Current Research

 

Any questions about these or any of the other projects undertaken by the Health Committee with the approval of the ISCA Board of Directors, please contact the Chairman, Anne Marie Kubacz at 732-367-9658
Feb. 2008 Health Committee Report
Dec. 2010 Health Committee Report
Feb. 2011 Health Committee Report
April 2011 Health Committee Report
Epilepsy Research Progress Report
Osteosarcoma Research Progress Report
Cancer Research Progress Report
Report on HOD Research Progress
Report on Osteosarcoma Research Progress
Report on HOD Research Progress (June 2012)  (Dec. 2012)
Report on Hemangiosarcoma Research Progress (Aug. 2012) 
Report on Probiotic VSL# 3 Reduces Enteritis in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD Grant Update

Info on Canine Influenza Virus

Neutering affects golden retriever health risks--UC Davis Vet Med News - Interesting news from UC Davis
Another article on spay / neuter considerations; http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/spay_neuter_considerations_2013.pdf

ISCA is proud to be a champion sponsor of the AKC CHF Bloat Initiative project. This unique approach will focus on both education and research. To help educate dog owners about bloat, AKC CHF will launch a free webinar in mid-2013 describing possible causes of bloat, susceptible breeds, symptoms, medical intervention, and explanation of research needed.
It is also with great pride that we share the news that S. Gary Brown DVM will assist in screening the initial Letters of Intent that AKC CHF receives from applicants for the bloat grants. A winner of ISCA's prestigious E. Irving Eldredge Award, Gary is a successful board certified surgeon with his own practice Veterinary Orthopedic & Surgery Service in Fremont Ca, as well as a professor for Western University -College of Veterinary Medicine.
For complete information about this exciting project go to: http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/chf-fights-bloat.html
 

NEW IBD CLINICAL TRIAL

Dr. Al Jergens (Iowa State University) and colleagues are seeking dogs suspicious for or recently diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease to be enrolled into a clinical trial funded by the AKC. In brief, this team is investigating whether probiotic therapy (using VSL #3) is useful in treating these dogs. This is an 8 week clinical trial where IBD dogs receive the probiotic or placebo along with traditional dietary and drug therapy. The animals are re-evaluated at 3 and 8 weeks, with the 8 week re-check involving repeat endoscopy with collection of tissues for reexamination. Costs for the 8 week recheck are covered fully by the grant. Particular breeds at risk for IBD include GSD, Boxers, French bulldogs, Shar-Pei, Yorkshire Terriers, SCWT, and Irish setters.
Please contact Dr. Al Jergens or participating institutions for additional information about patient enrollment.
Participating sites:
Iowa State University Dr. Al Jergens 515-291-5120
Colorado State University Dr. Craig Webb 970-491-2336
Texas A&M University Dr. Audrey Cook 979-845-2351
University of Tennessee Dr. Jennifer Stokes 865-974-8387
Southeast Veterinary Dr. Pedro Armstrong 305-666-4142
Referral Center (Miami)
San Diego Veterinary Dr. Steve Hill 858-875-7500
Specialty Hospital
*The research abstract for this grant can be found here: http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1609.html

IBD Grant Update

ISCA launches new Irish Setter Health Study!
Click on this link to go to the study: http://www.offa.org/surveys/survey_irishsetter.html
How to use this survey:
This Health Survey is the fourth in a series conducted by the Health Committee of the Irish Setter Club of America. The last survey we conducted was in 2003. Much has changed in our breed since then. Our population is smaller in numbers now, so in order to serve our breed it is important that all Irish Setter owners participate in this project.

The findings published in past studies have guided the research funds which the Foundation and the Health Committee commit to scientific studies. Only by surveying the current state of health in our breed are we able to determine which health issues are of most significance today.

This survey will be analyzed and recorded for ISCA by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). All information submitted is confidential and numbers are used only in aggregate.

Please use a separate survey form for each Irish Setter you have owned, living or deceased. As you complete a survey for each dog, simply restart a new one for the next dog you are reporting.

In order to complete the survey you will need information regarding your dog's health.

Your veterinarian will be able to supply you with a list of issues your dog has had diagnosed , so that you are able to use the diagnosis listed under each category. Whenever possible, please use a veterinary diagnosis. There is a box under every category where you can add a diagnosis if it is not listed.

You will need to indicate which vaccines your dog has had, and what flea/tick and heartworm preventative you use.

You will be asked what health clearances your dogs have, so have your certificates at hand for each dog.

This is a very comprehensive survey. It may take you 20-30 minutes to complete, especially for the first dog you submit. In many instances, when you answer "yes" there are other questions that will populate.

Please share the link to this survey with every Irish setter owner you know. ALL Irish setter owners are invited to participate in order to make this survey as valid, valuable and complete as possible.

Real time results for the survey's taken so far.

