Together we can do this!
Imagine the devastation you would feel if your growing puppy were to experience chronic, excruciating pain. Imagine your desolation as a breeder if your carefully planned, researched and health tested litter started growing and puppy after puppy started to exhibit a crushing deformity that would impair their lives and possibly require humane euthanasia to end their suffering. These are the stories of Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly/ Congenital Radial Head Luxation.
First reported in 1981, concerned Newfoundland owners and breeders have been trying to find a way to end this horrible condition. Since then hundreds of puppies have been born with this severe deformity that is painful, interferes with mobility and quality of life. Many of these puppies are euthanized, some have gone through multiple surgeries and all have a compromised gait and lifestyle.
Research into this disorder was pioneered at Michigan State University by the late Dr. George Padgett and professor emeritus Dr. Ulreh V Mostosky, who worked closely with Newfoundland lovers to evaluate the disease radiographically and genetically. Building on this early research and current advances, Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine has proposed a study that will help identify the genetic basis of NFA. She has proposed a preliminary study to sequence all of the genetic code of select Newfoundland trios: consisting of normal dam and sire and affected offspring. This preliminary study is under consideration to receive some of its funding through a grant of $10,000 from the Morris Animal Foundation.
The study will serve as the guide posts for continued studies.The next step will be to test for the presence/absence of these potential key mutations in the DNA of a large set of normal Newfoundlands as well as in the DNA of affected Newfoundlands. The ultimate goal of the study is to identify the genetic basis of NFA and provide a means to test dogs that will be bred so as to avoid producing affected puppies. To continue the study we need to secure an additional $40,000 in funding.
Now it the time for us to STAND BY these gentle giants.
Every dollar we raise will go towards helping identify a cause for this painful, debilitating condition.
