RESEARCH INTO HEREDITARY EYE PROBLEMS

The Joint Miniature Schnauzer Eye Fund (JMSEF) is supported by the Miniature Schnauzer Club, the Northern Schnauzer Club and the Schnauzer Club Of Great Britain.

In 2001 several members attended an Open Day at the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket to learn of their work and how they could aid research into the eye conditions that affect the Miniature Schnauzer. Following many questions and telephone calls it was decided that two members from each club would form a sub-committee with the aim of raising funds for research into the eye conditions and hopefully culminating in a DNA test.

The fund also approached BVA panellists’ for their assistance in locating dogs and puppies who were affected. Together, the relevant paperwork was produced and the veterinary surgeons agreed to pass this onto the owners of affected Miniature Schnauzers in order to obtain the correct blood samples to be sent to the Animal Health Trust.

Currently DNA samples are collected by swabs making the process very simple and it is completely confidential with only the owner, the Eye panellist and the Animal Health Trust knowing the details.

Fundraising began in the summer of 2002 and is still continuing. Projects so far include a calendar, raffles, the sale of handmade items, auctions, donations from club members, companion dog shows, Christmas greetings, a monthly prize draw, tee shirts and several limited edition items and many more.

Click here for the lastest update from the JMSEF