Research & Genetics>pANCA project>The Test and Vet. Protocol
Also on this page : Veterinary Protocol
pANCA RESEARCH PROJECT - CONTINUATION STUDY
The final round of the pANCA Research sampling sessions has taken place (July 2010)
A message from Anna Karagianni, of the Royal Veterinary College pANCA team
is reproduced below:
Dear All,
As the pANCA study comes to an end, we would like to thank all of you and your dogs for participating in this project. We are really grateful that all
of you, (dog owners, Wheaten Health Initiative, The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain, and the Kennel Club), are aware of the emerging risk of protein losing diseases in
this breed and have decided to address the problem in its early stages. Interestingly, not many cases of dogs affected with the disease have been identified so far, which makes it difficult
to evaluate the test’s accuracy. However, regardless of the results of the study a lot of clinical and pedigree information on healthy and affected dogs of this breed has been collected.
Subsequently, this project will be the basis for genetic studies regarding PLE/PLN in SCWT in the UK .
It will therefore be of major importance that we continue to have follow up information on the health of the dogs that participated in this study.
We are in process of analysing the pANCA results of the last sampling session as we speak and we will get them published on this web site as soon as
possible.
Once again, we would like to thank all of you for your precious help over the last three years.
Best regards
Anna Eleonora Karagianni and the RVC team
A Questionnaire Form is available for this, please click here
The following are details of how sampling occured before, during and after
the pANCA test
BEFORE THE TEST
Please note that your dog should not have anything to eat for at least six hours before the test, however fresh water should be available at all times.
When you arrive please report to the reception table. You should have with you the following documents and/or details:
- Name and address of your Vet.
- Details of any changes to your dog's medical history from the date of your last pANCA test, in case this is required by the examining RVC Vet.
You will be asked to sign a consent form for the test.
THE ACTUAL TEST
The procedure for collecting a blood sample is quick and easy and will include a physical examination. A maximum of 2ml of blood will be taken from your dog. The blood sample will not require your dog to be shaved without your explicit permission.
Reluctant dogs will be rested for a short time and then a second attempt will be made. If your dog is still uncomfortable then another session at a later date could be tried if you feel this appropriate.
The blood will be used for the pANCA test and the level of albumin in the blood will also be determined, this is undertaken to reinforce the testing process.
AFTER YOUR TEST
You will receive the results of the test in approximately 8 – 10 weeks.
Regardless of your dogs age or pANCA result, you will be offered a repeat test by the RVC approximately every 6 months. This will continue until the longitudinal study ends.
Alternatively, your Vet can extract blood and send it to the pANCA team at the RVC, but your vet may make a charge for this service. Further details below.
If your dog receives a positive result, it is important that you remember that this is a research project and that no conclusions can be drawn at this time. Dr Allenspach will communicate directly with you and your Vet. regarding the best way to continue to monitor your dog’s health and whether any other measures are necessary.
Please also read the page: What will my test results tell me.
VETERINARY PROTOCOL
If you are unable to attend the arranged sessions, please contact the RVC, Clinical Investigations Centre, 01707 666 605, or email cic@rvc.ac.uk. A pack will be sent to you, giving information for both yourself and your Veterinarian on blood sample collection and mailing to the RVC pANCA Team.
Upon receipt of this pack, it is prudent to discuss this procedure with your Vet as early as possible. Once discussed, arrange an appointment early in the week for the blood collection
so the samples will not be in the post over the weekend.
The RVC are able to provide assistance with veterinary costs and a claim form will be included in the pack.
Your Veterinarian will send the sample(s) to:
pANCA research samples
Clinical Investigations Centre
Royal Veterinary College
Hawkshead Lane
North Mymms
AL9 7TA
Phone: 01707 666605 Fax: 01707 666223
Have a look at some pANCA photos from the sampling sessions on our Gallery
