Active Studies for Musculoskeletal Diseases
Border Collie Collapse Syndrome*
Border Collie Collapse Syndrome is an exercise induced collapse seen in several breeds including Shetland Sheepdogs. It is not the same as Exercise Induced Collapse of Labrador Retrievers or the result of heat stroke. “Affected dogs are normal at rest and seem healthy. Typical collapse episodes begin 5 – 15 min after onset of exercise and include disorientation, dull mentation or loss of focus; swaying, staggering and falling to the side; exaggerated lifting of each limb while walking and a choppy gait; scuffing of the rear and/or forelegs, and crossing of the legs when turning.”
Researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota are studying the problem. Even though the web page describing the syndrome and study primarily talks about Border Collies, participation of Sheltie owners is welcome and encouraged. There is strong evidence of the problem being a genetic trait, but it is likely to be a more complex one rather than a simple one-locus Mendelian trait. Videos of affected dogs, additional information about the problem and information needed to participate in the study may be found at the following website: http://www.vetmed.umn.edu/departments/veterinary-and-biomedical-sciences/research/canine-genetics-lab/genetic-research/border-collie-collapse
*1st posted in 2014. The research group is still accepting DNA samples from affected dogs.
Study on Inheritance of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease*
by breeders.
*More information about LCP can be found on the OFA website at: https://ofa.org/diseases/other-phenotypic-evaluations/legg-calve-perthes//
Study on the Inheritance of Lateral luxation of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) muscle – (hock injury)
The SDF muscle is one that is responsible for flexion of the hind toes. Its tendon is part of the Achilles’ or calcanean tendon group at the hock. Luxation of the SDF tendon causes intermittent hind leg lameness and swelling around the point of the hock. Injury may occur during vigorous activity such as herding or agility.
In 2022, researchers at the Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Switzerland began studying the condition. They performed a genome wide association study (GWAS) using DNA samples from 20 cases and 41 controls in order to search for genetic risk loci that might influence the risk for lateral luxation of the tendon of the SDF muscle. This analysis yielded no significant association signal. They need more DNA samples from affected and control dogs to future to increase the power of the GWAS.
Contact: Dr. med. vet. Cleo Schwarz – email: cleo.schwarz@unibe.ch , phone: +41 31 684 25 24.
See: Institute of Genetics
More information including links to videos and surgical correction can be seen at: https://www.americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/miscellaneous/