|
In 2004, Dr. Berge Minassian, now Chief of Pediatric Neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern, discovered the gene mutation responsible for Lafora disease in Basset hounds and other breeds. In the subsequent 20 years he and colleague researchers have made major strides in understanding the disease, and most recently devising a potential therapy.
Dr. Minassian is looking for Basset Hounds, and other breed dogs affected with Lafora disease for potential participation in an upcoming clinical trial. Affected dogs must be genetically confirmed to have Lafora disease, and must have symptoms of the disease.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Minassian directly at berge.minassian@utsouthwestern.edu
In October 2023, BHCA members participated in a ZOOM session with Dr. Minassian and Dr. Matthew Gentry. They described Lafora, the treatment they will be testing, how Basset Hound owners can participate in the research, and how our dogs might benefit. You can view a video of the session on the BHCA website.
Go to BHCA Health & Research page and scroll down to the section on Lafora Disease and click on the third hotlink entitled “Click here to view the Health Committee's Oct 13, 2023 Zoom meeting with Dr. Matt Gentry and Dr. Berge Minassian on progress in research on treatments to reduce symptoms of Lafora Disease on both dogs and humans.”
| 
