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Research Update CHF 02502 EY3: Precision Medicine for Canine Lymphoma

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

We have successfully developed a canine cancer gene panel that we have called the Canine Oncopanel,  using cutting-edge, next-generation sequencing technology (NGS). The Canine Oncopanel allows sequencing of 283 cancer-related genes and detection of mutations within these genes that may drive the tumor cells to proliferate and survive. The canine oncopanel sequences a total target region that equates to ~3% of the canine genome. Analyzing the genomic composition of this broad target region allows evaluation of common genomic alterations that can lead to the development of cancer. The Canine Oncopanel is suitable to map mutation profiles and identify driver mechanisms in both common and rare canine cancers to provide a better understanding of the tumor genome and its biology.

Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02502 EY3: Precision Medicine for Canine Lymphoma” →

Research Update CHF 02661 EY2: Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

The study titled “Investigation into Subclinical Diet- associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Four Dog Breeds” is progressing on schedule and nearing completion. Enrollment for the first part of the study is complete and a peer-reviewed manuscript describing the results has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16075). The results of this part of the study showed higher levels for cardiac troponin I in dogs eating grain-free dog foods or foods that have peas, lentils or potatoes in the top 10 ingredients. Cardiac troponin I is a blood marker that indicates injury to the heart muscle. Even mild elevations can be important but future studies will be needed to determine with certainty that this is the case in these dogs. We did not find echocardiographic (heart ultrasound) differences between dogs eating grain-free and grain-inclusive foods. If the low-level elevation of cardiac troponin I truly indicates low-level heart muscle injury then it may be too early in these healthy dogs to manifest as echocardiographic differences.

Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02661 EY2: Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs” →

Research Update MAF D16CA-056 Final: Measuring Chemotherapy Drug Resistance in Dogs with T-cell Lymphoma

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

RESULTS: New Technology Helps Detect Small Amounts of Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells in Dogs with T-cell Lymphoma.

Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers from North Carolina State University used state-of-the-art DNA technology to help detect small amounts of drug-resistant cancer cells that persist after treatment in dogs with T-cell lymphoma (minimal residual disease, MRD). Accurately monitoring MRD could provide a fuller picture of the effectiveness of different drugs and improve treatment success, quality of life and survival for these patients. Continue reading “Research Update MAF D16CA-056 Final: Measuring Chemotherapy Drug Resistance in Dogs with T-cell Lymphoma” →

Research Update CHF 02806-MOU MY1: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

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. The study has two objectives. The first is to determine the most reasonable duration of an SOS test result. In other words, how long can a low-risk SOS test result be trusted and how much time might elapse between a high-risk SOS test result and the development of hemangiosarcoma. The second aim is to continue periodic testing for dogs previously enrolled in the Shine On study whose test result would have placed them in a high-risk category for development of hemangiosarcoma, and to provide eBAT as a strategy for prevention in 12 of these dogs. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02806-MOU MY1: Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up” →

Research Update CHF 02751-A EY1: Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Activation Induces Migration and Adhesion in Neoplastic Canine Lymphocytes

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

In the United States, spaying and neutering of dogs and cats is commonly performed to prevent the birth of unwanted pets. However, surgically removing the ovaries or testes may have unexpected consequences. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered have an increased risk for developing obesity, urinary incontinence, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes, cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Lymphoma is three to four times more common in spayed and neutered dogs compared to dogs left intact. In addition, dogs that are neutered before one year of age are three times more likely to develop lymphoma than dogs neutered after one year of age. This funded study is investigating the hormonal and cellular relationships between spaying/neutering and the development of lymphoma so that in the future new treatments will be available to extend life expectancies of dogs with cancer.

End-Year-1 Research Update Dr. Kutzler at early spay/neuter and neoplasia.

Research Update CHF 02692-A EY1: Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Analysis of Canine Urine and Plasma in Marijuana Toxicosis

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

Samples obtained from a total of 56 dogs with either confirmed or suspected exposure to Δ9- tetrahydrocannabidiol (Δ9-THC) have been analyzed by both point of care and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Of those enrolled, 55 (98%) were confirmed positive for Δ9-THC by LC/MS-MS on plasma samples. Of the 56 urine samples tested, 17 tested positive using the Alere drug screen iCassette for THC, and 26 tested positive using the NarcoCheck THC Predosage test. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02692-A EY1: Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Analysis of Canine Urine and Plasma in Marijuana Toxicosis” →

Research Update CHF 02684-A Final: Evaluation of Serum Zonulin as a Non-invasive Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Dogs with Chronic Canine Enteropathy

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

Canine chronic enteropathy (CE), is the most common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) disease in canine patients. The exact mechanisms leading to CE are unknown. Unfortunately, treatment for CE currently requires life-long management strategies (i.e. food elimination diets) which can be expensive and labor intensive for owners and/or require the use of medications which carry the risk for significant systemic side effects (i.e. steroids). Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02684-A Final: Evaluation of Serum Zonulin as a Non-invasive Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Dogs with Chronic Canine Enteropathy” →

Research Update CHF 02428 EY-3: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

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-3: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease” →

Research Update CHF 02519 EY3: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

We are on track to accomplish all of our aims for this study. We were able to obtain the initial set of samples on April 26, 2018 so we had a short delay in starting this study. We have now completed all Year I study aims, with the exception of immunohistochemistry and FISH localization of Bartonella organisms within various cell types. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02519 EY3: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations” →

Research Update CHF 02686-A EY1: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness

Posted on by Janet Boyd in Research Update

To date, 5 cases (20% of the goal) have been enrolled.

Based on the case enrollment thus far, all dogs had normalization of total T4 by the 2-week recheck. Thus, in dogs where acute nonthyroidal illness is diagnosed, rechecking the total T4 two weeks after nonthyroidal illness resolution will result in an accurate assessment of thyroid hormone status. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02686-A EY1: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness” →