The Foundation has as collaborative relationship with the researchers at Broad Institute of Harvard and
MIT, including Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh. These researchers collaborate and have networks with researchers all over the
world - especially canine geneticists and DVM/PhDs at the cutting edge of their fields of expertise. This overall network
allows for all involved to excel at what they do best - if breeders and owners can contribute their Airedales' health
data and blood samples (DNA), then researchers can use those samples in areas where the samples will yield the most results.
The researchers take the heavy burden of knowing where and how to apply Airedale information for studies, breeders take
the burden of collecting health information and supplying DNA samples to researchers, and the veterinarian community gleans
the results of studies for applying new techniques and knowledge to treatment of Airedales and canines in general. Three
groups doing what they do best and sharing with each other to build a foundation that is better than the sum of each part!
And so in this way, all of the key pet communities which are interested in promoting health in pet ownership
can work together to the benefit of our dogs.
To see a list of diseases studied, Click Here. If there is a health issue or area of disease not listed at this link that you would like more information about,
contact the Airedale DNA Bank Coordinator, Michele Perloski, dog-info@broadinstitute.org, or contact the AHF at airedalehealthfoundation@yahoo.com.
Either party will find information about projects concerning those areas.
That's what it's all about. Working
together to understand how to best care for our pets.
And don't forget the added benefit:
The canine model
is also an excellent system for understanding disease in humans because of the unique development of breed types and the genomic
similarities with the human genome. See our Breeder Education page to read more about this.
Please
note** In order to provide as much data to the researchers as possible, we are in need of as many blood samples from
affected and nonaffected Airedales as we can get. So please send in a blood sample of your Airedale. Our
ultimate goal is to have a database of blood samples from all Airedales. This procedure should become as rote
to breeders and owners as microchipping and spaying or neutering. See the below link for how to submit your Airedale's
blood sample (along with additional links for extra reading).
Basic Genetics
General Health Issues Affecting Airedales - An Overview for Airedale owners
