Yorkshire Terrier - Louie the Love Muffin

Yorkshire Terrier

Vol. 4, No. 1 I December 2011

Researchers Seek Candidate Genes for Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Researchers at Cornell University developing lymphangiectasia than can be developed that would identify
School of Veterinary Medicine in other breeds. affected dogs and thus provide a diag-
Ithaca, N.Y., are working to find nostic tool for the disease. Currently,
candidate genes that predispose York- Recognizing the widespread the only definitive test to detect and
shire Terriers to protein-losing enteropa- occurrence of PLE in the breed, the distinguish between different causes
thy (PLE), a potentially fatal condition Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and of PLE is an intestinal biopsy that is
in which dogs lose significant protein the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America expensive, requires general anesthesia
into their gastrointestinal system. Foundation recently helped fund an and carries some health risks.
AKC Canine Health Foundation grant
While genetics are likely to play a that supports the Cornell University The severity of PLE varies among
role in determining which dogs are research. The researchers’ ongoing individual dogs and may be related
predisposed to developing PLE, envi- efforts to collect DNA samples from to differences in genetic expression
ronmental factors, such as enteric affected and normal dogs are instru- of the disease. Some dogs show no
(intestinal) bacteria or food intolerance mental to the success of the study. clinical signs, yet die quickly. Others
or allergy, may contribute as well. exhibit serious manifestations, but
The extent to which environmental “Our goal is to identify a gene change with proper disease management do
factors influence the disease is not or set of changes that predispose a well. Diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting,
fully known. dog to PLE,” says lead investigator lethargy, weight loss, edema (swelling)
Nate Sutter, Ph.D., assistant professor or ascites (fluid in the abdominal
In Yorkshire Terriers, PLE is widely of medical genetics. “The evidence cavity), and respiratory difficulty
attributed to lymphangiectasia, a that PLE has a genetic component from fluid in the chest are not
condition in which the lymph vessels primarily rests on the observation that uncommon signs in dogs with PLE.
become dilated and disrupt the normal some breeds — such as Yorkies — are
flow of lymph throughout the body. at an elevated risk for the disease. The Other at-risk breeds for PLE are
Recent studies have showed extensive simplest explanation is that at-risk Basenji, Chinese Shar-Pei, Norwegian
cystic dilatation of the intestinal crypts breeds have one or more genetic Lundehund and Soft-Coated Wheaten
(mucosal glands of the epithelial lining factors that confer risk.” Terrier. The genetic basis for the dis-
of the small intestine) also may con- ease may vary by breed. Besides lym-
tribute to PLE. One study showed that Ultimately, once a genetic marker phangiectasia, conditions that can
Yorkies have a tenfold greater risk of is identified and the causative muta-
tion for PLE is discovered, a DNA test Continued on page 2

Managing a Lifelong Condition the specialist recommended an intestinal biopsy to
determine definitively whether Winnie had PLE.
Protein-losing enteropathy associated with lymphang-
iectasia and crypt cysts is a fatal condition in as many Only weeks after the first signs of PLE, Winnie died
as half or more Yorkshire Terriers, experts estimate. Most of peritonitis following the intestinal biopsy procedure.
diagnosed dogs receive lifelong therapy. Some dogs never “It was probably a result of the disease causing changes
improve despite therapy, while others continue to live a that weakened the intestinal walls,” Fallon says.
normal, active life. Here are stories of the journeys of
owners whose Yorkshire Terriers were diagnosed with PLE. “Chloe,” a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier owned by Jane
Downey of Columbus, Ohio, continues to thrive despite
Liz Youngblood of Seattle was pleased when her 7 1/2- having been diagnosed with PLE when she was 9 years
year-old Yorkie, “Taffy,” responded well to medications given old. “I have to work hard to keep Chloe’s weight down
to help reduce the signs of PLE. “In the beginning, Taffy with a strict diet,” Downey says. “She loves to get into
was well enough to play and enjoy herself,” she says. the other dogs’ food bowls, so it’s a constant struggle.
If she overeats, she gets bloated.”
Not long afterward, diarrhea and fluid on the abdomen
returned. “Then, Taffy began struggling to breathe,” says Another long-lived Yorkshire Terrier diagnosed with
Youngblood. “We had the fluid drained off several times, PLE is “Martha,” a retired conformation champion belong-
but it always came back.” ing to Stephanie Ruiz of Orange County, Calif. Martha
was diagnosed at age 9 and today is 15. “When we
The fluid-draining procedure was painful and put Taffy were still working on a diagnosis, we tried several diets
at risk for peritonitis, or inflammation of the membranes for Martha, but none seemed to help,” Ruiz says.
lining the abdomen. After seven months, Youngblood
made the difficult decision to have Taffy euthanized. Once Martha was definitively diagnosed with PLE, the
veterinarian prescribed medications to help manage signs
Pancreatitis was the initial diagnosis given Denise of the disease. “The key for us is consistently following
Fallon’s Yorkie, “Winnie,” who had lost her appetite and the veterinarian’s instructions regarding diet and medica-
frequently vomited. After two weeks on a bland diet, tions,” says Ruiz. “Martha’s protein level is normal, and she
Winnie continued to weaken. Fallon, of Mechanicsburg, has lived longer than any Yorkie we have ever owned.”
Pa., was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital, where

