Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Mechanistic Relationship of IL-8 in Cell Proliferation and Survival of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Characterize the direct effects of IL-8 on HSA cells. Results The hypothesis tested in this project was that interleukin-8 (IL-8) promotes growth and survival of hemangiosarcoma cells. This hypothesis was based on our previous results showing significant enrichment of IL-8 gene expression in hemangiosarcoma cells compared to normal endothelial cells isolated from non-malignant hematomas. Here, […]Continue readingMaking Advanced Discoveries in Golden Cancers
The three-year project will examine genetic traits that contribute to risk and progression of hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Golden Retrievers have been one of the most popular breeds in America for decades, but unfortunately these dogs also have one of the highest incidences of cancer. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma account for more than 30 percent of the […]Continue readingEnrichment for Canine Cancer Stem Cells by In Vitro Manipulation and Chemotherapy
This study will look at cancer stem cells to develop therapeutic strategies that target these cells and generate new, more effective treatment approaches with fewer side effects for dogs with cancer. Cancer therapy for dogs has become more common, but treatment doesn’t always lead to long-term remission, and some therapies have debilitating side effects. A […]Continue readingStudying How Mast Cell Tumors Become Malignant
Researchers will analyze expression of miRNAs associated with aggressive mast cell disease and begin to define how they may promote aggressive progression of tumors in dogs. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumor in dogs, and they are often fatal. Unfortunately, identifying the tumors likely to become malignant is challenging because little is […]Continue readingDetermining Risk Factors for Lymphoma
To determine whether dogs with genetic defects in an important detoxification enzyme, called GSTT, are more likely to develop lymphoma. Lymphoma, one of the most common cancers in dogs, is fatal in most patients. Though the underlying causes of the disease aren’t understood, exposure to industrial pollutants and commonly used herbicides may increase a dog’s […]Continue readingEvaluating Drugs to Treat Hemangiosarcoma
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may have the potential to control the growth of hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma remains one of the deadliest canine cancers. Despite treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery, dogs rarely live beyond six months after diagnosis. New approaches are needed to improve the survival time of dogs afflicted with this devastating disease. This study […]Continue readingInvestigating a Noninvasive, At-Home Diagnostic Technique for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders are common in dogs and are often associated with a change in the rate food moves through the stomach and intestines. This study uses a noninvasive, wireless sensor capsule to determine the gastrointestinal transit in dogs. The information will help veterinarians to better diagnose gastrointestinal diseases, including bloat, gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease, […]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 readingAssessing Therapeutic Targets for Adrenocortical Tumors
This study is looking at new therapeutic targets for medical treatment of cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumors, which cause Cushing’s disease, one of the most common canine endocrine disorders. Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D09CA-913 RESEARCHERS Dr. Miriam J. Kool, DVM University of Utrecht, The NetherlandsContinue readingPharmakokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Hydroxyzine in Healthy Dogs
Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease in dogs and humans. Antihistamines are among the most commonly prescribed treatments. Unfortunately, the optimal dosages of commonly used antihistamines have never been scientifically determined, and their effects have not been validated in dogs. Researchers at North Carolina State University wanted to determine whether hydroxyzine, one of […]Continue reading