ISCA Foundation presents Its Latest Educational DVD

Thyroid Disorders--The Latest
W. Jean Dodds DVM

ISCA National Health Symposium 2012

Cost: $30 includes shipping

To Order Contact: Sarah Shuman carnelianis@aol.com
918 443 9184

This 2 hour DVD will help you understand:
o What is hypothyroidism
o What is autoimmune thyroiditis
o What blood tests should be run to screen for thyroid dysfunction
o How low thyroid function can affect a dog
o Clinical Signs of Thyroid Dysfunction
o Top 10 Clarifications about Canine Hypothyroidism
o How and when should thyroid medicine be given
o When and how should a dog be retested to make sure they are on correct dose of thyroid medicine
o To breed or not to breed a dog with thyroid issues

Also featured:
o Question and answer period from the 2012 Irish Setter Foundation Health Symposium

Plus a two special bonus topics:
Treating Fading Puppy Syndrome or Orphan Puppies with Plasma
Nutriscan: Food Sensitivity Saliva Test

RD Schultz Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Canine Antibody Testing:  Frequently Asked Questions

1.      What is the appropriate procedure for collecting and shipping blood for antibody testing?

Collect 1 to 3 mls of blood in a sterile tube (red stopper or serum separator) and allow it to clot.  The blood tube can be shipped with the clot, but separated serum (without the clot) is a much better sample.  Wrap sample tube in padding, such as paper towel, and place in a plastic zip-lock bag in a sturdy shipping container.  It can be sent without cold packs if necessary, but a cold pack wrapped with some newspaper is ideal.  Separated serum samples may be frozen before shipment, but serum still on the clot must not be allowed to freeze, as this causes the sample to become strongly discolored.  The sample should be sent to arrive 2 days (no later than 4 days) after collection.  Please keep in mind that our lab does not accept sample submissions on the weekends.

2.      What is the benefit of antibody testing?  Why not just revaccinate?

Antibody or titer testing is much safer than revaccinating an already immune animal.  Although the potential for the vaccine to cause an adverse reaction is low, if the animal does not need the vaccine, this risk is completely unnecessary and the dog should not be vaccinated!  The canine viruses which cause distemper (CDV), parvoviral enteritis (CPV-2), and infectious hepatitis (CAV-1), along with rabies virus, have a high correlation between presence of antibody and protective immunity.  The two antibody tests that are most often recommended in lieu of revaccination are for CDV and CPV-2, as explained in detail below.  When the tests show the animal is protected by antibody, there is no need for revaccination.  Whereas, when the tests show the animal does not have antibody, the animal should be vaccinated, as CDV and CPV-2 cause severe, life threatening diseases that often result in expensive treatment procedures and high morbidity even with treatment.  Some dogs that survive will have lifelong neurologic problems (especially survivors of CDV). 

3.      How often should I perform an antibody test for canine distemper (CDV) or canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2)? 

The most important time in the life of a dog to perform an antibody test is 2 or more weeks after the last puppy dose of CDV/CPV-2, which should be given at 14 to 16 weeks of age or older.  The reason this is important is to ensure your puppy is immune to these two life threatening diseases.  If the dog does not have an antibody titer, it should be revaccinated immediately and retested 2 or more weeks later to ensure immunity has developed.  These two viruses are much more likely to cause severe disease and death in the young animal, but they can cause disease and death at any age if the animal is not immunized (has not developed antibody to the viruses).  When demonstrating antibody after the series of puppy vaccinations, you can test the dog again in a year.  If the dog is immune, you need not repeat testing more often than every 3 or more years. 

4.      Which viruses are worth testing for, and which aren’t?

With regard to vaccinal immunity or protection from disease, the serum (blood) tests that are most significant are for CDV and CPV-2, CAV-1,-2, and rabies (because they correlate with protective immunity).  Antibody titers for other canine diseases are not of value in determining protection, but they can be important in diagnosing diseases (e.g. leptospirosis).  It is important to understand rabies antibody tests, which are only performed by certain laboratories, cannot be used in any state in lieu of revaccination.  All states require that dogs remain current on their vaccinations.  Rabies vaccines should not be given prior to 12 weeks of age; the dog must be revaccinated in a year, and then revaccination should be every 3 years!

5.      Do I need to perform a titer for canine adenovirus 1, 2 (CAV-1, -2)?

CAV titers can be performed, but they don’t need to be performed, because:

A.     Most dogs will respond to the CAV-2 in the combination vaccine that also contains CDV and CPV-2.

B.     CAV-2 is a common respiratory virus of dogs and even dogs that don’t get vaccinated will get naturally infected via contact with other dogs. 

