Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Discovery 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 readingInvestigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious disease of the heart muscle whereby the heart becomes enlarged with weak contractions. DCM can result in abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure or sudden death. In dogs, DCM most often occurs in large- and giant-breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Great Danes; in these dogs, […]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 readingPathology Residency Training Program to support the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
This grant supports the advanced training of two aspiring veterinary pathologists who will assist with the analysis of tissue samples collected from dogs enrolled in Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Highly trained investigators are vital to advancing the health and welfare of animals. Morris Animal Foundation is funding the training of two new […]Continue readingDeveloping a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tick-Borne Diseases
Diagnostic tests based on the detection of DNA from harmful organisms in clinical samples have revolutionized veterinary medicine in the last decades. Currently, diagnostic panels for several vector-borne organisms are available through universities and private labs in the USA and abroad. However, the vast majority of results from sick dogs are negative, which frustrates veterinarians […]Continue readingTargeting the Cancer Epigenome: The Effect of Specific Histone Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibition in Canine B-Cell Lymphoma
Canine lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. While some breeds appear more at risk than others, all can be affected. Although it is often treatable, canine lymphoma can rarely be cured. A continued understanding of the mechanisms causing lymphoma in dogs and identification of novel therapies are needed to improve survival […]Continue readingEfficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic condition in dogs. Approximately 20-30% of dogs receiving standard therapy remain uncontrolled for their seizures. Additionally, the side effects of the antiepileptic drugs (AED) are often unacceptable. Thus, there is a need for an AED that is efficacious with minimal side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a prominent non-psychotropic component of […]Continue reading
