Genetic investigation of wobbler syndrome in Great Danes
A collaborative study between The Ohio State University (Dr. Ronaldo da Costa) and North
Carolina State University (Dr. Natasha Olby) aims to identify the genetic markers responsible for
wobbler syndrome in Great Danes. The Great Dane Club of America is funding this study.
Your participation is crucial for the success of the study. We will need saliva samples from
healthy and affected dogs. In order to qualify we will need the following:
Affected dogs:
- Confirmed diagnosis of wobbler syndrome with MRI or CAT scan (X-rays are not sufficient).
Medical records (with radiology report) along with a video recording of the gait (30 seconds to 1
minute) should be sent to the attention of Dr. Bonelli (bonelli.7@osu.edu;
mariliabonelli@yahoo.com). If you prefer to fax the records, OSU’s fax number is 614 292-0895
(attention to Dr. da Costa). We will contact you after we review the medical records and video
with instructions to send the saliva kit to North Carolina State University.
Healthy dogs
- Dogs older than 2 years, male or female, with no history of neurologic disease (any neurologic
disease). Please send video of gait (approximately 1 minute long – dog walking in a straight line)
to Dr. Bonelli (bonelli.7@osu.edu; mariliabonelli@yahoo.com). We will contact you after we
review the video with instructions to send the saliva kit to North Carolina State University.
Your participation is crucial to the success of this study. Our goal is to have 100 dogs (50
affected and 50 healthy dogs). Please contact Drs. Bonelli and da Costa with questions
(bonelli.7@osu.edu; dacosta.6@osu.edu). Thank you very much.