The Mission Statement of The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation is to serve as a non-profit charitable Corporation whose mission is to provide financial support for individuals and organizations focusing their charitable, educational and research efforts on dogs in general and the DALMATIAN in particular.

As we celebrate 100 years of the Dalmatian Club of America I felt it was important to bring to your attention the importance of DCAF (the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation) and what this affiliate of our parent club has been doing since its' official inception in 1995. In the late 1980's, DCA began working on a tax exempt charitable organization that was geared to the well-being of our breed. It is of course interesting to note that DCAF is celebrating its' 10th official year and to review the support we have given to research grants, educational endeavors and support of DCARE, our rescue wing.

We would sincerely like to thank those of you who have given so generously of your time and money to support the well being of our breed. Fund-raising is critical and we are a long way from our goal of being able to support grants and research efforts from the interest and investment earnings of our funds.

We will make every effort to let you know which projects we are funding, where your funds are going and the results of the studies as we receive them. The following pages list the research projects that have been funded by DCAF, as well as educational and other related projects.

RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION

The projects listed below have been funded by DCAF and other breed clubs. The abstracts have been provided by CHF. Note that some of the projects are completed while others are still active.

Abstract: The knowledge gained from this research makes an important contribution to the understanding of the biology involved with deafness. This study evaluated several genes that are good candidates to harbor the mutations responsible for hearing loss in the Dalmatian, Australian Cattle Dog, Bull Terrier and several other breeds affected by hereditary deafness. These breeds appear to share common spotting or ticking patterns that may be associated with hereditary deafness. The researchers characterized five candidate genes, and evaluated them in various breeds of dogs with hearing loss: Dalmatians, Australian Cattle Dogs, Boxers, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Brittanys, Great Danes and Akitas. They have sequenced between 50 and 100 percent of the coding region for affected and normal dogs for each gene, though they have not yet found the mutation.

Completed Grant No. 1870:     Genetics of Hereditary Deafness in the Domestic Dog
Researcher: Keith E. Murphy, PhD, Texas A&M University
Sponsor(s): Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Setter Association of America, Random Individuals
DCAF Funding: $11,750.

Abstract: Congenital deafness has been reported for approximately 60 breeds, and can potentially appear in any breed. The disorder is usually associated with pigmentation patterns, where increasing amounts of white in the hair coat increase the likelihood of deafness. Pigment-associated inheritance of deafness is not restricted to dogs. Similar defects have been reported for mice, mink, pigs, horses, cattle, cats and humans. Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) in humans presents with congenital deafness and hypopigmentation of the eyes and head hair. This is an autosomal dominant disorder with incomplete penetrance, meaning that individuals that inherit the disorder may not show all of the components of the syndrome. Mutations in the mitf gene cause at least twenty percent of cases of WS2. Piebaldism in humans most commonly presents with congenital patches of white skin and hair-lacking melanocytes on certain parts of the body, although deafness is a characteristic of the disorder in an unknown percentage of affected individuals. Mutations in the kit gene are responsible for typical cases of piebaldisms. We believe that deafness is dogs may result from mutations in the canine mitf/kit genes. Examination of these genes and identification of causative mutations will aid in understanding the etiology of deafness.

Completed Grant No. 2304:     Continued Investigation into the Molecular Genetic Causes of Canine Epilepsies
Researcher: Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD, University of Missouri, Columbia
Sponsor(s): American Spaniel Club Health Foundation, AWS Partners, Collie Health Foundation, Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc., Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, Random Individuals, St. Bernard Club of America, Standard Schnauzer Club of America, Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America
DCAF Funding: $6,829.

