Prepared by Sarah Helps, Julian Faircloth, Aly Richardson, Duncan Robertson and Elise Cartmell

Supporting Deerhound health is a priority for the Deerhound Club. The Health Group have therefore produced this report to summarise the activities currently underway by the club and to provide further information / resources for club members. Each health project has a short summary of the aims and benefits of the project together with a progress summary and an outline of future plans and how members can get involved. In addition lists of further resources, where available, are given. Please feel free to add further reference material you may have available as well. This can be done by emailing the article etc to the web-sub committee.

Key to success is continued support from the members to participate in the projects. We want to hear from you and get you involved as much as possible. This goes for owners / breeders of large kennels as well as owners of one pet deerhound. Hopefully, this report will be useful for you and help to get you more involved and/or keep you involved. If there’s any further information or clarification needed please don’t hesitate to contact the Health Group via Sarah Helps

HEART STUDY

AIM - This study aims to monitor approx. 40 deerhounds under controlled and reproducible conditions to determine accurate heart measurements for the breed.

BENEFITS – This will help the breed as vets will be able to make earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) heart conditions using the data published from this study. In addition members receive heart testing services for their dogs at a subsidised rate. 

PROGRESS – The first phase of the project is now well underway. The club has received a donation of £3,000 from Bev Doyle which the club has matched. This is paying for 40 dogs to be screened at a cost of £150 per dog. Over 30 dogs have been screened now.   

FUTURE PLANS - As many dogs as possible need to be screened in order to produce a valid and robust data set. Ideally, these dogs also need to be screened again after 12 months. The club is fundraising to cover this second phase of screening as well as covering the additional costs associated with screening the dogs at the Limited Shows. If you would like to make a donation please use the paypal button at the bottom of the health matters web page or send a cheque direct to the treasurer Hazel Williams. 

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – If you have a healthy dog(s) over 4 years old please get your dog tested. Heart testing is now taking place in the Cheshire area near the M6. Emily Dutton is the veterinary cardiologist completing the screening and you will have full access to your dog’s screening results (Echocardiography - cardiac ultrasound and Electrocardiogram - ECG). All data will be held in strict confidence. Please contact Emily on 07572 080086 or emily@cheshirecardiology.com to arrange an appointment. Testing takes approximately 45 mins and your dog will be quite comfortable throughout. To get accurate readings Emily may ask to shave a tiny amount of hair from around your dogs their left elbow. If you are not happy with that please let Emily know. To give you an idea of what the shaved area looks like please see here

REFERENCE MATERIAL AND LINKS

Heart Screening shaving information here

Further information about the Vet leading the study is here

The article published in the Summer 2013 Newsletter has been updated. See here for the updated report.

For more information about heart testing see here

GENETIC HEART STUDY WITH THE SCOTTISH DEERHOUND CLUB OF AMERICA

AIM - This study, aims to examine any underlying genetic basis for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) heart conditions in Deerhounds.

BENEFITS – This will help the breed as if a genetic basis for DCM heart conditions can be identified treatment options can then be developed.

PROGRESS – This project is now underway and is being completed in partnership with the US Scottish Deerhound Club of America (SDCA). Kate Meurs DVM,PhD at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research is leading the research.

FUTURE PLANS - The research is examining if there is a DNA mutation linked to DCM and examining if that is present in the DNA collected from dogs affected with DCM.  Therefore, as many cheek swab samples need to be collected and analysed in order to produce a valid and robust data set.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – If you have: (1) a deerhound (of any age or sex) which has been diagnosed with a heart condition; and/or (2) a deerhound  (of any sex) over 10 years of age which has NOT been diagnosed with a heart condition the US vets need to examine their DNA. The DNA needs to be collected using cheek swabs (instructions on how to collect the DNA are given below). Please email e.cartmell@cranfield.ac.uk to receive your free DNA cheek swab kit by post. The samples then need posted directly to

Kate M. Meurs, DVM,PhD

Assoc Dean of Research and Graduate Studies

NCSU - College of Veterinary Medicine

ATTN: Veterinary Cardiac

Genetics Laboratory

Research Bldg. 228

1060 William Moore Dr.

Raleigh, NC 27607

It is important that DNA samples from dogs affected with a heart condition are accompanied with diagnostic test results whether that be cardiac ultrasound/echocardiogram, ECG, holter monitor results or autopsy results, etc. Please note absolutely all information will be held in complete confidence. Please email or post these results direct to Kate using the above contact information.

