Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Pattern 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 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 reading