Protective Role for Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Project Summary:

Older dogs often develop a form of dementia that is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. We currently know little about  this condition which limits our ability to prevent or manage it. IGF-1 is a hormone that regulates body size in dogs. In  studies with humans and other animals, this hormone has been shown to protect the aging brain. The goal of our research is to evaluate whether dogs with lower levels of this hormone have increased risk for dementia. Results of the study will advance knowledge about the causes of dementia in dogs and will inform the development of new treatments to protect senior dog cognitive health.

Co-sponsored with the Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: CHF-03576

RESEARCHERS

Evan MacLean, PhD; Arizona Board of Regents, University of Arizona

Amount: $10,000

Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program-UPENN

Posted on by Janet Boyd

Offered through the University of Pennsylvania and directed by Dr. Cynthia Otto, this prestigious residence advances the health , performance, and recovery of canine athletes and active companion dogs. Residents train within two distinct arms: at the renowned Penn Vet Working Dog Center, they support working dogs from puppyhood through deployment in service roles; and at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, they treat performance-related injuries and mobility issues.

The program blends research, clinical practice, and education, preparing residents for board certification in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Residency Mentor, Dr. Cynthia Otto is a nationally recognized expert in working dog performance, recovery, and resilience. As founder and director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, she leads groundbreaking research of detection dogs, conditioning, and injury prevention. Her leadership shapes a residence rooted in science, servie, and canine well-being.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Antiparasitic Treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected Dogs Across Different Stages of Disease for Clinical Cardiac Improvements – the 100-dog Study

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Chagas disease is a deadly parasitic heart disease affecting dogs, humans, and other mammals in regions where “kissing bug” insect vectors are found (South America,  Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States). Dogs across the US may be at risk if they travel from or to affected regions. Currently, there is no vaccine and no  widely validated antiparasitic treatments.

After eight years of characterizing natural infections and disease progression, the  team will develop a canine Chagas disease scoring system to categorize disease  severity. They will then treat 100 dogs with a modified dosing regimen of  benznidazole that has shown promise in preliminary studies. Dogs at different  disease stages will be enrolled to determine which patients benefit most from  treatment.

Relevance to PWDs: Regional relevance for PWDs living in or traveling to areas with  kissing bugs, primarily the southern United States.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03334

RESEARCHERS

Sarah Hamer, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVPM; Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Amount: $5,000

Advancing Canine Health: Liquid Biopsy for Early Relapse Detection and Improved Treatment of Mast Cell Tumors

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most common malignant canine skin tumor, accounting for 16-21% of all skin tumors. All breeds can develop MCTs, but many purebreds (e.g., Boxers, Boston Terriers) are predisposed. Clinical management is challenging due to  unpredictable biological behavior and inaccurate biomarkers. While surgery is the  primary treatment, many dogs develop resistance to chemotherapy within months.

This study aims to develop a non-invasive “liquid biopsy” that uses blood sampling to  detect early disease progression and therapy resistance. Next-generation sequencing  (NGS) will measure tumor burden through circulating DNA, potentially revolutionizing  how we monitor these patients, improving their quality of life, and significantly  impacting veterinary oncology.

Relevance to PWDs:
All breeds can develop MCTs, including PWDs. This research offers significant  potential benefits by developing a non-invasive blood test that could detect relapse  earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the need for sedation or anesthesia  during monitoring. The non-invasive monitoring method being developed  would benefit any breed diagnosed with this common cancer.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03368

RESEARCHERS

Paulo Vilar Saavedra, DVM, MS; University of Florida

Amount: $5,000

Identification of Bartonella henselae Immunodominant Epitopes for Diagnosis and Prevention of Canine Bartonelloses

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Bartonella species are associated with severe diseases in dogs, including endocarditis, myocarditis, hepatitis, lymphadenitis, hemangiosarcoma, vasculitis, arthritis, uveitis,  meningitis, and others.

Despite diagnostic advances, current tests lack sensitivity. Bartonella infections pose a serious threat to dogs and public health due to potential transmission to humans. This study will identify Bartonella henselae B-cell and T-cell epitopes (parts of proteins recognized by the immune system) using immunoproteomic approaches. The results  will help develop a reliable ELISA diagnostic test and provide insights into proteins  that should be targeted in future vaccines to prevent Bartonella infection in dogs.

Relevance to PWDs: As with the companion Bartonella study, improved diagnostics  and potential preventive measures would benefit all breeds, especially those involved  in outdoor sports and activities.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03337

RESEARCHERS

Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM, DACVIM; North Carolina State University

Amount: $5,000

Towards Curative Outcomes in Canine Hemangiosarcoma

Posted on by Crystal Smith

This nationwide clinical trial aims to achieve curative outcomes for 400 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma—a highly aggressive cancer that disproportionately affects  older, large breed dogs. Despite aggressive treatment, more than 50% of affected  dogs die within 6 months due to metastatic spread. The research will leverage  genomic insights to: (1) identify molecular biomarkers for prognosis; (2) define  genomic subgroups that may benefit from specific anticancer drugs; and (3) develop  new therapeutic approaches to prevent cancer spread. This approach follows the  roadmap used in transforming childhood leukemia from a fatal diagnosis to a commonly cured disease.

