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  • Malignant histiocytosis is a hereditary disease found in the Bernese Mountain Dog. The disease is characterized by histiocytic infiltration of the lungs and lymph nodes. The liver, spleen, and central nervous system can also be affected. Histiocytes are a component of the immune system that proliferate abnormally in this disease.
    For more information on this disease please see:

    OVERVIEW - MALIGNANT HISTIOCYTOSIS

    • Research Organization: Canine Genetic Diseases Network - University of Missouri-Columbia


      Primary Contact Person: Dr. Joan R. Coates


      Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
      900 E. Campus Dr., Clydesdale Hall
      College of Veterinary Medicine
      University of Missouri
      Columbia, MO 65211


      Contact Phone: 573-882-7821
      Email Address: CoatesJ@missouri.edu
      Project Web Site: http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/mainDM.htm


      ABOUT THIS RESEARCH PROJECT


      Canine Genetic Diseases Network


      The Canine Genetic Diseases Network headed by the University of Missouri-Columbia has found a genetic marker for degenerative myelopathy in some breeds. They also are continuing to study the pathology of this disease, and to look for genetic markers for other breeds.

       

      To do this, they are examining tissues from the nervous system of dogs with DM symptoms. When the time comes to have your dog humanely euthanized they would be very grateful for your assistance in obtaining an autopsy. They have a protocol that will assist with collection of tissues from specific areas of the nervous system.


      For specific information on submitting samples see: Degenerative Myelopathy Submissions at:
      http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/cordprotocol.pdf

    Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs.


    See Degenerative Myelopathy Basics at: http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/basicDM.htm for more information.

    OVERVIEW - DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY

    ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS - DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY

    Article by R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD
    Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery, University of Florida
    http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

    AKC Canine Health Foundation DM Videos
    'Dr. Richard Vulliet on Degenerative Myelopathy' & 'How to Care for a Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy'
    AKC CHF website at: http://www.akcchf.org/video/

  • OVERVIEW

    As part of our mission to improve the health and longevity of our Berners, the Berner-Garde Foundation (BGF) and Michigan State University (MSU), with support from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA), have established a Repository that collects, stores and maintains DNA and tumor tissue samples from Bernese Mountain Dogs. The goal of the Repository is to facilitate research on serious genetic diseases affecting the breed. The samples collected, along with the health and pedigree information in the Berner-Garde Database will assist researchers who have been hampered in the past by the lack of samples as well as insufficient medical and pedigree information. About The BMD DNA REPOSITORY RESEARCH PROJECT

    Project Web Site: http://www.bernergarde.org/home/repository.aspx

     

    We are currently collecting blood DNA for dogs that meet the following criteria

    Diagnosed with SAS (Subaortic Stenosis)
    Diagnosed with Renal Dysplasia
    Veteran Berners age 12 years or older
    If you wish to preserve the DNA of your dog and it does not fit the criteria, please consider submitting DNA to the CHIC repository maintained by OFA

                    https://ofa.org/about/dna-repository/


    Owners looking for more information on how to submit samples see:
    https://bernergarde.org/home/RepositorySubmissions

  • About the disease
     

    For information about PLE and Lymphagiectasia, see: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=254092&id=4951862

    • Cornell University is expanding its ongoing PLE research study! Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a chronic intestinal disease marked by the loss of protein into the gut. It is a severe, life-threatening condition with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Lymphangiectasia and being common causes.

       

      If you live in the US and your dog suffers with PLE and/or LYMPHANGIECTASIA please donate a blood sample! If you live in Canada and your dog has a diagnosis of PLE, please donate a blood sample! Owners with an EMBARK profile do NOT need to send a sample and can participate from ANY country! It's free!

       

      Your contribution is greatly appreciated and will have a direct impact on future generations of dogs with PLE. Thank you!

       

      If you have questions please reach out to Dr. Jessica Hayward.

      Email: jessica.hayward@cornell.edu

Bernese Mountain Dog current research studies

Research Studies

Current Research Studies

Researcher's exploration of genetic components responsible for disease processes allow for development of powerful genetic tests, screening tools and treatment options veterinarians, owners and breeders can utilize to manage and advance health in dogs.

A clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of Trametinib in the treatment of dogs with Histiocytic Sarcoma. The trial is currently being conducted at Michigan State University, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and the University of Florida. For more information, click here.

How Can You Help?

If your Bernese Mountain Dog has been diagnosed with any of the diseases listed above we encourage you to become a part of the solution. Participation in health research studies can be done simply by providing data you already have or by providing simple lab tests performed or collected by your veterinarian. The information you share with researchers by participating in health research studies will enable them to provide our breed community with legitimate, scientifically proven information on diseases which affect the Bernese Mountain Dog's length and quality of life.

​

Healthy Berners Can Help Too! Studies are noted.

Health Research Studies Covered

  • Histiocytosis;

  • Lymphoma / Lymphosarcoma;

  • Degenerative myelopathy;

  • Sub Aortic Stenosis;

  • Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) and Lymphangiectasia;

  • BMD DNA Repository.

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