Research Articles
This is the place you will find all future, past, and present research articles.
New Study Underway to Investigate Cobalamin Deficiency in Shar-Pei
Dr. Jörg Steiner and Dr. David Williams who head the Gastrointestinal
Laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University
have started a research project to identify a genetic marker for cobalamin
(Vitamin B12) deficiency in the Chinese Shar-Pei. As a starting point they
will need several multigenerational pedigrees (at least 3 generations) in which
some family members have cobalamin deficiency. Once the pedigrees are identified
then blood samples will be collected from affected dogs and normal littermates, etc.
Of course, all information provided by the breeder and dog owners would be strictly
confidential. If you can help please contact the GI Laboratory at (979) 862-2861 or
fax them at (969) 862-2864. They also have a web site at http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/gilag
I can also be contacted through the CSPCA website.
Signs of cobalamin deficiency would initially show up in young individuals as a
nonregenerative anemia (low red blood cell count), a neutropenia (low white blood cell count),
lethargy, weakness, poor hair coat and a general failure to thrive. Serum cobalamin
levels would be low and there would be high urinary methylmalonic acid levels. B12 is
a necessary factor in red and white blood cell production and in the metabolism of certain
amino acids, fatty acids and cholesterol. B12 deficiency also can accompany any
gastrointestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, small intestinal bacterial
overgrowth, etc.
Jeff Vidt, DVM
11/12/02
|
