Re: The genetics of ectopic ureters in Labrador Retrievers
I've produced 5 cases of ectopic ureters in a very small breeding program with 5 different outcrossed dogs. It's a more serious problem than I ever thought. Please support this important work!
Susan
Susan @ Weymouth
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is investigating the genetics of ectopic ureters in Labs. They are collecting samples from cases and family members. (Affected dogs and parents and siblings of affected dogs) They need EDTA preserved blood from affected dogs along with full medical records to confirm the diagnosis.
They are looking for a five-generation pedigree and Vet records that state that the dog was diagnosed with ectopic ureter.
Because the weather is cooler, you can get away with shipping without ice or with 2-3 day shipping.
I have copies of their forms they require, or you can contact them directly at:
Bannasch Laboratory: Attn: Miriam Aguilar miraguilar@ucdavis.edu - head of project
Danika Bannasch
This is an opportunity to participate in important research if you can.
Re: The genetics of ectopic ureters in Labrador Retrievers
Correct diagnosis is a serious issue. In my last litter I had a young bitch who had frequent UTIs that only partially responded to antibiotics.
With that history, the very experienced vet doing the ultrasound thought she saw an ectopic ureter. But we decided to culture the urine and found that she had a bug not responsive to the drugs we were giving her.
Changed antibiotics. A year later. No further UTIs or problems of any sort. Obviously not an ectopic ureter.
Re: The genetics of ectopic ureters in Labrador Retrievers
Kate Fulkerson, PhD
Correct diagnosis is a serious issue. In my last litter I had a young bitch who had frequent UTIs that only partially responded to antibiotics.
With that history, the very experienced vet doing the ultrasound thought she saw an ectopic ureter. But we decided to culture the urine and found that she had a bug not responsive to the drugs we were giving her.
Changed antibiotics. A year later. No further UTIs or problems of any sort. Obviously not an ectopic ureter.
Diagnosis is a serious issue.
Glad you had a good outcome. All mine except one were pretty obvious. I have a great surgeon in Pennsylvania who was able to laser most of them, and they are all fine pets. One presented as a UTI initially, but later needed to be lasered. All have been females. Sharing my story is a bit uncomfortable, since I'm airing my laundry in public, but I just wanted to share info and support research.
Re: The genetics of ectopic ureters in Labrador Retrievers
Susan, I admire you sharing your troubles with ectopic ureter. I was really upset when there was any possibility of an ectopic ureter in my young girl. I had to wait a week while the urine was cultured and then another couple weeks before we were relatively sure she had an infection rather than an ectopic ureter.
I am thrilled to know that laser helped your girls. The alternative of untreatable is fairly disastrous. I had to live with the possibility of ectopic ureter long enough to research outcomes and pray.
Are we sure ectopic ureter is a genetically transmitted problem? Kate
Re: The genetics of ectopic ureters in Labrador Retrievers
Kate Fulkerson, PhD
Susan, I admire you sharing your troubles with ectopic ureter. I was really upset when there was any possibility of an ectopic ureter in my young girl. I had to wait a week while the urine was cultured and then another couple weeks before we were relatively sure she had an infection rather than an ectopic ureter.
I am thrilled to know that laser helped your girls. The alternative of untreatable is fairly disastrous. I had to live with the possibility of ectopic ureter long enough to research outcomes and pray.
Are we sure ectopic ureter is a genetically transmitted problem? Kate
well, again, i produced 5 in a small breeding program……maybe it's something else, but IMO, there is a genetic component. Hence, let the researchers research...
