Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Defining the Unique Genetic Markers in Dogs That Define Immune Function, Disease Resistance and Tissue Transplantation
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes encode proteins that are critical for a wide range of biological functions, from immune protection against infectious disease to the predisposition of an individual to develop diabetes and auto immune diseases. The MHC genes in the dog are incompletely characterized, thereby severely limiting our ability to full define the […]Continue readingAnalysis of the Health, Behavioral, and Longevity Data Collected in the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Longitudinal Study
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the AKC Canine Health Foundation awarded funds the only lifetime longitudinal study tracking the medical and behavioral impacts of a major national disaster on the health and behavior of search & rescue (SAR) dogs. On June 6, 2016, the last study […]Continue readingMolecular Analysis of Giant Schnauzer-Type Congenital Hypothyroidism
Isolated congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition occurring at or near birth characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. The disorder in purebred dogs is usually inherited and leads to dwarfism and mental dullness. CH in giant schnauzers (GS) was first described in 1991 (Greco, et al) as a likely autosomal recessive disorder due to failed […]Continue readingUse of Gene Therapy to Treat Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the second most common cause of heart disease in dogs,and medical management of the secondary signs is the only therapeutic option. The outcome for affected dogs depends on the stage of disease and the breed. Once diagnosed, dogs typically exhibit rapid and uniform progression to congestive heart failure (CHF), with most […]Continue readingEnhanced Testing for the Diagnosis of Bartonellosis in Dogs
Bartonellosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease of worldwide distribution, is caused by approximately 10 different Bartonella species. Bartonella are transmitted to canines and humans by ticks, fleas, lice, mites, and sand flies. Dr. Breitschwerdt’s laboratory demonstrated the first evidence for Bartonella infections in dogs in 1993. Bartonella species have been associated with an expanding spectrum of […]Continue readingWhole-genome Sequencing of non-prcd PRA in PWD
The Portuguese Water Dog Foundation will contribute $9,400 for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 4 different dogs [2 affected, 1 carriers, and 1 homozygous normal]. Samples will be tested at the WGS platform at the University of Bern, Switzerland. Dr. Aguirre’s eye lab is part of a consortium at Bern where they have WGS on […]Continue readingGenetic and Environmental Risk for Lymphoma in Boxer Dogs
Lymphoma is a fatal cancer of the blood cells that can occur in any dog. Lymphoma is more common in Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and several other purebreds, which suggests involvement of inherited genes. Recent research has focused on gene mutations in the tumors of dogs with lymphoma. However, we do not understand why these mutations […]Continue readingThe Role of Complex Translocations Associated with TP53 Somatic Mutations for Aiding Prognosis of Canine Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Lymphoma accounts for up to 24% of all cancers diagnosed in pet dogs. Among these cases diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype. Despite continued advances in veterinary medicine, the response to treatment for canine lymphoma remains highly variable with no reliable means to predict response. Studies of lymphoma in people have […]Continue readingBroad-Range Detection of Canine Tick-Borne Disease and Improved Diagnostics Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Diagnostic tests based on the detection of DNA of infectious organisms from clinical samples have revolutionized veterinary medicine in the last decades. Currently, diagnostic panels for several tickborne organisms are available through universities and private laboratories in the USA and abroad. However, the vast majority of results from clinically ill dogs are negative for tick-borne […]Continue readingDisease Risks Associated with Spay and Neuter: A Breed-Specific, Gender Specific
This study extends the investigator’s recently completed AKC Canine Health Foundation-funded project studying 12 dog breeds to identify major differences in the degree to which spay or neuter may be related to an increase in joint disorders (hip dysplasia; cranial cruciate ligament tear) and/or cancers (lymphoma; hemangiosarcoma; and mast cell tumor). The original breeds studied […]Continue reading
