URBANA--A researcher at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is taking an unusual approach to gathering data.

By offering two days of owner education and a discounted cardiac examination, Dr. Mark Oyama hopes to draw about 100 Doberman pinschers and their owners to Urbana, Ill., on May 10 and 11 so he can collect clinical information that may lead to advances in early detection of a common canine heart problem, dilated cardiomyopathy.

Over the course of the two-day Doberman Pinscher Health Conference, the dogs and their two-legged companions will attend 8 hours of presentations on canine health issues, tour the veterinary college, and enjoy lunches and snacks. Each dog will also undergo an exam including a cardiac ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and blood draw--procedures typically worth at least twice the registration fee of $175 for one dog and two people.

Owners will receive results of the screening by mail after the conference. Dr. Oyama will use the data collected to explore whether a blood marker can be used as an inexpensive and accurate way to screen for early-stage heart disease.

A method for early detection of dilated cardiomyopathy (a disease that causes the heart to enlarge and not function properly) through routine annual blood tests could save money and improve outcomes for dogs whose heart problems are caught in the early stages. The test would not be breed specific, but Doberman pinschers have a propensity for the disease, making them good study subjects.

A pilot study performed by Dr. Oyama with funding from the Doberman Pinscher Foundation of America showed that a blood-based screening test warrants further investigation.

This unique weekend, which combines owner education with clinical screening and research data collection, was organized by the veterinary college with support from the Doberman Pinscher Foundation of America and Beckman Coulter, Inc. Registration and more information for owners is available from the college Web site: www.cvm.uiuc.edu.

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 28 veterinary schools in the United States. Its Veterinary Teaching Hospital each year provides care for about 15,000 patients in its Small Animal Clinic.

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