Over the 1.5 years of this study, we have focused primarily on sample collection and running an initial set of genetics experiments. We collected samples mostly through PWD-related channels working directly with our collaborators in the PWDF/PWDCA. Continue reading “Research Update 02945-MOU MY2: Understanding the genetic basis of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs”
Research Update CHF 02783 MY3: Transcriptional Profiling of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) encompasses a number of neoplasms that are derived from mesenchymal cells including fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. In the dog, STSs arise frequently in the dermis/subcutis and represent up to 15% of the neoplasms in this location. Our primary aim of this grant was to collect cases of canine STS for histologic and gene expression analysis. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02783 MY3: Transcriptional Profiling of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma”
Research Update CHF 02780 MY3: Bladder Carcinogen Exposures in Pet Dogs
Bladder cancer case recruitment has been steady through our alliance with Antech, which is attaching our study flyer to all BRAF urine tests that are positive for bladder cancer. We are now enrolling 2-3 dogs with bladder cancer per month. We also have a list of possible matched controls through our expanded outreach through Facebook. We have recorded questionnaire data encoded for all dog kits that have been returned to us. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02780 MY3: Bladder Carcinogen Exposures in Pet Dogs”
Research Update CHF 02819 MY2: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses
We are on track to accomplish all of our aims for this study. Due to COVID-19 pandemic and backorders of supplies, we had a short delay in starting the study. We have now received all the lab supplies. Screening of Bh SA2 expression genomic library by colony immunoblotting (Aim1) require additional time and research effort to identify potential diagnostic antigens for canine bartonelloses. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02819 MY2: Identification of Bartonella henselae In Vivo Induced Antigens for Development of a Reliable Serodiagnostic Assay for Canine Bartonelloses”
Research Update CHF 02723 EY2: Scientific and Clinical Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Obese Dogs: SLIM Study
To date, we have screened (comprehensive physical examinations, bloodwork, and fecal analysis) 51 dogs for the SLIM study. Of these, 31 have met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Of these enrolled dogs, 23 dogs have completed the 24-week clinical trial and 2 dogs are currently enrolled (see Figure 1). Unfortunately, 6 dogs were removed from the study early with the most common reason related to administration of antimicrobials needed for underlying health conditions including dog bite wounds, urinary tract infections, and surgical procedures. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02723 EY2: Scientific and Clinical Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Obese Dogs: SLIM Study”
Research Update CHF 02686-A MY3: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness
To date, 93 cases have been screened for possible study enrollment. Of these, 23 have fulfilled all of the enrollment criteria (92% of total cases needed) and are still in the study, 7 were enrolled but ultimately excluded (either determined to have a chronic disease, did not follow-up, or determined to have overt or subclinical hypothyroidism), 8 were not enrolled despite having a low total T4 (owner did not allow for study enrollment or found to have a chronic disease during diagnostic work-up), and 55 had a normal total T4 (failed to fulfill this inclusion criteria). Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02686-A MY3: Pattern of Thyroid Function Tests during Recovery from Acute Nonthyroidal Illness”
Research Update 02945-MOU EY1: Understanding the genetic basis of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs
Over the first year of this study, we have focused primarily on sample collection. We collected samples mostly through PWD-related channels working directly with our collaborators in the PWDF/PWDCA. We also attended the PWD National Specialty in September 2021 to promote the study and collect samples, and we established a collaboration with Dr. Anita Oberbauer at UC Davis to share samples that she had already collected. Continue reading “Research Update 02945-MOU EY1: Understanding the genetic basis of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs”
Research Update CHF 02624 EY3: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture
We have now completed recruitment and marker genotyping of Labrador Retriever dogs under this award. A final single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker data set of 1,006 dogs has been assembled and filtered for data analysis, slightly exceeding what was promised under the award. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02624 EY3: Embracing Polygenicity of Common Complex Disease in Dogs: Genome-wide Association of Cruciate Ligament Rupture”
Research Update CHF 02322 Mid-Year 5: Analysis of the Health, Behavioral, and Longevity Data Collected in the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Longitudinal Study
Data collected over the 15 years of the 9/11 study represents a massive amount of never before available information on the short and long-term impacts of a search & rescue deployment on the health and behavior of the search dog. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02322 Mid-Year 5: Analysis of the Health, Behavioral, and Longevity Data Collected in the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Longitudinal Study”
Research Update CHF 02759 Mid-year 2: Reprogramming the Tumor Immune Niche in Canine Hemangiosarcoma
We have made significant progress toward Objective 1 and 2 for this project. Over the past six months, we have continued work to examine molecular and functional changes induced by PIK3CA gene mutations in canine HSA cells. Our data reveal that PI3K inhibitors increase DNA damage greater in HSA cells with PIK3CA mutations than cells without the mutations (i.e., wild-type cells), which depends on a drug dose. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02759 Mid-year 2: Reprogramming the Tumor Immune Niche in Canine Hemangiosarcoma”
