RALEIGH, NC – A new study using stem cells may offer hope to thousands of dog owners whose pets suffer from an incurable disease called degenerative myelopathy (DM). DM, often considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and multiple sclerosis in humans, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes dogs to initially lose muscle strength in their rear legs and gradually paralyzes them completely. Although German Shepherd Dogs are most commonly affected by the disease, it also is seen in Boxers, Welsh Corgis, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Setters, Old English Sheepdogs, and mixed breed pets.

Previous research in mice has indicated that some healing can take place in animals with DM by injecting some of the animal’s own bone marrow stem cells into the affected area. These adult stem cells appear to transform themselves into nerve cells.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation has approved a grant of $100,000 for Dr. Richard Vulliet, professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, to conduct safety trials using such adult stem cells in canine patients suffering from selected diseases including DM.

“This ground-breaking study will ultimately lead to improved treatments and cures for canines, but we anticipate that the investigation will also prove useful in the fight against human disease as well,” says Stuart Eckmann, vice-chair of the
AKC Canine Health Foundation Grants Committee and a resident of Mountain View,
California. “We’re proud to be a part of the forward thinking health initiatives that California residents have supported and their commitment to canine and human health.”

Eckmann is, of course, is referring to the multi-billion dollar stem cell initiative that established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine or CIRM. CIRM was established in early 2005 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. The statewide ballot measure provides funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions and provides grants and loans for stem cell research, research facilitites, and other vital research opportunities.

Vivian Brown, Santa Ana resident, long time breeder, and Secretary of the Orange Coast German Shepherd Dog Club says, "I’ve been in the breed since 1950 and have seen the effects of this devastating disease first hand. When my dog lost the use of his tail and started floundering in the rear, I knew something was dreadfully wrong. At that time, several vets thought it was bad hips, but we later found out it was DM. Living with this condition is extremely upsetting, and I’m delighted that the CHF is funding work on it right here in California.”

Connie Urbanski, who is the Supervisor of Animal Services for the Palo Alto Police Department (which services surrounding areas) is equally encouraged about the potential for this research. "As someone whose job involves all dogs – purebred and mixed breeds alike no matter their genetic or health background – I am always concerned about the day-to-day placement of shelter dogs into responsible homes. As a purebred dog breeder of Bullmastiffs, though, I also realize the benefit that the purebred dog population offers as a research tool. I'm very pleased that California will be the home of such a forward thinking research project that can benefit both the dogs with DM and people with MS."

At UC Davis, Vulliet will prepare adult bone marrow stem cells (mesenchymal stromal cells) and oversee clinical trials to administer the cells into animals already affected by disease. "I'm excited about the possibilities of this innovative clinical research in a disease that currently has no cure. I'm confident that at its completion we will make a difference in the lives of German Shepherd dogs and their owners," says Professor Vulliet.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation has produced a video in which Dr. Vulliet describes the disease and the need for research in this challenging area. A second video from the foundation gives tips on caring for dogs with the disease – both videos may be viewed at the Canine Health Foundation website: www.akcchf.org/video. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine conducts a mission of teaching, research and service to benefit animal health, public health and environmental health. The school’s Center for Companion Animal Health, which fosters sophisticated studies of naturally occurring diseases to improve the health of dogs, cats and small alternative pets, will provide additional funding for this study.

SOURCE: AKC Canine Health Foundation