GenTest in Australia
Proudly Providing
VetGen's Genetic DNA Test for von Willebrand's Disease
in
Scottish Terriers

The Disease

The VetGen Genetic Solution

vWD Genetic Registry

DNA Profiling

DNA Storage

Special Thanks

The Disease

Canine von Willebrand's disease (vWD) in Scotties is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with a gene frequency estimated to be 15% of the Scottie population. vWD also affects numerous other breeds of dogs. Affected animals suffer a condition which makes them more likely to bleed abnormally. This can lead to life threatening consequences in situations such as accidental injuries, spaying, or neutering. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, Scotties that are "Carriers" of the disease show no signs of vWD, yet can pass the gene along and perpetuate the disease through breeding. Ultimately, the result is more affected animals.

Although there is a significant frequency of vWD in Scotties, no effective treatments exist. Responsible breeders have attempted to use factor assay, protein-based tests for vWD but have been unsuccessful in reducing the frequency of the disease. There are simply too many variables, such as estrus and thyroid function which produce variation in test results, making these approaches ineffective. Therefore, breeders have heretofore been unable to combat the disease by using responsible breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of vWD in future generations of dogs.

Breeding Strategies

Human DNA Helps Man's Best Friend   Bagpiper Article (1996) - by Dr. George Brewer

Life With A Bleeder    The Bagpiper. 2:11 (1996) - by Carol Fry Owen.

Lounsbury, Barbara & Charlie - Scottie Tails; Newsletter of the Scottish Terrier Club of
    New England. Winter (1997).

Elsa's Story  The Bagpiper No. 4 (2001) - A Place For A vWD Carrier In Your Breeding Program
    - by Linda L. Orsborn
 

Based on research conducted at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan leading to the discovery of the mutation causing vWD in Scotties, VetGen is proud to exclusively offer a non-invasive, highly reliable DNA-based test to detect vWD. This test provides breeders and owners a definitive diagnosis whether their dog is vWD "Affected", "Carrier", or "Clear". With this information in hand, Scottie breeders and owners have key insight into their bloodstock and can proceed to make informed decisions about training, showing, and breeding plans for each dog.

By following the simple instructions provided in VetGen's DNA Sample Collection Kit, dog owners and breeders collect DNA samples using a soft cheek brush. By gently brushing the inside of the dog's cheek, cells containing DNA are removed. It is this DNA sample that VetGen analyzes to determine the genetic status of each dog. As soon as VetGen receives the completed DNA Sample Collection Kit, the DNA samples are processed and a diagnosis is formed. Within two to four weeks, this diagnosis is provided to the customer in a summary report.

Useful for dogs of any age, the DNA sample collection, analysis, and reporting activities can be completed before puppies are placed at 6 to 10 weeks. As a supplement to the summary report, VetGen can assist its customers with genetic counseling services to further help them make informed breeding decisions to eliminate the vWD gene from their bloodlines while maintaining the integrity of their breed.

The results of the vWD test can be formally registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). VetGen recommends registering your tested dog with the OFA, regardless of the test findings. When used for breeding, dogs proven "Clear" of the disease gene should afford the breeder a significant advantage in selling puppies. For further information about the OFA's Registry for von Willebrand's Disease in Scottish Terriers, contact: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 2300 E. Nifong Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201-3856, or telephone (573) 442-0418.

VetGen can conduct a DNA profile, or DNA "fingerprint", on your Scottie. This service uses the same DNA you submit for your vWD test. We highly recommend that you consider using VetGen's
DNA Profiling service.

VetGen will store your dog's DNA sample for up to 10 years. We encourage you to consider
DNA Storage as well.

Special thanks to the Scottish Terrier Club of Michigan, Scottish Terrier Breeders from around the country, the American Kennel Club, Morris Animal Foundation, and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for their support of canine genetic research at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University that led to the genetic test for canine von Willebrand's disease.

Canine: vWD Patents

US Patent No. 6,040,143 and 6,074,832
Licensed Exclusively by The Board of Regents of the
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) System to VetGen LLC

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