Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Identification 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 readingExamination of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Canine Neoplastic Cell Apoptosis/Autophagy and Potential for Chemotherapy Resistance or Sensitivity
Currently the use of cannabidiol (CBD) rich extracts for canine oncology patients is common, yet there is no data in canine oncology regarding the effects of CBD on canine cancer cells. Oncologists are wary of CBD use in their patients due to a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of CBD during chemotherapy. Initial studies […]Continue readingDiscovery of Novel Biomarkers of Canine Atopic Dermatitis through Lipid Profiling
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common allergic skin disease of dogs with a strong genetic basis. CAD can severely affect the health and well-being of dogs and current diagnosis of CAD requires time-consuming and expensive procedures for the owner. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition are not well understood. Evidence from human studies […]Continue readingEmbracing 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 […]Continue readingTargeted next generation sequencing panel for comprehensive testing of vector-borne pathogens
Diagnosing vector-borne disease (VBD) in dogs can be difficult for a number of reasons. First, there are many different disease-causing agents that can be transmitted from ticks/fleas, and the clinical signs caused by these agents in dogs can overlap. Additionally, because ticks/fleas can harbor more than one agent at a time, multiple pathogens may be […]Continue readingClinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Canine hemangiosarcoma is a largely incurable cancer in dogs, and treatment approaches to improve outcomes have remained relatively stagnant over the past few decades. Treatment remains a challenge partly because the cancer is frequently detected at an advanced stage and because these tumors are often resistant to chemotherapies. Recently published reports showed that propranolol, a […]Continue reading
