Schipperke Health Issues

Researchers working on this project need information from affected dogs and their families. Specifically, they need a 3- to 5-generation pedigree of the litter where an affected dog (or dogs) appeared and blood samples from the affected dog(s), full siblings, parents, and when possible, the grandparents. If an affected dog has been used for breeding, the offspring and mates should also be sampled. Distant relatives are potentially useful, but the most important samples are from the affected dogs and immediate relatives. Family groups are important so that the genotype of the affected dogs can be compared to that of close relatives who are not affected, and allow researchers to decipher how these genes are inherited from one generation to the next. An affected dog with little or no family available may also be of some use. Participation in the project is confidential - the names of dogs and owners who participate in the research will not be revealed. When markers are identified, individual owners will be able to request test results on their participating dogs. Results of research are published in such a way that the identity of individual dogs is anonymous.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB) in Schipperkes and DNA testing

This recently identified genetic disease is present in Schipperkes and in humans. When a dog is affected it is ultimately lethal. The gene has been identified in many of our dogs in the current population. It is imperative that we learn about this disease and test all dogs prior to using them for breeding from this point forward. Read the information below furnished by Dr. Ellinwood, the researcher studying this disease.

MPS IIIB Testing Kits can be requested by calling (215) 898-3375. For instructions, see the Submission Form.
It is by permission of and request from the researcher Dr. Matthew Ellinwood that this information be widely disseminated
among Schipperke fanciers and breeders.
If you are a breeder and find that you have an unplaced affected pup, or if you are an owner of an affected dog, and you would like to know how you can help to further efforts to find a treatment and a cure for this devastating disease, we encourage you to contact:

Lisa G. Sarvas DVM
Deubler Fellow, Section of Medical Genetics
Department of Clinical Studies- Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
3900 Delancey St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010
E-mail: sarvas@vet.upenn.edu
phone 215.573.4035
fax 215.573.2162