Micropthalmia study in Toy and Mini poodles- participants needed!
Seeking Healthy and Affected Mini and Toy Poodles to join our molecular genetics research study in Microphthalmia (small eye).
The research at Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genetic Analysis at University of Pennsylvania focuses on finding genes and mutations responsible for ocular disorders in canines. We are currently enrolling affected and healthy ECS to act as cases and controls in a research project looking into the prevalence of Inherited Retinopathy across the breed.
We are looking for:
- Mini or Toy poodles (any age) that have or have been diagnosed with Microphthalmia to act as study cases.
- Mini or Toy poodles that have healthy and properly developed eyes to act as study controls.
Entries from around the world are welcome!
Our studies are confidential, do not require the dog to visit our university, and only requires a biological sample from the dog to be sent to us along with some paperwork. The preferred sample is blood in an EDTA lined purple cap tube (1-2ml), which then can be sent to us with an ice pack via post, FedEx, or UPS. Blood gives the most optimal DNA for research; however, we also accept buccal swabs in some cases (we can provide a buccal swab collection kit at no fee). We do not offer reimbursements for veterinary visits and shipping costs.
We also need a copy of the pedigree (if present), as well as a copy of any vet medical notes (diagnosis, eye forms, CAER, or any other document/pictures/notes you think might be relevant to the study).
We also accept any raw data that you might have from canine testing services like Paw Prints or Embark. We accept the following files: TPED, TFAM, PED, and/or MAP. Any electronic file, scan or picture can be sent via e-mail.
If interested, please e-mail Jessica Niggel: jniggel@upenn.edu.
We care for the wellbeing of the poodle population, and we hope that with our studies we improve the health of the breed. Looking forward to working with you and your dogs!
Jessica Niggel and the Sylvia M. Van Sloun Laboratory for Canine Genetic Analysis.
