Science is out for greyound blood....

[Ellen Douglas]

.... in a good way.

 

For those of you who do not receive the postings from ssgreyhounds, some of you might be interested in the following information.

 

For those who did receive the ssgreyhound posting, I have additional information.

 

I recently found out that the National Institutes of Health are in the process of collecting genetic samples for the Canine Genome Project and need samples from registered greyhounds as well as other akc registered breeds.

 

As it would happen they need more greyhound volunteers than they do most other breeds, because the CGP is doing studies specifically to look at the differences between sprinter and non-sprinter breeds.

 

What the CGP is looking for is a small blood sample (about a teaspoon), a signed consent form, 16 measurements from your dog (such as neck, and withers to tail) a list of any diagnosed diseases your racer has in his/her history, racing name, age and pedigree (the only thing they ask is that samples from siblings, 1/2 siblings not be sent).

 

For more information go here:  http://research.NHGRI.nih.gov/dog_genome   where my contact is Donna Viglietti

 

Since finding out about the CGP, I also found out that the Broad Institute @Harvard/MIT is also looking for genetic samples to do research.  The volunteers they are looking for are pedigreed canines who are either more than 8 years old and still healthy OR  any age and has a disease (such as cancer or dental disease).

 

The Broad Institute is working inconjunction with two Swedish universities.

 

The folks at the Broad Institute are only asking for your pet's health history, age, pedigree information or registration number, consent form and a small blood sample (about a teaspoon).

 

For more information go here:  www.dogDNA.org where my contact  is Michele Perloski

 

Both groups are looking to find information that will, in the future, be used to help future greyhounds to be healthier.

 

I know, so far, that my 3 and Penny's 3 plan to participate. Any other volunteers?

[Mike Volkmar]

Speaking of greyhound blood, did you know that Greyhounds are universal donors? Our Markie didn't come straight from the track, he did a stint at a NYC blood donor program first.