POMERANIAN ALOPECIA X - SURVEY (Sometimes called BSD or black skin disease) I recently sifted my way through a mash of rhetoric on a website snoelpoms/articles-on-bsd.php that some seem to bandy about like a piece of scripture. Aside from the poor structure and basic lack of writing style, the prose is rife with innuendo and misinformation; some of which I will answer here. In contrast to the assertion: “For the most part, Pomeranian breeders are divided into three basic groups.”, I have spent a lot of time quietly behind the scenes interviewing people on this very subject. Perhaps people feel more comfortable to answer truthfully when not at risk for public criticism? In any case, my findings don’t include individuals who accept BSD as a “normal” or “regular condition” that must be lived with. I haven’t spoken to anyone who is simply sitting back waiting for a gene to be identified. I also haven’t spoken to any breeders who dismiss the scientific effort as too costly and futile. Clearly the most enlightened and proactive breeders are not only monitoring their stock and making careful breeding decisions, based on their own observations, while taking into account the experiences of others, they are at the same time contributing to the research by; monetary donations, completing the scientific survey, and taking the time to educate anyone who will listen. It’s short-sighted at best to assume that only one road will lead to eradication. Time is proving that the breeders who truly care the most are multitasking solutions for this issue and haven’t pigeon-holed themselves into one group or another. It’s interesting that there is mention of ‘raw’ data – “valid data that indicates that the frequency of BSD is static. We saw the levels of BSD skyrocket”. Until there is a source of scientific data, all comments for or against this statement are merely anecdotal opinion. This is the very reason for the Official Survey. It’s an effort to gather ‘valid’ data so that there will be an accurate picture of the state of our breed. The survey is a logic-based scientific tool. It is not a partisan approach to sway belief and support to suit any single method of controlling or stopping BSD, or to sell a product, promote a specific kennel, breeder or group, etc. Wade a little deeper into the mire to where the pros and cons of scientific research funding are discussed. The points made here concerning funding are off topic. We are not looking to fund research to find a cure or a drug. The application is too limited so governments and private industry of course have no interest. The only statement that I can agree with here is that: “I am fairly certain that BSD will NOT be cured in my lifetime.” The current research is not focussed on finding a cure for BSD. No, unfortunately a cure is not likely to be found any time soon. In fact identifying a pharmaceutical “cure” could be considered foolish at best. We would develop a breed that is largely dependent on continuous treatment with a drug to maintain one of its defining characteristics. Rather, the research is focussed on locating the defective gene. Once located, a test can be adapted which will tell breeders which dogs are carriers and which dogs are clear. That is the best possible tool for breeders because to assume that every line of Pomeranian will present with identical 5-month coat changes and other physical attributes is not realistic. The business of locating genes is now common place in scientific research. The human genome has been mapped. The Canine genome has been mapped. A Pomeranian genome is being mapped. The work is underway. It is NOT inconceivable that a gene will be located very soon and without overwhelming sums of money. The very premise for dissuading support from this scientific research is shameful at best and is certainly not in the best interest of the dogs. Yet later, in this self-promoting advertisement, I find one other statement of truth: “this problem is woefully under funded.” How true and how sad it is, that those who purport to love our breed and who take great strides to remind us all of how important their contribution has been and how great their success in toy dogs in general, fail to appear on the list of Alopecia X or genome mapping donors. Perhaps theirs was an anonymous donation; however unlikely, given their resolve to boast at every opportunity and the fact that the list lacks any anonymous donation despite the policy to list anonymous donations as such. It should be noted that this sad attempt at a credible article is not the first or the only “writing” on the topic. In fact there are many peer-reviewed scientific journal articles on this topic and others in the community have also written more accessible pieces on the current state of this coat issue that aren’t bravado and self-accolades but rather contain real information. Others have presented seminars as well, and will continue to do so. Linda Frank is a veterinary dermatologist who has published and presented extensively on BSD and is far more of an expert on skin, coat and Alopecia X than many other self-proclaimed ‘hair’ experts. Members of certain groups who have posted links to the Alopecia X survey have had their posts deleted in what may be construed as an effort to hide the fact that there are things being done to learn more and help fight this coat issue. If one is concerned with the truth and honesty, allow the survey to be promoted and include truthful data on your dogs—it will be the ultimate test to the validity of any theory on Alopecia X. Over 1000 entries have been logged into the survey. This is a remarkable feat by the worldwide Pomeranian community. We are collecting the largest dataset ever on Alopecia X in the Pomeranian. Be a part of helping the breed and finding answers, we need even more dogs entered. Overlook the poor writing style and shameless self promotion in the writings mentioned above, and you might just find a modicum of useful information. The best advice is ‘honesty’. Anyone who has lived in a closet or who has kept some sort of upsetting secret knows the value and relief gained by telling the truth. Be honest about your dogs; to your fellow breeders as well as to yourself. Work together to building a stronger, better breed. Support the science. The Survey costs nothing but time. The dogs deserve our attention. Let’s keep focus on them instead of show wins. Rick Please participate in the Alopecia X survey: English: https://surveymonkey/s/PCOC-Alopecia-X Russian: https://surveymonkey/s/PCOC_Survey_Russian Spanish: https://surveymonkey/s/PCOC-Alopecia-X-Spanish Other languages: Portuguese, French and more coming soon!
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:04:36 +0000
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