C.     Antibody against CAV-2 is protective against CAV-1.

However, if you want to know the immune status of your dog for CAV-1, -2, an antibody test can be performed.  Those dogs living in or visiting states bordering Mexico or Canada should be aware that CAV-1 (infectious canine hepatitis) remains a significant disease of dogs in Mexico, and CAV-1 also remains a disease of wild foxes in Canada.  Therefore, we continue to include CAV as a core vaccine!  Every dog should receive it.

6.      What do my serology results mean?

Depending on the type of antibody test performed, the results may be reported as yes or no, or they may be reported as a dilution (e.g. 1:80, 1:256) or reported as a titer (e.g. 80, 256).  However, the important thing to understand is that if the CDV or CPV-2 test result is positive or the dilution is equal or greater than 1:8 or 8 for CDV or 1:20 or 20 for CPV-2 in a vaccinated dog over 4 months old, the animal has protective immunity.  If the results are negative, <1:8 for CDV or <1:20 for CPV-2, the dog should be revaccinated and retested to ensure that it responds to the vaccine.  We have found that in the general US dog population; there are an estimated 1 in 1,000 dogs that cannot develop antibody to CPV-2 and 1 in 5,000 dogs that cannot develop antibody to CDV due to genetic factors.  We haven’t found a nonresponder to CAV-1, -2; therefore they are likely to be much rarer, estimated at 1 in 100,000.  We also know that unresponsiveness occurs for other vaccines as well.  The genetic non-responder is more common in certain breeds and much more common in certain families of dogs.  Genetic non-responders to CPV-2 were more common in the Rottweiler and Doberman breeds when CPV-2 first started infected dogs in 1978.  Today, because of natural elimination of those non-responders, we don’t find those two breeds have any greater number of non-responders. 

7.      What vaccine should I use to revaccinate after a negative test result?

Some owners prefer to revaccinate with a vaccine containing CPV-2 or CDV only (monovalent) when their animal doesn’t have immunity to that virus.  It is uncommon for a veterinary practice to stock monovalent vaccines.  If the owner prefers a single viral component, we can send a dose of the monovalent vaccine to the veterinarian for a $25 handling charge. 

Additional information regarding vaccination guidelines and a discussion of antibody testing can be found at http://www.wsava.org/VGG1.htm and http://www.aahanet.org/publicdocuments/vaccineguidelines06revised.pdf.

Important Information Regarding Running Titres on Dogs Vaccinated with RecombiTEK vaccine:

Dr. Ronald Schultz has provided us with important insight about running titers on dogs vaccinated with RecombiTEK vaccine. It is important that the lab to which you are sending your titers performs the viral neutralization (VN) test (Primarily University Labs, Cornell, CSU, Michigan State, Others). If this test is not used and your puppies are low responders, they would give a false negative result on the tests other then VN, whereas they would be pos. on the VN test. A Pos. on the VN is a titer 4 (or 1:4) or above!

Dr. Schultz said if you wanted to send your serum to his lab he would perform a CDV and a CPV-2 titer for $25.00. It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for results. The address of his lab is: Dr. Laurie Larson, 2015 Linden Dirve, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706  Submission form
 

 
Name of study who to contact what's needed? what to do Fee? ISCA foundation funding matched by Canine Health Foundation
HOD CHIC blood sample-2 EDTA tubes

download form & follow instructions

 none if affected by HOD $10,000.  
  CHIC DNA Bank   be sure to include AKC number for sire and dam indicate ISCA on form    
Osteosarcoma Tessa Breen
 919-513-1467		 Tissue or blood samples Tissue or blood samples may be sent to Dr. Matthew Breen, Dept. of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606. Include dog's name and pedigree. Phone in advance to 919-513-1467 and ask to speak to Tessa Breen.   $8,600. yes
Hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, or lymphoma Modiano Lab
Mitzi Lewellen  lewel001@umn.edu  or 612-626-6890, press Option 1		 Tissue or blood samples Samples needed

Info on getting sample kits
 

   Included in above yes
Gastric Cancer Study Elizabeth McNiel, DVM, PhD
Diplomate ACVIM Oncology
Diplomate ACVR Radiation Oncology

Tufts Medical Center
800 Washington Street #5609 Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-636-4715
Fax: 617-636-6205
elizabeth.mcniel@tufts.edu 		Based on a search of the Veterinary Medicine Database, Irish Setters have 5 times the risk of other dogs to develop stomach cancer. In general, stomach cancer is quite rare in dogs, so even with an increased risk, it may be that stomach cancer is not very common in Irish setters. Stomach cancer is also very difficult to diagnose since the signs can be very vague and nonspecific and procedures like endoscopy and surgery are expensive. Many cases go undiagnosed.
For more information on a study "Positional cloning of the Gene(s) for gastric cancer in the Chow Chow" undertaken at Michigan State University by Elizabeth McNiel, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM Oncology, Diplomate ACVR Radiation Oncology.
Dr. McNiel has indicated that Irish setter samples would be welcome and would be included in this study.

