Association Mapping Study of Legg-Calve Perthes & Patella Luxation in Poodles

Research

We are seeking toy or miniature poodles with Legg Calve Perthes Disease (LCP) or patella luxation (PL) to participate in a genetic research study. Dr. Alison Starr-Moss and Dr. Margaret Staton have received funding from the Poodle Club of America to understand what genes may be causing these diseases.

Breeds of small stature comprise the overwhelming majority of LCP cases, strongly suggesting a genetic component, and Poodles are among breeds that appear predisposed to develop PL and LCP. Using whole genome association mapping, the Clemson team is seeking genes that may be involved. As always, we need samples from affected dogs to get answers!

All information collected in the study will be kept strictly confidential. At no time will owner, kennel, or individual dog names be released. If you have any questions about participation or our research, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

For your dog to be part of this study, we need these items (further explained below):

a small blood sample (download instructions as a pdf)
confirmation of PL or LCP diagnosis from a veterinarian
a signed statement of informed consent (download as a pdf)
dog information form (download as a pdf)
copy of the pedigree (if available)

You can ship all of these together via FedEx to our research laboratory at Clemson University. More information on shipping is below.

Step 1: Blood Sample

Please get your veterinarian to take a small blood sample to send via FedEx to our research lab. Many vets will do this for free, especially the purpose for canine research. Please download these instructions to give to your veterinarian.

Your vet will probably have all of these materials on hand, and it is a very fast procedure. Its important for the blood to stay cold from the time it is drawn until it arrives in our laboratory. You may want schedule the blood draw appointment for a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, as those are the days we would like you to ship all the materials to us. This will prevent the ice packs from melting over the weekend. If you have blood drawn on a Thursday or Friday, please keep it refrigerated over the weekend and make sure you have fresh ice packs for shipping.

Step 2: Confirmation of PL or LCP

We would like confirmation of diagnosis from your dog's medical records. You may send radiographs, however this is not always convenient or possible. We will also accept a copy of your dog's medical records, an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) report, or a letter from your veterinarian.

Step 3: Dog Information Form

We need each owner to fill out basic information about their pet on the the dog information form.

Step 4: Informed Consent

We need each owner to read and sign the consent form. Please don't forget to initial each page as well.

Step 5: Pedigree

Please include an AKC Certified Pedigree report, or the pedigree information for your dog in any format available. If you do not have a pedigree, please provide information on your dog's origin: breeder, rescue or other.

Step 6: Shipping

Gather the 4 items listed above and ship out FEDEX 2Day only Monday through Wednesday. (Samples drawn Thursday or Friday should be refrigerated through the weekend and shipped Monday.) Please email us if you have any questions about shipping.

Ship to:
Dr. Alison Starr-Moss - Murphy Lab
Clemson University
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry
51 New Cherry Rd
319 BRC
Clemson, SC 29634-0318
(864) 656-0191

More Information

More background information on this work can be found in the article "Researchers Seek Genetic Marker for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease", published in Today's Breeder, a quarterly publication from Purina ProClub.

Clemson University has a number of ongoing canine research projects. Learn more at these websites:

Primary links