JCM Study Updates
The following update provides the latest information on this important study. Please check the archives to see how far our understanding of this disease has progressed through the course of our research.
October 2010
This is a very exciting time for the heart study as we move toward publication of several important articles and papers while also tran-sitioning to a brand new study coordinator. So, let’s start there!
Archives ● August 2009
● March 2009
● October 2007
● April 2007
● January 2007
● October 2006New Study Coordinator
We are extremely happy to welcome Michelle Barlak to the Study Team. Many of you will already know Michelle as she and her mother, Kris, have bred Toy Manchesters under the Bleu Springs prefix for many years. Professionally, Michelle is currently a Sen-ior Public Relations Associate with the Seeing Eye, a non-profit organization that breeds, raises and trains dog guides for people who are blind and visually impaired. With five years experience in public relations for the American Kennel Club, Michelle has also worked closely with organizations like the Canine Health Foundation.
Michelle will focus on (1) furthering ongoing work to collect genetic material from affected dogs and their close relatives and (2) strengthening available data on TMT heart function by increasing physical screening. Individuals wishing to submit information on deceased puppies have several options. They can contact Michelle at michelle@bleusprings.net or 585-329-4317. As always, necropsy results can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Dr. Shannon Martinson, Diagnostic Pathologist at the Atlantic Veterinary College (smartinson@upei.ca or 902-566-0864). Welcome, Michelle!
Genetic Analysis Complete
Results of our eight-month study into the genetic basis of cardiomyopathy were recently released and can be viewed here. Dr. Hare and Ms. Weaver’s work has provided compelling evidence based on objective information that the disease is most likely genetic and they have also provided advice on useful breeding strategies. At the risk of editorializing, I believe one additional strategy we must employ is the maintenance of some "cardio-free" lines. While it is certainly smart to breed dogs who are related to cardio producers to non-cardio lines in order to reduce the risk of producing the problem, this approach will only work so long as there are such lines to go to. It may behoove us to think about how we might be able to accomplish both goals in a sustainable way.
Study Progress
Dr. Carolyn Legge is in the process of completing her thesis on "Dilated cardioymopathy in the Toy Manches-ter Terrier". Dr. Legge's Master's degree has been entirely devoted to a study of the tissues of Toy Man-chesters that have died of cardiomyopathy. Her analysis of the disease at the tissue level will be the first com-plete description of this form of heart disease. Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal would repre-sent the official discovery and recognition of the disease. This is the first step in understanding how a disease "behaves" and then how to go about detecting and preventing it.
In June, Dr. Etienne Coté, our lead cardiologist, presented some of his preliminary findings internationally at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Anaheim, California. The forum was attended by approximately 3,000 veterinarians from around the world. Dr. Coté also completed work on the second edition of his widely used textbook, Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats (St. Louis, MO: Mosby El-sevier, 2011). While mention of the disease is quite short, its presence is very significant given the popularity of the book as a reference tool among new and practicing veterinarians alike.
Over the coming months it is our hope to screen more relatives of dogs that had cardiomyopathy, as well as healthy, unrelated TMTs without sudden death in their family lines. Any dog can have a cardiac exam, which takes a couple of hours and is done on an outpatient (same-day) basis. The exam involves an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram) by a board-certified cardiologist, a blood sample, an EKG, blood pressure measurement, and a short exercise period conducted while the dog is wearing a portable heart monitor. These tests can be per-formed at a discount at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, PEI), and interested TMT owners and breeders should contact Michelle.
Fundraising
As many will know, we initiated an aggressive fundraising campaign this year in order to raise moneys needed to fund the genetic analysis completed by Dr. Hare. The response was amazing! In less than six months, we have succeeded in raising almost $5,000 — enough to not only pay for the initial project but to also support continued work on physical screening. You will find a small thank you on the following page, which was put together with great trepidation as my biggest fear is missing someone (if I have, sincere apologies in advance)!
With the above in mind, I will close with a thank you to those who have supported our work over the past few years. We have accomplished a lot!
- We are nearing completion of Phase I and will hopefully soon have a paper ready for publication that characterizes and firmly establishes the disease;
- We have completed an initial analysis of genetic influences;
- We have fully screened several TMTs and begun the process of establishing a foundation of knowledge regarding heart function in our breed;
- And, we have collected and stored several DNA samples from affected puppies, which will be invaluable in future work to identify a genetic test.
Most important of all, in my eyes, we have as a breed (mostly) moved from being skeptical about whether or not this condition exists to working together to address it. And that, in the end, is all we can really do. With Michelle’s addition to the team I will be stepping back and enjoying a much needed rest—something I’m sure my dogs will appreciate!