Dr. Kimberly Greer
Prairie View A&M University
kagreer@pvamu.edu
In the late spring of 2012, I was able to meet Dr. Greer in Texas. It was so wonderful.
Prairie View A&M University
kagreer@pvamu.edu
In the late spring of 2012, I was able to meet Dr. Greer in Texas. It was so wonderful.
 |
| Dr. Greer on the left, me on the right |
She graciously talked with me for an hour and a half. We shared our pug stories, and it became so clear how dedicated she is to this breed. I am so happy that Payton is a part of her research.
After bureaucratic delays and a few cross-country moves, as
of spring of 2014, Dr. Greer’s lab is finally up and running – back in Texas
where she started! Her research focuses
on discovering the genetic markers, which could lead to ways to accurately
diagnose and treat PDE – maybe even finding a cure one day. She is currently working to verify additional
markers of the disease discovered by another team. This is exciting as it
should improve the PDE susceptibility test.
Dr. Greer helped develop the test with UC Davis and can be ordered here:
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/PDE.php. It was designed to help responsible breeders to
select mates that will produce puppies that are at decreased risk, but the test
can also be used to predict the chances of your own pug getting sick. Your vet should be able to help you
coordinate testing.
It’s important to realize this test is not a diagnostic
tool. Dr. Greer warned me that there have been a few cases where a pug
did get PDE even though the results showed the lowest risk (no copies of the
identified markers). Researchers have
yet to identify all of the markers so the test can’t be 100% accurate
yet. In fact it's these "exception to the rule" pugs that
would contribute the most to research – possibly holding the key to discovering
the missing markers.
Dr. Renee Barber
University of Georgia
rbarber1@uga.edu
Dr. Renee Barber
University of Georgia
rbarber1@uga.edu
As late as December of 2014, Dr. Barber was still listed as
a neurology resident at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital associated with the University
of Georgia. There are many online
references that mention her work investigating PDE, but I am not sure if she is
still actively researching.
Cornell University
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/
Approximately 10 or more years ago, I believe the Pug Dog Club of America (or some other internet article) had referenced research going on at Cornell, but I have not heard of any recent updates.
Join the fight against
PDE and please consider donating to PDE research!
If you have a diagnosis or suspect your pug may be suffering
from PDE, please think about allowing your pet to become a part of a research
effort when the time comes. Arrangements
can be made for veterinary pathologists to examine the brain tissue while still
allowing your pet to be cremated and returned to you. I know for me, it gives meaning to all of
Payton’s struggles, and I’m so proud she is still fighting against PDE by
furthering Dr. Greer’s research. So
please consider contacting Dr. Greer or another PDE researcher to discuss
options. Note that it is crucial to
have their body refrigerated, NOT frozen, if you are waiting for further
instructions.
Monetary donations are always welcomed for PDE research
too. Sometimes the grants and university funding doesn’t cover the medical
and logistical costs of helping families who choose to donate samples after
their beloved pet passes.
We have to do everything we can to help get to the bottom of this horrible disease! As always, feel free to send us an email (boostrom1@charter.net) with any questions.
Love,
Christy (and
angel Payton in spirit)
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