Abstract: In our on-going study of canine epilepsy, we have found that most canine epilepsy families do not follow the simple inheritance patterns described by Gregor Mendel. This suggests that epilepsy results when a dog inherits mutations in two or more different genes. Mutations involving two or more genes are also thought to be responsible for the vast majority of human epilepsy that occurs in families. Mendelian inheritance is encountered in rare types of human epilepsy and in many of these families the epilepsy-causing mutation has been found by genome mapping. We appear to have found Mendelian inheritance in at least one canine family and if this holds true we will attempt to map the mutation. One unexpected finding that is not seen in the human epilepsy families is the predominance of males among the affected dogs in several dog breeds. A similar inheritance pattern in human disease has been attributed to paired mutations on the X chromosome and in the mitochondrial DNA in these breeds. Our ultimate goal is to produce a DNA marker that breeders can use to avoid matings that will result in new generations of epileptic dogs.

Completed Grant No. 1415:     Traits of Cutaneous Mast Cell Phenotype and Function Associated with Predisposition to Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Researcher: Bruce Hammerberg, DVM, PhD, MS, North Carolina State University
Sponsor(s): Bull Terrier Welfare Foundation, Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., MB-F, Inc., Random Individuals, Westie Foundation of America, Inc.
DCAF Funding: $5,000.

Abstract: In this study, researchers found different function and appearance in mast cells of dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). This finding supports the hypothesis that there is a genetic basis for AD that can be defined with further work, though the genetic component of the issue is most assuredly complex. AD in dogs causes chronically relapsing itchy, inflamed skin, resulting in a miserable dog. The study provided the basis for continued research that will help scientists understand the mechanisms of the increased mast cell activity, with the eventual goal of developing a test that can be given to puppies to determine their risk of developing allergic dermatitis in the future. Such a test could help breeders make decisions about the breeding potential of puppies, and arm owners with information that could help them prevent or slow the onset of allergies.

Completed Grant No. 1840:     Studies of the Host (Canine) Immune Response to the Opportunistic Pathogen Malassezia pachydermatis
Researcher: Daniel O. Morris, DVM, University of Pennsylvania
Sponsor(s): American Spaniel Club Health Foundation, Basset Hound Club of America, Inc., Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation, Random Individuals, Westie Foundation of America, Inc.
DCAF Funding: $500.

Abstract: This study confirmed that the immune system of allergic dogs recognizes a specific yeast as a contributor to allergies that the dog's body is mounting an allergic response to the yeast, not just reacting to a yeast infection. The yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, is present in many dogs with skin allergies, causing itching, infection and sometimes licking to the point of self-mutilation. The most common symptoms of the yeast are ear canal infections and paw licking. Dogs with the yeast allergy can react to a quantity of yeast that would be considered within normal limits for healthy dogs. This discovery provides evidence and hope that it might be possible to manage that allergic reaction through the development of yeast-specific allergy shots, rather than relying on anti-fungal medications, which carry a possibility of side effects and don't stop the allergic reaction from recurring.

Active Grant No. 2434:     Recombinant Thyrotropin (TSH): Standard for the Next Generation of Canine TSH Immunoassays with Improved Sensitivity
Researcher: Duncan Ferguson, DVM, PhD, University of Georgia
Sponsor(s): Airedale Terrier Club of America, Akita Club of America, Inc., American Belgian Malinois Club, American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Borzoi Club of America, Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Collie Health Foundation, Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Setter Association of America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Italian Greyhound Club of America, Keeshond Club of America, Komondor Club of America, Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc., Norwegian Elkhound Association of America, Inc., Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Random Individuals, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Scottish Terrier Club of America Health Trust Fund
DCAF Funding: $1,300.

Abstract: Hypothyroidism, a failure of the thyroid gland, is the most common hormonal abnormality in dogs, causing a variety of medical problems in many breeds, including hair loss and skin infections. The measurement of serum levels of the pituitary hormone thyrotropin (TSH) has been used as a reliable and sensitive screening test for thyroid glandular insufficiency in human medicine for many years, but the "first generation" assays for canine TSH (cTSH) are missing as many as 1 out of 4 cases of hypothyroidism, resulting in no improvement in diagnostic sensitivity compared to total T4 measurement. Furthermore, the available assays have not been sensitive enough to distinguish low values of cTSH from those in the normal range. Towards the goal of improving current and future immunoassay sensitivity based upon a pure recombinant canine TSH (cTSH) hormone standard, our laboratory has succeeded in cloning and sequencing the two peptide subunits of canine TSH and have expressed them in small quantities. Using techniques recently developed in our parallel work on equine TSH, we plan to express and purify recombinant canine TSH in high quantities and validate its use as a pure immunoassay standard to facilitate its worldwide use.

