DNA Research information:

(Anyone submitting blood samples and pedigree information for future DNA research will remain completely anonymous.) Click here to read/download CECS Forms Package for DNA.

CECS/Spike's Disease is a relatively newly discovered disorder. It most likely has been around for many years, but wasn't brought to light until a few years ago (see History).

Collection of samples and information for future DNA research for CECS has just begun and it will be a very important factor in discovering the cause. Eventually it will help to discover an effective way to treat this condition. More importantly, DNA research can result in finding a DNA marker that will enable breeders to create their own intelligent breeding program that will enable them to exclude affected dogs. As well, it will allow breeders to test young puppies to determine if they are affected, carriers or clear.

All dogs with a history of even one episode should have DNA samples submitted to the University of Missouri. Dogs who present mild, but suspicious symptoms should also have DNA archived. Those dogs with only mild or suspicious symptoms may prove as, or more valuable in eventually finding a gene marker than those severely affected. Please support this research by archiving a sample of your dog's blood.

The following information explains what you can do, as a Border Terrier fancier, to help in finding this very important DNA marker in our breed.

How can I Help?

If you have a Border Terrier suspected of having CECS/Spike's Disease, you can supply important DNA information for the project. Participation by the owners of affected dogs and their relatives is essential to the success of this project.

DNA Research needs:

Because CECS/Spike’s Disease is still a mystery in many ways, important information must be gathered to help find both the cause of this disorder as well as a way to accurately diagnose it (by finding the DNA marker for this disorder and to eventually find an accurate way to medicate for it). Most importantly, finding a DNA marker for this disorder will allow breeders to do intelligent breedings to avoid producing CECS dogs. The following material should be submitted to the University of Missouri to aid in their future DNA research:

	Blood sample – The ideal sample for DNA extraction is 5-10cc’s of whole blood, in purple-topped (EDTA) tubes. For very small dogs or puppies, 3ccs should be sufficient. The blood sample needs only to be put in the tubes and rocked gently a few times to distribute the anticoagulant – do not spin, extract serum or anything further. Refrigerate if the sample is being held for any time before shipping. There is no cost for this beyond your local veterinarian's draw and shipping. There are further instructions regarding shipping on the “Sample Handling” sheet that you will find in the Adobe Acrobat  CECS Forms Package for DNA that has been prepared for your convenience. Most computers have an Adobe Acrobat Reader already installed which will allow you to open this file and then print the forms.
	Emergency DNA sample collection - Should your dog pass away or is undergoing surgery and you wish to collect samples for the purpose of DNA research,  please do the following:   Tissue Sample - Tissues removed as a result of surgery, or an organ sample upon death of the dog will provide a large amount of DNA for research.  If possible, please discuss this with your vet ahead of time if you intend to do this. (If the dog is to be euthanized, have a blood sample pulled first, if possible, and send both samples.) First choice is the spleen, second choice kidney, and third choice is liver (a piece the size of your thumb is all that is needed – not the entire organ) One tissue sample is sufficient. Have the organ removed as soon as possible following death, placed into a labeled freezer bag, put that into a second bag, freeze, and ship. Label sample with Owner's Last Name and Dog's Call Name. if you are sending in multiple samples, be sure to label each sample with each dog's information and make sure to include an "Individual Dog Information Form" (found in CECS Forms Package for DNA.)
	The dog’s pedigree (preferably a 4-5 generation pedigree) - If you only know your dog’s sire and dam and their AKC registration numbers (found on their AKC registration slip, you can go to the American Kennel Club site and order an online pedigree for $10. If you do not have a way to gather a full pedigree, then you can send your dog’s sire and dam’s name and registration numbers to the University of Missouri and they will take the time to do this.
	Individual Dog’s Information Form - There is a short form created by the University of Missouri that must be filled out and accompany the blood sample and pedigree (included in CECS Forms Package for DNA ).
	If you have performed the CBC, Chemistries Panel and BAST (Bile Acid Stimulation Test), it would be most helpful to send the results of these tests to the University as well at this time.
	Note: Gathering info on the affected *and* non-affected siblings, parents and nearest relatives of CECS affected dogs helps the researchers the most and will shorten the time it takes them to find this DNA marker. There are instructions in the CECS Forms Package for DNA that explain how to submit more than one dog's info at one time. Should you have a problem opening the CECS Forms Package, please click here.

CECS/SD Specific Survey:

A CECS/SD specific survey form has just been created. If you have a dog suffering from CECS/SD or one you suspect might have this disorder, please take the time to fill out the online survey form.

University of Missouri Survey:

The University of Missouri has designed a survey to help them collect information on affected dogs. It was originally created to collect information on epileptic dogs. However, the form can also serve as a way to collect information on dogs showing symptoms of CECS as well. (Please note that the medications mentioned on the survey are those which are used to treat epilepsy and are NOT appropriate for the treatment of controlling CECS episodes in Border Terriers. This is only a survey and not a document to be used for the suggested treatment of CECS dogs.)

Researchers working on this project need information from affected dogs and their families. Specifically, they need a 3 to 5 generation pedigree of the litter where an affected dog (or dogs) appeared and blood samples from the affected dog(s), full siblings, parents, and when possible, the grandparents. If an affected dog has been used for breeding, the offspring and mates should also be sampled. Distant relatives are potentially useful, but the most important samples are from the affected dogs and immediate relatives. Family groups are important so that the genotype of the affected dogs can be compared to that of close relatives who are not affected, and allow researchers to decipher how these genes are inherited from one generation to the next.

An affected dog with little or no family available may also be of some use. Participation in the project is confidential - the names of dogs and owners who participate in the research will not be revealed. When markers are identified, individual owners will be able to request test results on their participating dogs. Results of research are published in such a way that the identity of individual dogs is anonymous.

The University of Missouri provides this survey on their site and it can be filled out and submitted online at their web site. We suggest that you print out the survey form to use as a worksheet. Just click here to download or print the form which has been created as an Adobe Acrobat document. Almost all computers have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on them. You can then take your time to gather all the information on the work sheet  and then transfer that information from your worksheet to the University's online form on the University's survey page.