Canine health researchers throughout the country are looking for dogs to help them better understand disease. In some cases, you and your dog need to live close to the research institution. In other cases, you can participate no matter where you live. Learn more about the significant impact you can make on canine health research through your participation. https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/why-participation-in-canine.html
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository
The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs. DNA samples from any purebred dog may be submitted at any time. Researchers may then access these samples to be included in their canine health studies. Learn more at https://ofa.org/chic-programs/#dnabank.html
We strongly recommend that any Border Terrier with ANY health issue submit a sample to the CHIC DNA Repository. The BTCA Health & Scholarship foundation will cover the FedEX charges for shipping a sample to the DNA Bank. Many veterinarians will not charge you extra if you ask for collection of a blood sample when you are in for any exam.
The BTCA Form can be found here https://btcoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/chic_dnabankapp_BT.pdf
Clinical Trials
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a disease there may be a clinical trial in your area investigating a treatment for that disease. Enrolling in a clinical trial brings with it a commitment to follow through on therapies and testing. The benefits can include access to cutting-edge medicine and the chance to help future generations of dogs. Use the Individual Research Projects search engine below or review these resources for finding clinical trials.
https://www.akcchf.org/research/participate-in-research/clinical-trials.html
Or
https://ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx
These links give information on clinical programs so that you can search for ones in your area. Some of these links are easier to navigate than others. Your veterinarian may also be aware of clinical trials in your region.