Mapping and Identification of the Mutation Responsible for Epilepsy in the Chinook. The principal investigator is Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD from the University of Missouri. Samples from affected Chinooks and family are still
being sought. (See below for more information.) A description of the grant follows.
Abstract:
Episodic dyskinesias (EDs) are episodes of abnormal movement or tone, distinguished from seizures by the character of the episode and a lack of EEG spikes and waves typical of seizure activity. We have identified what appears to be an autosomal recessive ED that is prevalent in the Chinook breed. Typical episodes are characterized by an inability to stand or ambulate, head tremor, and involuntary flexion of one or multiple limbs, without loss of consciousness or autonomic signs. Episodes were variable in duration, ranging from seconds to hours. Interictal EEGs recorded on two dogs with ED were normal. Most affected dogs exhibit only ED, others experience only generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and still others had both ED and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. We have collected DNA from 34 affected Chinooks and over 200 clinically normal relatives in preparation for whole genome mapping of the ED locus by genotype association analysis using the Affymetrix 27,000-marker canine SNP chip. After mapping this locus to a small chromosomal interval, we will resequence regional candidate genes to identify the causative mutation. DNA tests for suspect mutations will be evaluated by genotyping all Chinook DNA samples in our collection. A validated DNA test will be offered to Chinook breeders.
This page was last updated on: March 12, 2008
Contact Info
Cathleen Griffin and Nancy Bartol are the health liaisons for the Chinook Health Fund. For offers to help with fundraising, questions or comments, we would love to hear from you:
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. The impact of your gift to Chinook Health Fund may be doubled or possibly tripled! In addition, some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses so a matching gift to benefit our fundraising drive is something to look into.
Memorialize or honor your canine companion with a donation to the Chinook Health Fund. Just include your pet's name along with your donation to AKCCHF Chinook Health Fund. Donations over $50.00 will receive a certificate from AKCCHF with your dog's name included on the certificate.
Make out your check to AKCCHF, adding Chinook Health Fund in the check memo field.
Mail to: AKCCHF, PO BOX 37941, Raleigh, NC 27627-7941
Credit Card
When you make your donation to ACKCHF please specify Chinook Health Fund.
Telephone AKCCHF Toll Free:
888-682-9696
Look for an acknowledgement letter from AKCCHF thanking you for your gift and restricting your donation to the Chinook Health Fund. Donations over $100.00 will be listed in the AKCCHF Honor Roll of Donors.
Chinook DNA is on its way this March to Helsinki, Finland and Dr. Hanas Lohi’s lab. Dr Lohi is collaborating with principal investigator Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of Missouri on the Chinook *dyskinesia condition, often referred to by those in the fancy as Chinook type seizures. Dr. Lohi’s lab will start the mapping process and Dr. Johnson thinks that the uniqueness of the Chinook movement disorder puts us in a good position to find the mutation causing the problem. Look for updates on our website.
NEW SAMPLES ARE NEEDED! If you have a Chinook experiencing the Chinook type seizures and haven’t yet done so, please send in a blood sample to UMO. Samples from affected Chinooks as well as their close relatives – parents, and siblings – are still being sought. For info on how to participate you may contact me at Bartol@charter.net or UMO at: Liz Hansen at hansenl@missouri.edu You and your Chinook CAN make the difference and help us find a cure! An added benefit of sending a sample is the fact that your Chinook will have DNA stored at UMO (at no cost) to potentially be used for other Chinook research studies.
If you have already participated and your Chinook has had a change from unaffected status to affected, or if your Chinook's seizures have changed in some way, please also contact Liz with updated health information: hansenl@missouri.edu
*Definition of dyskinesia from wemove.org: Dyskinesias: Abnormal neuromuscular conditions characterized by disorganized or excessive movement (also known as hyperkinesia). Forms of dyskinesia include sudden, brief, "shock-like" muscle contractions (myoclonus); involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movements of a body part (tremor); rapid involuntary jerky movements (chorea); relatively slow writhing motions (athetosis); or abrupt, purposeless, simple or complex muscle movements or vocalizations (motor or vocal tics).
