Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Understanding the Genetic Basis of Addison’s Disease in PWDs
Addison’s disease is a common, life-threatening disorder in dogs characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of portions of the adrenal gland. This damage prevents the adrenal gland from synthesizing hormones that are necessary for normal cell metabolism, kidney function, and maintenance of the immune system. Dogs with Addison’s disease are also highly predisposed to succumbing to […]Continue readingAddison’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) is a life-threatening condition that afflicts multiple dog breeds and results from autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands. Similarly, another canine autoimmune condition that causes pain and suffering is Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO). Both AD and SLO are postulated to be complexly inherited and preliminary data suggest a common set […]Continue readingIdentifying the Disease‐Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a common and life‐threatening disorder in dogs in which the body’s immune system destroys the outer layer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones that are critical for energy metabolism, immune system function, intestinal health, and kidney function. Symptoms of Addison’s disease can mimic other conditions, and as a result, […]Continue readingGenetic Analysis of Hypoandrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a deficiency of hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands and help regulate a dog’s metabolism, blood pressure, electrolyte balance and stress response. Though the disease is relatively uncommon in dogs, certain breeds—including Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Bearded Collies, Great Danes, Leonbergers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard […]Continue readingIdentifying Genes Regulating Addison’s Disease in the Portuguese Water Dog
Addison’s disease, or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is characterized by destruction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in the inability to produce cortisone when stimulated with the hormone ACTH. In Portuguese Water Dogs (PWDs), this disease occurs with a frequency of 1-2 percent, and is a heritable autoimmune disease of low penetrance, caused by several interacting genes. […]Continue readingEstablishing a Genetic Linkage Between Addison’s Disease and DNA Markers
Statistical evaluation of the dogs’ pedigrees suggests a single locus of large Addison’s disease is a late onset disorder caused by deterioration of the adrenal gland cortex. Although Addison’s disease occurs in the general canine population, some breeds show a greater prevalence as noted by owners and breeders: Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Leonbergers, Portuguese Water […]Continue readingPreclinical Detection of Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) in Dogs
Development and Evaluation of Laboratory Techniques for the Diagnosis of Immune-Mediated Canine Adrenal Disease Addison’s disease in the dog has been well studied. It is very similar to the disease in humans. Signs include anorexia, vomiting, weakness, pain, diarrhea, lethargy, the inability to handle stress, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Since there is no […]Continue readingCharacterizing the Inheritance of Addison’s Disease and Linked DNA Markers
Addison’s disease is a late onset disorder caused by the deterioration of the adrenal gland. Addison’s occurs in the domestic dog at approximately 0.1 percent, with some breeds showing a greater prevalence. Notably, the Bearded Collie, the West Highland White Terrier, the Standard Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog, and the Leonberger are considered to have […]Continue reading
