You and your Westies can help find cures for genetic problems in the breed by contributing various types of samples that are needed by researchers for their work. We are a relatively small breed, so sending samples can make a tremendous difference in finding cures!
We will update this section about once a quarter as we are notified about the need for new samples. Click here for a PDF of our Overview of Request for Samples.
Research Project |
Samples Needed |
Contact Information |
| Genetic marker for Atopic dermatitis | Saliva swabs or blood samples from dogs with skin disease or from normal dogs 5 years of age or older from family lines free of allergies |
Kim Williams
|
| Genetic susceptibility of Transition Cell Carcinoma (TCC) (Bladder Cancer) | Blood samples from dogs diagnosed with TCC and dogs over the age of 9 who have no known cancers |
Gretchen Carpintero
|
| Genetic marker for Addison's disease | DNA from cheek cells and/or blood from affected dogs and unaffected dogs over the age of 7 |
Dr. A.M. Oberbauer
|
| Clinical Features and Genetic Basis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) | Blood samples from dogs diagnosed with PF and healthy dogs over age 8 without lung disease |
Dr. Ned Patterson and Dr. Peter Bitterman
|
| Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) | Cheek and/or blood samples from dogs diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis |
Dr. Victor J. Thannickal
|
| Dry Eye Syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) |
Dogs diagnosed with dry eye and dogs over 7 years old with no oclar abnormalities *participants must be available for appointment at UC Davis Veterinary Center (CA) |
Dr. Sarah Thomasy
|
