Collection of all semen samples required for the study has been completed. Samples from 62 dogs presented to the veterinary hospital at The Ohio State University have been preserved in formalin and shipped to the University of Pennsylvania. Acquisition of dog sperm images has started. In addition, we have started the work with our collaborators at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison to develop an algorithm to automatically identify and crop sperm using a bank of bovine sperm images. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03045-A MY1: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology”
Research Update CHF 03053-A MY1: Genome-wide Association Study to Investigate Genetic Markers for Antimicrobial Resistance in Mycoplasma cynos Associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
We would like to thank AKC CHF for supporting our research on Mycoplasma cynos, which is an emerging respiratory bacterium in dogs. M. cynos is associated with kennel cough and may lead to fatal pneumonia. This bacterium is very complex, and lack of standardized diagnostic and knowledge on antibiotic therapy makes clinical management difficult. Since no vaccine is available, current treatment of M. cynos-associated outbreaks relies on antibiotics. However, the in vitro activity of antibiotics against M. cynos has never been studied and the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy for M. cynos disease is completely unknown. This may lead to unsuccessful treatment and antibiotic
resistance. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03053-A MY1: Genome-wide Association Study to Investigate Genetic Markers for Antimicrobial Resistance in Mycoplasma cynos Associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease”
Research Update CHF 03055 MY1: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid cell cultures present new opportunities to improve understanding of common reproductive pathologies in the bitch in a laboratory setting rather than using live animals for research. This is an improvement on using research dogs by: i) addressing important welfare and ethical concerns, ii) allowing more controlled study of cellular responses due to different hormones and infectious agents, and iii) permitting high-throughput evaluation of treatments performed in tandem. This 3D reproductive organoid cell culture technology has not been attempted in canines prior to these studies. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03055 MY1: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model”
Research Update CHF 02534 EY 4 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
We have screened 58 dogs for the study. None of the dogs were enrolled due to the detection of metastatic disease during the screening process. Two other dogs were not screened due to the prior use of Yunnan Baiyao beyond the 24-hour limit allowed, and another owner cancelled the morning of the screening for unknown reasons. We have enrolled 19 dogs to date, bringing enrollment to 95% of the dogs proposed for the study. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02534 EY 4 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma”
Research Update CHF 02806-MOU EY3: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up
The goal for this project is to develop a reliable, accessible, and actionable test to identify dogs at risk for hemangiosarcoma during the earliest stages of disease and to use a strategic, rationally designed approach to prevent its occurrence in these high-risk dogs before it becomes clinically detrimental and life-threatening. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02806-MOU EY3: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up”
Research Update CHF 02819 MY3: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses
As previously reported, due to COVID-19 pandemic and backorders of supplies, we had a short delay in starting the study. We have now received all the lab supplies. Screening of Bh SA2 expression genomic library by colony immunoblotting (Aim1) require additional time and research effort to identify potential diagnostic antigens for Canine Bartonelloses. Once we identify potential diagnostic markers, we will evaluate utility of these proteins and develop a reliable ELISA for serodiagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02819 MY3: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses”
Research Update CHF 02723 EY3: Scientific and Clinical Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Obese Dogs: SLIM Study
We screened (comprehensive physical examinations, bloodwork, and fecal analysis) 51 dogs for the SLIM study. Of these, 31 met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Of these enrolled dogs, 25 dogs completed the 24-week clinical trial. Unfortunately, 6 dogs were removed from the study early with the most common reason related to administration of antimicrobials needed for underlying health conditions including dog bite wounds, urinary tract infections, and surgical procedures. Based on recalculating our power analysis for sample size estimation, out current samples size (n=25) is sufficient to find a significant difference in weight loss between the treatment groups. Our last SLIM patient finished the clinical trial at the end of October 2022. Since this time, we have entered the analysis phase and sample processing for microbiome sequencing and metabolomics. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02723 EY3: Scientific and Clinical Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Obese Dogs: SLIM Study”
Research Update CHF FINAL 02686-A: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness
Excerpt from FINAL of Dr. Bolton’s work.
The study is currently completed and all data statistically analyzed and interpreted. The entirety of the project (results and conclusions) has been compiled into a manuscript and is under review currently by the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Continue reading “Research Update CHF FINAL 02686-A: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness”
Research Update MAF D18CA-045 Final: Understanding the Relationship between Intestinal Bacteria and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
RESULTS: Researchers map microbiome in dogs with canine inflammatory disease
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the University of Melbourne, Australia, studied if specific gut bacteria can drive or exacerbate intestinal inflammation in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic enteropathy. Their findings could inform continuing studies on how the gut microbiome may be manipulated for novel treatments as well as inform the development of new diagnostics. Continue reading “Research Update MAF D18CA-045 Final: Understanding the Relationship between Intestinal Bacteria and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)”
Research Update CHF 02759 FINAL: Reprogramming the Tumor Immune Niche in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
We have made significant progress toward Objective 1 and 2 for this project. The PI, Dr. Kim has established a new laboratory for veterinary oncology research in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the past six months, we have successfully transferred our expertise in hemangiosarcoma research and finalized work to achieve the project objectives in the new institute. We have enhanced our knowledge of how PIK3CA gene mutations influence cellular and molecular behaviors of canine hemangiosarcoma cells.
