Hi All, I am forwarding this on from the Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly/Congenital Radial Head Luxation Committee. This deformity is becoming more prominent in our breed, and researching into genetic markers will help breeders to prevent breeding dogs that potentially carry this mutation. Please read the email below for more information, and if you can, please donate to the GoFundMe set up to fund this research. Link is also in the following email. Thank you, Missy Manke Vice-President/Rescue Chair NorthStar Newfoundland Club Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > From: Forelimb Anomaly > Date: January 12, 2021 at 4:08:41 PM CST > Subject: CONGENITAL RADIAL HEAD LUXATION > >  > NORTHSTAR NEWFOUNDLAND CLUB > > HELP US! > > January 12, 2021 > > > > > > Imagine the devastation you would feel if your growing puppy were to experience chronic, excruciating pain. Imagine your desperation as a breeder if your carefully planned, researched and health tested litter started growing and puppy after puppy started to exhibit a crushing deformity. Imagine making the heartbreaking decisions to end their suffering. First reported in 1981, concerned Newfoundland owners and breeders have been trying to find a way to end this horrible condition. Since then hundreds of puppies have been born with this severe deformity that is painful, interferes with mobility and quality of life. Many of these puppies are euthanized, some have gone through multiple surgeries and all have a compromised gait and lifestyle. > > Research into this disorder was pioneered at Michigan State University by the late Dr. George Padgett and professor emeritus Dr. Ulreh V Mostosky, who worked closely with the Newfoundland fancy to evaluate the disease radiographically and genetically. Based on this early research and current research, Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has proposed a study that will help identify the genetic basis of Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly. > > This research has proposed a preliminary study to sequence all of the genetic code of select Newfoundland trios: consisting of normal dam, sire and affected offspring. This preliminary study requires $50,000 in funding and has received a funding a grant of $10,000 from the Morris Animal Foundation. The study will serve as the guide posts for continued studies. > > The researchers’ next step will be to test for the presence/absence of these potential key mutations in the DNA of a large set of normal Newfoundlands as well as in the DNA of affected Newfoundlands. The ultimate goal of the study is to identify the genetic basis of NFA and provide a means to test dogs that will be bred so as to avoid producing affected puppies. To continue the study they will need to secure the additional $40,000 in funding. > > The Forelimb Anomaly/Congenital Radial Head Luxation Committee under the guidance of the NCA Charitable Trust has started a fundraiser through GoFundMe in order to raise the additional $40,000. We are asking that each regional club consider a donation. And please spread the word among your club members, colleagues, and friends. Together we can do this. Together we can make a difference. > > Every dollar we raise will go towards helping identify a cause for this painful, debilitating condition. Your support, no matter how small, will help us create a healthier future for our beloved Newfoundlands. Every dollar counts! Please help us reach our goal. > > https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/stand-by-me2 > > > Sincerely,Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly/Congenital Radial Head Luxation Committee > > Barbara Jenness, Chairperson > Denise Castonguay > Janet Cohen > Denise Hatakeyama > Peggy Helming > Deb Wigal, DVM > Jennifer Zablotny, DVM > > > > > > Barbara Jenness > Chairperson, Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly/Congenital Radial Head Luxation Committee > > Barbara Jenness > Chairperson, Newfoundland Forelimb Anomaly/Congenital Radial Head Luxation Committee