X certainly was a prime motivation factor in the PCT’s formation. It is also natural to reflect the prime health concern of the American Pomeranian Club and its membership. This elusive problem has been a world-wide concern of Pomeranian enthusiasts. The Pomeranian Charitable Trust is fortunate that the Alopecia X fund has received wonderful support of members of the American Pomeranian Club and the Pomeranian Club of Canada, along with individuals from other countries. It makes so much sense to pool our resources and work together to find answers. 
