Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder of dogs. Approximately half of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have cluster seizures, defined as 2 or more seizures within a 24-hour period, and have an increased risk of epilepsy-related complications or death associated with this seizure pattern. Treatment regimens that include in-home administration of emergency medication for cluster seizures are commonly prescribed, but there is a lack of evidence on which to base treatment recommendations. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03243-A EY1: Comparison of Clorazepate and Levetiracetam as Pulse Therapy for the In-Home Management of Cluster Seizures in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy: A Pilot Study”
Research Update CHF 03300 MY1: Probiotic Prevention of GI Hyperpermeability and Metabolome Disturbances in Dogs with Multicentric Lymphoma Undergoing Multi-drug Chemotherapy
The study has been open for enrollment since Jan 1, 2025. Thus far, no dogs have been enrolled, so there is no clinical or objective data to report.
Research Update CHF 03137 FINAL: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs
Study Overview:
In this study, we aimed to develop a comprehensive targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) panel to identify common infectious agents related to neurologic and reproductive disease in dogs, while also incorporating less common zoonotic agents that can spread to humans into a single test. This type of test would allow for the identification of a broader range of infectious agents than the routine tests that are normally performed.
How We Did It:
We developed two pools of primers (short DNA sequences) to detect 34 different infectious agents associated with neurologic/reproductive disease in dogs. We combined the amplification of the agents provided by the use of these primers together with a sequencing assay to both detect, and where possible, characterize the infectious agents if present in the dog’s sample. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03137 FINAL: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs”
Research Update CHF 03194 EY1: A Blueprint to Develop Next-Generation CAR T Therapy for Canine Lymphoma
High grade B cell lymphoma is a cancer frequently diagnosed in older dogs, with Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs being particularly predisposed. Standard veterinary care involves chemotherapy and whilst patients initially respond well, the disease proves to be fatal for most dogs diagnosed. In human medicine, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, in which the patient’s T lymphocytes are engineered to target and kill their cancer, has been remarkably successful for treating B cell lymphoma. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03194 EY1: A Blueprint to Develop Next-Generation CAR T Therapy for Canine Lymphoma”
Research Update CHF 03137 MY2: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs
The goal of this project is to validate respiratory and neurologic disease testing using a targeted nextgeneration sequencing (tNGS) panel we previously developed. We expect this assay, which includes 34 different pathogens known to be associated with reproductive/neurologic disease in dogs, will perform as well as individual real-time PCR assays designed to detect each of these pathogens individually. This type of comprehensive testing takes the guesswork out of choosing which individual tests or small panel of tests to run to diagnose disease.
We have now completed testing 100% of the pathogens/DNA representing the pathogens that are detectable with this assay, and all but 1 could be detected. The pathogen missed was Campylobacter jejuni. This one was included for its possible role in reproductive disease, but it is more likely to cause diarrhea in dogs. Therefore, we will not redesign the assay at this point. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03137 MY2: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs”
Research Update CHF 03045-A EY2 Oct-24: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology
Semen samples from 62 dogs have been used to build an image database containing 11,464 images of a single sperm obtained using phase-contrast under 1000X magnification. Three specialists are currently classifying the images and building an annotated database to be used to train and test an optimized algorithm for sperm morphology classification. Considerable progress was made on the development of a neural network for sperm evaluation. Two methods to standardize image size proved satisfactory, with image stretching resulting in better accuracy when compared to use of black borders.
Additional possibilities for improving the performance of the implemented model will be investigated, including adjusting training hyperparameters, performing preprocessing alternatives such as contour detection before feeding the neural network, and optimizing the neural network architecture itself. Other techniques, such as regularization, insertion of normalization layers, and dropout, are also suggested to achieve better results.
The Principal Investigator requested and was awarded a no-cost extension to 12/31/2024.
Research Update CHF 03055 MY2: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid cell cultures present new opportunities to improve understanding of common reproductive pathologies in the bitch in a laboratory setting rather than using live animals for research. This is an improvement on using research dogs by: i) addressing important welfare and ethical concerns, ii) allowing more controlled study of cellular responses due to different hormones and infectious agents, and iii) permitting high-throughput evaluation of treatments performed in tandem. This 3D reproductive organoid cell culture technology has not been attempted in canines prior to these studies. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03055 MY2: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model”
Research Update CHF 03137 EY1: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs
The goal of this project is to validate respiratory and neurologic disease testing using a targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) panel we previously developed. We expect this assay, which includes 34 different pathogens known to be associated with reproductive/neurologic disease in dogs, will perform as well as individual real-time PCR assays designed to detect each of these pathogens individually. This type of comprehensive testing takes the guesswork out of choosing which individual tests or small panel of tests to run to diagnose disease. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03137 EY1: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Testing for Reproductive and Neurologic Pathogens of Dogs”
Research Update CHF 03045-A EY2: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology
Collection of all semen samples required for the study has been completed. Samples from 62 dogs presented to the veterinary hospital at The Ohio State University have been obtained and preserved. At the University of Pennsylvania, slides were prepared, and images acquired using phase-contrast under 1000X magnification. A bank with over 11K images has been created. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03045-A EY2: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology”
Research Update CHF 03055 EY1: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid cell cultures present new opportunities to improve understanding of common reproductive pathologies in the bitch in a laboratory setting rather than using live animals for research. This is an improvement on using research dogs by:
i) addressing important welfare and ethical concerns,
ii) allowing more controlled study of cellular responses under hormonal influence and infectious agents, and
iii) permitting high-throughput evaluation of treatments performed in tandem. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 03055 EY1: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model”