Completed JDCM Research

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A great deal of research into Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Toy Manchester Terriers has been conducted to-date.

Initial research efforts focussed on characterizing this form of JDCM in our breed in order to determine exactly what was happening physically and microscopically to cause the deaths of affected puppies.  This portion of the study was led from the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College by Dr. Etienne Cote, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology, SAIM) and Dr. Shannon Martinson, Diagnostic Pathologist (with assistance as required from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania). The culmination of this work was publication of the following paper, available for purchase via the accompanying link:

• Histological characterization of dilated cardiomyopathy in the juvenile toy Manchester terrier by C.H. Legge et al., Journal of Veterinary Pathology (2013) 50 (6): 1043-1052
• A Summary of the Latest Findings on Juvenile Cardiomyopathy in the Toy Manchester Terrier by Dr. Regina Allen, DVM provides a summary of the information contained in the more formal paper referenced above (May 2014) 

Investigation of the gene causing Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy was led by Dr. Eva Furrow and her team at the University of Minnesota, with support from a number of contributors including the original study team at the University of PEI and Dr. Paula Henthorn at the University of Pennsylvannia's School of Veterinary Medicine.  A paper on their research is currently being prepared.

Detailed information on the research contributing to Dr. Coté's and Dr. Martinson's paper (i.e., results of investigations relating to heredity and physical screening of producers) can be found in the previously published material below:

• Cardiomyopathy in Toy Manchester Terrier Puppies 
  Dr. Etienne Cote and Dr. Shannon Martinson, University of Prince Edward Island and Amanda Kelly, Study Liaison
  August 2007
• Cardiovascular Function of Producers 
  Dr. Etienne Cote, University of Prince Edward Island and Amanda Kelly, Study Liaison 
  August 2009 
• Cardiomyopathy Genetics Project
  Dr. Liz Hare and Brandi Weaver, Dog Genetics LLC
  October 2010
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Juvenile Toy Manchester Terriers (page 3-4)
  Carolyn Legge, Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident, University of Prince Edward Island
  February 2011
• Cardiovascular Function of Producers: Part II
  Dr. Etienne Cote, University of Prince Edward Island and Amanda Kelly/Michelle Barlak, Study Liaisons
  Summer 2012

Updated Statistics

598 Toy Manchester Terriers and English Toy Terriers have been tested as of May 21, 2020.  Results are as follows:

Overall
Tested: 598
Affected: 9 (1.5%)
Carrier: 126 (21.1%)
Clear: 463 (77.4%)

North America
Tested: 289
Affected: 5 (1.7%)
Carrier: 60 (20.8%)
Clear: 224 (77.5%)

International
Tested: 309
Affected: 4 (1.3%)
Carrier: 66 (21.4%)
Clear: 239 (77.3%)

Standard Manchester Terriers

In September 2016, the Canadian Manchester Terrier Club sponsored testing of a random group of Standard Manchester Terriers. Most participants were selected at the 2016 American Manchester Terrier Club National Specialty with a goal of sampling dogs from diverse lines. Dogs selected were from classically "Standard Manchester" lines and did not include any individuals with Toy ancestors in their recent background.

A total of 25 Standard Manchesters have been tested for both Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Xanthinuria.  All 25 tested clear for both mutations.

The CMTC wishes to thank all participants for so generously assisting with this initiative.