A new study on Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) Type 1 in Lowchen is beginning with the partnership of the University of California – Davis Veterinary Genetic Lab (UCD VGL). Chondrodystrophy in Lowchen can result in dogs that have shorter legs and abnormal premature degeneration of intervertebral discs. This can lead to a higher risk of disc herniation Type 1. Exact level of disc herniation risk due to genetic status is difficult to assess with small populations. Inheritance of CDDY is considered to follow an autosomal dominant mode with additive phenotype expression.
We need Lowchens to contribute DNA samples for these studies. Here is how you can participate! Lowchen from all over the world are encouraged to participate.
Researchers: Dr. Danika Bannasch and Kevin Batcher, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, The University of California – Davis
Lowchen Lead: Dr. Jennie Chen, jennie@romanreign.com
Lowchen Logistics Coordinator: Angela Stevenson
Funding: The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, The University of California – Davis will fund the cost of DNA testing for dogs in study 1.
All other expenses and all other VGL Laboratory funding sponsored by: Roman Reign Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Lowchen
Timeline for DNA collection: March 2020 – March 2021
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Goals |
Uses |
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| 1. Confirm that CDDY in Lowchen is a causal factor in disc herniation Type 1. | Guide conformation breeding decisions when evaluating body proportions. | |
| 2. Confirm consistency in results across labs | Learn whether Embark’s test is sufficiently reliable to use when making breeding and sport decisions | |
| 3. Assess the population frequency (what percentage of Lowchen carry the gene) | Guide owners and breeders when making sport participation decisions. |
Please examine the three available studies below. Your Löwchen may qualify for all three studies. All Löwchen, regardless of location, are invited to participate in tests in which they qualify. All collection and shipping expenses will be reimbursed by Jennie Chen. Please contact Jennie@romanreign.com for reimbursement procedures.
| How do I qualify? | What do I need to do? | What are the costs? | What should I expect? | |
| Study 1 Question: Is CDDY a causal factor in IVDD Type 1?
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Your Lowchen has been diagnosed with a disc issue. | Send blood DNA or buccal swab DNA to UC Davis. Send all medical records directly to the university. | No cost to you. Cost of shipping samples to the university will be reimbursed. Instructions will be provided. | The UC Davis VGL will communicate the findings about your dog’s status privately and directly to you. |
| Study 2: Can the Embark test be used interchangeably with the University of California – Davis’s VGL?
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If your dog already has Embark DNA testing results or you would like to do the Embark DNA test, you will qualify for this test. We need at least 20 dogs total for this study, | If your dog already has Embark DNA testing results, please send DNA to UC Davis. You will receive individual results from UC Davis VGL. If you do not currently have Embark DNA testing, you can purchase a kit from Jennie for $149. You will receive UC Davis VGL results along with your Embark results. | No cost if you already have Embark DNA test. If you do not already have the Embark test, you may purchase one through our group for $149. *You will need to report to the university researchers if your Embark and UCD VGL results are consistent. | You will receive CDDY genotype result information from the UC Davis VGL in addition to your Embark DNA tests. |
| Study 3 Question: What is the frequency in Lowchen?
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All Lowchen are invited to participate. We need at least 100 Lowchen from a variety of pedigrees for more accurate assessment. | Send blood DNA or buccal swab DNA to the UC Davis VGL. | No cost to you. Cost of shipping samples to the university will be reimbursed. Instructions will be provided. | Population level results will be shared. No other results will be provided. |
All samples and medical information will handled by the University of California Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab and Embark. Individual test results will be shared only with the dogs owners. Study results will not contain results on individual dogs.
If your dog does not have IVDD, and you would like to know your dog’s genetic status without participating in these studies, you may purchase that testing from the University of California – Davis for $50 per dog independently from the study, opt for testing through Embark’s DNA for breeder’s kit that is typically $175, or purchase an Embark DNA kit through our group for $149.