Darla would be 7

[frontierrots]

Today is Darla's birthday. My beautiful, super smart, athletic and structurally correct girl SHOULD be celebrating her 7th birthday today.

But she is not

She is dead

Died at 14 months old. Stolen away by sub aortic stenosis (SAS).

Pictures

How could this have been prevented you ask? IF we had a DNA test for SAS

Please IF you have a dog that is board certified cardiologist clear of SAS OR a dog that is SAS affected as diagnosed by a board certified cardiologist using dopplar ECHO, please consider sending a blood sample, pedigree and cardiac report to Dr Meurs. When she has enough samples for each (affected and clear) she will be seeking to re start the study and use new technology to try to find the gene marker for this horrible disease that has shortened too many promising young lives

Rottweiler Familial Subaortic Stenosis Study


We are currently looking for DNA samples from Rottweilers with a diagnosis of Subvalvular aortic stenosis (diagnosed by Doppler echocardiogram) or proven clear of Subvalvular aortic stenosis (as cleared by a cardiologist) to advance our study to identify a gene for the disease.
· For the technique to work well, we need DNA samples from 20-30 affected dogs and 20-30 clear dogs
· Please return the form on page 2 with your sample and mail to:

VCGL – WSU
Post Office Box 605
Pullman, WA 99163-0605

Sample collection
Please ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician to pull a blood sample into an EDTA tube. Most veterinary hospitals have these readily available.

1. Blood drawn into a Standard EDTA Tube does not need to be refrigerated.

2. Blood draw volume should be 1 to 2 ml, if possible.

3. Please label tube well, with dog’s call name and family last name and send the samples to our lab via the address above.

Blood drawn does not need to be mailed back with ice packs or be shipped overnight. However, if possible please try to send the sample within a few days by standard mail. Until the blood can be mailed, it is a good idea to refrigerate it (i.e., if the blood was drawn late Saturday and cannot be mailed until Monday, it’s a good idea to refrigerate it between Saturday and Monday).

Questions? Contact Info: Email: meurs@vetmed.wsu.edu Phone: 509.335.6038

Thank you very much for your submitting a sample, we greatly appreciate it!







Rottweiler Familial Subaortic Stenosis Study

Dog Name:

Gender:

Birthdate:

Owner Name:

Complete Address:


Phone Number:


E-mail:


Please include a Xerox copy of a pedigree and any echocardiogram information, all information will remain confidential!




THANK YOU!!!

[Debbie Ervin]

She was so BEAUTIFUL. Wow I am crying just looking at her pictures and knowing exactly how you feel. I had my Rotties for a long time before they passed and it is no easier but I have also known friends who have lost their babies at young ages as your Darla. They had their whole life ahead of them, the only positive out of the whole thing is for whatever short time she was yours and she loved you and you loved her. No one can cheat you or her out of that. Love is eternal. God Bless Darla and I am sure she has met Thor and Ceasar, quite handsome fellas. Debbie Ervin

[debbiej]

happy birthday Darla! she was beautiful! I'm sorry for your loss, I cannot imagine the pain.

[hoagydog]

I am so sorry for your loss; she was a wonderful friend to you. We lost our Hannibal Titus aka Pupdaddy to a mystery illness just 3 weeks after his 7th birthday.
He was waiting to play with girl doggie Darling Darla.
Hugs your way while we wait to join them.

[marya]

So Sorry about your Darla. She was a real cutie. You had her for such a short time. Thank goodness for all the great pictures.

[Inga]

Sorry for your loss. I understand your pain. I have lost my soul mate girl as well. There are no words that can help us. My thoughts are with you. Rest in Peace Darla.

[Lola B Marie]

Your photos of Darla are just beautiful and so is her precious memory. Her short life was well documented which can only confirm how devoted to her you all were. I would like to personally thank you for all the caring and excellent advice you offer to this site. You always respond with knowledge and ideas as to how we can all work to better the breed. I just wanted you to know how very much I appreciate you being here. I am sure at some point, Lola will need to be checked by a cardio, due to the amount of meds she needs for that sick belly of hers. I will save the address and will send a sample to the study.
I am so sorry that Darla left at such an early age but, at least she had the most wonderful life she could have while she was here. We lost our heart dog, Sheena Marie Rott, in 04. She was 10. I wanted 10 more. I do understand the sadness. I am sure that Darla's bright star will watch over you this holiday season and always.
Jane
Jane

[Sam's Mom]

What a gorgeous girl you were blessed with...even if only for a short while.
Happy Birthday Darla...don't eat too much cake!

[LORHEL]

I will never forget Darla's story and your love for her... I am so sorry she had to go so soon. She will never be forgotten.

[Troodie's Mom]

What an absolute doll she was! It makes me sad you lost her so young.
I bet she is everyone's darling over on the other side of the Bridge.