Researchers Seek Candidate Genes first, she didn’t eat well, even with an autosomal recessive or dominant
the prednisone. We could see she was inheritance pattern.
continued from page 1 wasting away and was losing muscle
mass. We could see the bones in her “Many Yorkshire Terriers with PLE
lead to PLE are inflammatory bowel shoulders and feel her spine. We were succumb to the disease despite
disease, intestinal lymphoma and fungal so afraid we would lose her.” aggressive therapeutic intervention,”
infections such as histoplasmosis. Simpson says. “The reasons for a good
After a couple of weeks, the veteri- response versus a poor response are
Dogs with PLE lose protein from the narian increased Phoebe’s prednisone. not clear.”
body through the intestines. Normally “It was like magic,” says Fritz-Rubert.
the intestines absorb dietary protein “Within five days, Phoebe went from In the future, once sufficient num-
from food during the digestive process, weighing 7 pounds to 5 pounds, and bers of samples are collected, the team
but the reverse happens in dogs with she lost 4 inches around her belly. The plans a genomewide association scan-
PLE. In these dogs, the protein is weight loss was because her ascites ning that will help them to identify
released into the intestines and lost improved.” regions of genes that vary among
in feces. affected and healthy Yorkies. “This
Several months after Phoebe was genetic assay provides genotypes
Signs of a Similar Condition diagnosed with PLE, good news came from roughly 170,000 SNP (single
Chronic occasional vomiting was nucleotide polymorphism) markers,”
How to Contribute to PLE Sutter explains. “These markers occur
common in Julie Fritz-Rubert’s 4 ½- Genetic Research all over the dog genome and give us
year-old Yorkshire Terrier, “Phoebe.” a nice survey picture of an individual
When the dog vomited six times in Breeders and owners of Yorkshire dog’s genome.
one day, she became concerned. A Terriers can contribute DNA
few days later, the dog’s abdomen samples to help advance genetic “Each SNP marker on the chip has
appeared bloated. “I took Phoebe to research at Cornell University School two allele forms. If we find a SNP
the veterinarian, who suspected she of Veterinary Medicine to identify marker allele, or form, in affected
had gastroenteritis but ran blood candidate genes that cause protein- dogs that is not present in healthy
work to be sure,” says Fritz-Rubert losing enteropathy (PLE). The dogs, we could have a correlation
of Sacramento, Calif. researchers are requesting samples between the genotype and the dis-
from affected dogs of all ages and ease phenotype. Since we know the
The blood test showed that Phoebe from older, healthy dogs. genomic location for each SNP, we
had low levels of albumin and globulin, could then look at the location, or
consistent with PLE. The veterinarian For information about the criteria locus, in the genome for clues about
recommended an intestinal biopsy to to qualify and how to submit samples the disease.”
determine definitively whether Phoebe and pedigree and clinical informa-
had lymphangiectasia or another cause tion, please contact Dr. Kenneth Next, the researchers will zero in
of PLE. The biopsy confirmed that Phoebe Simpson at [email protected] or on that locus to make a finer grained
had mild to moderate lymphangiectasia. 607-253-3567, or Dr. Nate Sutter map showing differences and to help
at [email protected]. identify the location more precisely.
The lymph vessels in Phoebe’s body “Only after that step is completed
were dilated due to pressure from on a veterinary visit. “It turned out will we be in a position to create a
inflammation. The lymph vessels in Phoebe had gained too much weight,” DNA test to help breeders gauge the
the intestines, called lacteals, were Fritz-Rubert says. “Her big belly was risk for disease,” Sutter says.
not able to absorb dietary fat because due to fat, not fluid as we had feared.”
of increased intralymphatic pressure As the research continues, the goal
with subsequent malabsorption of Not only had Phoebe gained weight, is to collect 100 samples of DNA from
fat and other nutrients such as fat but her albumin and globulin levels affected dogs and healthy controls.
soluble vitamins. With the loss of were normal. The toy dog regained “We need to collect DNA samples,
nutrients, particularly protein and fat, muscle mass and began feeling good, pedigrees and clinical data from
Phoebe had begun to lose weight. even playing. Phoebe continues to take Yorkies with and without disease,”
a small dose of prednisone and is fed says Sutter.
Disease management focused on a low-fat diet and low-fat treats. She
reducing inflammation in the intestinal also continues to take the immuno- Phoebe’s DNA will be included in
mucosa and fluid accumulation in the suppressive medication, azathioprine, the study. Fritz-Rubert became an
abdomen. A corticosteroid, prednisone, which clearly states on the label: Give advocate for supporting the genetic
was prescribed for the inflammation, medicine every other day, forever. research while learning about the
and an immunosuppressive medication, disease through Phoebe. “I probably
azathiaprine, was given to control Surveying the Dog’s Genome have spent about $4,000 in medica-
overaggressive immune responses. Once a dog is diagnosed with tions and veterinary visits for Phoebe,”
she says. “The emotional toll has
Dogs diagnosed with PLE may be protein-losing enteropathy, the con- been just as costly.”
given medications such as tylosin or dition usually requires lifelong disease
metronidazole, which also help to management. The ability to recognize When she found an online forum
modulate bacteria that may promote affected dogs sooner and begin pre- (http://www.savelouie.com/ phpBB3/)
inflammation and reduce the risk of ventive care sooner may offer a better for people whose dogs suffer from
bacteria being transferred into the prognosis. Should a DNA test one day PLE, Fritz-Rubert welcomed the com-
body through the impaired gut. Low- become available to determine dogs fort of sharing her experiences with
dose aspirin helps to reduce the risk that carry the PLE-associated gene others. “I discovered this while
of thromboembolism, a blood-clotting mutation, breeders will have a tool to Phoebe was in the hospital,” she says.
disorder that is common in dogs with potentially reduce disease incidence “I have learned so much from reading
PLE, and a low-dose diuretic may be in their litters. other people’s stories. We have lost lots
given to reduce intra-abdominal fluid. of dogs to this, and each one breaks
Sutter, the Cornell University my heart.” I
Veterinarians often recommend researcher leading the genetics study
feeding a low-fat diet enriched with of PLE in Yorkshire Terriers, is working Purina appreciates the support
medium-chain triglycerides rather than with Kenneth Simpson, professor of of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of
the long-chain triglycerides found in small animal medicine who specializes America and particularly Mary
most dietary fat. The shorter chain in gastroenterology. Though their initial Trimble, president of the YTCA
triglycerides may be absorbed directly grant was completed last May, the Foundation, in helping to identify
into the bloodstream, bypassing the research still is in the early stages, topics for the Purina Pro Club
lymph system. with no indication whether PLE has Yorkshire Terrier Update newsletter.