REFERENCE MATERIAL AND LINKS

Sample form to download here

Instructions on how to collect and prepare the DNA samples here

ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE (RVC) EPILEPSY STUDY

AIM – The Royal Veterinary College is working to establish the effectiveness and safety of a novel diet in the management of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy who are currently being treated with phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide. This is a general study for all dogs breeds and Deerhounds are invited to participate.

BENEFITS – Potentially this study may help improve the management of epileptic dogs in general. Epilepsy is not common in the Deerhound breed but the limited number affected could potentially be helped by reducing seizure frequency, but also by decreasing the level of side-effects seen with standard antiepileptic drugs.

PROGRESS – To confirm the efficacy of this new diet the RVC are currently recruiting  dogs which are suspected of having idiopathic epilepsy.

FUTURE PLANS -  Dogs selected to take part in the study will receive an investigation by RVC neurologists and undergo diagnostic tests.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – Epilepsy is not common in the Deerhound breed, but anyone who has encountered this, may like to join this RVC research programme. If your Deerhound does have epilepsy please contact The Clinical Investigation Centre, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA. Tel: +44 (0) 1707 666605, Email: cic@rvc.ac.uk to get involved.  

REFERENCE MATERIAL AND LINKS

Information article from the Royal Veterinary College here

NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY OSTEOSARCOMA STUDY

AIM – To examine the genetic development or progression of osteosarcoma using DNA cheek swaps and tumour samples in Deerhounds.

BENEFITS – Investigating the genetics of osteosarcoma in Deerhounds in the UK should be of value to the breed and help dogs affected by this disease in the future.  Regular updates and engagement will be provided by Nottingham University staff. 

PROGRESS –A seminar was held on 8th February 2014, attended by Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound breeders and owners and Nottingham University staff, to identify the most pressing health concerns for these breeds. The topics that were considered most important were osteosarcoma, bronchopneumonia/respiratory tract disease, bloat and Fibrocartilagenous emboli  (FCE). The first phase of collecting DNA swabs for the osteosarcoma study has taken place at the annual Breed Show in April this year.

FUTURE PLANS - The Nottingham team will be extracting the DNA over the next few months.  They need to complement the DNA samples with tumour samples (please see section below). Please note though that this is a long term study with results coming through in periods of years not months.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED –Nottingham University would really appreciate receiving samples from a dog’s tumour which has either been suspected or confirmed with osteosarcoma. This sample would be collected at the same time as your dog is having biopsies for diagnostic purposes or surgical treatment.  Could members please contact Nottingham University by email NottinghamCanineHealthGenomics@gmail.com to let them know when your dog is about to undergo investigations to diagnose or treat a possible osteosarcoma.  At this point Nottingham can discuss sending the special preservation liquid to your vet so that the samples can be preserved and then analysed appropriately.

REFERENCE MATERIAL AND LINKS

Article from Nottingham University describing the osteosarcoma study

NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY GENETIC STUDY

AIM - This study aims to collect DNA from Deerhounds to help identify disease causing genes.

BENEFITS – Once the DNA is collected and analysed this information can help researchers towards identifying ‘at risk’ animals and it can also help towards clinical and drug development decisions.  This is a long term project which will take a number of years to realise its ambitions. Regular updates and engagement will be provided by Nottingham University staff.  

PROGRESS –A seminar was held on 8th February 2014, attended by Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound breeders and owners and Nottingham University staff, to identify the most pressing health concerns for these breeds. The topics that were considered most important were osteosarcoma, bronchopneumonia/respiratory tract disease, bloat and Fibrocartilagenous emboli  (FCE). DNA from 110 dogs has been collected in order to produce a valid and robust data set.

FUTURE PLANS - The Nottingham team will be extracting the DNA over the next few months.  In the first instance, the totally anonymous data, will be written up for journal publication which will be externally validated.  The team will also write up the research in an update for the Club website and newsletter and give any updates at future Nottingham owner/breeder forums.  It is important that information from this study is appropriately disseminated with well thought through recommendations and the club will work with Nottingham University to help achieve this.  Please note though that this is a long term study with results coming through in periods of years not months.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED –If you are able to collect a DNA swab from your dog at home please email the Nottingham team using  NottinghamCanineHealthGenomics@gmail.com. They will then send out the kit required. Please also complete the consent and sample forms below to accompany your sample(s). If you have had your dog sampled and it subsequently develops a health related condition the Nottingham would like to be contacted. A health update form is also provided below.

REFERENCE MATERIAL AND LINKS

October 2014 update from Nottingham University here

Article from Nottingham University describing their work and what will happen at the Breed Show here.

Update article from Nottingham University following the Breed Show here.

Summary of the 8th February seminar here.

Nottingham University DNA swab owner consent form here

Nottingham University Sample Form here

Nottingham University Health Update Form here.

