Anal furunculosis

Project description

Anal furunculosis is a chronic, progressive inflammation of the area surrounding the anus. This painful disease causes one or more fistulas in the anal area which can become very deep. Anal furunculosis is common in especially German Shepherds, even though it is also seen in other breeds. The disease is believed to be immune-mediated and is treated with immunosuppressive drugs.

Anal furunculosis research has been done in Finland and in England at the same time. A risk gene was recently discovered within dog's immune genes (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes), which strengthens the assumption that the disease is immune-mediated in nature. The identified gene variant increases the risk of getting the disease by 5-10 times. The disease is not, however, a single gene disease, and therefore we aim to identify other genetic risk factors that increase susceptibility to anal furunculosis. We hope to receive more blood samples of dogs with anal fistulas. Dogs with the risk gene should not be used in breeding.

Breeds

German Shepherd.

Samples from anal furuncolosis affected dogs from all breeds are welcome.

Which samples are needed:

• dogs that have been diagnosed with anal furuncolosis
• close relatives (parents, siblings, offspring) of the affected dogs
• healthy dogs over 6 years of age

Other information requested:

• veterinary certificates

Links:

1. How to participate.

2. Health surveillance questionnaire.

Contact us:

lgl-kyselyt(at)helsinki.fi.