Study Progress Dr. Carolyn Legge is in the process of completing her thesis on “Dilated cardioymopathy in the Toy Manches- ter Terrier”. Dr. Legge's Master's degree has been entirely devoted to a study of the tissues of Toy Man- chesters that have died of cardiomyopathy. Her analysis of the disease at the tissue level will be the first com- plete description of this form of heart disease. Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal would repre- sent the official discovery and recognition of the disease. This is the first step in understanding how a disease "behaves" and then how to go about detecting and preventing it.
In June, Dr. Etienne Coté, our lead cardiologist, presented some of his preliminary findings internationally at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Anaheim, California. The forum was attended by approximately 3,000 veterinarians from around the world. Dr. Coté also completed work on the second edition of his widely used textbook, Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats (St. Louis, MO: Mosby El- sevier, 2011). While mention of the disease is quite short, its presence is very significant given the popularity of the book as a reference tool among new and practicing veterinarians alike.
Over the coming months it is our hope to screen more relatives of dogs that had cardiomyopathy, as well as healthy, unrelated TMTs without sudden death in their family lines. Any dog can have a cardiac exam, which takes a couple of hours and is done on an outpatient (same-day) basis. The exam involves an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram) by a board-certified cardiologist, a blood sample, an EKG, blood pressure measurement, and a short exercise period conducted while the dog is wearing a portable heart monitor. These tests can be per- formed at a discount at the Atlantic Veterinary College (Charlottetown, PEI), and interested TMT owners and breeders should contact Michelle.
Fundraising As many will know, we initiated an aggressive fundraising campaign this year in order to raise moneys needed to fund the genetic analysis completed by Dr. Hare. The response was amazing! In less than six months, we have succeeded in raising almost $5,000 — enough to not only pay for the initial project but to also support continued work on physical screening. You will find a small thank you on the following page, which was put together with great trepidation as my biggest fear is missing someone (if I have, sincere apologies in advance)!
With the above in mind, I will close with a thank you to those who have supported our work over the past few years. We have accomplished a lot!
We are nearing completion of Phase I and will hopefully soon have a paper ready for publication that characterizes and firmly establishes the disease;
We have completed an initial analysis of genetic influences; We have fully screened several TMTs and begun the process of establishing a foundation of knowledge regarding heart function in our breed;
And, we have collected and stored several DNA samples from affected puppies, which will be invaluable in future work to identify a genetic test.
Most important of all, in my eyes, we have as a breed (mostly) moved from being skeptical about whether or not this condition exists to working together to address it. And that, in the end, is all we can really do. With Michelle’s addition to the team I will be stepping back and enjoying a much needed rest—something I’m sure my dogs will enjoy!
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