Active Grant No. 2234:     Basophil/Mast Cell Response to Lectins as a Predictor for Risk of Allergic Disease in Genetically Susceptible Dogs
Principal Investigator: Bruce Hammerberg, DVM, PhD, North Carolina State University
Sponsors: American Belgian Tervuren Club, Inc., American Miniature Schnauzer Club, Inc., American Sealyham Terrier Club, Bedlington Terrier Club of America, Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc., Bull Terrier Welfare Foundation, Chow Chow Club, Inc., Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., French Bulldog Club of America, Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, Otterhound Club of America, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Scottish Terrier Club of America Health Trust Fund, Welsh Terrier Club of America, Inc., Westie Foundation of America, Inc.
DCAF Funding: $1,600.

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis or skin allergies is a chronic debilitating disease that is widely distributed among the breeds of dogs. This inherited disease is listed as a high research priority for the following breeds: Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dalmatian, Vizsla, Welsh Terrier and West Highland White Terrier. The skin mast cell and circulating basophil are the cells mainly responsible for itching and skin damage seen in atopic dermatitis. This laboratory has just recently discovered that mast cells from atopic dogs release significantly more of the inflammatory mediator, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), than normal dog mast cells when stimulated with lectins that bind glycoproteins on the surface of mast cells. If there is an inherited difference in how surface glycoproteins signal release of TNF- alpha, then knowledge of the molecular basis for this difference will lead to being able to identify dogs that will have a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis. To accomplish this, atopic and non-atopic dogs will be compared with regard to the identity and quantity of the cell surface glycoproteins on basophils that are responsible for signaling immediate TNF-alpha release stimulated by lectins.

Active Grant No. 1870:     Genetics of Hereditary Deafness in the Domestic Dog
Principal Investigator: Keith E. Murphy, PhD, Texas ASM University
Sponsor(s): Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Setter Association of America
DCAF Funding: Continuation of initial grant.

Abstract: Congenial deafness has been reported for approximately 60 breeds, and can potentially appear in any breed. The disorder is usually associated with pigmentation patterns, where increasing amounts of white in the hair coat increase the likelihood of deafness. Pigment-associated inheritance of deafness is not restricted to dogs. Similar defects have been repotted for mice, mink, pigs, horses, cattle, cats and humans. Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) in humans presents with congenital deafness and hypopigmentation of the eyes and head hair. This is an autosomal dominant disorder with incomplete penetrance, meaning that individuals that inherit the disorder may not show all of the components of the syndrome. Mutations in the mitf gene cause at least twenty percent of cases of WS2. Piebaldism in humans most commonly presents with congenital patches of white skin and hair lacking melanocytes on certain parts of the body, although deafness is a characteristic of the disorder in an unknown percentage of affected individuals. Mutations in the kit gene are responsible for typical cases of piebaldisms. We believe that deafness in dogs may result from mutations in the canine mitf/kit genes. Examination of these genes and identification of causative mutations will aid in understanding the etiology of deafness.

Active Grant No. 2264:     Whole Genome Screens Using Microsatellite Markers in Genetic Analyses of Hereditary Deafness in the Dalmatian and English Setter
Researcher: Keith E. Murphy, PhD, Texas A&M University
Sponsor(s): Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., English Setter Association of America
DCAF Funding: $12,500.

