Cardiac arrhythmia

Ongoing Research on Sudden Cardiac Death in Leonbergers

Genetic research on sudden cardiac death in Leonbergers continues at the University of Helsinki and the Folkhälsan Research Center, led by Professor Hannes Lohi and funded by the Academy of Finland and the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters. The primary goal is to identify the gene(s) responsible for the arrhythmia, building on earlier work that characterized the clinical features and inheritance patterns of the condition.

Progress and Ongoing Studies

New blood samples are being collected from Finland and worldwide, while ongoing clinical heart examinations are conducted in collaboration with veterinary cardiologist Maria Wiberg. Researchers are also investigating the potential of a serum-based marker for screening, and studying changes in the heart muscle of dogs that have died suddenly. The genetic search for the mutation behind the arrhythmia remains a central focus.

How Owners and Breeders Can Contribute

The success of this research relies heavily on collaboration with breed enthusiasts, including owners and breeders. Here's how you can help:

  • Dog Owners:

    • If your dog dies suddenly without an obvious cause, please contact the research team immediately.
    • Consider submitting a blood sample for the study if:
      • Your dog is under 3 years old.
      • Your dog has a sibling or parent that has died young or has been diagnosed with arrhythmias.
    • Samples are accepted from dogs of all ages. Instructions for submission can be found here.

  • Breeders:

    • Submit blood samples from all puppies in a litter and their parents, ideally during litter health examinations.
    • Contact the research team if you are organizing a litter meeting or kennel day, and sample collection can be arranged at the event if possible.
    • Report any sudden deaths to the research team immediately.

Clinical Examinations and Blood Collection

The research team is conducting heart examinations at the University Veterinary Hospital and potentially other clinics in Finland and abroad. Dogs under 3 years old from litters with cases of sudden death or arrhythmia will be invited. Owners are encouraged to pursue Holter monitoring, and a blood sample can be collected during this process. Serum samples will also be collected when possible.

Group blood collection events will be organized in Finland and abroad to gather additional samples.

Contact Information: