Research
Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.
Genetic 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 readingIdentification of Genetic Risk Factors for Canine Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases of dogs and a top concern of dog breeders. Despite strong evidence that genetics is important in determining the risk of idiopathic epilepsy, numerous gene mapping studies have failed to identify a locus that accounts for that risk in either dogs or humans. Seizures occur when […]Continue readingInvestigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities
Canine epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition, often requiring lifelong medication with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Despite appropriate treatment with available AEDs, seizure freedom may not always be achievable. Indeed, over two thirds of dogs with epilepsy continue to have seizures long-term and around 20-30% remain poorly controlled on standard AEDs. The hardest to treat dogs […]Continue readingVeterinary Oncology Fellowship-University of Missouri
Shirley Chu, DVM; University of Missouri Dr. Chu of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is a veterinary oncology resident and graduate student pursuing her PhD. Dr. Jeffrey Bryan serves as Dr. Chu’s mentor for her project on “Examination of the Methylome of Golden Retriever B cell lymphoma”. Project Abstract: Lymphoma is one […]Continue readingCapturing Tumor Cells in Canine Blood
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 […]Continue readingA Novel Approach for Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
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 […]Continue readingIs Defective Secretion of Antimicrobial Peptides Associated with Reduced Microbicidal Effects in Atopic Keratinocytes?
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 […]Continue reading
