Scientists seek Pomeranian dogs for new gene study
ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide researchers are seeking Pomeranian dogs to participate inÌýa new study to help identify how widespreadÌýa defective gene is in the breed's ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n population.
Veterinarians and scientists from theÌýÌýare investigating methaemoglobinemia (MHb),Ìýa disorder that causes the blood to carry less oxygen around the body than normal.ÌýIt causes a blue tongue and reduced exercise ability in Pomeranians,Ìýbut may pose more serious complications for a dog underÌýanaesthesia.
A free and simple mouth swab from a Pomeranian or PomX will provide enough DNA for researchers to perform a DNA testÌýto check for the genetic variant.
"Our project aims to discover whether or not the defective gene is widespread in the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n population of Pomeranian dogs. We are recruiting Pomeranian dog breeders and owners to provide cheek swab samples for DNA,Ìý" says project leadÌý
Associate Professor Peaston says veterinarians recently diagnosed a mild form of congenital methaemoglobinemia in an adult Pomeranian dog.
"Our index case was detected because her blue tongue turned almost black under stress. Genetic investigation showed that the dog indeed had a mutant CYB5R3 gene, and had inherited identical defective gene alleles from both parents," she says.
The same genetic defect has been reported in a family of Pomeranian dogs in Japan, indicating that this could be an international problem in the breed.Ìý
Associate Professor Peaston says theÌýgene variant may be carried silently by a dog.
"The low oxygen supply to the body caused by MHb is variable, and dogs may appear normal, or have relatively mild signs, such as tiring rapidly with exercise, excitement or stress, and development of a blue-brown tinge to the tongue. These can sometimes be overlooked by veterinarians andÌýpose a problem for general anaesthesia."
"Our initial findings suggest that the MHb variant may be more widespread in the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Pomeranian breed than the single case confirmed so far. By participating in this study, your dog‘s results will help us to determine the prevalence of the variant gene within the wider breed population."
If researchers find that theÌýCYB5R3 mutation is common in Pomeranian dogs in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, theÌýresults will assist the development of a DNA test to detect carriers of the variant gene and potentially restrict their participation in the breeding population to helpÌýeliminate the gene.
"In addition, information on the carrier status of dogs may be valuable information for veterinarians if general anaesthesia is required for any reason during treatment,"
"The gene's elimination would greatly benefit the welfare of this delightful little dog breed," saysÌýAssociate Professor Peaston.
Participate
DNA testing of your dog is conducted at theÌýCompanion Animal Health CentreÌýat ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's Roseworthy campus.
To participate in the study, please call 8313 1999 or emailÌývet_reception@adelaide.edu.auÌýwith the subject line 'Pomeranian Study' to arrange testing.