Research Organization: Utrecht University, Netherlands
Contact Information:
United States & Canada Robert J. Washabau, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Professor of Medicine and Department Chair Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine 1352 Boyd Avenue University of Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 (612) 625-5273 Office/VoiceMail washabau@umn.edu
Netherlands & Europe Jan Rothuizen, Professor of Internal Medicine of Companion Animals University Utrecht PO Box 80154 3508 TD Utrecht The Netherlands J.Rothuizen@vet.uu.nl
Project Web Site: Not applicable
Liver shunts, (portosystemic shunts) are defects in the portal vein which connects the liver to the rest of the circulatory system. This defect affects many breeds, including Bernese Mountain Dogs. The liver removes toxins such as ammonia from the blood; shunts prevent blood from reaching the liver. Consequently, the liver does not develop properly as the puppy grows. In addition, toxins such as ammonia bypass the liver and reach the body′s blood circulation, including the brain. Neurological symptoms begin in the first year of life and without treatment the condition is fatal. Surgery is the only long term treatment, but is not always successful. Work by researchers at Utrecht University and others has shown that portosystemic shunts are most likely inherited.
Dr. Jan Rothuizen at the Utrecht University, Netherlands, is working with the Dutch BMDC to find a genetic marker for portosystemic shunts in BMDs so that breeders can determine whether dogs carry this defective gene.
To study this disease, the research needs blood from affected dogs, their parents and as many littermates as possible.
To participate please please provide:
Send samples & information to the appropriate address above and notify the recipient via email.
Data Sheet Name: Utrecht.html Last Updated: Sep 6 2007 Proofed: AJH, PL