We all know how devastating the death of a puppy can be, or the arrival of a still born pup, and what a waste we feel it to be. However, Dr Imelda McGonnell of the Royal Veterinary College is researching in to cranial and skull development, and feels that information derived from the following material:

1. Aborted material
2. Stillborn material
3. Death within up to a week of whelping

will provide insight in to a number of conditions, including both canine and human SM and possible genetic links. Dr McGonnell would welcome the participation of breeders in to this research, and you are asked in the first instance to get in touch with Sheena Stevens (Kilnshena@Hotmail.com - 01884 821080) who will be happy to provide you with information and instructions. All details are completely confidential, and breeders will eventually receive a report from Dr McGonnell on any specimen provided.

It’s perhaps worth mentioning that since the research started the team has obtained funding for a Ph.D student – and that we have an expert on epilepsy on board. We have also received requests from cardiologists for mitral valve tissue to help research on hearts. So please do get in touch – it will be a great help to the breed.