Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) I have had several dogs screened using some of the screening tests described but not all of them. Is this information useful for the study?
A1) Yes and no. While individual tests can provide some information to a breeder and Dr. Cote has indicated he would be happy to receive those results as reference information, these incomplete data sets cannot be used for the purposes of the study. Investigating disease (and screening tools that might be effective in diagnosing it) requires that tests be repeatable and consistent so that we can say with confidence that a particular tool can or cannot help identify potential problems.
Here is an example: A blood test to measure Serum cardiac troponin-I levels is included in the testing protocol. If we sometimes skip this step we risk missing proof that this blood test could be used as a simple diagnostic tool. The same applies for other tests. Already we have seen that in one Toy Manchester tested the presence of an arrhythmia was detected through the Holter monitor-equivalent test but would have been completely missed had we relied solely on the more standard EKG/ECG and ultrasound.
Completing all tests will give us as accurate a picture of every aspect of Toy Manchester cardiovascular function as possible, which is important because we do not yet know what characteristics we are looking for and we don't want to miss anything that may later prove to be important.
Q2) Can I send my dog's test results to Dr. Cote for consultation?
A2) Dr. Cote is currently on sabbatical so is not available for direct consultations, however if you have completed all of the tests outlined, your cardiologist can submit test results directly to him for review (he or she will have all of the contact information required). If you have an incomplete set of test results, we encourage you to submit them for information purposes only, but while receipt will be acknowledged we don't currently have the capacity to support one-on-one interpretations of incomplete data. Please contact Amanda Kelly or Dr. Shannon Martinson for instructions.
Q3) Why do I have to use a board certified cardiologist?
A3) In order to be designated as a board certified veterinary cardiologist by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), a cardiologist must complete intensive training and testing. The result is a group of individuals who are highly knowledgeable about heart diseases and the correct way to conduct heart testing. This is important for the purposes of the study because testing must be conducted consistently and correctly in order to allow for comparisons.
Q4) How expensive are these tests and will you provide funding to help cover costs?
A4) The cost of full testing varies from region to region and country to country, so unfortunately we are unable to estimate cost. While the CMTC and AMTC are currently working on fundraising initiatives that might assist with the cost of screening, no funds are currently available.
Q5) Does the dog have to be put under anesthetic for be tested? Does testing hurt?
Q6) No. All testing is painless and is completed with the dogs fully awake and unsedated. Holter monitor testing may require that a small patch of hair be shaved on the dog being tested in order to allow adhesion of the monitor's leads, however these leads are easily unattached once testing is complete.