All this talk about lists for the various problems our dogs/bitches may throw is another good reason for DNA testing and research studies. SOOOOOO, I'll use this opportunity to remind everyone of the DNA research being done on behavior and MOST importantly Bloat by Dr Pletcher See below! DNA MARKER HAS BEEN DISCOVERED FOR BLOAT/TORSION While that day has not come yet, the owners of German Shepherd dogs have the rare opportunity to help make this dream come true. In the February 2007 issue of the REVIEW, an article appeared written by Dr Mathew T. Pletcher of The Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Pletcher is conducting a research project on the behavioral genetics in herding dogs. While watching our dogs in the pen with sheep, haven?t most of us asked ourselves ?how do they know how to do that?? How does that instinct survive generations without practice? Fascinating subject. In addition, Dr. Pletcher has agreed to add a component to his research. He has agreed to look for a DNA marker for bloat/torsion. In GERMAN SHEPHERDS! What does this mean for our dogs? The rare opportunity to find a DNA marker specific to our breed. A marker will allow breeders to breed away from this disease, eventually eradicating it all together. How do you participate? If you have a dog that has survived bloat/torsion or has had a relative (dead or alive) bloat/torsion contact Dr Pletcher or his assistant Laura Schultz. Have a 5 generation pedigree available to send with the blood sample and medical history on your dog and their relatives, as much as you know. Then make an appointment with your Vet for a blood draw. The Scripps Research Institute does not charge for your participation. Please also note that all information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. The names of dogs or owners are not released to anyone. Information for your Vet: 5ml blood in an EDTA tube marked with the Dog?s name, AKC #, Breed, sex. If the dog has been sick (even if healthy now) please include any diagnostic tests. Send samples to Dr. Mathew T Pletcher The Scripps Research Institute ? Florida Building RF-1 Room 110 5353 Parkside Drive Jupiter, FL 33458 Please let them know samples are on their way. pletcher@xxxxxxxxxxx or Laura Schultz laura@xxxxxxxxxxx If you would like further information contact GSDCA Health & Genetics committee members: Barbara Williams santandagsd1954@xxxxxx Dee Lauffer dlauffer@xxxxxxxxxxx _________________________________________________________________ Play Flexicon: the crossword game that feeds your brain. PLAY now for FREE. http://zone.msn.com/en/flexicon/default.htm?icid=flexicon_hmtagline ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================