Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Blood Samples for PRA Research

 Thank you for agreeing to help with our research into progressive retinal atrophy.  Our aim in this work is to be able to identify the gene mutation that causes PRA in your breed. This will allow us to develop a genetic test to enable the eradication of PRA in your breed.  At Michigan State University we have considerable experience in looking for gene defects in dogs.  Dr Petersen-Jones was responsible for the identification of the gene defect for PRA in Cardigan Welsh Corgis and development of a DNA-test for the mutation (this test is offered from Michigan State University).  To be successful in our hunt for the gene defect in your breed we need to gather samples from as many PRA-affected dogs and their immediate relatives as possible.

To help please send us the following:

1.        Blood collected in a citrate blood tube (or EDTA blood tube).  Ideally we would like to receive ~8 ml of blood.  The blood tubes must be clearly labeled so we know which dogs they are from.  A cooler pack should be included to keep the tubes cool.  The tubes should be placed in ziplock plastic bags and packed in padding in a small package that will protect them during delivery.  (We prefer to receive blood tubes rather than cheek swabs because this yields longer fragments of DNA, allowing us the option of using certain techniques that require high quality in our gene hunting.)

2.        A pedigree of the dogs sampled.  Please indicate the relationship to PRA-affected dogs or known PRA-carriers.

3.        Please enclose a copy of the latest CERF Examination or any report that you may have about your dog’s eye disease.

4.        We would also like you to fill in and return the form “Information Form for Michigan State University PRA Studies” with details about your dog.

5.        Please mail your samples with completed forms (avoiding arrival at weekends or public holidays).

 All information received will be treated in confidence.

 Other ways you can help:

·         If you know anybody with affected dogs, or close relatives to affected dogs, who would be willing to help in this study please give us their contact information or ask them to contact us.

·         This work is expensive and time consuming, if you wish to make a donation towards the hunt for PRA causing gene defects this would help us in our long-term goal of developing a DNA test for PRA in your breed.  Donations can be sent to: Dr Petersen-Jones (PRA Research), Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, D-208 Veterinary Medical Center, East Lansing, Michigan MI 48824-1314.  Checks should be made out to “Michigan State University” and endorsed “PRA Research”.

·         If you are willing to help in any other way please contact Dr Petersen-Jones.

 Simon Petersen-Jones DVetMed PhD DVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS

Associate Professor, Comparative Ophthalmology

Direct Line: 517 353 3278

Email: peter315@cvm.msu.edu