Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Transcriptional Profiling of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas account for 10-15% of all skin and subcutaneous cancers in dogs. Traditionally, biopsy and subsequent histology have been the primary means of diagnosing these cancers. The histology is assigned to one of three grades ranging from low (grade I), intermediate (grade II), and high (grade III). Histologic grade is currently the key […]Continue readingDiagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Analysis of Canine Urine and Plasma in Marijuana Toxicosis
Given the increase in availability of marijuana in the United States, a higher number of presumed marijuana exposures have been reported in veterinary emergency clinics. Since the clinical signs of marijuana ingestion are non-specific and may be observed in several disorders, an accurate canine bedside diagnostic test may alleviate the need for expensive and invasive […]Continue readingScientific and Clinical Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Obese Dogs: SLIM Study
Obesity is a growing epidemic in companion animals. Obesity results from a prolonged positive energy balance leading to excessive fat accumulation, which promotes dysregulation of metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory responses. Ultimately these changes lead to physical impairment, comorbidities, and reduced quality of life. Evidence is mounting that the intestinal microbiota (collection of microorganisms that live […]Continue readingEvaluation of Serum Zonulin as a Non-invasive Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Dogs with Chronic Canine Enteropathy
Canine chronic enteropathy (CE) is the most common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) disease in dogs. The exact mechanisms causing CE are unknown, however, disruption of the inner lining of the GI tract is believed to play a significant role resulting in a “leaky” GI tract, leading to absorption of GI contents and overstimulation of the […]Continue readingPattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in dogs. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism relies on finding both appropriate clinical signs and low thyroid hormone levels. Unfortunately, other illnesses can suppress thyroid hormone levels and result in a misdiagnosis. This phenomenon of low thyroid hormone levels caused by a disease not involving the thyroid gland is […]Continue readingIdentification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses
Bartonella, a genus of gram-negative bacteria, are associated with a wide spectrum of life- threatening diseases in animals and humans. More than 40 Bartonella species have been reported to infect mammalian reservoir hosts, and infection often leads to chronic bacteremia. At least ten Bartonella species have been implicated in association with serious diseases in dogs, […]Continue readingDeveloping Gene-Editing Tools for Heart Disease
SUMMARY: Researchers will use novel gene-editing tools to correct damaging mutations in heart cells to help advance gene therapies for dilated cardiomyopathy, a common canine heart disease. DESCRIPTION: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the third most frequent type of heart disease diagnosed in dogs, with some breeds at higher risk. In Doberman pinschers, DCM prevalence is […]Continue readingStrategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Lifetime Follow-Up (Shine-On)
The Shine On project is designed to utilize complementary technologies to reduce the impact of hemangiosarcoma in companion dogs. This novel, potentially disruptive approach is the first of its kind where artificial intelligence applied to the results of a blood test will be used to assign dogs to a risk category for the development of […]Continue readingPattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness
Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in dogs. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism relies on finding both appropriate clinical signs and low thyroid hormone levels. Unfortunately, other illnesses can suppress thyroid hormone levels and result in a misdiagnosis. This phenomenon of low thyroid hormone levels caused by a disease not involving the thyroid gland is […]Continue readingLandmark Clinical Trial to Establish the Evidence-Based Use of Regenerative Medicine to Treat Tendon Injury in Dogs
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cells in the treatment of the most common sporting injury in dogs: supraspinatus tendinopathy (similar to the rotator cuff injury in humans). Tendon injuries in dogs often progress undiagnosed and result in chronic lameness and pain. Ultimately, unassisted tendon healing results in scar […]Continue reading
