The University of Pennsylvania is actively seeking blood and urine samples from cystinuric dogs, regardless of how the disease has been treated or neuter status. There is no charge for the test as long as a signed consent form (email cystinuriadnatest “at” gmail.com for the form), blood sample, urine sample, and stone analysis report are provided.
Directions for submitting a urine test to Penn.
Owners will receive test results, and all information will remain confidential. In the meantime, all owners of intact male Deerhounds are advised to watch their males urinate every day and to contact their veterinarian without delay if there is ever any indication of a problem. If your dog is unable to urinate or is having trouble urinating, this is an emergency situation that needs immediate veterinarian attention.
Neutering Study
If you are neutering or have recently neutered a dog that has formed cystine stones or tested positive on an NP test, the University of Pennsylvania is seeking samples for a neutering study.
University of Pennsylvania Cystinuria Neutering Study Protocol
Please provide:
• 5-10 ml of blood in a purple-top EDTA tube.
• A couple of urine samples (5 ml) before the castration and then samples from 2 and 4 weeks as well as 2 and 3 months after the neuter surgery. You can freeze the samples in glass or plastic tubes from your veterinarian until shipment together.
• Stone analysis report.
Directions for sample collection and shipment.
Please ship everything together after the last sample is taken, and please write “NEUTERING STUDY” on the form.
A note from Dr. Giger: “The postoperative period is critical as dogs may develop calculi more than at any other time because of the wound. It will likely be important to use antibiotics and diurese the dog to have dilute and alkaline urine.”