Blood sample submission form
Tissue Sample Submission form
 

  
Epilepsy www.canine-epilepsy.net 5-10 cc's from affected dog and littermates download forms and sample instructions. AKC pedigree is needed, forms for litter online      
Von Willebrands Cornell Diagnostic lab    download forms and sample instructions as per Cornell none at this time. Samples stored by Dr. Marjory Brooks  
CHIC DNA Repository CHIC DNA Bank blood sample-2 EDTA tubes download form & follow instructions none, $20 fee waived if indicate ISCA    

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
The Irish Setter Club of America Health Committee is pleased to report a new initiative in the search for a research study into the causes of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in our breed.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has offered to take and store blood samples from dogs who have been affected with HOD until such time as these samples are needed for a new study. OFA has also been in contact with the University of California at Davis, which has retained the samples previously sent to them. The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory there has indicated that they will release those samples and related paperwork to the OFA/CHIC Sample Repository data bank. We encourage all those who have been anxious to get started on a new HOD research venture to participate in this first step.
It is simple to do. All information on how to send blood samples and information can be found on the following website: http://www.caninehealthinfo.org  This will put you on the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) web page. There you will find a link to the CHIC DNA Repository. That will give you details about this DNA storage bank and an application which you may download, fill out and send to the address listed. You will receive a survey form and a kit to take to your veterinarian.
The director of OFA encourages us to use blood samples rather than cheek swabs. This is particularly important for ISCA members because blood is stored at the University of Missouri and cheek swabs are sent to the laboratory at UC Davis. Since this laboratory appears to be no longer interested in our project, it makes no sense to send anything there.
There is no fee for blood samples sent to OFA/CHIC Repository from dogs who have been affected with HOD. You do not have to send pedigrees as long as the sire and dam with their registered numbers are provided. OFA/CHIC can access the rest of the information through AKC when the time comes.
We are excited to have this opportunity and hope it leads to a research project soon. Please help us by informing everyone who has had experience with HOD and can provide the blood samples and information to participate.
Connie Vanacore
Health Committee Chair (Past)
Chair ISCA Foundation
Member, AKC/CHF Grants committee
Past AKC Delegate

As many of you know, the ISCA Foundation has been sponsoring research by Drs. Keith Murphy and Alison Starr about HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy). There were speakers at our health conference at the National in Wisconsin 2010, and gave us insight into their progress thus far.
That progress is encouraging. However we are at a critical juncture. We MUST get more samples from HOD affected dogs!
ISCA members had made it clear to the Health committee and the ISCA Board and Foundation that HOD was an important disease process for us to fund. While we are so lucky to have the protocol in place, written and researched by our own Gary Brown DVM ACVS, the causes of HOD remain a mystery as do the genetic aspects (if any) of HOD.
The only way we can help to unlock the mysteries surrounding HOD is to SUPPORT the research by sending in samples from affecteds! It is time for our owners and breeders to make this a priority! Just to highlight how much progress we seem to be making, I am including part of a note I received from Dr. Alsion Starr:
“We have completed preliminary analyses with the SNP arrays, and I have some intriguing data, but I need more dogs - particularly affecteds (I can get more normal controls from CHIC) - to confirm.”
This is VERY exciting news. It is URGENT that any owner or breeder that knows of a HOD affected dog (this means a dog who actually had HOD) to be SURE that we have blood samples from that dog to assist in our study.
The sad fact is that we know that there are many more HOD affected dogs, who are living excellent lives, whose owners have not taken the time to send in DNA samples.
There are two ways to do this. You can follow the links on the ISCA website that explains how to submit blood samples to CHIC. For those who prefer to have the info in written form here in the Memo, here is the outline of how to submit a sample:
OFA/DNA/CHIC Repository
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) has established a DNA repository into which individuals may contribute blood samples of the dogs they own. The samples will be stored for use in future research and would be available to researchers interested in specific disease projects. At the National Specialty in Oklahoma City on Wednesday May 4th our Health Clinic Blood draw will include the opportunity for owners to participate. Blood drawn from dogs who have been affected by any of the following three diseases, or who have had affected siblings or parents will not be charged for this. They are: epilepsy, osteosarcoma or HOD. All you need to do is to indicate on the online form if your dogs have had any of these or if the families have been involved with any of these three.
You can enter your dog’s blood into the repository even if you have not experienced these particular problems. The ISCA Foundation will pay the $20 entry fee for your participation.
Online forms are found on the OFA website: www.offa.org.
The forms are available on these webpages:
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chic_dnaapp_main.pdf  for the main application, and the health survey, which must accompany the samples is at http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/CHIC DNA Bank health survey.pdf
Canine Genetic Research at Clemson University
Samples may also be submitted directly to Dr Murphy’s lab. The link to that website’s HOD page is posted below. There you will find forms and instructions for participation. http://www.clemson.edu/cafls/departments/genbiochem/people/faculty_web/kmurphy/projects/hod.html
If you have questions you can contact Dr. Alison Starr directly:
Alison N. Starr, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Clemson University
51 New Cherry St; 319 BRC
Clemson SC 29634
office: 864.656.0191 or 864 656 6877
fax: 864.656.0393
Alison Starr ASTARR@clemson.edu
http://www.clemson.edu/cgr
Any blood samples sent will automatically be forwarded to CHIC, so that other researchers can also access them, once Drs. Starr and Murphy have finished using them.
If there is a financial reason for your not sending your dog’s blood sample via either of these methods, PLEASE contact me privately! Best way to contact me is via email: rsetter@att.net. You are also welcome to call my cell 908 216 2357, although I work midnight shifts and can be hard to get on the phone!
Funds may be available for you to help with shipping and other related costs. All of us fall on tough financial situations from time to time, and it is important to the health of our beloved Irish setters that no person hesitate to be part of this study with their HOD affected dog due to lack of funds.
All inquiries of this nature will of course be kept confidential.
If you prefer to discuss that circumstance with Dr. Starr instead of me, please do not hesitate to do so. She too can help to facilitate shipping, etc.
Please be sure to talk to your fellow breeders about this study and the need for samples. We will once again be doing a DNA clinic at the Oklahoma National Specialty in May. However the need for research samples is SO urgent that we would greatly appreciate an HOD affected samples be sent to either CHIC or Drs. Murphy & Starr as soon as possible.
It is important that we all remember that our participation in any of the genetic studies ISCA Foundation sponsors is one of the major ways to help unlock the key to better understanding of these diseases.

