⇦ genetic studies   welcome eridox index   the sausage link message board   goodies for your woofer   wellness & nutrition consultations   breeding consultations   eridox about me   my hot dogs hotdog stats adults my bratwursts bratwurst stats puppies   frankfurter fotos   general info history of wieners   teckel terms   coats, colors, & patterns   genetic disorders   of interest located traits & disorders   current genetics studies   genetic & phenotypic testing   unrelated book research      other resources dachsie links   site references   contact me   REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION:  Dachshund microphthalmia genetic study. synopsis courtesy of Eridox Microphthalmia is a genetic disorder found in the dachshund breed and a number of other dog breeds.  It is thought to be inherited as an autosomal/"simple" recessive.  Those affected with this disorder have one eye (microphthalmos) or both eyes (microphthalmia) that are smaller in size than normal eyes, oftentimes to the extent that it is not obvious the affected eyes even exist, such as with the case of the six-week-old longhair dachshund puppy pictured at right. A study is being conducted by Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan and her team at Michigan State University to locate the mutation(s) that cause microphthalmia in multiple breeds of domestic dogs.  It is hoped that researching the mutation(s) will allow for the development of one or more genetic tests that can be used by breeders to make more informed breeding decisions in order to avoid producing the disorder. how to participate DNA samples are desired from microphthalmic dachshunds as well as all littermates, the sire, and the dam (and other close relatives) if at all possible.  Note:  Microphthalmic double dapple (double merle) dachshunds are not useful for the purposes of this particular study. Extract 1-2mls of blood and place in an EDTA (purple-top/anti-coagulation) tube.  If blood cannot be drawn, cheek swabs can be sent to you, but the testing will be easier if blood is used. On each blood sample, clearly label what dog it belongs to.  Please also include the following information for each dog on a sheet of paper:     · the dog's breed (dachshund, size, hair type),     · its callname (e.g., "Rover" or "Molly"),     · its sex,     · its color(s)/pattern(s), and     · its relation to the affected dog (if sending in samples from families) If the sample is for the affected dog, try to explain its condition:  are both eyes affected or is only one eye affected, and to what degree.  Including a picture of the affected dog would probably also be useful. Send any electronic files you may have (pictures and/or pedigrees) to , and ship the sample(s) and accompanying information to: Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Michigan State University 2209 Biomedical and Physical Sciences East Lansing, MI 48824-4320 phone 517-355-6463 x 1562 You can use regular postal mail, or you can use FedEx if you would prefer.  Just so long as the sample(s) arrives within 3-4 days of being taken.  (If necessary, or if you are outside the United States, externally label the container as "diagnostic samples for research purposes; non-infectious, non-hazardous".)  Be sure to pad the sample(s) in bubblewrap or similar material so as to avoid breakage during transit. In order to keep shipping costs to a minimum, you can make an arrangement with friends to get your dachshunds' blood taken at once and shipped altogether, or you can contact me and I may be able to help find others near you so you can make arrangements with them. other information If you would like to submit samples but need financial assistance in order to do so, please contact me. If your dachsies can't participate in the study but you would still like to make a contribution, donations of any amount are welcome to help cover the costs of taking and shipping blood samples for participants who may need the financial assistance, and if there is any extra left over, for the study itself.  Please contact me if you would like to donate. Thank you very much for your interest in this study!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact either Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan () or myself (). Unless otherwise noted: All text, images, & audio, unless noted, are copyright by Lisa J. Emerson & may not be used or reproduced without express permission. All TSL posts are copyright by their respective authors and may not be used or reproduced without their express permission. All pictures are copyright by their respective authors and may not be used or reproduced without their express permission.