I spoke to Liz Hansen this morning to get an updated count of sibling pairs. The initial mapping study will start once we have a total of 25 littermate pairs. Each pair will have one littermate that has seizures and another littermate that does not have seizures. Currently, we have 9 littermate pairs.

I was at the LRCGB specialty and was told of another group of dogs whose blood will be sent in shortly. I also have heard from two other people who plan to send in blood samples. This is very good news. Two months ago, the researchers did not have any littermate pairs, so we are on our way.

Let's try to keep the ball rolling. If you have questions, you can speak to Liz directly. You will find her very helpful. Her number is: (573) 884-3712

Here are the links for the study:

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/DNAsampl.pdf This one is supposed to be sent in with the blood sample. I had to send it in separately for one dog & that was OK.

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Srvy_Ins.htm This form is to be filled out ONLY if the dog has seizures. You can do it online.

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/DNAhowto.pdf This one talks about what they are looking for. Don't get hung up on the part about "entire families". While that might be ideal, the basic unit they need to get started is the littermate pairs.

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/Docs/SampHand.pdf This one talks about the blood collection & has the address for sending it.