Even with medications and a special
diet, Phoebe’s abdomen was enlarged
for about six weeks. “We could tell she
didn’t feel well,” Fritz-Rubert says. “At

2

Purina Pro Plan Takes Main Stage at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic

Tips from top professional train- Sporting Dog Group, will emcee panel and bird dog enthusiasts, the event
ers of retrieving, flushing and discussions in which the trainers will will feature wildlife conservation,
pointing breeds are among the answer questions from attendees. upland game bird hunting and wildlife
featured activities planned at the habitat management and restoration.
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic “We are excited to invite our Purina About 30 sporting dog breeds are
Feb. 17 to 19 at the Kansas City (Mo.) consultants to this event and to share expected to be represented by breed
Convention Center. Purina Pro Plan is their expertise on conditioning and clubs and trainers on Bird Dog Alley.
the national dog food sponsor of the training dogs,” West says. “At the
annual event that draws more than Purina booth, we will have experts Purina and Pro Plan was named in
20,000 people. on hand to discuss nutrition and care early 2011 as the national dog food
for hardworking dogs.” sponsor of Pheasants Forever and
The professional trainers, who are Quail Forever, the largest nonprofit
Purina consultants, will hold seminars The largest trade show in the organization in the country dedicated
on the Main Stage of the Bird Dog country for pheasant and quail hunters to upland habitat conservation and
Bonanza area. Tom Dokken of Dokken’s one in which seven of 10 members
Oak Ridge Kennels in Northfield, Minn., own dogs. The agreement renewed
will offer retriever training tips. Rick Purina’s more than two decades’
Smith of Cozier, Va., who developed support of Pheasants Forever, which
the Silent Command System of dog was founded in 1982 by avid pheasant
training, and his cousin, Ronnie Smith, hunters and conservations. Quail
will present guidelines on training Forever was launched in 2005. I
pointing and flushing breeds.

Bob West, Director of Purina’s

2011 Pro Plan Champions Cup Standings

Dog Breed/Variety Points Earned*

GCH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction Black Cocker Spaniel 315
GCH Palacegarden Malachy Pekingese 228
GCH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy Bichon Frise 174
GCH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman Skye Terrier 171
GCH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream Boxer 167
GCH Banana Joe Van Tani Kazari Affenpinscher 166
GCH Starline’s Chanel Whippet 151
GCH Northgates As You Like It Pharaoh Hound 140
GCH Babheim’s Captain Crunch German Shepherd Dog 132
GCH Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence Kuvasz 117

*Points earned through November 30, 2011.

Purina-Sponsored Sporting Events
January to March 2011*

Event Date Location
Jan. 6 - 7 Orangeburg, SC
United Kennel Club (UKC) Grand American Jan. 12 - 15 Cheraw, SC
U.S. Complete Shooting Dog Association (USCSDA)
National Open Championship Jan. 16 - 28 Greenville, FL
Continental Championships Jan. 20 - 23 Oneonta, AL
National Bird Hunters Association (NBHA)
Invitational Championship Jan. 27 - 28 Albany, GA
UKC Winter Classic and Purina Coonhound Awards Feb. 3 - 5 Grenada, MS
All-American Foxhound Championship Feb. 10 - 12 Wheatstone, MO
NBHA National Amateur Championship Feb. 13 - 26 Grand Junction, TN
National Championship Feb. 17 - 19 Kansas City, MO
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic Feb. 23 - 25 Salisbury, NC
UKC Southeastern Treeing Walker Days Feb. 24 - Mar. 4 Booneville, AR
National German Shorthaired Pointer Association (NGSPA)
National Championship Feb. 29 - Mar. 4 Cheraw, SC
NBHA National Open Mar. 7 - 8 Sandland Wildlife,
USCSDA Futurity West End, NC
Rock Springs, GA
American Kennel Club Brace Beagle Southern Federation Mar. 9 - 14 Lynville, IN
American Hunting Basset Association (AHBA) World Hunt Mar. 16 - 17 Booneville, IN
Mid-America Brace Gundog Federation (MAB) All-Age Mar. 24 - 25
National Run-Off Nashville, TN
NBHA Futurity Mar. 26 - 29

