Research

Members of the Canadian and American Manchester Terrier Clubs are working with researchers at the University of Minnesota's Canine Genetics Lab to collect and store DNA samples from Manchester Terriers who have been diagnosed with a Protein-Losing Enteropathy or Protein-Losing Nephropathy.  

This includes:

• living dogs with test results (such as blood testing or biopsies) indicating presence of a Protein-Losing Enteropathy or Nephropathy, and;
• deceased dogs whose autopsy indicated the presence of one of these diseases
  (Note: Even if the dog died years ago, if he/she was autopsied then tissue samples containing DNA may still be available through the institution that completed the necropsy)

DNA samples from affected dogs will be stored at the University of Minnesota's Genetics Lab for potential future study.   

Protein-Losing Enteropathy includes:

• Intestinal Lymphangiectasia;
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease; and,
• May be suspected in any condition characterized by persistent diarrhea where low blood albumin levels are found

Protein-Losing Nephropathy includes:

• Some forms of Glomerulonephritis;
• Familial Glomerulopathy;
• Amyloidosis; and,
• May be suspected in cases of:
  • Extreme proteinuria
  • Kidney failure, particularly in dogs younger than 10 years old

Submitting a Sample

1) DNA Samples

Living Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a Protein-Losing Enteropathy or Protein-Losing Nephropathy and is still living, DNA samples can be submitted in the form of a blood sample. Detailed instructions for submitting blood samples can be found here.  Although blood samples are preferred because they can be stored for long periods of time, DNA collected on a cheek swab can also be submitted.  Instructions for submitting cheek swabs can be found here. 

Deceased Dogs
If your dog was diagnosed with a Protein-Losing Enteropathy or Protein-Losing Nephropathy and is now deceased, DNA samples may be collected during post-mortem examination using a DNA swab or a tissue sample.  If your dog was previously tested by the University of Minnesota for Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy or Xanthinuria, his/her DNA may already be on file.  In both cases, please contact the study team for more information.

2) Test Results & Pedigree
In addition to a DNA sample, participants will also be asked to provide copies of relevant veterinary records (i.e., blood test, biopsy or post-mortem results, etc.) as well as pedigree information. This information will assist the research team in ensuring all samples relate to the conditions being studied and in determining how the condition affects dogs/families of dogs across the breed.

Information provided directly to researchers at the University of Minnesota is private and will remain anonymous.

Financial Assistance with Sample Collection Costs

If you require financial assistance in submitting DNA samples for this study, please contact the Study Liaison, Blossom Scott-Heim.