We need your help!
The Bouvier Health Foundation is currently participating in two glaucoma-related studies. The first project is investigating the mapping and characterization of mutations responsible for Canine Glaucoma. It is being conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine and will include the Bouvier des Flandres if enough DNA samples of Glaucoma affected Bouviers and relatives of Glaucoma affected Bouviers can be obtained.
Project: The Mapping and Characterization of Mutations Responsible for Canine Glaucoma.
An investigation into the genetic causes of canine glaucoma being conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine. Initial objectives include verifying and updating the medical histories of members of the canine glaucoma families and obtain medical records and DNA from additional family members. Eventual goals of the investigation include mapping the glaucoma loci and identifying the mutations responsible for glaucoma in Bouvier des Flandres. Ultimately, the investigators hope to devise DNA tests for suspect glaucoma mutations and use these tests to determine if the test results consistently predict the disease phenotype. A similar study is being done in Bassett Hounds. After the genes responsible for glaucoma are identified in Bouviers and Bassett Hounds, the researchers want to determine if the same genes are responsible for glaucoma in Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Welsh Terriers.
Owners of Bouvier des Flandres are encouraged to send blood samples if their dogs have glaucoma or their dogs are close relatives of glaucomatous dogs. Ideally siblings, parents or offspring of affected dogs, but blood from half-siblings, aunts, uncles etc. of affected dogs is also desired. Forms and instructions for sending samples can be found in the “Glaucoma and Lens Luxation” section of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine Canine Genetic Diseases Network website (www.caninegeneticdiseases.net). For questions not answered on the website, you may contact the Project Coordinator Liz Hansen at HansenL@missouri.edu or by calling 573-884-3712.
Dr. Paul Miller worked exclusively with the Bouvier Health Foundation to determine what is typical in the Bouvier eye and what peculiarities may preclude the onset of glaucoma. Dr Miller currently serves a Clinical Professor of Comparative Ophthalmology and Section Head of Ophthalmology at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is nationally recognized for his work in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of glaucoma. He has given over 250 scientific and continuing education presentations, authored more than 65 scientific publications or book chapters, served as the editor for the ophthalmology section of the Five Minute Veterinary Consult and co-editor Doug Slatter’s Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology textbook, and has co-chaired the ACVO’s Basic Science Course for the Veterinary Ophthalmologist for the last 12 years. He is also president of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Click here to view his presentation to the ABdFC on September 25, 2005.