14th February 2012
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – re. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
TO ALL “GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG” BREEDERS AND OWNERS
DOGenes Inc. Is pleased to announce that we have possibly identified a new gene and mutation for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).
This mutation has been identified in the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breed. As a result of this mutation the protein product of this gene is prematurely terminated. This means that the mutated gene produces a partial protein product that is not functional. While there is strong evidence from the biology of this gene that this mutation could be the cause of DM, we need many more clinical samples to confirm this finding.
The first priority is to get as many confirmed DM cases from your breed as possible. Anyone with a GSD that has DM is urged to contact DOGenes Inc. for materials to collect a DNA sample. At this point, I am very optimistic about this discovery.
Because this is such a very serious and fatal disease, I hope that we can work together to determine if this is a causative mutation.
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AT ALL TIMES.
Sincerely,
Mary H. Whiteley, PhD
DOGenes Inc.
CONTACT: DMstudy@dogenes.com
13/04/12
URGENT HELP NEEDED - PLEASE CROSS POST
Animal Rescue kerala
Chanalkara Rd P.O. Kovalam Trivandrum district Kerala 695523 India
Phone 0471 2796202 Email info@animalrescuekerala.org
Website www.animalrescuekerala.org
Charitable trust number 187 - 2005
Due to serious illness, Animal Rescue Kerala, ARK, is looking for a group to take over the running and financing of its center based near Kovalam, Kerala.
Animal Rescue Kerala was set up over 10 years ago to implement the Animal birth control/anti rabies programme (ABC/AR), however it also has a hospital which treats any sick or injured stray dogs, as well as offering a reduced rate/free service to pets (dependent upon owner's circumstances).
The center site encompasses approximately one and a half acres, within a walled compound. Half of the area is developed; with a purpose-built hospital, education center, puppy house, cattery and kenneling. Approximately 200 animals - dogs, cats, puppies and kittens can be housed at any one time. The undeveloped land, also walled, is currently used as an area for dogs to run and play. This area would lend itself to be further developed perhaps for staff accommodation or further kenneling.
My mother, Avis Lyons, who currently runs and finances ARK, has suffered with cancer and has many complications from this so is looking for a like-minded organization to take over the running of the center (as soon as possible).
As there is currently no other active group in the area the service ARK offers is desperately needed.
The center is on a 30 year lease from my mother to the Animal Rescue Kerala charitable trust, this lease will be passed over, free of charge, to the new management with provision that the lease be renewed prior to expiry, however the center must continue to be run the ABC/AR programme and to treat animals with compassion and empathy.
The center currently costs £1,000 (GBP) to run each month, which equates to approx Rs.80,000 (INR); this funding will need to be met by the new
management.
Please visit our website at www.animalrescuekerala.org
For further details please email Odette on odette@animalrescuekerala.org
