A little about ourselves
Thank you for your interest in the study!
Purebred pug owners are being encouraged to donate a blood sample from your dog for a study initiated at the Canine Genetics Laboratory at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine. They are investigating spinal disease and will use the DNA for two genetics projects locating genes and biomarkers in both normal, and pugs affected with spinal disease. The identification of genetic indicators of both skeletal and neurological problems will improve diagnosis, therapy, and screening to reduce prevalence of spinal disease in pugs. The study has been funded by a grant from the American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation. You can obtain a blood sample on your next routine visit to your veterinarian in an EDTA collection tube and mail it to the address provided in the instructions attached. The sample does not need to be handled as for a lab test, just promptly mailed with appropriate packaging.
The study is seeking samples from both normal pugs and pugs with symptoms and/or diagnosis of spinal disease. All pugs are very valuable to the study, but older pugs ( greater than 10 years of age) that are normal are exceptionally desired. Many samples of pug DNA need to be collected, so ALL purebred pugs, including young, healthy and affected pugs are needed.
The contact at Purdue is Dr. Kari Ekenstedt (765-496-1637, kje0003@purdue.edu) if you have further questions.
Blood samples are being recruited from both normal purebred pugs and those affected by spinal disease.
1. Include any heritage, original source, or pedigree information you may have
2. Photos: a side view photo of your pug’s body, a photo of its head, and a photo of the tail side and rear.
3. If you have results from DM or NME/PDE DNA tests you may include those.
Thank you so very much for this critical contribution to our research!
DOWNLOAD THE FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS BELOW!!!
Purdue Canine Genetics Lab
c/o Kari Ekenstedt
Department of Basic Medical Science
College of Veterinary Medicine
Purdue University
625 Harrison Street
Lynn Hall
West Lafayette, IN 47907
If you are shipping your blood sample from outside the USA: Print, complete, and sign THREE (3) copies of the provided customs form, Fold these forms together and place into a plastic zip-top bag, Tape the bag to the outside of the package (Cheek swabs generally do not require customs forms)
Questions about sample submission can be directed to Dr. Kari Ekenstedt (765-496-1637, kje0003@purdue.edu)
