*new* February 2013
A genetics paper has been published. Here is the abstract. And the full article
The purpose of the research is to develop a screening test. The scientists have now identified a MHC Class ll haplotype associated with an increased risk of Polymyositis in the vizsla. We are still a considerable way from our goal of being able to determine which vizslas have the potential to carry forward an expression of the disease - but the research findings are a very exciting step in the right direction. Further studies are envisaged and it is to be hoped that progress so far will encourage many more owners and breeders to make contact to offer their vizsla's saliva samples.
Please do take time to read the abstract. It explains that the current research into VPM has the potential to help human sufferers of myositis - and indeed other inheritable inflammatory disorders. Pedigree dog breeds that display high predisposition for certain spontaneously occurring diseases have already proved to represent a powerful comparitive genetic model for aiding in the discovery of novel genetic loci underlying analogous human conditions.
The researchers specifically thanked the owners that had provided their vizslas' samples. They also placed on record their appreciation of the generous financial donations provided by the Hungarian Vizsla Club and now the Hungarian Vizsla Welfare Charity.
Funding remains a problem in the matter of continuing research.
