Genetic Study For Megaesophagus, Pancreatic Insufficiency and Degenerative Myelopathy

• The Canine Genetics Laboratory at Clemson University has funding from the Canine Health Foundation to use the newly available canine SNP array to identify genes having a role in megaesophagus, pancreatic insufficiency, and degenerative myelopathy.
• The goal of this work is to identify genetic mutations underlying these diseases so that breeders and owners may identify carrier dogs and/or affected dogs prior to the onset of symptoms.
• For this work, blood and serum samples are needed from unrelated German Shepherd Dogs having any one, or combination of, these conditions. Clemson University will pay for overnight shipping of samples. Vet fees cannot be covered but most vets are willing to draw samples at no cost if they understand it is for research. Blood samples will be used to isolate DNA for the study and serum will be used to carry out a TLI test. Owners will be provided with a copy of the TLI results for their records.
• To participate, or for more information, please contact:
  Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry
  100 Jordan Hall,  Clemson University,   Clemson, SC 29634 lclark4@clemson.edu