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”
Latest News
Research Update CHF 02519 EY3: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
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
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”
Research Update CHF 02553 EY2: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing of Vector-borne Pathogens
We proposed to develop a comprehensive method for detection of infectious diseases of dogs, taking the guesswork out of determining which tests to use for diagnosis, and potentially improving disease surveillance because of the comprehensive nature of the test. This method takes advantage of the amount of data that can be generated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) but will be performed in a way to keep costs down and maintain adequate turn-around time for diagnostic use. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02553 EY2: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing of Vector-borne Pathogens”
Research Update CHF 02317 Final: The Role of Complex Translocations Associated with TP53 Somatic Mutations for Aiding Prognosis of Canine Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
This study involved the evaluation of canine lymphoma biopsy specimens for the presence of tumor-associated abnormalities associated with four key cancer-associated genes (MYC, BCL6, BCL2, and TP53). In a subset of human lymphoma patients, cancer cells show structural rearrangements of MYC, BCL2, and/or BCL6, meaning that the normal organization of the gene has become disrupted in the tumor. Human lymphomas also frequently show DNA sequence mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. The presence of these abnormalities, alone and particular in combination, has been shown to be predictive of a poor response to standard treatment modalities in human lymphoma patients, and provides powerful opportunities to predict prognosis in newly diagnosed patients. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02317 Final: The Role of Complex Translocations Associated with TP53 Somatic Mutations for Aiding Prognosis of Canine Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma”
Research Update CHF 02534 MY 2 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
During the first 18 months of the trial, we have made progress toward our objectives. The project goals have not been modified.
Our overall objective is to determine a clinically optimal dose and estimate the efficacy of propranolol in dogs with hemangiosarcoma when given as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02534 MY 2 Update: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma”
Research Update CHF 02528 MY2: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tick-Borne Diseases
Despite the wide availability of tick-borne disease panels at laboratories in the USA and abroad, most results from sick dogs are negative, which frustrates veterinarians and dog owners trying to reach a definitive diagnosis. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02528 MY2: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tick-Borne Diseases”
Research Update CHF 02488 Final: Addison’s Disease and Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Bearded Collies Provide Common Ground for Identifying Susceptibility Loci Underlying Canine Autoimmune Disorders
Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s disease (AD) consists of a life-threatening clinical condition that afflicts multiple purebred and mixed breed dogs. The condition results from autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands leading to life-long cortisol deficiency. Similarly, another autoimmune condition causing pain and suffering to dogs is Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO). Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02488 Final: Addison’s Disease and Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy in Bearded Collies Provide Common Ground for Identifying Susceptibility Loci Underlying Canine Autoimmune Disorders”
Research Update CHF 02252 Final: Investigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities
Canine epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition, often requiring lifelong medication with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Despite appropriate treatment with available AEDs, seizure freedom may not always be achievable. There is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments to improve the quality of life (QoL) of drug-resistant patients, who may continue to experience unpleasant AED side- effects despite their lack of success. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02252 Final: Investigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities”
Research Update CHF 02651 MY2: Discovery of Novel Biomarkers of Canine Atopic Dermatitis through Lipid Profiling
We enrolled 30 dogs with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and 30 healthy control animals in the study. The dogs with atopic dermatitis were treated with either Apoquel® (n=17) or Cytopoint® (n=10), whereas one dog was switched from Apoquel® to Cytopoint®, one dog was treated with prednisone followed by Apoquel®, and one dog was treated with a topical shampoo. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02651 MY2: Discovery of Novel Biomarkers of Canine Atopic Dermatitis through Lipid Profiling”
