Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common, non-inflammatory systemic disease of the spine and peripheral skeleton that occurs in many breeds of dogs. There is evidence that only one or at least a few genetic risk factors favor the development of DISH. In collaboration with various private veterinarians in Germany, as well as Prof. Dr. Stefanie Ohlerth and Prof. Dr. Frank Steffen from the Animal Hospital of the University of Zurich, we would like to investigate the genetic causes of DISH and develop a genetic test. We need EDTA blood samples and x-rays of Australian Cattle Dogs and Boxers for this. We ask breeders, owners, and veterinarians for their help and samples.
