The
Berner-Garde Foundation (BGF) is poised to have greater
impacts
into the future of the health of our breed. Our DNA
Repository has gained the
attention of and been used by canine health researchers
both in this country
and throughout the world. The combination of DNA
samples, pedigrees and health
histories of those dogs is a huge benefit to researchers
studying genetic
diseases. As of this writing ten peer reviewed
research papers using
Repository samples have been published confirming that
the database and repository
continue to add to the bank of knowledge of genetics in
the Bernese Mountain Dogs.
There
are currently two research projects about to be launched
that are
the direct result of the Repository. The first is the 2nd
phase of a
clinical trial for a particular drug that is very
effective in the treatment of
Histiocytic Sarcoma. This research is led by Dr. Vilma
Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan. It is
funded by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
through the Morris Animal
Foundation. It will be held in four university
veterinary clinics around the
country. We hope to have more information and all of the
details by July.
Dr.
Vilma is also working on a project for a liquid biopsy
for Histiocytic
Sarcoma – an early detection tool for dogs that may be
harboring HS without any
actual symptoms. We know that once symptoms occur it
typically means the
disease has spread so much it cannot be treated.
Last
but not least, we have entered into an agreement with
the French
Researchers led by Dr. Benoit Hedan to transfer several
hundred DNA samples for
their continuing work on HS and now Lymphoma and Mast
Cell cancers.
We
are grateful and blessed that the fancy has supported us
over the past
28 years with their information, DNA samples from their
beloved dogs, their
time, financial contributions, and their support of our
shared mission, which
is to improve the health and longevity of Bernese
Mountain Dogs. There is no
way to thank the countless volunteers who have helped to
make BGF a reality in
its day to day operations. We are excited by what we
have accomplished together
and thrilled to look ahead to the future—and what the
next 28 years will
bring!
For
the love of a Berner,
The
Board of Berner-Garde Foundation