Page 46 - Chow Life - 2016 Winter

early human-canine involvement. Her most recent dog breeders that is supposed to ensure that puppy or
book is “The Invaders, How Humans and Their Dogs dog buyers are getting an animal that has been raised
Drove Neanderthals to Extinction.” She proposes according to high standards.
that “wolf dogs” lived and hunted co-operatively with An especially interesting topic was presented by
early humans to the benefit of both. This co-operative David Mack, PhD who discussed X-linked myotubular
relationship allowed early humans to out hunt and out myopathy (again a background in genetics and
last Neanderthals. She claims these early dogs were medicine would be helpful). XMTM is a rare genetic
not what we think of as wolf/dog hybrids. They were neuromuscular disorder which currently has no
different than modern dogs and different than wolves treatment and is often fatal to affected male patients at
based on fossil remains showing a different skull shape an early age, usually due to respiratory failure. It affects
and genetics. the skeletal muscles resulting in lack of muscle tone,
Heather Huson, PhD is an animal geneticist known eating and breathing difficulties and facial deformity. A
for her work identifying genetic markers associated similar condition was observed in a litter of Labrador
with athletic performance in Alaskan sled dogs. Retriever puppies. They looked OK at birth but showed
Her presentation was very interesting but also very a rapid decline-not able to walk or eat and had trouble
technical (a background in genetics would be a plus). breathing-resulting in death by 20 weeks of age. A
An Alaskan sled dog is a mixed breed of northern resulting study of puppies identified with XMTM did
ancestry bred for athletic ability. Competitive sled extensive and sophisticated testing of the puppies
dog racing began in the 1930’s because the need for functioning which was followed by experimental gene
sled transportation was declining. There are two therapy. Puppies receiving medium to high doses made
racing styles: distance/endurance and sprint/speed. remarkable improvement; those receiving low doses
Dogs can be classified by differences in their genetic or no treatment died. Dr. Mack said that the approval
makeup which reflects the various dog breeds in their process for human clinical trials is underway with
background. She also found genetic differences in heat the goal of treating infants in 2017. His presentation
tolerance, an important factor in racing. Her general included video footage of puppies before and after
discussion of genetics included that there are 159 treatment which was most impressive.
reported genetic diseases in dogs with tests for 25 of Cindy Buckmaster PhD (Director of the Center for
them. There are many factors that affect genetic disease Comparative Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine)
including mutation, inheritance patterns, and breeding also gave one of the more compelling presentations.
strategies. There is current research on a condition First she talked about something called the Beagle
called congenital laryngeal paralysis, a serious Freedom Project, an off-shoot of Animal Rescue,
breathing disorder which affects huskies and several Media and Education. This organization claims to
other breeds. rescue dogs from research facilities and then place
Mary Smith BVM, PhD is the chairman of the AKC them in loving homes. (Many of you may have
Canine Health Foundation. She gave an overview of the seen the You-tube video of beagles walking on
approval process for proposals and how CHF works grass and being introduced to toys supposedly
with breed clubs in identifying diseases of concern. for the first time.) Dr. Buckmaster explained
Identification of diseases that affect multiple breeds that individuals at some research institutions
is also important. There is an impressive list of grants are approached by adopters who claim to
that have been awarded and are on-going as well as 5 be private citizens interested in adopting
new studies funded to study the prevention, diagnosis retired research dogs. These individuals do
and treatment of tick-borne diseases. Future projects not indicate that they are associated with
are planned that would harmonize canine DNA testing the Beagle Freedom Project. After the
worldwide. Go to www.akcchf.org for information adoption, the dogs are listed as “rescued”
about this program. There will be a National Parent and used in anti-research propaganda and
Club Canine Health Conference in St. Louis, MO to support an animal rights agenda that
August 11-13, 2017. is harmful to public health and safety. Dr.
There was a panel presentation given by Mark Dunn, Buckmaster said that research institutions
Managing Director of AKC Reunite, Stacy Mason, AKC have been rehoming dogs for years with
Senior Breeder Field Representative, and John Stottele, no involvement/help from the BFP. There
retail pet industry veteran and owner of The Family are specific guidelines for the welfare and
Puppy. AKC Field Reps are working with commercial well-being of research animals and labs
breeders providing education, training, and health are inspected regularly for compliance.
clinics to encourage them to produce healthy puppies. She said that dogs in her facility receive
According to Mr. Stottele no USDA breeders quality nutrition and veterinary care and
have been raided. He also referenced a Canine have opportunities for socialization with
Care Certification program for professional other dogs and with their caretakers. She
added that if dogs were in deplorable condition
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