Research

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

  • Capturing Tumor Cells in Canine Blood

    2016
    This pilot study’s aim is to develop a blood assay to count tumor cells circulating in a dog’s blood. This technique has proven effective in telling the clinician how aggressive a cancer is and provide information as to treatment and outcome for the patient. This assay is available for humans but currently not for our […]
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  • A Novel Approach for Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma

    2016
    Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer in dogs, is the cause of death for one out of every five Golden Retrievers in the United States. Portuguese Water Dogs and Boxers also have an especially high risk for this disease which is devastating for all dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is incurable partly because the cancer is detected at […]
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  • Is Defective Secretion of Antimicrobial Peptides Associated with Reduced Microbicidal Effects in Atopic Keratinocytes?

    2016
    This study investigates whether the complications resulting in skin infections experienced by dogs with allergies can be better treated by increasing the secretion of the body’s natural antimicrobial defenses. In this particular case, much work in this direction has been done in human medicine and the researchers at the University of Florida will determine how […]
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  • Measuring Chemotherapy Drug Resistance in Dogs with T-cell Lymphoma

    2016
    Quantitative Assessment of Minimal Residual Disease Kinetics during CHOP Chemotherapy of Canine T-cell Lymphoma via Next-Generation TCRVß Sequencing Human cancer treatment is becoming more and more tailored to each individual case and tumor characteristics. This study will be conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University and will follow a small number of cells that […]
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  • Discovery of Biomarkers to Detect Lymphoma Risk, Classify For Treatment, and Predict Outcome in Goldens

    2015
    Lymphoma is a predominant cancer affecting Portuguese Water Dogs as well as numerous other breeds of dogs. Epigenetics is one growing area of research into the behavior of cancer in both medicine and veterinary medicine. One significant area of epigenetic research involves the investigation of changes to the genome that do not involve a change […]
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  • Mapping of Genetic Risk Factors for Canine Hip Dysplasia

    2015
    Hip dysplasia is an inherited disorder of Portuguese Water Dogs. Currently, breeders utilize phenotypic screening methods in an effort to decrease the incidence of this disease in the breed. However, understanding the genetics of this disorder would have a profound impact on the ability of breeders to prevent this disease in future generations. Breakthroughs in […]
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  • Health Implications of Early Spay/Neuter on Canine Health

    2015
    Most dogs in the United States are spayed or neutered, and the default recommendation has been to perform these elective surgeries prior to physical maturity. However, recent data suggest that early spay and neuter may adversely impact the health and well-being of dogs. In preliminary studies funded by CHF, Dr. Ben Hart of the UC […]
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  • Developing a New Tool to Study Viral Infections and Cancer in Dogs

    2015
    Development of an MHC Class I Tetramer to Study Virus- and Tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell Responses in Dogs Summary: Researchers will develop a state-of-the-art molecular tool to track and study killer T-cell populations that are responsible for fighting viral infections and cancer in dogs. Description: In humans, a powerful immunologic reagent called a tetramer is standardly […]
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  • Exploring New Medical Treatments for Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs

    2015
    Novel Medical Approach to Canine Hyperadrenocorticism with Melanocortin 2 Receptor (MC2R) Antagonist and Steroidogenic Factor 1 (SF-1) Inverse Agonists Summary: Researchers will investigate potential new medical treatments for canine Cushing’s syndrome. Description: Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces higher than normal levels of the hormone cortisol. Unhealthy levels of […]
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  • Landmark Clinical Trial to Establish the Evidence-Based Use of Regenerative Medicine to Treat Tendon Injury in Dogs

    2015
    This landmark study is being performed by the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine (VOSM) Group in Annapolis Junction, MD, whose practioners were instrumental in the formation of the newly recognized veterinary specialty of veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation. As an active, versatile breed, sports related injuries affect a large number of PWD athletes. This study […]
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