Recruiting participants for a Dachshund IVDD DNA Research Study
Professor Stacey Sullivan (Auburn University) and her lab, in conjunction with the Xu Wang Lab, are currently enrolling dogs for a research study aiming to identify genes other than CDDY that affect disc calcification and IVDD risk in Dachshunds. The ultimate goal of this work is to give breeders scientifically sound tools to reduce the prevalence of IVDD in Dachshunds.
They are looking to enrol Miniature Smooth Dachshunds that have been screened for IVDD and have a known calcification score (specifically K0 - zero calcifications, and K5+ - 5 or more calcifications). If your dog's CDDY genotype is known (e.g. CDDY/CDDY, CDDY/N, N/N), that is great; if not, they will obtain the genotype when sequencing the DNA sample.
Participating in the study is straightforward:
Sign a consent form and provide official screening/K-number results.
Organise a visit to your vet to draw a standard blood sample.
The vet will ship the sample to a collaborating lab in the UK using prepaid materials and shipping labels provided by the study team.
The study team will reimburse owners up to £50 for the veterinary expenses incurred for sample collection.
If you are interested in participating with your dog, please get in touch directly with Stacey Sullivan at staceyasullivan@gmail.com, and she will connect you with her research assistant, Kat Meyers, to get started.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us tackle IVDD in the breed.
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