Protocol for treatment of Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) in Irish Setters.
HOD is a serious illness affecting puppies, usually between 4-7 months of age. It is characterized by fever, pain, swelling of the joints, lethargy, lack of appetite. If left untreated permanent deformity of the front legs may occur. The treatment protocol recommended here has been developed by ISCA member, S. Gary Brown, DVM, an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Brown may be contacted at gary@vetortho.com .  It is recommended that the dog’s veterinarian be the contact with Dr. Brown for most efficient and timely treatment.

Osteosarcoma Study
Funded by ISCA Foundation

The Health Committee has recommended that ISCA become part of a new study into the genetic causes of certain types of cancer in canines. Osteosarcoma is a major cause of death in large breed dogs, Irish Setters among them. ISCA has participated in the first part of an osteosarcoma study with the Broad Institute at MIT. This study has been able to identify preliminary regions of the canine genome that may influence risk in Rottweilers. This new study will continue this work with two of the foremost cancer researchers in the world, Drs. Matthew Breen and Jaime Modiano. Tissue or blood samples may be sent to Dr. Matthew Breen, Dept. of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27606. Include dog's name and pedigree. Phone in advance to 919-513-1467 and ask to speak to Tessa Breen.
The study is called: Heritable and Sporadic Lesions in Canine Osteosarcoma. The research will use advanced technology to pinpoint specific genes that are associated with breed-dependent risk, using Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and other breeds. Since Irish Setters are already in the Broad study, we feel this is a good opportunity for us to continue this work. The ISCA Foundation has received two large gifts totaling $5,100 which has been contributed to the AKC Canine Health Foundation for this project.

 OFA/DNA/CHIC Repository

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) has established a DNA repository into which individuals may contribute blood samples of the dogs they own. The samples will be stored for use in future research and would be available to researchers interested in specific disease projects. At the National Specialty in Santa Rosa on June 13th our Health Clinic Blood draw will include the opportunity for owners to participate. Blood drawn from dogs who have been affected by any of the following three diseases, or who have had affected siblings or parents will not be charged for this. They are: epilepsy, osteosarcoma or HOD. All you need to do is to indicate on the online form if your dogs have had any of these or if the families have been involved with any of these three.
You can enter your dog’s blood into the repository even if you have not experienced these particular problems. The ISCA Foundation will pay the $20 fee for your participation
Online forms are found  on the OFA website: www.offa.org.   The forms are available on these webpages:
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chic_dnaapp_main.pdf  for the main application, and the health survey, which must accompany the samples is at http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/CHIC DNA Bank health survey.pdf

