Comment

Comment by Amy on February 28, 2011 at 12:33am

Thank you for posting the link John. I was unable to attend the talk by Dr. Coates, but I do have notes on her talk from the Wheel Corgi mailing list that I belong to.

Comment by Amy on February 28, 2011 at 12:22am

John,could you please tell me more about what problems may occur from breeding only clears and how many years you think it may take to breed DM out. I do realize that there are few clear Pembrokes. I am not a Neurologist and I do have a lot to learn. One can have hope that maybe someday, although that may be many, many years from now that there may be a cure or at least a treatment until the day that this is bred out or a cure is found. And yes, I will stay tuned for all the advances that occur!

 

Comment by John Wolff on February 28, 2011 at 12:10am

http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/dm-research-how-you-can-help

You can help DM research even if your dog is not affected.  I attended a talk by Dr. Coates in Seattle Oct. 2010.  She said they need blood and/or autopsy specimens from healthy, unaffected older Pembrokes as normal controls, which are essential.  So if you have an older Pembroke who has never shown signs of DM and want to help, contact the Coates lab:

CoatesJ@missouri.edu or HansenL@missouri.edu.

It may involve considerable prearranged work at an emotional time.  You may need a cooperative vet who's willing to do the autopsy work for little reimbursement when it comes time to help your friend to the bridge.  But it could be a real tangible contribution.

It's even possible that this could help human neurologic research, since the DM gene is SOD1, which is mutated in ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Comment by Amy on February 27, 2011 at 11:53pm

Thank you Caesar's Ma for reading my boy Llyr's story. I am so blessed to have Llyr in my life! My tears flow all to often for this is Llyr's last journey, but I am grateful for every good moment that we have together..

Comment by John Wolff on February 27, 2011 at 11:53pm

There are several DM threads on MyCorgi. Remarkable advances in the understanding of this disease have been made in recent years. More will likely follow, so stay tuned. I'm a research tech in a lab that studies human hereditary neurological diseases. My feeling is that there will probably never be a cure for this disease, but that it could be bred out of the population.
Because there are few "clear" Pembrokes, it is not simply a matter of breeding only clears. That might produce a genetic bottleneck that could create unintended consequences and further problems.
What I'm guessing will happen is that breeders will try to gradually reduce the frequency of the risk (A) allele, preserving valuable corgi traits that are currently linked to the A allele on that chromosome, but might eventually be separated from it by crossovers.
GG clear x AG carrier matings will produce 1/2 clear and 1/2 carrier and 0 at-risk pups.
AG carrier x AG carrier matings will produce only 25% at-risk pups and 25% clears (probability; YMMV).
Bottom line: it may be unwise to insist on GG clear x GG clear litters. Understand the complexity. But I would think it's reasonable to ask your breeder if they test their breeding stock; that's sort of a litmus test that reveals awareness of the issue and a willingness to do something about it.
I'm always touched when I see a dog on wheels; there's so much love and devotion revealed at a glance.

Comment by Elyse & Caese on February 27, 2011 at 9:43pm

That was truly beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes both for inspiration and sadness. I wish your boy never had to endure this horrible disease, but he is lucky to have you and your patience. Thank you for your story and best wishes to you and Llyr! )