We are extremely fortunate to live in a time when DNA can provide answers to help us prevent some genetic diseases and to assist us with management decisions for our breeding programs.

The future management of three specific diseases can be improved by the donation of Scottie DNA samples for DNA research. The diseases are: Transitional Cell Carcinoma (bladder cancer), Portosystemic Shunt (liver shunt) and Canine Epilepsy.

For optimum results in the genetic research of these diseases and other diseases to follow, it is important to have appropriate DNA samples from affected Scottish Terriers, the affected Scottie's mother, father and an unaffected sibling. By studying family groups scientists will be able to compare similarities and differences in the genetic makeup of the family groups. This type of comparison will help locate the actual genes causing bladder cancer, liver shunt and epilepsy respectively. This is complicated research and requires time and multiple appropriate Scottish Terrier DNA samples.

You may be able to help us. Below is a paragraph for each of these three diseases with an appropriate contact person for each disease.

Dr. Fredrick Leach, a senior staff urologist and principal investigator in the urology oncology branch of the National Cancer Institute needs Scottie blood samples for his work on TCC. A detailed article appeared in Bagpiper 2001#1. Dr. Leach needs samples from healthy middle aged Scotties, affected Scotties and close relatives of the TCC affected Scotties. This study needs blood samples that can be collected by your local veterinarian. There is a special procedure that must be followed when collecting the blood. PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Marcia Dawson at [dmdawson@voyager.net] or by phone at (317) 853-4393

Dr. Vilma Yusbasiyan-Gurkan of MSU is in charge of CHF Grant #1943. Congenital Portosystemic Shunts and Hepatoportal Microvascular Dysplasia in Cairn Terriers and the Yorkshire Terrier. This well funded grant is entering its second year. The STCA Health Trust is considering a possible grant for the collection of DNA from at least ten liver shunt affected Scotties and close family members, and discussions are ongoing with Dr. Vilma to include Scotties in her research. She is willing to take Scottie DNA samples now, before HTF and Board approval, because some of the known family groups consist of older and/or ill Scotties. DNA collected for this study can be obtained by cheek swab. Additionally, fasting and post eating bile acid blood tests will be needed. If you have a Scottie affected with liver shunt and have access to its relatives PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Vilma Yusbasiyan-Gurkan at yuzbasiyan@cvm.msu.edu or k9genome@cvm.msu.edu or by phone (517) 432-2514. You may also contact Linda Orsborn [eowyn236@earthlink.net] phone (978) 667-4510.

A consortium of researchers from U. of MO, U. of MN and OH State U. are working to answer questions concerning canine epilepsy. Currently, there are nearly 2500 dogs sampled. 400 of these dogs are affected with epilepsy and 59 breeds are represented. There have been NO Scottish Terrier DNA samples submitted to this study. The project is best described by accessing the Canine Epilepsy Network Website [http://www.canine-epilepsy.net]. This study requires blood samples. The samples should be sent to Dr. Gary Johnson, 320 Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211. Details can be obtained by CONTACTING: Liz Hansen (573) 884-3712.

The generosity of owners with affected dogs will greatly help our breed to have better health in years to come. Please consider sending samples of appropriate Scottie DNA to these projects. 

Copyright Linda Orsborn 2001.