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Just a note to bring everyone up to date on current H&G projects.
Please note that there is a need for DNA/documentation on affected
entropion and megaesophagus dogs (below).
ENTROPION. When last you tuned in, your Health & Genetics chairs were
amassing proof for the American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists
that a) entropion exists in the breed, b) breeding affected entropion
dogs is not recommended practice in the breed and c) entropion dogs
should NOT be given a CERF number (which is currently the case). What we
call the "triple duh."
If you bred or own(ed) an entropion dog, we still need ** proof of
diagnosis and surgery of additional affected Ridgebacks. ** (Thanks to
those who already sent in their paperwork.) The documentation goes
straight to the ACVO.
** If you have a surgeried entropion dog, please contact me privately.**
MEGAESOPHAGUS. Plans continue to re-examine the subclinical
(asymptomatic) megaesophagus puppies that were discovered in a recent
rescue litter to see if symptoms resolve at an older age. This would
help us understand if a mildly affected megaesophagus Ridgeback can
"normalize" in adulthood and therefore would be impossible to identify.
In the meantime, we have targeted a group of researchers to try and find
the genetic mutation for megaesophagus. In preparation for this, we are
amassing DNA. I know there are surviving megaesophagus puppies out
there. Their DNA is excruciatingly important.
*** If you own or bred a megesophagus puppy, and can help us with DNA
of affected dogs, or their sires, dams or unaffected siblings, we need
your help now. ***
** If you breed a litter containing megaesophagus pups now or in the
future, please contact us ASAP for guidance on how to test the show
potential puppies for asymptomatic megaesophagus, and for possible
financial support in doing so.**
We have found asymptomatic and mildly affected puppies via fluoroscopy
in the last two litters that have been examined. Barium tests may not be
sophisticated enough.
DEAFNESS. As I indicated in a recent email, Mark Neff at UC Davis has
agreed to perform the marker test ** free of charge ** for owners or
breeders who might reasonably think there is a possibility one or more
of their dogs carries it. Please email me privately.
HEALTH SURVEY. Thanks to your efforts, we have 1,097 dogs and 67 litters
entered in the Comprehensive Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Survey at
www.lkhopkins.com/ridgeback.
Please keep updating your dog's entries as health issues develop. If you
can't remember your password, email Larry Hopkins at
larry@lkhopkins.com and he will
snail-mail the particulars to you.
GENERAL QUESTIONS. Not a week goes by without a query from a RRCUS
member on any of a wide variety of health, genetic and breeding-related
topics. We value the trust that the membership places in us, and believe
strongly that the committee should remain a source of unbiased,
non-judgmental information. We won't tell you what to do -- it is, after
all, your decision, your dogs, and, ultimately, your responsibility --
but we will provide you with general recommendations, outside expert
opinions and resources from which you can arrive at an educated
decision.
As always, confidentiality is assured on any H&G project. The integrity
of our work depends on it. I can be reached at
revodana@aol.com, or call
516-676-3398 after 8 p.m. ET/PTB (post triplet bedtime), or call my cell
at any time, (516) 509-5214.
Thanks in advance for all you to do help the breed ... The outpouring of
help we get on these and all our H&G projects is always very gratifying.
Denise FlaimRRCUS Health & Genetics Chair
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