Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Research Project: Sample Collection on March 16, 2013

What: Cornell University Veterinary School DNA Bank in partnership with the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation (VCA WF) is collecting blood samples from affected and non-affected (8 years old or older) vizslas to identify a gene or multiple genes that may predict a predisposition for mast cell tumor cancer (MCT). This is the first vizsla-specific study of its kind and could result in a genetic test to detect the genetic susceptibility in breeding stock prior to breeding. This is a free health clinic to gather as many samples as possible for this project.

FMI: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/vizsla.cfm
When: Saturday March 16, 2013, 9am – 4pm.
Where: Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Stamford CT
880 Canal Street
Stamford, CT 06902

For more information and directions: http://www.cuvs.org

Eligible:
+ Any Vizslas who have been previously diagnosed with MCT. Please bring a copy of the affected dog's histopathology report.

+ Any Vizslas—8 years or older— who have not been previously diagnosed with MCT. These dogs will be examined by Cornell staff veterinarians to make sure they qualify as controls (non-affected).

Cost: Blood draws and examinations are free-of-charge.

Registration: Please register for the clinic in advance by contacting Liz Corey (DNA Bank) by email (dnabank@cornell.edu ) or by phone (607/253.3446).

What to bring: your dog(s), a copy of a histopathology report (if applicable), a three-generation pedigree and any OFA/PennHip information for each dog.

FMI: vcawf2000@gmail.com

Announcement: Call for Submissions for the Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor Pilot Study

The VCA Welfare Foundation (VCA WF) issues a call for sample submissions to a NEW Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) Pilot Study, as of August 1, 2012.

This pilot study will initially analyze-- from blood samples-- the DNA of 25 affected Vizslas (diagnosed with MCT) and 25 control VIzslas (unaffected). All submissions will be kept confidential and require an owner/guardian's commitment to participate in the study for the life of the submitted Vizsla; i.e., agree to update every submitted dog's health records.

Our goal is to collect DNA samples for 50 Vizslas (25 affected/25 control) as soon as possible. Time is of the essence to better understand how Mast Cell cancer occurs in the Vizsla.

To participate and request a sample submission kit, please contact Liz Corey at the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (eg33@cornell.edu). For general questions, please contact the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (dnabank@cornell.edu) or by phone (607/253.3446).

All questions about the parameters of this study and/or about how to participate may be directed to Lynda Ruffini, VCA Health Committee Chair (thebirdhuntress@stny.rr.com) or to Elise Wright, VCA WF Board Member (olympicvizslas@gmail.com).

Please see the Press Release and Submission Checklist for more information. They are posted at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/VizslaTalk/files/Cornell%20Vizsla%20MCT%20Pilot%20Study/ and may also be found on the VCA WF "Research" page on the VCA website: http://vcaweb.org/welfare/research.shtml.

Thanks so much in advance for your participation and support for this important project.
VCA WF Board of Directors
vcawf2000@gmail.com

Permission to spread the word

Learn more about Mast Cell Tumors here