Excerpts From
The Beagle Bugler
January 2009
Researcher Announces Genetic Test
In mid-December, Dr. Mark Neff of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine announced the availability of a DNA test for the mutation that causes Musladin-Leuke Syndrome (MLS) in the Beagle. This test will identify Beagles that have MLS, are carriers of MLS, and that are clear of the genes that cause MLS.
In making his announcement, Dr. Neff wrote, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Beagle community, especially the breeders and owners who submitted samples that made the discovery possible.” He also dedicated the research to the memories of Drs. Judith and Anton Musladin who he described as “devoted Beagle enthusiasts.”
The MLS DNA test is being offered by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis for $50. VGL’s principal mission is to provide DNA diagnostics at low cost so that breeders can apply the genetic knowledge to improve the health and temperament of their dogs. More information about the test and MLS is available at http:// www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/ MLS.php.
Dr. Neff also reminded the Beagle community that research on Beagle MLS is ongoing. “We are continuing to address important questions pertaining to prevalence, mutation history, and the basis of variation in disease presentation.” Dr. Neff and his team also continue to work on finding a DNA test for the mutation that causes chondrodystrophy in the Beagle, a project he has been working on for over ten years. CWBC and its members were instrumental in initiating and supporting the chondrodystrophy study.
Brags
Greater Clark County Kennel Club, December 6 & 7, 2008 Ridgefield, WA
Mtn Brook’s Annie of Sealstone got her first points, a 3-point major, as 13
” Winners Bitch & BOS on Sunday. She was bred by Al Phillips, is owned by him and Pat Marlow, and was handled by Pat.GEM’S Independant Heart, bred and owned by Gary & Carolyn Miller, took 13
” Reserve Winners Bitch both days with Carolyn handling. Carolyn also handled GEM’S Straight to My Heart to 15” Reserve Winners Dog both days. He was bred and is owned by Gary & Carolyn Miller.On Sunday,
Rowdy’s Pie-in-the-Sky was 15” Reserve Winners Bitch to a 4-point major. Kim Stewart handled “Allie” who was bred and is owned by JK Marten & Dana Nichols.
A Message from Darlene Stewart
Chair of the National Beagle Club Health & Genetics Committee
Attention all AKC registered Beagle owners:
Dr. Neff (the researcher at UC Davis working on beagle genetics) wants to get a number of random samples of DNA from the general healthy beagle population. All it takes is rubbing two swabs on the inside of the mouth. The swabs are free and would be mailed directly to you. If you have an AKC registered beagle, please consider helping to establish the random population DNA collection. Given the scale of the proposed experiments, participants would not receive feedback on their respective dog. However, each contribution will greatly benefit the breed, by helping these scientists define a genetic baseline that reflects the average Beagle. (Full registered names are not necessary, call names would be sufficient-it would be the owners option as to what name to supply with swabs.) To request swabs, please go to the following web site: http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/requestform/.For questions or problems with the web site, please contact Katy Robertson at krrobertson@ucdavis.edu. Please contribute for the health of all future and present beagles.
The NBC Health and Genetics Committee is please to announce that the Beagle Health Survey is ready for you to complete. You may take the survey via OFA at this URL.
http://www.offa.org/surveys/survey_beagle.html OFA is offering this service free to all breeds. It takes just a few minutes and is totally confidential.