EPILEPSY STUDY
As part of its commitment to the on-going study on epilepsy being conducted by the University of Helsinki, Schipperke Club is keen to encourage members and owners to provide buccal swabs from their dogs to assist in this important project.
Swabs of saliva can easily be taken by owners, provided the dog has not eaten for an hour previously. The procedure is simple but written instructions are available [with illustrations]. Swabs can be posted direct to the return address on the illustrated instruction sheet (within one week of taking the sample. Monday is the best day on which to collect a sample and minimises the risks should postal services be a bit slow!) Please do help in this very important work. The more samples, the better! Contact Ian Millar for swabs and instructions.
Some blood testing kits are also available and if you feel able to help in this aspect of the study, please contact In Millar. Blood samples would need to be taken by a vet. The University is particularly keen to get samples from dogs diagnosed with epilepsy and from unaffected full siblings. If you have a dog who has epilepsy or know of one which you have bred, please contact the health co- ordinator, Ian Millar, in confidence, if you can help. This is an especially significant area of the research project.
Thank you!
IAN MILLAR
0131 669 2861
E-mail: ianmillar.turnlaw@btinternet.com
