Research

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

  • 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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  • Innovations in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cancer

    2015
    Lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are major health problems in Portuguese Water Dogs. This study collaborates with several top universities and researchers who are utilizing cutting edge technology to identify several regions of the genome that contain genetic, heritable, risk factors for lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers. This information can then be applied to other breeds, […]
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  • Testing a Potential Therapeutic Target for Lymphoma

    2014
    Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP): A Novel Therapeutic Target for Canine Lymphoma Summary: This study investigates a new therapeutic target (valosin-containing protein) for dogs with lymphoma. Description: A cure for canine lymphoma remains elusive, in part because of the lack of molecular-targeted therapies that can circumvent chemotherapy resistance. The research team’s previous findings suggest that valosin-containing protein […]
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  • Testing Strategies to Treat Drug-Resistant Hemangiosarcomas

    2014
    Lysosomal Drug Sequestration by CSF-1R (High) Tumor Cells Contributes to Drug Resistance in Canine Hemangiosarcoma Summary: Investigators are assessing the potential for a specific tumor-cell population in canine hemangiosarcoma to sequester drugs within their lysosomes as a novel mechanism of drug resistance. Description: Canine hemangiosarcoma is a common and highly metastatic cancer that affects all […]
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  • Exploring the use of a Virus Based Anticancer Strategy for Lymphoma

    2014
    A Clinical Trial of VSV-cIFNbeta-NIS Oncolytic Virotherapy for Canine B-Cell Lymphoma Summary: This study explores the safety and effectiveness of a new virus-based therapy, developed at Mayo Clinic, for dogs with B-cell lymphoma. Description: Lymphoma is one of the most commonly occurring malignant tumors in dogs. Though treatable, the disease often recurs and spreads. This […]
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