Relevance to PWDs: PWDs are at risk for hemangiosarcoma. This study could  transform treatment approaches for this devastating disease that currently has poor outcomes. The innovative approach could lead to personalized treatment protocols  and potentially curative therapies for affected dogs.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 02946

RESEARCHERS

Chand Khanna, DVM, PhD; Ethos Discovery

Amount: $10,000

Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program-CO State Univ

Posted on by Crystal Smith

The Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service at Colorado State University specializes in medical orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and clinical trials for dogs. Their focus is on preventing and treating lameness and disabilities caused by athletic activities, arthritic, amputations, neurological issues, and aging. The service helps rehabilitate dogs to their pre-injury state, improve quality of life, and develop preventative programs for injuries and arthritis. The Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility service also conducts research to discover new treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

The program offers highly regarded residency positions to train specialists in treating athletic, working, and companion dogs with mobility disorders. The residents gain hands-on  clinical experience with primary responsibility for lameness and mobility cases at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). They also participate in clinical trials, perform diagnostic workups, and implement treatment plans, collaborating with orthopedic surgery and other specialties when necessary.

The Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program is a collaboration between the American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) to increase the number of specialists trained to meet the unique needs of athletic and working animals, as well as all animals in need of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation focuses on recovery after surgical procedures, as well as improving the quality of life in animals suffering from debilitating diseases such as arthritis or neurologic impairments.

The popularity of performance and companion dog sports continues to rise, with increasing numbers of dogs competing in AKC events and a growing number of sports. This trend highlights the human-animal bond, showcasing the strong connection between canine athletes and their humans. While some sports highlight purpose-bred dogs, many welcome all dogs and appeal to a large owner population centered on enriching their dog’s life. This program supports cutting-edge medicine and health research to benefit these special canine athletes.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Zeroing in on a Cause

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Dilated cardiomyopathy is most commonly seen as a genetic disease of the heart muscle affecting certain large or giant dog breeds. However, many dogs in the last several years have developed a different form of dilated cardiomyopathy that research has associated with diets that are grain-free or contain pulses (i.e., peas, lentils) and which appear to injure the heart. Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy differs from primary dilated cardiomyopathy because it can affect dogs of any breed and can improve if diet is changed. Nonetheless, diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy remains a potentially deadly disease that has caused – and continues to cause – significant harm to dogs, so it is important to identify the cause quickly.

Researchers have found some evidence of a specific type of damage to heart cells visible only by an electron microscope. This research will help to zero in on the cause of this devastating disease and lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03275

RESEARCHERS

Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN; Tufts University

Amount: $5,000

Artificial Intelligence-based Image Analysis of Lymph Node Mast Cell Burden in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Canine mast cell disease is one of the most common cancers in dogs. These tumors can be aggressive, with local recurrence, metastasis, and disease progression resulting in death. Lymph nodes are a major site of metastasis for canine mast cell tumors, and lymph nodes are routinely removed and evaluated for metastasis as part of the clinical workup in dogs with this disease.

The research team aims to use deep-learning based digital image analysis to evaluate lymph nodes in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors for specific microscopic features associated with the risk of disease progression and death. These criteria can then be evaluated in dogs with mast cell disease, providing clinicians with additional prognostic information and allowing for more guided and meaningful therapy.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03282

RESEARCHERS

Ryan Jennings, DVM, PhD; Ohio State University

Amount: $5,000

Probiotic Prevention of GI Hyperpermeability and Metabolome Disturbances in Dogs with Multicentric Lymphoma Undergoing Multi-drug Chemotherapy

Posted on by Janet Boyd

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects negatively impact dogs with lymphoma who are undergoing treatment with multi-drug chemotherapy. Up to 40% of dogs experience GI toxicity that requires dose reduction or treatment delays, which can increase the cost of care if hospitalization is required. As routinely prescribed medications inconsistently prevent GI toxicity, new options are needed. Disruption of the normal GI bacterial population, or dysbiosis, is implicated as a mechanism of GI toxicity. Dysbiosis induces GI structural changes, decreases intestinal absorption, and leads to increased permeability of the intestines. Microbiota metabolism is also disrupted, leading to abnormal fecal metabolic by-products. These GI structural changes, hyperpermeability, and metabolism disruption increase the risk of diarrhea, GI bacterial translocation, and sepsis. Probiotics improve metabolome profiles, reduce severe diarrhea, and improve the GI barrier in humans undergoing chemotherapy but are an incompletely explored option in dogs. The investigators will evaluate the impact of a commercial probiotic on GI permeability and bacterial metabolism abnormalities in dogs with lymphoma being treated with multi-drug chemotherapy.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03300

RESEARCHERS

Maria Jugan, DVM, MS; Kansas State University

Amount: $5,000