Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Precision Medicine for Canine Lymphoma
The clinical response of dogs with lymphoma to multi-agent chemotherapy is highly variable. Although up to 85% of dogs respond initially, some relapse within weeks, while others enjoy remission times of two years. This heterogeneity in clinical response is in part explained by the recognition that “lymphoma” is not a single disease entity, but consists […]Continue readingTumor-permissive Collagen Signatures in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors: Development of Prognostic Markers and Targeted Therapies for Improved Outcomes
Mammary gland tumors (MGT) are the most common malignancies in intact female dogs, and the resulting premature death and morbidity in this sub-population of dogs represents a significant health problem. While genetic alterations within tumor cells can promote their uncontrolled growth and ability to spread to distant sites, recent work indicates that normal, non-malignant cells […]Continue readingPrevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas within and between Geographic Locations
Splenic masses comprise ~50% of all canine splenic disease. Despite advances in imaging and pathologic definition, the etiology and medical relevance of splenic lesions in dogs are often ambiguous. While some splenic tumors are benign, approximately two-thirds are highly malignant and carry a poor prognosis. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) accounts for the majority of canine malignant splenic […]Continue readingEvaluation of a New Vaccine for Canine Brucellosis
Canine infection by Brucella spp. constitutes a serious problem for dog breeders and pet owners, leading to the economic burden associated with reproductive loss and veterinary care. Canine brucellosis is also considered a public health concern because of its potential to be transmitted to humans. Within the US, the disease has reemerged due to the […]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 readingMicrophthalmia and Delayed Growth Syndrome in the Portuguese Water Dog
Microphthalmia and delayed growth syndrome (aka “puppy eye syndrome”) has been reported by Portuguese Water Dog breeders dating as far back as 1986. However, there is no information in the scientific literature and the majority of data concerning this syndrome has been obtained from records of breeders, which have anecdotal reports of the disease and […]Continue readingUnderstanding the Relationship between Intestinal Bacteria and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Scientific Title: Tackling the Canine Microbiome in Chronic Enteropathy: Characterizing the Functionally Significant Changes that Occur with Remission of Disease Summary: Researchers are looking at changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease to help identify novel ways to diagnose and treat this disease. Description: Inflammatory bowel disease […]Continue readingInvestigating Cancers and Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Scientific Title: Detoxification of Environmental Carcinogens by Glutathione-Stransferases in Dogs Summary: Researchers will find out how the dog’s body breaks down common environmental chemicals that have been linked to cancers in humans. Description: When dogs or humans are exposed to toxic chemicals in the environment, they use glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes to break down and neutralize […]Continue readingIdentifying Cellular Mechanisms of Inflammation During Canine Tick-Borne Diseases
Tick-borne diseases are found in all 50 states of the United States and are the most common vector-borne disease diagnosed in people in the US. The predominant disease is Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and related species (sensu lato). Other important canine tick-borne diseases include those caused by Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis), Babesia […]Continue readingGenome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical cases of canine pyometra
Pyometra is a potentially life-threatening infection of the canine uterus by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli). In humans with recurrent infections, E. coli produces biofilm, a layer of polysaccharide that protects the organism from the host immune system as well as antibiotic agents, decreasing treatment efficacy. Current treatments for pyometra are costly, time-consuming, […]Continue reading