MORTALITY SURVEY

AIM – To report on the causes of death in UK deerhounds and possible trends over the period 2004 – 2014.

BENEFITS – Will generate greater understanding of health problems and will direct where the club should be focussing health studies/funding to help the breed.

PROGRESS – Sarah Helps is collecting the data and with Duncan Robertson will be reporting the results later in 2014.

FUTURE PLANS – Sarah will continue to collect the data after 2014 with further reporting planned into the future.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – Please get in touch with Sarah directly with any information concerning the death of a hound from 2004 onwards. The following information is required KC Registered name of Deerhound, Sex of hound, Date of Birth, Date of Death, Cause of death: - Illness/disease/trauma/accident. Evidence if available e.g..post mortem/autopsy/veterinary report.

Sarah’s contact details are, PORCH HOUSE, VILLAGE ROAD, COLESHILL, AMERSHAM, BUCKS. HP7 0LG

Email: Sarah Helps

PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT TESTING

AIM – To assess the incidence of portosystemic shunt (PSS) in Deerhounds and effectiveness of puppy screening.

BENEFITS – Knowledge of the incidence rates of PSS in Deerhounds will help direct future research efforts. In addition this study will help understand if the current methods of screening at 8 -12 weeks is the most appropriate or if improvements can be made.

PROGRESS – Over 200 puppies have been tested to date. We need more puppies to be tested to produce more robust and representative data. Initial data analysis is underway and it is hoped that a report can be published in 2014. The tests are provided by Capital Diagnostics at a subsidised cost.

FUTURE PLANS – This study is on-going and initial reporting is planned for 2014.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – Get your litters of puppies tested for PSS by your local vet following the procedures outlined in this article . Then submit a single serum sample taken 2 hours after feeding your pup to Capital Diagnostics for bile acid analysis. The contact information is Bryn TENNANT on 01315353145, via e-mail: VCEdinburgh@sac.co.uk or by post - Capital Diagnostics, SAC Veterinary Services, Allan Watt Building, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QE

REFERENCE MATERIAL

The article published in the Newsletter is given here

PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT SURVEY

AIM – The Health Group are working with Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital (Cambridge University) to survey club members to help determine the incidence of PSS in Deerhounds and to compare that with other breeds.

BENEFITS – This survey will help determine if there is an increased occurrence of PSS in Deerhounds which could help support further work to examine why this is the case and possible ways of treatment or prevention in the future. This historical survey work is complementary to the current on-going data being collected in the PSS Testing work with Capital Diagnostics.

PROGRESS – The survey has now been completed and the full report is available below.

CONCLUSIONS - Worldwide the prevalence of shunts (in Deerhounds) was found to be 0.8% while the prevalence in the UK and the USA was found to be 1.1% and 0.4% respectively. 71% of breeders worldwide were found to test routinely for cPSS in their puppies while the proportion in the UK and the USA was 96% and 48% respectively. In conclusion the prevalence of cPSS in Deerhounds found in this study is higher than has been found for mixed-breed dogs, both in the UK and the USA. This suggests a genetic component of the disease in Deerhounds and the need for continued testing.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

The full survey article by Lydia Kerridge is available here

ARCHIVING DNA

AIM – This project is run by the Animal Health Trust and is a general DNA archive open to any breed with a view to using it for future research purposes, as and when it is needed.

BENEFITS – Storing DNA now will benefit Deerhounds in the future by helping, for example, to identify disease mutations responsible for inherited diseases; these diseases can be ones that are known about today or ones that might arise in the future.

PROGRESS – Very limited numbers of Deerhound owners have sent DNA for archiving to date. It is hoped that sample submission rates will increase in the future.

FUTURE PLANS – Unless more members submit DNA samples there will be insufficient DNA material to progress any future studies. Therefore, current focus is to get the submission rates up if at all possible.

HOW CAN MEMBERS GET INVOLVED – Please submit DNA samples to the Animal Health Trust directly using this contact email address canine.genetics@aht.org.uk. The samples can be either blood samples (~5mls) preserved in EDTA which are collected when the animal is being tested for a veterinary procedure or buccal (cheek) swabs. A useful time to collect these blood samples for archiving is when puppies are being screened for Portosystemic Shunt (PSS). Please also provide the following associated information: dog’s name; breed; KC registration number; D.O.B., 5-generation pedigree; and any information about the health of your dog. All data is kept in strict confidence.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Archiving DNA

Animal Health Trust web site

Finally, there are also a number of projects currently in development and we hope to update members with progress over the coming months. These projects include linking to a study in the US examining a possible genetic basis for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and publication of historic heart data by Angela Bodey.