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Health
Matters; announcing our GWP health survey 2007 It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. Seneca I
don’t think that Seneca had the health and welfare of pedigree dogs in
mind exactly when he wrote that way back in 45 AD or whatever, but I
think it sums up very well the issues around health reporting in any
breed. However if ever
there was a time for that to change, and for us all to dare to become
more open and more frank about health, then now is most certainly that
time. Keeping with the ancient Rome theme, the reason for this is the
LUPA research project. This is a pan European study of canine health
issues. It has the She-wolf feeding Romulus and Remus as its symbol. In
the UK it is being run by Dr Cathryn Mellersh at the Animal Health Trust
in Newmarket. The
launch of this project just happens to coincide with the establishment
of the GWP Club health sub-committee and the aims of both are amazingly
similar. The
aims of the club’s health committee are to enable us all, as Wire
enthusiasts, to explore and identify the health and welfare issues
currently facing this wonderful breed. The existence of the LUPA project
together with a wealth of research being done on DNA tests and common
canine health issues at places such as the AHT means that when we
identify health problems we have medical resources and genetic research
available to help us tackle them constructively and maybe even eliminate
them from the breed. This is
very exciting and it is very reassuring to know that the LUPA project is
well funded. For instance they have allocated 1.8 million euros to
exploring the genetics behind canine epilepsy, which will be just one of
the diseases they are aiming to tackle. The other very exciting aspect
of these recent developments is that every one of us can contribute and
help make a positive difference because in all research projects it is
just as important to have information, data and samples from healthy
dogs as it is afflicted ones. The
health committee would love GWPs to benefit from this research and to
that end we are distributing a wide ranging health survey. This will be
strictly confidential and we have enlisted the support of Dr Malcolm
Willis to analyse the data and interpret the genetic implications of the
survey’s findings. The purpose of the survey is to help us prioritise
current health problems which in turn will enable us to link up with
relevant research, DNA testing services and medical expertise. Through
internet technology it is now possible to tap into a wealth of medical
knowledge and start tackling the diseases that impact on GWPs head on. We are
confident that the survey and subsequent action plans will provide
breeders and owners alike with more accurate information and more
relevant guidance when making breeding decisions. We will also be able
to create a framework of support for those unfortunate enough to
experience conditions like Von Willebrands or Epilepsy. This is not a
finger pointing exercise nor will it in any way compromise carefully
bred lines. This is about sharing important data on issues such as
sickness, longevity, temperament, and the breed’s predisposition to
disease to safeguard the GWP for the future. We all can benefit from
this and furthermore we can all play our part.
How can you help? · By taking part in the survey yourself · By encouraging other GWP owners to take part · By alerting the health committee to any health issues facing your dogs ·
By sending DNA samples of your GWPs no matter what their
individual health status to the LUPA project. A copy
of the survey for you to complete is enclosed with this club newsletter
but further copies can be downloaded from the Club website www.gwpclub.co.uk
or contact Diana Durman Walters at diana@gwpclub.co.uk
and she can send one to you. To get
involved in the LUPA project contact bryan.mclaughlin@aht.org.uk The
Health sub-committee will keep you updated with progress through the
newsletter and the website. A big
thank you in advance for any support you can give our health drive and
for the contribution you make to both the survey and the LUPA research
project. |
Club President Mrs D Durman-Walters Waunlas Farm Llysonnen Road Carmarthen, SA33 5EH Vice Presidents Mrs M Mills de Hoog Major G Wilkinson (ret)
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