Questions can be answered by Anne Marie Kubacz at rsetter@att.net  or Jan Ziech at JanRedDog@msn.com. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a disease which causes dogs to become blind. This project, which is now complete, was the focus of research for over 25 years. Due to the support and diligence of Irish Setter owners and breeders, scientists were able to discover the mutation on the gene which causes PRA in Irish Setters. A DNA blood test was developed which reveals normal dogs, carriers and affected dogs. Dogs can be tested as soon after birth as it is safe to draw blood.
Before the discovery of the DNA blood test, breeders test-mated their dogs, an arduous and heartbreaking process, in order to eliminate carriers from the breeding pool. To keep track of those test-mated dogs, the Irish Setter Genetic Registry was formed, independently of ISCA, but closely affiliated with it. ISGR monitored all the paperwork and procedures that each individual followed. TM (test mated) numbers were given to all those dogs passing a test mating. If two TM dogs were mated, then their offspring were issued TMA (Test Mated Ancestry) numbers.
Once the blood test was developed it was thought that ISGR would no longer be needed, but breeders found there still exists a need for a registry that would enable them to keep track of the status of their blood tested offspring.
The blood test is administered by a veterinarian and sent to Optigen, the only laboratory currently approved by ISCA to analyze and record the data on individual dogs. Once the dog has been DNA tested results are sent by Optigen to CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) at the University of Illinois. The owners of the dog receive a certificate from CERF, which sends the results of dogs tested clear to OFA who is now administering ISGR . The owner of the dog must fill out an appropriate form and send it along to OFA with a fee of $7.50 in order to be registered with ISGR.
If the sire and dam of a litter have both been DNA blood tested by Optigen, their offspring can receive a Gene Tested Ancestry (GTA) certificate. In order for this to be issued, the CERF certificate must be submitted along with an application obtained from ISGR. The combination of the DNA Optigen blood test, which enables the dog to get a permanent CERF number and the ISGR registry, offers breeders the proof that their puppies have been cleared of PRA.
For those interested in registering blood tested dogs with ISGR or registering offspring of dogs already in the registry contact:
Sandy Novocin, 14311 Shirley Bohn Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771       Phone: 301.831.5969
All forms now should be sent to the following address:
ISGR
c/o OFA
2300 E. Nifong Blvd.
Columbia, Missouri 65201
      
Information about the DNA blood test can be obtained by contacting Optigen at e-mail: genetest@optigen.com  or on the Optigen website: www.optigen.com. All applications and instructions can be found there.
To download the form for registering blood tested dogs with ISGR click here.
To download the form for registering offspring of tested sires and dams click here.
For information about CERF contact www.vmdb.org.

Important Notice for Dogs to Be Tested by Optigen for PRA 

Make sure when getting dogs blood tested by Optigen for PRA that you also register for  CERF registration by paying the extra fee. If you do not do that, none of dogs tested by Optigen or their offspring will be eligible to be registered with ISGR. CERF does not give numbers to offspring..(.only ISGR) so it is important if your aim is to get numbers for the parents in ISGR and any offspring that you also register for the CERF registration fee on the Optigen registration form.

"A Message from Eddie Dziuk, CEO of OFA, regarding registering genetically clear PRA offspring at OFA

There are essentially 2 ways of listing PRA clearances for Irish Setters, through the OFA and through the ISGR which the OFA administers for the ISCA.
OFA wise, owners can register their Optigen Test Results with the OFA, and receive and OFA number. Or for first generation off spring of clear parents where all three, sire/dam/offspring have been DNA profiled to verify parentage, the OFA will issue a clearance with a CBP (Clear By Parentage) suffix at the end of the assigned OFA number. The OFA’s CBP policy can be found on the OFA website at: http://www.offa.org/cbp.html
This policy is applied consistently across all DNA based databases.
The 2nd way of listing clearances is through the ISGR. The OFA began administering the ISGR for the ISCA in early 2008. All historical data was imported, we maintain the database, and have been issuing ISGR numbers since we began the administration process. For ISGR, owners can submit their Optigen reports and they are assigned ISGR numbers in the format: ISGR-DNA-####-GT. The numbering format indicates that the dog was Gene Tested. For descendants of clear dogs, the only requirement to be issued a number is that the sire and dam both have existing ISGR clearance numbers. There is no restrictive limit on the number of generations that will be cleared, and there is no requirement that parentage verification be documented. These were the existing ISGR guidelines when we took over the program, and we continue to run ISGR under the same criteria. Clear descendants are issued numbers in the format: ISGR-GTA-###, GTA indicating “Gene Tested Ancestry”.
BOTH OFA and ISGR PRA clearance numbers are displayed on the OFA website.
BOTH OFA and ISGR PRA clearance numbers meet the PRA requirement for CHIC.
Hopefully this clears up any misconceptions, more importantly misinformation.
 To download the form for registering blood tested dogs with ISGR click here.
To download the form for registering offspring of tested sires and dams click here.

WHAT IS CLAD AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE?

