POLYMYOSITIS                                                                                                             The Disease                                                                                                           A presentation of Polymyositis (muscle inflammation) that is specific to the vizsla is now veterinarily recognised. Studies are in place and scientific  abstracts have been published.                                Radio before Polymyositis                                                         Radio after Polymyositis The presenting signs of Polymyositis (PM) in the vizsla are problems with swallowing  excessive drooling muscle wasting around the head Please visit this website for more information and to see images and video clips showing the swallowing problems experienced by affected individuals. Please scroll down for current research  All vizsla owners can help by providing DNA samples Typical onset of PM in the vizsla is usually in adolescence or maybe up to about 2/3 years of age. Frequently there is an acute episode of retching, gagging, choking, dysphagia and hypersalivation. Sometimes the onset is more insidious with just inefficient and messy eating and drinking being noted. Often there is an initial diagnosis of megaoesophagus. Significantly elevated CK (Creatine Kinase) levels, fatigue, aspiration pneumonia and a stiffness of gait are other common findings.                             spice                                                                         mika The illness is considered to be immune mediated and inheritable. With prompt diagnosis and immuno-suppressive treatment Polymyositis can usually be well controlled. The condition is not common, and most vizslas are unlikely to be affected, but it is important that owners are aware of the signs to look out for (the disease is unusual and many local and even referral vets do not recognise it) All responsible breeders are including this fact sheet in their puppy packs. If anybody reading this knows of a past or present vizsla to have been diagnosed with myositis/polymyositis – or to suffer from the clinical signs that we have described – then please could you contact those conducting the study.        Research Please visit this website to read about the DNA Collection project. All owners can help. The aim of the research is to develop a test to establish whether a vizsla might be *affected* *clear* or a *carrier* of PM. For this to be possible the scientists will have to find the "marker"  for the disease ie the way in which the genetic profile of affected individuals (and their families) is *different* from that of healthy families. To achieve this we need as many saliva samples as possible from affected vizslas and also from their sires, dams and siblings. The more DNA samples we get the quicker is likely to be success. Please help - contact us with your Vizsla's registered name to ask if his/her contribution would be useful. Sadly - few breeders have informed their puppy people that they are part of an affected family. All that is required is a simple saliva sample - it is painless and easy  - we supply the kits and paperwork. There is no cost to the owner and all communications are treated confidentially.         Toe Nails There is another way for all vizsla owners to take part in future health initiatives  - there is a concurrent project to collect toe nail clippings. With ever advancing technology there is great scope for their stable DNA to be hugely useful for future research in to ANY inheritable disease. Again please visit this website to learn more.         The Aim We are determined to find a test for PM. Every single submitted sample will matter hugely and the bigger the response then the more hope there will be of one day freeing our genetic pool from the scourge of this devastating disease. All responsible vizsla owners must help Please contact Di Addicott by email or on 01576 202258

 

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