Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Genome 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 readingHarnessing a Dog’s Own Immune System to Kill Lymphoma Tumor Cells
Lymphoma is the most common malignancy of dogs representing up to 25% of diagnosed cancers. Dogs often develop an aggressive form of lymphoma that is rarely curable, with most unfortunately succumbing to disease within 12 months of diagnosis despite best available chemotherapies. Dr. Wilson will develop a new treatment to re-train the dog’s own immune […]Continue readingTranscriptome Based Diagnostics in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Sarcomas are malignant cancers that can arise in any part of the body; however, in the dog, a subset referred to as soft tissue sarcomas account for 10-15% of all skin and subcutaneous cancers. Traditionally biopsy and subsequent histology have been the primary means of diagnosing these cancers. The histology is assigned to one of […]Continue readingIdentification of genetic mutations in anal sac carcinoma in English Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels (ECSs) are about 7 times more likely than other dog breeds to develop anal sac carcinoma (ASC). Hence, there appears to be a genetic basis for this disease development in ECSs. The investigators will sequence the genomes and transcriptomes of blood and ASC tumor samples collected from ECS dogs across the US. […]Continue readingDefining 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 reading