*This table lists some, but not all, upcoming sporting events sponsored by Purina.

3

Purina Pro Plan Sponsors the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

New in 2012 at the Westminster ners, including the last five Best in was selected due to its stature in the
Kennel Club Dog Show, dog show winners, have been fed Purina pet industry and visibility at dog shows,”
handlers and enthusiasts arriving Pro Plan brand dog food, so it’s says David Frei, Director of Communi-
for the 136th annual show will notice fitting for Purina to partner with cations for Westminster. “Purina will
signature purple Purina Pro Plan this distinguished kennel club.” be a very active partner, not just during
banners decorating Madison Square the dog show but year-round.”
Garden in New York City. A longtime supporter of the
dog fancy, Purina sponsors more Founded in 1877, the Westminster
As the official pet food sponsor of than 100 all-breed and specialty dog Kennel Club Dog Show is the oldest
the prestigious dog show, Pro Plan shows a year. In 2010, Purina organization in the country dedicated
will reach out to the dog fancy and unveiled the Purina Event Center, a to the sport of purebred dogs. The 2012
millions of people watching the tele- $15 million, 84,000-square-foot dog show will be held Feb. 13 and 14. I
vised program live on USA Network. indoor dog show facility in Gray
Purina and the Westminster Kennel Summit, Mo., where six Westminster
Club announced the multi-year Best in Show winners, along with
sponsorship agreement last June. their owners and handlers, participat-
ed in the Grand Opening.
“Westminster is a marquee dog
show well known around the world,” Purina’s support of the fancy con-
says Candy Caciolo, Purina Portfolio tributed to the decision by the West-
Director of Specialty, Breeder and Pet minster Kennel Club to choose Purina
Acquisition. “Many Westminster win- as the sponsor of its dog show. “Purina

Purina-Sponsored Dog Shows
January to March 2012*

Event Date Location

Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show Jan. 5 - 8 Indio, CA
Land O’Lakes Cluster Jan. 6 - 8 St. Paul, MN
Florida Classic Cluster I & II Jan. 12 - 22 Brooksville, FL
Orange Empire Kennel Club Dog Show Jan. 27 - 30 San Bernardino, CA
Cherokee Rose Cluster Feb. 2 - 5 Atlanta, GA
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Feb. 13 - 14 New York City, NY
Foothills Dog Show Circuit Feb. 17 - 19 Spartanburg, SC
Rocky Mountain Cluster Feb. 17 - 20 Denver, CO
International Kennel Club (IKC) of Chicago Dog Show Feb. 23 - 26 Chicago, IL
Fiesta Cluster Mar. 2 - 5 Scottsdale, AZ
Belle City Cluster Mar. 3 - 4 Purina Event Center
Purina Farms
March Madness Cluster Mar. 22 - 25 Gray Summit, MO
Fort Worth Cluster Mar. 23 - 25 Edison, NJ
Fort Worth, TX

*This table lists some, but not all, upcoming sporting events sponsored by Purina.

Point balance may not reflect current account
activity. For your detailed account activity, go to

www.purinaproclub.com

PuriNa Pro Club Yorkshire Terrier update

PRSRT STD 1400 South Highway Dr.
U.S. POSTAGE Fenton, MO 63026

PAID YourPurina Points Summary

St. Louis, MO Points Available Through November 30, 2011
Permit No. 475