In March 1999, the AKC Canine Health Foundation awarded a grant to researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine to study the molecular genetics of canine epilepsy in Vizslas, English Springers, and Beagles.  The goal of the study is to identify a marker or gene for epilepsy and to develop a screening test to determine normal, carrier, and affected status, thus allowing breeders the potential to eliminate epilepsy.   

To help determine possible links between epilepsy and other conditions, some questions on the forms ask about other diseases, conditions, or characteristics.  Please answer as accurately and completely as possible.

 Complete families, including both seizing and non-seizing dogs, are critical to this project.  Wherever possible, submit samples from an entire litter, both parents and their siblings, and all available grand parents and their siblings ( and beyond if available).  Owners of  individual seizing dogs whose families are not being studied are welcome to submit blood or tissue samples, Individual Dog Questionnaires,  and Pedigrees, which will be used later in the project. 

NOTE TO BREEDERS: Expecting a litter? You can submit your docked puppies' tails in lieu of a blood draw. Click here for more information & instructions!

How to begin if you are submitting a blood sample: (Click here for forms)

1.    Complete the Consent Form, and Individual Dog Questionnaire for each dog.

2.    For each litter, make a “litter packet” that contains the Litter List, Litter Information.  To each litter, assign a Litter ID Code using the kennel name or breeder’s name, plus the date of birth; for example of John Doe had a litter born May 15, 1992 the code would be Doe 05-15-92.  Put this on all litter forms.

3.    For each litter supply a correctly formatted (sire on top, dam on bottom) 4 or 5 generation typed or computer generated Pedigree.

4.    Collect a blood or tissue sample from each dog. Refer to  Instructions for Blood and Tissue Sample Submission for procedures. 

5.    On a spare copy of the Pedigree mark for yourself who is sampled, not sampled, and deceased/unavailable, to keep track of dogs from whom you need to obtain samples.

6.    Send all materials to the address at the bottom.

Make and distribute additional copies of all forms as needed. Keep copies of everything for you records.

 If you have any questions or need assistance completing the forms or pedigrees, call the Canine and Equine Genetics Lab at the University of Minnesota 612-624-5322.     Submit forms to the address below:

Epilepsy Research Project

C/O Dr. Ned Patterson

Canine Genetics Lab

Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences

C339 Veterinary Teaching Hospitals

1352 Boyd Ave, St. Paul MN 55108

612-624-5322

Send mail to webmaster@carolinavizsla.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 26, 2010