A Study of the Norwich Larynx, (Legacy of Love Program)

Many of us are very concerned about the number of Norwich Terriers with abnormalities involving the upper airway. Although only a portion of Norwich Terriers have clinical signs of noisy breathing, many show signs of difficulty breathing or reduced stamina during activities such as agility, and a study in Switzerland showed that the vast majority of Norwich tested by upper airway scoping were affected to some extent. A variety of changes were seen including everted laryngeal saccules, elongated soft palates and other alterations to airway structure and integrity.

As a veterinary pathologist, I am very interested in examining the larynges of affected dogs and comparing them to normal dogs. I will perform a complete post mortem examination on any Norwich Terriers that die within the next year or so, regardless of whether they were ever diagnosed with upper airway disease. I will take out the larynx and photograph it and also will look at the tissues under the microscope. Your veterinarian will be sent a complete necropsy report detailing all of the findings in your dog, those associated with the upper airway as well as any other abnormalities. There will be no charge to you for this service.

If you wish to participate in this study, you will need to contact my administrator Zipporah Gilchrist at 443-287-2953. . She will send you a form to fill out that describes the history of your dog’s veterinary problems. You will also need to transport your dog between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. You can drive your dog to this location personally or ship it double-bagged in plastic with abundant ice packs overnight via Federal Express.

Attn: Bruce Baldwin or Chris Zink
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Dept of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology – Loading Dock
1721 E Madison St
Baltimore MD 21205-2196

You can request that your dog’s remains be cremated and the ashes returned to you, which we can arrange through the generosity of a local veterinary clinic. You will be responsible for the cost of cremation ($80).

I know that it is a very difficult time when our beloved Norwich die. However, this is a way that your companion can contribute to our understanding of this devastating condition. Please give this study consideration now and let us know, if possible a few days in advance, if you expect your dog to die and would like to contribute to this study.

— Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVSMR

Forms:

Study of Norwich Larynxes Desc[1]

Release for Norwich Larynx Study

Cremation Request