CLAD (Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency is an inherited condition which is seen in Irish Setters and Irish Red and White Setters. It has been found in England and in Scandinavia, where the original research was done. The carrier rate was about 12% at the time, but through careful breeding it has come down. CLAD is carried as a recessive mutation in which the dog requires two copies of the gene (CD18) in order to be affected. A dog with one normal gene bred to a dog with a mutant gene will be a carrier. If both parents carry the gene the offspring will be affected.
Affected dogs are unable to mount an immune response because the gene controlling the activity of white blood cells in the body cannot function.
The symptoms of CLAD are severe, repeated bacterial infections. Onset may be early, in young puppies. Several puppies in a litter may be affected. They are often small at birth and appear not to thrive. Typical symptoms include gingivitis, skin lesions, dermatitis of the feet, lethargy, lack of appetite and various types of bone deformity. Thickening of the lower jaw develops with pain so that the dog will be reluctant to open its mouth. Anemia is usually present as well as involvement of the lymph nodes.
There is no cure for this disease which grows progressively worse as the dog matures. Most puppies die early or are euthanized before a year.
In the United States we are fortunate not to have identified any affected or carrier Irish Setters in recent years. However, due to the increased rate of international matings through the use of frozen semen, or importation of dogs/bitches, it would be prudent for breeders to act preventively, not reactively.
That is why the Health Committee recommends DNA testing for CLAD at the same time that the test for PRA is performed. It is done using the same blood sample and records are kept at Optigen and reported to CERF and OFA. If you have already tested your dog for PRA, you may test for CLAD alone.

Connie Vanacore, Health Committee Past Chair
Linda Kalmar, DVM, Health Clinic Chair
 Additional CLAD Information

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
 ISCA is a member of the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) which is a repository for information about the health clearances for which Irish Setters have been tested.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) jointly sponsor the CHIC database. The mission statement of CHIC is to provide a source of health information for owners, breeders and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs.
In order to enter an Irish Setter into the CHIC database, the Health Committee determined that clearance information about hips, eyes and thyroid must be included. Once a dog has been tested for these three conditions it is eligible to be admitted to this data base. For the exact tests required, and to search for Irish Setters listed with CHIC, consult the CHIC website. 

Recommendations
 The Irish Setter Club of America recommends that dogs used for breeding have all available veterinary health clearances. The most often used tests are those that measure eyes (PRA), thyroid levels and hips. Hip X-rays are used to determine the status of a dog’s hips. A veterinarian performs X-rays and the radiographs are usually sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) where a panel of veterinarians grades them. Hips are rated Excellent, Good, Fair or with 4 grades of dysplasia. Another method of evaluating hips is done through PennHip. OFA now recognizes hip evaluations from PennHip.

Other Research Projects

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In January 2012 the ISCA Foundation sent a check to AKC CHF for $10, 000 to support the following study:
01609: Probiotic VSL# 3 Reduces Enteritis in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Principal Investigator: Dr. Albert E. Jergens, DVM, PhD
Institution: Iowa State University
Grant Period: 1/1/2012 - 12/31/2013

Bloat
 The largest study ever undertaken into the causes and risk factors leading to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus- GDV) in large and giant breed dogs was undertaken at Purdue University over a period of 5 years. The study was conducted by Dr. Larry Glickman at Purdue and involved almost 2,000 dogs. The study was begun with support from Morris Animal Foundation and ISCA. We were one of the first breeds to enter the study and our participation gave impetus to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to enter. As a result eleven breeds were included in the study. Findings were published in several issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and summaries appeared in several issues of the ISCA Memo To Members starting in April, 2000.

Epilepsy
 ISCA has supported research into finding the causes for idiopathic epilepsy in our breed. We have been part of the study undertaken at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine in conjunction with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. This study is ongoing. For information about epilepsy or to join the study, contact the canine epilepsy network at: www.canine-epilepsy.net

New Epilepsy Study - Samples Needed!
The U of Missouri  is working in conjunction with a lab in Finland which has just been awarded more than $1 million to study epilepsy through SNP mapping. They are accepting new blood samples. Those who would like to participate can do so by logging on to the U of Missouri epilepsy network www.canine-epilepsy.net . There is a link there to access an online seizure survey and a sample submission form.

VonWillebrand’s Disease 
In April and May 2005, over 200 samples were collected from Irish Setters to determine the presence of VonWillebrand's Disease, astounding the veterinarians at Cornell. You all can be proud of our willingness to cooperate in this study. The Health Committee approved a suggestion by the research veterinarian at Cornell to cooperate with the research team at the British Animal Trust in England. Follow up testing is dependent upon research at British Animal Trust.

Health Information for Irish Setter Owners
 The Health Committee has published an informative booklet which breeders and owners will find useful in identifying what is normal in growing puppies and older dogs. It describes many conditions which affect our breed. The book costs $3.00 for individual copies and $2.50 for multiples of 10 copies. They are ideal to include in puppy packets. Available from Connie Vanacore or from ISCA Secretary, Fran Sloughy, 20 Maple Shade Lane, Fleetwood, PA 19522. Make checks payable to the ISCA Foundation.

Article on Degenerative Myelopathy in Irish Setters

Health Survey results now available! Large file, may download slowly. Adobe Acrobat Reader needed.

Videos and Podcasts available from the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Late Onset PRA
There have been recent breaking developments in the UK about a new form of PRA in the Irish setter, a late onset form of PRA rcd4, also referred to as LOPRA. This research has been done by Dr. Cathryn Mellersh and her team at the Animal Health Trust in the UK.

This is truly emerging information. The actual research has NOT been published or peer reviewed yet.

It is my goal as Health Chair to provide up to the minute factual scientific information and testing information regarding this in the Memo, as well as links here, on the ISCA website, to this information.

As you read through this information please keep in mind the advice received from Dr. Aguirre, who did the original PRA DNA work for ISCA.

In my correspondence with Gustavo Aquirre DVM PhD he provided this timely and important insight as we begin to test dogs in the US and get back results on our dogs:

” There is absolutely no need to panic and the breeding recommendations that we have in place for rcd1 apply to LOPRA. Affected dogs CAN and SHOULD be bred if of exceptional quality, but only to genetically normal dogs. Please keep reminding the club members that you are breeding dogs and not test results, and it is essential to maintain genetic diversity in the breed. “

Thanks to Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, who did ISCA’s initial research on PRA, for his guidance, to Dr. Christine Haakenson at AKC Canine Health Foundation for her contacts at AHT, to Dr. Mellersh for her insight, to Dr. Jerold Bell for the article about how to use the info once you have test results, to Dr. Nigel Holmes, the Genetics Service Manager at AHT for his help getting testing services info to me as well as permission to publish a direct link to the AHT info on rcd4 on the ISCA website and to Kim Poile, Lab Tech at AHT for answering many questions as well!

Finally thanks to Connie Vanacore and Jan Ziech for helping me every step of the way and to ISCA member Terry Moberg for giving me an early heads up about it and ISCA Member from the UK David Bell for his assistance.

Information about rcd4 in the Irish setter and how to use test results:

Please refer here to the ISCA Website, which will have all the most current links to info about what PRA is and what rcd4 LOPRA is.

On the website you will find also a wonderful article from Dr. Jerold Bell. The article from Dr. Bell provides insight as to how to use the test results. (Dr. Bell's article)

Rather than publish text from the Animal Health Trust website, a link is provided below.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that members realize that the AHT website is constantly updated as information becomes available.
Please refer to the link for the most current emerging information, which is updated frequently: http://www.aht.org.uk/genetics_prarcd4_irish.html
Be sure to refresh your browser often to assure you are viewing the most current info.

New: rcd4 PRA DNA Test for Gordon and Irish Setters now available from the OFA!

Researchers at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in the UK have discovered the gene mutation for the rcd4 form of PRA which affects both Gordon and Irish Setters. The DNA test became commercially available through the AHT in March of 2011. The AHT has graciously shared the science with the OFA and the University of Missouri to facilitate the availability of the test to North American owners. Tests can be ordered online through the OFA website. DNA samples will be collected via FTA cards which are non-invasive and can easily be done at home by the owner. Testing will be done at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory. The OFA will handle all order processing and reporting. Inclusion of the results in the OFA database is included with the order. The test is offered at $65.

To order the test online through the OFA: http://www.offa.org/dnatesting/rcd4.html

Information from the AHT regarding rcd4 PRA in Irish Setters: http://www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk/news/10

Where to Record rcd4 Test Results: Confidential test results will be sent to the OWNER ONLY. Once owners receive test results from AHT, they may choose to make the results public. To submit the results to OFA complete the form in the following link, attach the official test results received from AHT and send them to OFA. The OFA form to use is found at:

http://www.offa.org/pdf/dnaapp_bw.pdf

How Do I Decide Which of My Dogs to Test?

As Health Chair, I have been asked by many of you how to decide which dogs to test. Here is my suggestion:

Consider testing any stud dog that has been used more than once or a young dog that you believe may be used at stud. This will help you and all the breeders who have used your dog once the research is published and peer reviewed about the heritability of rcd4.

Consider testing any bitch that you plan to breed over the next 12-18 months.

Consider testing any dog or bitch that you own, to help support this ground breaking research.

The greater the variety of bloodlines and ages of dogs from puppies to veterans that we have tested and the greater the number of samples we get, the more significant the data becomes.

Our path is so much simpler than years ago when to participate in PRA research, breeders had to test breed stock! DNA research has made it possible to every Irish setter owner and breeder to play a role in determining the incidence and significance of this emerging issue.

At the clinics held in fall 2011, and with samples sent by Irish setter owners to AHT, there were 106 samples analyzed. All 106 samples were CLEAR.

Does this mean that rcd4 is not an issue? NO! We must be diligent in continuing to test for this, and be certain that we are not complacent. It is always better to be ahead of a disease than chasing it!

Anne Marie Kubacz
ISCA Health Chair

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