DCM "Cardio" RESEARCH

***NOTE THIS TAMU STUDY ONLY REQUIRES A NON-INVASIVE SAMPLE (only blood or buccal (cheek swab) samples required). WORLD-WIDE PARTICIPATION of Great Dane owners and breeders IS ENCOURAGED! **** CONTACT DR. CLARK: lclark@cvm.tamu.edu

Texas A&M University (TAMU) is currently conducting research into dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the Great Dane:
CHF ACTIVE GRANT # 789: Identification of Candidate Genes Causative for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Dog

Abstract:  Dilated Cardiomyopathy causes severe heart disease and death in the Great Dane, Boxer, and Doberman Pinscher, among other breeds. The heart becomes enlarged and unable to pump blood through the body, resulting in heart failure. Identification of the gene or genes that cause canine DCM will allow for early identification of affected and carrier dogs and improve breeding programs by eliminating these individuals from the breeding population. We will utilize current genetic tools such as linkage and microarray to help identify genes that cause or contribute to DCM in the dog.

This is a "two-pronged" approach with a clinical and genetic aspect. ALL THAT IS REQUIRED is a DNA sample and the dog's records. NO travel and no invasive procedures are necessary. Worldwide participation is encouraged. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart that causes the cardiac muscle to become enlarged, weakened, and unable to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. There are many breeds of the domestic dog that have a high prevalence of DCM, among them the Great Dane, Boxer, and Doberman Pinscher. Studies of this disease have to date been unsuccessful in definitively determining the gene or genes causative for DCM. Our study includes (1) complex segregation analysis to determine the mode of inheritance of DCM in Great Danes, (2) linkage analysis to identify chromosomal regions that may harbor genes responsible for DCM, and (3) microarray technology to identify candidate genes for DCM in Great Danes. Discovering the gene or genes responsible for causing DCM in the Great Dane could ultimately lead to a genetic test to help identify dogs that are predisposed to DCM, providing breeders with the ability to implement more judicious breeding programs. Because DCM affects the human and has a similar clinical presentation to the dog, identifying the gene or genes causing DCM could present opportunities for new diagnostic and treatment methods in humans.

For more information, please contact the following:

Leigh Anne Clark, Ph.D. Canine Genetics Lab:
Email: lclark@cvm.tamu.edu

Lab phone: 979-845-5634

FAX: 979-845-9231

TAMU-College of Vet. Med.
Dept. of Pathobiology (MS4467) 
Canine Genetics Lab: Attn: LCLARK
Rm 215, VMS Bldg.
College Station, TX 
77845-4467

GDCA POC: JP Yousha
Chmn., Health & Welfare, GDCA
www.gdca.org/healthandwelfare.htm
danehealth@gdca.org
432-584-8940
 

OTHER CHF HEART RESEARCH RECENTLY SPONSORED BY THE GDCA (VIA THE DAF FUND):

Widescale Genome Profiling in Great Danes with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): 

Summary of Research: Previous studies involving widescale genome profiling in dogs with heart disease has provided large amounts of data regarding the pathophysiology and potential etiology of disease. We propose to perform oligonucleotide microarray analysis of over 25,000 genes in Great Danes with advanced dilated cardiomyopathy. Microarray studies evaluate of a large proportion of the total canine genome and produce a molecular portrait of the disease process. The proposed study will reveal the transcriptional activity of genes suspected to be involved in the development of DCM, as well as identify new candidate genes that merit further study. 

 We need Great Danes diagnosed with DCM and veteran Great Danes without DCM to participate in a study currently being conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Dogs enrolled will have to be willing to travel to the clinic in question. For more information contact:

Mark A. Oyama, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-2964 (office)
215-573-6232 (fax)
maoyama@vet.upenn.edu

Return to Health and Welfare section