Update on Familial Shar-Pei Fever and amyloidosis research

In the latest issue of The Barker (July/August 2004) Dr. Linda J.M. Tintle published an update on Familial Shar-Pei Fever and amyloidosis research. The major points of the update are as follows:

1. Daniel L. Kastner, M.D., PhD., Chief, Genetics and Genomics Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland will be investigating the genetics of FSF. As part of this project the first planned studies involve examining the DNA of Shar-Pei crosses (mixed breed Shar-Pei dogs). Anyone who owns a Shar-Pei mix is asked to participate in this study. Of particular interest are those Shar-Pei mixes that have had fever episodes typical of FSF. Their participation would be particularly valuable. Participants would need to send Dr. Tintle their dog’s medical records and history and then she would arrange to have their veterinarian send a small blood sample to the lab at NIH. Dr. Tintle can be reached by E-mail atwvc@warwick.net or by phone at (845) 888-4884.

2. A grant proposal is in the works to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the CSPCA Charitable Trust to investigate the underlying mechanisms causing FSF and amyloidosis. Dr. Anne Avery, VMD, PhD. Of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University is submitting the grant proposal. She is coordinating her research with Dr. Kastner. We are asking that anyone local to the Fort Collins area with Shar-Pei suffering with FSF and/or amyloidosis who would be willing to bring their dogs to the Veterinary College at CSU for blood sampling contact Dr. Tintle by E-mail or phone as well. Some of the test of immune function can only be conducted on very fresh samples and local volunteers would be very helpful to the research. Breeders with multiple dogs and good family histories are particularly needed.