Health & Research

How to Participate in Pigmentary Uveitis Research

Dogs 12+ years old with normal eyes

A message from Dr Townsend: “A critical current need for the research to find the gene causing Golden Retriever pigmentary uveitis is DNA from older dogs that are unaffected with the condition. The best way to be sure the individual is not affected with pigmentary uveitis is to have histopathologic (microscopic) examination performed of the eyes. Therefore I have a request for owners of older Golden retrievers (12 years or older), especially those who have sent blood samples either to me (Dr. Townsend) or who have DNA on file in the CHIC DNA database. When your beloved Golden passes away, could you please consider having your veterinarian send me the eyes for histologic examination?

I know what a difficult request I am making. I know that is such a difficult time. However it would be such a tremendous benefit. We have to be absolutely sure that the Goldens we think are clear of pigmentary uveitis truly are clear as we start screening genes. Otherwise if we have the status listed incorrectly it will greatly muddy the waters and make finding the gene nearly impossible. At the end of the study you will receive information about what was found when your dog’s eyes were examined.”

Eyes can be placed in formalin, just as your veterinarian would normally send out other samples for histopathology. Also, if your dog does not have DNA stored at the CHIC DNA Repository or you have not previously sent a blood sample to Dr Townsend, please collect 5-10 ml blood in a purple top tube and send with the eyes. (Blood sample must be collected prior to the dog’s passing.) Many veterinarians will waive their professional fees for these procedures in the interest of supporting research. However, some financial assistance may be available to help when there is cost to the owner.

Please send to:

Attn: Dr. Wendy Townsend
Purdue University
625 Harrison St.
W. Lafayette, IN47907-202

Dogs affected with pigmentary uveitis

A. If this dog has previously provided a blood sample at a National Specialty or directly to the CHIC DNA Repository, and has since been diagnosed with pigmentary uveitis:

  1. Please notify CHIC by sending an email with the dog’s name/number and the diagnosis to ofa@offa.org
  2. Please notify Dr Townsend by sending an email to Townsenw@purdue.edu and please include a copy of the diagnostic ophthalmology report, the dog’s name/number, and pedigree; and let her know that a blood sample has been banked with CHIC. All dog identities and pedigrees will be kept confidential.

B. If this dog has not previously provided a blood sample that is stored in the CHIC DNA Repository:

  1. Please send an email to chic@offa.org to request instructions for submitting a blood sample from an affected dog to the CHIC Repository. Please include the dog’s diagnosis, as there is no charge for submitting samples from affected dogs. Many veterinarians will waive their professional feel for drawing the blood sample when they know that it is for research purposes, but please discuss this with your own veterinarian.
  2. After the blood sample has been submitted, please notify Dr Townsend by sending an email to Townsenw@purdue.edu and please include a copy of the diagnostic ophthalmology report, the dog’s name/number, and pedigree; and let her know that a blood sample has been banked with CHIC. All dog identities and pedigrees will be kept confidential.

Blood samples of special interest

Blood samples from families (parents and offspring if possible) in which both parents of a litter have been diagnosed with pigmentary uveitis.

Questions

Dr Wendy Townsend at 765-494-1107 ortownsenw@purdue.edu

Rhonda Hovan at 330-338-4236 orrhondahovan@aol.com

For more information about pigmentary uveitis, please see the Health Section of the GRCA website www.grca.org. Please print these PDF file and ask that it be placed in your dog’s veterinary chart for immediate access if needed.

GRCA