Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation
This page originally contained only the report from the 21/10/06 meeting. However, with giant strides being made in certain areas of research (notably TNS), updates have been added & will continue to be added to the relevant paragraphs.
~ * ~
The PBHF held a meeting on the 21st October 2006 at the Moira Miners Club; some members were unable to attend but, not withstanding this, we had received notification of the wishes of the members/clubs regarding the way forward.
The meeting was very constructive from the start and we wish to thank all members for their input.
In the May 2006 update, we established the need for a review period for all Clubs to put forward proposals for the group to progress.
The group reviewed the input from the clubs, and individuals, along with reference to the Kennel Clubs ‘Canine Health Survey’ issued at the beginning of October 2006.
Points put forward for potential support were:
After substantial discussion, the group agreed upon the following:-
Epilepsy (fitting)
Would be the main condition for the PBHF to support, at least for the forthcoming period.
The Secretary will contact the Phyllis Croft Foundation, request the up to date research, and any areas in which we could offer our support.
Epilepsy is such a diverse subject, there seem to be so many possible triggers.
It is essential that we all, as dog lovers, are open about any form of fitting that our dog’s experience, as it may not be Epilepsy at all.
It is felt that too many things are labelled as Epilepsy, and through supplying blood samples for analysis it may be possible to alleviate concerns allowing you to look elsewhere for the cause.
~ * ~
TNS (Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome) & Canine Cyclic Neutropenia
Are to be researched by the group via the current information and database available on the internet. For those who wish to update themselves, just enter Canine Neutropenia or Canine Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome in Google and you will see the basis of research to date and the current understanding of cause and effect. The group hope to be able to report at the next meeting.
TNS Bulletin ~ June 5th 2007
Following the Quarterly TNS report received from Alan Wilton at the end of May, the PBHF has agreed to release a further Aus$6000 towards ongoing research.
The good news is that Alan & Jeremy have identified the TNS mutation, the bad news is that their application for funding of this research through the Australian Research Council has not been successful.
Consequently they will have to rely on continued donations from Border Collie breeders and enthusiasts around the world to fund further research in Border Collies and other breeds.
~ * ~
Cancer
This is a very wide subject and from data seen on the reasons for death by cancer, very little is known about the actual type of cancer which is typically killing canines.
According to the KC Health Survey, only 6% of deaths were covered by an autopsy.
It is also interesting to note that the KC Charitable Trust is not going to fund any additional research into cancer according to their October 2006 press release.
The group feels that there is still a significant need to pin-point the main forms of cancers affecting Pastoral Breeds (and others).
It is the aim of the group to create a simple questionnaire and to ask individuals who may have had cancer affecting their dog(s), whether surviving or not, to assist in this survey.
It is proposed that members of the group will ask at shows individuals if they have experienced cancer in any of their dogs. They do not want or need your name or the dogs name, just the type and location of cancer if known, any veterinary conclusions on the cause, treatment offered by the vet, breed and age of dog. If you prefer to assist privately, you may contact our Secretary direct. Complete confidentiality is assured.
With this data, we hope to do some basic analysis so that we can channel our efforts most effectively. We appreciate that this may be stressful for some, but unless it is possible to obtain some statistical data we cannot hope to look at suitable research programmes.
~ * ~
The PBHF are currently devising a Website where you will be able to find current information on progress, reports or research data, which may be relevant.
Once up and running the Secretary will welcome input, it will be the decision of the Officers of the PBHF to decide what is available on the Website.
Thank you taking the time to read this update and I hope you found it informative and stimulating enough to contribute.
Richard Bridgeman
Chairperson
PBHF
The Secretary can be contacted by email
|