Abstract: Hereditary deafness has been reported for approximately 60 breeds, and can potentially appear in any breed. The disorder is often associated with pigmentation patterns, with increasing amounts of white in the hair coat increasing the likelihood of deafness. Pigment-associated inheritance of deafness is not restricted to dogs. Similar defects have been reported for mouse, mink, pig, horse, cattle, cat and human. High incidences of deafness are found in the Dalmatian and English Setter. Deafness in these breeds presents unilaterally (with no preference for either ear) or bilaterally and recent research suggests that more than one gene is involved. Therefore, in an effort to identify such genes, we will carry out analysis of the entire genome rather than restricting studies to one or two genes. By using this approach, termed linkage analysis, we hope to identify markers present in affected dogs. Informative markers will allow selection and subsequent examination of candidate genes for mutations that play roles in deafness of the aforementioned breeds. The long-term objectives of this work are to 1) develop marker or gene-based tests to identify carriers and to reduce the incidence of deafness, and 2) understand the etiology of deafness in the Dalmatian and English Setter.

RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED EXCLUSIVELY BY DCAF

Active DCAF Grant No. 1:     Studies on Urate Urothiasis in Dalmatians
Researcher: Joseph W. Bartges, DVM, PhD, University of Tennessee
Sponsor(s): Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc.
DCAF Funding: $30,000.

Urinary stone disease occurs commonly in Dalmatians, and is most often composed of uric acid (urate). Dalmatians have a higher risk for forming urate stones because they metabolize uric acid differently than most other breeds of dogs. Urate stones may be dissolved using special diets and a drug, called allopurinol; however, success is variable, and urate stones are highly recurrent. One problem with urate stones is that they are not usually visible on plain x-rays, which means they may be missed. Some believe many Dalmatians form urate stones in their kidneys, which may be associated with recurrent stone formation, abdominal pain, and possible kidney failure. The proposed study will evaluate two issues: 1) how commonly urate stones occur in kidneys from Dalmatians, and, 2) how effective preventative measures are for urate stones in Dalmatians.

PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FUNDED EXCLUSIVELY BY DCAF

DCAF Funding: $900 (Approximate).

Urinary Stone Pamphlet
DCAF funded the printing and mailing of the Urinary Stone Pamphlet to the entire DCA membership. The pamphlet was also sent to Dalmatian Clubs in other countries. The pamphlet has been particularly useful as a hand out to Veterinarians for their use in the explanation of and information on stone disease.

DCAF Funding: $11,000.00 (approximate).

DCAF Funding: $1,528.00

Dalmatian Health Screening – 2005 National Specialty
DCAF is funding a large portion of a comprehensive health screening program that is being conducted in conjunction with the 2005 DCA Centennial National Specialty Show. Included will be screenings for CERF, Thyroid, Bladder Ultrasound, Urinalysis, and BAER.

DCAF Funding: $5,000 (Estimate).

CHIC Hearing Registry
DCAF is funding the hearing database associated with the collection of BAER hearing results on entire litters tested. In order to take part a breeder, after having a litter BAER hearing tested, can send to OFA the results and have the litter registered at no cost to the breeder. This grant should cover all litters registered by DCA members for the next 2 or 3 years.

DCAF Funding: $2,000.

Educational Speakers
DCAF has funded speakers that were invited to address the DCA membership at the National Specialty Show on topics of interest to the fancy.

DCAF Funding: $5,000 (Approximate).

Membership Education Booklet
DCAF has funded the development and publication of a membership education booklet that covers a broad range of health topics related to the Dalmatian, as well as education materials. This booklet was distributed to the entire DCA membership.

DCAF Funding: $3,000 (Approximate).

RECUE ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY DCAF
DCAF, on an ongoing basis, offers financial support to DCARE the Dalmatian Club of America Rescue Education. The goal of DCARE is to help increase the likelihood of successful rescue placements and to ensure that the placements are in the best interest of the public, the dog and the breed. DCAF and DCA Funded $1,000. as seed money for Rescue. Additional contributions allowed for a total of $1,752. to have been spent by DCARE for rescue efforts to date.