As part of the LUPA initiative (http://www.eurolupa.org), the Royal Veterinary College, University of London and the Universities of Manchester and Uppsala are collaborating to investigate the genetic basis of several canine endocrine disorders. We are particularly keen to recruit samples (serum and EDTA blood) from dogs suffering from the following disorders:

* neonatal diabetes mellitus (i.e. diabetes onset < 1 yr of age)
* diabetes in high risk breeds (Samoyed, Cairn terrier, Tibetan terrier, Polish Lowland Sheepdog)
* dioestrus diabetes
* lymphocytic thyroiditis / hypothyroidism
* hypoadrenocorticism

It is anticipated that contributors will either send samples to RVC for processing and archiving (submission forms available on request) or samples will be archived at source with sample details provided on an on-line database.

Further details can be obtained from:

Brian Catchpole BVetMed PhD MRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Immunology
Dept. of Pathology & Infectious Diseases
Royal Veterinary College
Hawkshead Lane,
N. Mymms
Herts AL9 7TA

Tel: +44 (0)1707 666388
Fax: +44 (0)1707 666483
Email: bcatchpole@rvc.ac.uk