The Dogwood WSS Club will be conducting a FREE (yes, that's right ~ FREE) DNA clinic for all Welsh Springer Spaniels during the National Specialty events in Perry.  This will be for the new OFA/Canine Health Foundation databank.  You are probably wondering what is different about this DNA databank than the others that we have participated in.  Well, there are a few things that really make it worthwhile to give your dog's DNA......including getting a free Specialty match entry for every DNA submission, but more on that later.

Earlier this year, Eddie Dzuik of OFA described the need for DNA samples PRIOR to research studies being conducted.  Currently, when researchers start a study they will have to wait around 2 years to get enough samples to actually BEGIN the study.  What OFA is doing with their new databank is to gather samples NOW (for both normal and affected dogs of any health problem), before the studies are created.  That will allow researchers to have immediate access to the on file DNA samples without having to wait years for enough samples to be gathered. 

 

This databank will also allow researchers to be able to link dogs into family groups, allowing them to trace the problem throughout a family of dogs.  Last (and perhaps the most important) is that you will be able to use your on file DNA samples for any future DNA tests that are created.  This will prevent you from having to submit additional samples to get results from a DNA tests.  And, if your dog develops a health problem in the coming years, you will be able to update that information with OFA.  So baby puppies can give their DNA, too.

 

This brings me to the free match entry.  To help encourage WSS owners to participate in the clinic, Dogwood WSSC will be offering a free match entry for the Friday Specialty match to owners for each of their dogs that gives DNA.  I ask that you spread the word and encourage everyone you know with a Welsh Springer to participate in the clinic.  For breeders, please encourage your puppy people to participate.  If you know of a dog who will not be attending the show, but would like to participate send in a form for that dog, and let me know that I need to send you an OFA swab in the mail!  All dogs are encouraged to participate (including those with any health problems).  Of course, the clinic and all studies are anonymous.

 

I am attaching a form that OFA has created for us to use.  You can fill them out now for all of your dogs and send it to OFA to prevent having to fill it out at the clinic.  OFA will enter each dog who pre-registers into the database.  They will then send me bar codes with your dog's name on it to stick on the DNA swab sample we collect at the National.  Very easy!

 

I hope that you will choose to participate.  Please spread the word, and do your part to help canine (and Welsh Springer Spaniel) health!