Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the second most common cause of heart disease in dogs, and medical management of the secondary signs is the only therapeutic option. The outcome for affected dogs depends on the stage of disease and the breed. Once diagnosed, dogs typically exhibit rapid and uniform progression to congestive heart failure (CHF), with most living less than 6 months.
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Research Update End-yr 1 CHF 02661: Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
The study titled “Investigation into Subclinical Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Four Dog Breeds” is progressing on schedule. Enrollment for the first part of the study is at approximately 85%. We are aiming to finish enrollment by late spring/early summer, after which time we will concentrate on data collation and statistical analysis for the first part of the study.
Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02502: Precision Medicine for Canine Lymphoma
This AKC-CHF sponsored award supported the successful development of a comprehensive canine tumor sequencing panel (“canine oncopanel”) using cutting-edge, next-generation sequencing technology.
Continue reading “Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02502: Precision Medicine for Canine Lymphoma”
Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02488: 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.
Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02519: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) accounts for the majority of canine malignant splenic tumors and occurs in many large dog breeds, including mixed breeds. A less common site of HSA localization is the heart (cardiac HSA). Risk factors for both cardiac and splenic HSA remain unclear, confounding development of preventative strategies. The investigators recently reported a high prevalence of species of the bacterial genus Bartonella in dogs with HSA from North Carolina, suggesting a potential role in the initiation and/or progression of this cancer.
Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02428: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease
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.
Research Update Mid-yr 1 CHF 02624: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Cruciate ligament rupture (CR) is a common disabling, degenerative condition of the knee. It places a large financial burden on the American public. Inflammation of the stifle and fraying of cruciate ligament fibers, particularly in the cranial cruciate ligament, eventually leads to ligament rupture with associated stifle instability in affected dogs. CR is a moderately heritable, complex disease with genetic and environmental risk.
Research Update End-yr 1 CHF 02553: 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.
CHF Grant 02383 Final Update: Identifying Cellular Mechanisms of Inflammation During Canine Tick-Borne Diseases
Update on improving tick-borne disease therapy from Dr Petersen.
CHF Grant 02322 Update End-Year 3: Analysis of the Health, Behavioral, and Longevity Data Collected in the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Longitudinal Study
Update on 9/11 Surveillance Study from Dr Otto.
