The goal of this project is to identify autoantibodies that are present in the blood of dogs who are newly diagnosed with Addison’s disease in three breeds: Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels. To accomplish these goals, we have been focusing on (1) collecting blood samples from dogs across all three target breeds, and (2) employing methods that allow us to detect these autoantibodies. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02428 EY-4: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease”
Latest News
Research Update CHF 02783 EY2: Transcriptional Profiling of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) encompasses a number of neoplasms that are derived from mesenchymal cells including fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. In the dog, STSs arise frequently in the dermis/subcutis and represent up to 15% of the neoplasms in this location. Our primary aim of this grant was to collect cases of canine STS for histologic and gene expression analysis. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02783 EY2: Transcriptional Profiling of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma”
Research Update CHF 02534 MY 3 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
We opened the trial on July 1, 2019. As of June 27, 2021, we have enrolled 18 dogs in the study and no dose limiting toxicities within the initial 21-day assessment period have been observed. Based on these results, we are continuing to enroll dogs at the highest dose of propranolol (1.3 mg/kg) being tested. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02534 MY 3 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma”
Research Update CHF 02403-MOU EY-4: Microphthalmia and Delayed Growth Syndrome in the Portuguese Water Dog
The objective of this study is to A) clinicopathologically and molecularly characterize microphthalmia with delayed growth in the Portuguese Water Dog (POWD) and B) develop a DNA-based test to assist breeders with their breeding programs and avoid producing affected dogs. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02403-MOU EY-4: Microphthalmia and Delayed Growth Syndrome in the Portuguese Water Dog”
Research Update CHF 02819 EY1: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses
During the past 4 years, with support from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, our research group has documented that current serological assays lack sensitivity, specificity, or both for assessing exposure to Bartonella spp. in dogs. Thus, when used diagnostically for an individual dog or epidemiologically for the detection of Bartonella spp. antibodies in dog populations, results would be inaccurate due to false-negative (poor sensitivity) or false positive (poor specificity) IFA testing. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02819 EY1: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses”
Research Update CHF 02806-MOU MY2: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up
The goal of this project is to develop a reliable, accessible, and actionable test to identify dogs at risk for hemangiosarcoma during the earliest stages of the 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 MY2: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up”
Research Update CHF 02686-A EY2: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness
To date, 52 cases have been screened for possible study enrollment, of which 13 fulfilled enrollment criteria (~50% of total cases needed). Based on the case enrollment thus far, 11/13 dogs had normalization of total T4 by the 2-week recheck. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02686-A EY2: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness”
Research Update CHF 02624 Mid-year 3: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture
We have met our Labrador Retriever recruitment for this study over the past year months. We will continue to complete DNA isolation and marker genotyping of the remaining dogs needed for the study as long as the genotyping service remains open under the Covid-19 pandemic. Public engagement with the project continues to be good. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02624 Mid-year 3: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture”
Research Update CHF 02528 Final: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tick-Borne Diseases
Diagnostic tests based on the detection of DNA from harmful organisms in clinical samples have revolutionized veterinary medicine in the last decades. Currently, diagnostic panels for several
vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are available through universities and private labs in the USA and abroad. However, the vast majority of results from sick dogs are negative, which frustrates veterinarians and dog owners trying to reach a definitive diagnosis. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02528 Final: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tick-Borne Diseases”
Research Update 02945-MOU MY1: Understanding the genetic basis of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs
Over the first 6 months of this study, we have focused primarily on sample collection. We collected samples mostly through PWD-related channels working directly with our collaborators in the PWDF/PWDCA. We also attended the PWD National Specialty in September 2021 to promote the study and collect samples, and we established a collaboration with Dr. Anita Oberbauer at UC Davis to share samples that she had already collected. Continue reading “Research Update 02945-MOU MY1: Understanding the genetic basis of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs”
