An interdisciplinary team of veterinary neurologists and geneticists from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School are carrying out a study to investigate IVDD in miniature dachshunds.
The aim of the study is to further develop our understanding of the genetic architecture of IVDD in miniature dachshunds, as well as undertake initial investigations to explore the genetics of idiopathic epilepsy in the breed. For this purpose, the team is looking for miniature smooth-haired dachshunds that meet one of the following criteria:
IVDD group: miniature smooth-haired dachshunds that have had an episode of back pain and/or inability to walk and were evaluated by a veterinary neurologist with MRI or CT to confirm the diagnosis of IVDD.
Idiopathic epilepsy group: miniature smooth-haired dachshunds with a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy confirmed by a veterinary specialist neurologist with MRI, and for which video footage is (ideally) available.
Normal/Control group: miniature smooth-haired dachshunds over 10 years of age, that have never had any signs of epilepsy or IVDD.
All information provided will be treated in complete confidence and will not be shared with anyone who is not part of this collaboration. The samples from these three different groups will allow us to look for genetic differences between the affected and unaffected dogs that may predispose miniature dachshunds to these diseases.
A better understanding of these genetic factors will help us offer guidance and breeding advice to help reduce the prevalence of these diseases in the breed.
Download the file (below) to find out more about this research and how you can help if you own a Miniature Smooth Dachshund.
Call for mini smooth IVDD and epilepsy cases and controls_December 2023
Download PDF • 103KB
