Dear All,
It with very great pleasure that I am able to tell you that we have, at long last, identified the mutation that causes PLL.
The discovery was made by members of the AHT canine genetics team, in collaboration with David Sargan's research group (Cambridge University) and David Gould (Davies Veterinary Specialists).
We had hoped to be able to offer breeders a linkage test before the end of the year, but in fact the DNA test that will shortly be made available will be based on the exact mutation that causes this horrible condition so will considerably more accurate.
Brief details will be placed on our website by the end of the day and the test will hopefully be availaible by the end of October 2009.
Please note - the test is not available yet. We will make full details available as soon as all details have been finalised.
We will also provide full information on how to request results for dogs whose samples contributed to the research.
Please watch our website for full details as they emerge.
Over the coming days and weeks we will be formally notifying all relevant Breed Club secretaries and health Co-ordinators but please feel free to share this exciting news with whoever you like.
I would personally like to thank all of you who have worked with me tirelessly over the years on this project, providing samples, information & support. It is announcements like this that make my job so rewarding.
Have a good weekend, Cathryn.
Cathryn Mellersh PhD
Canine Genetics Research Group Leader
Animal Health Trust
Lanwades Park
Kentford
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 7UU
U.K.
Tel: +44 (0) 1638 750659
Fax: +44 (0) 1638 555643
http://www.aht.org.uk/genetics_research.html