For me to completely decide I have to see black and white results. That is very important to me. I want to see specific vet reports of DM testing and also the necropsy test of the dogs being used as examples for this petition. It is so hard to pick a side because I want to do the right thing, but do any of us really know what the right thing is when it comes to DM since the testing is still in the wood works. Tammy -----Original Message----- From: David Fritsche [mailto:d_fritsche@xxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:59 PM To: paris-smith_k9s@xxxxxxxxxxx; showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Something that definitely should be considered in regards to DM DM is still such a controversial disease that has many bewildered. They say the test is accurate but I do ask where is all the research statistics that prove the accuracy. I have a male who tested at risk and go back and forth on what I should do. Information like in the following link really makes me question the current tests. Would love to hear other opinions and thoughts on the subject. Keep it friendly ;) http://www.change.org/petitions/ofa-university-of-missouri-dna-dm-test-desig nations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Hi Tammy; I read the petition and the notes from those who are supporting it and I suspect that this is simply more of the ongoing controversy that started when U of Missouri and Dr. Coates published their findings. In order for a university team, such as the one at U of Mi. to publish their findings they have to prove their hypothesis to their peers and have a repeat of the process that provided the findings. Then they can publish. The controversy broke out when the hypothesis of their theoretical opposition could not replicate nor prove their findings. So, the bulk of hard science has fallen in line with the U of Missouri findings. That does not mean that hard science does not ever make a mistake, nor does it mean that allegorical and experiential evidence should always be discarded. But there are many of us, who all too often are willing to follow those who make a case without research in contrast to those who have done the work. I have dear friends who swear that the OFA U of M tests are worthless, but cannot show where the findings of the university team are in error. That is simply because, in some cases, they have wonderful dogs who come from DM lines and they do not want to throw them away. They shouldn't. Even if a dog is a carrier, OFA recommends that the results of the test be used as a breeding tool and not be the only item considered in a breeding decision. Should you or I breed a dog with one DM marker? Difficult decision! But before the test, we all bred what we had without knowing and look where it got us. And, in many cases, many breeders still breed without doing the test trusting that, since they have not had it in their lines in the past, they are free from it. Could well be. So you raise a difficult question. The answer is probably as individual as anyone one of us on the list. We have decided to do the test, and have found two dogs who are not at risk but who are carriers. We have not bred them to date, and probably won't, but I cry inside ever time I see my boy move across the yard. Probably the best moving dog I have ever seen. Bu my question for myself is, do I want to pass on his strengths along with his weaknesses. My answer is, so far, no; but gosh am I tempted. Many disagree with me, and they have reasons for their position. I will change mine, when I see better science. For me, it is not a controversial disease, even though I suffer from that conclusion. Dave ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2011. 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. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. 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@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================