Genetics: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Mitral Valve Endocardiosis Study
Working to identify the gene mutations responsible for the development of Mitral Valve disease in the CKCS.
Participation Requirements
Dr. Kate Meurs and the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine are working to identify the gene mutations responsible for the development of Mitral Valve disease in the CKCS. Our goal is to use this research to develop a test to help breeders decrease the frequency of the disease. We are also interested in using the results of our research to help predict disease severity and response to therapy.
Requirements to participate in this study are as follows:
- CKCS that have been diagnosed with mitral valve disease.
- Your willingness to volunteer a blood sample from your dog for genetic testing.
All information that you provide with the samples is strictly confidential.
Sample Collection
Please ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician to pull a blood sample into an EDTA tube. Most veterinary hospitals have these readily available.
- Blood drawn into a Standard EDTA Tube does not need to be refrigerated.
- Blood draw volume should be 1 to 2 ml, if possible.
- Please label tube well, with dog’s call name and family last name and send the samples to our lab via the address above.
Blood drawn does not need to be mailed back with ice packs or be shipped overnight. However, if possible please try to send the sample within a few days by standard mail. Until the blood can be mailed, it is a good idea to refrigerate it (i.e., if the blood was drawn late Saturday and cannot be mailed until Monday, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it between Saturday and Monday).
Sample Submission
Please complete the submission form and return along with the sample and required cardiologist report and pedigree to:
NCSU-College of Veterinary Medicine
Attn: Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory
Research Bldg. 228
1060 William Moore Dr
Raleigh, NC 27607