Research Category

Principal Investigators

Juvenile Cardiomyopathy
Co-sponsored by the PWDCA

Meg Sleeper, VMD
Paula Henthorn, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Objective: Finding the gene responsible for juvenile cardiomyopathy in the Portuguese Water Dog breed and develop a test to detect carriers. 

Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Co-sponsored by the PWDCA

Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD
University of Colorado*

Objective: The detection of Circulating Canine Hemangiosarcoma Cells using Multi-Parameter Flow Cytometry
* Dr. Modiano is now at the University of Minnesota          

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Gustavo D. Aguirre, VMD, PhD
Gregory M. Acland, BVSc
University of Pennsylvania

Objective: Develop a mutant-based DNA test that identifies the actual mutant prcd gene that causes Progressive Retinal Atrophy in the Portuguese Water Dog.  

THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH IS BEING CO-SPONSORED
WITH THE AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION:

Grant #225 - Addison’s Disease

Anita M. Oberbauer, PhD
University of California, Davis

Objective: The specific objectives of this grant are to expand our pedigree, phenotypic, and DNA databases for all possible Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Leonbergers, Portuguese Water Dogs and West Highland White Terriers as related to Addison's disease and to continue our genome scan of the DNA to identify a genetic marker linked to the single locus suggested by the pedigree analyses.

Grant #589A & B - Addison’s Disease

K. Gordon Lark, PhD
University of Utah
Elaine Ostrander, PhD
National Human Genome Research
Institute (NIH) (Government)

Objective: Identifying genes regulating Addison’s Disease in the Portuguese Water Dog 

Grant #593A - Canine Hemangiosarcoma

Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD
Broad Institute at MA

Objective: Mapping genes associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma 

Grant #632 - Canine Lymphoma (completed)

W. C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD
Ohio State University

Objective: MicroRNAs and Canine Lymphoma 

Grant #768 - Canine Lymphoma

Ted Valli, DVM
University of Illinois

Objective: To enhance detection, diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma. Therefore altering cost of treatment according to the type of tumor (as in humans) and increase survival rate.

Grant #790 - Osteosarcoma, Transitional Cell Carcinoma & Melanoma

W. C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD
Ohio State University

Objective: The goals of this study are to identify important canine miRNAs that can be used to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment in the dog.

Grant #2226 - Addison’s Disease

A. M. Oberbauer, PhD
University of California at Davis

Objective: Characterizing the inheritance of Addison’s Disease and linked DNA markers 

Grant #2273 - Addison’s Disease

Marcus Rick, VetMed
Michigan State University

Objective: Preclinical detection of hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) in dogs. 

Grant #2434 - Canine Hypothyroidism

Duncan Ferguson, DVM, PhD
University of Georgia

Objective: Development of a more sensitive diagnostic assay for canine Hypothyroidism 

THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH IS BEING CO-SPONSORED
WITH THE MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION:

#D08CA-402 Genetic Analysis of Hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Dr. Angela M. Hughes
Dr. Anita M. Oberbauer
University of California-Davis

Objective: This study is to try and isolate the gene for Addison’s.
Note: Even though this is in a different breed, any good results will help us greatly.

#D07CA-029 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Hydroxyzine in Healthy Dogs

Dr. Thierry Olivry
North Carolina State University

Objective: The goal of this study is to determine whether oral administration of the antihistamine hydroxyzine is absorbed into the dog's bloodstream and metabolized sufficiently to suppress allergic reactions. The results will help determine the optimal dose and frequency of this drug for treating atopic dermatitis in dogs. 

#D07CA-034 MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Canine Osteosarcoma

Dr. W. C. Kisseberth
Ohio State University

Objective: By studying miRNA expression in osteosarcoma, the investigators hope to identify new molecular targets for therapy that will lead to better treatment of this disease.

#D07CA-085 Pooled Association Mapping for Canine Hereditary Disorders

Dr. Gregory M. Acland
Cornell University

Objective: To develop a system that will map genetic traits causing health problems.

#D06CA-050 Comparison of 2 ACTH Stimulation Tests in Determining Adrenal Function in Critically Ill Dogs

Dr. Linda G. Martin
Washington State University

Objective: This study will compare the pituitary-adrenal function in critically ill dogs and use the information to determine the best way to diagnose this condition. An early detection test will help veterinarians to treat sick dogs more effectively.

#D06CA-065 Hemangiosarcoma and Melanoma

Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD
University of Minnesota

Objective: Researchers will investigate two proteins whose interactions seem to inhibit the growth of hemangiosarcoma and melanoma tumors and this study will test targeted therapies to significantly improve the lives of affected dogs.

#D04CA-108 Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Peter J. Felsburg, VMD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Objective: Mechanisms of epithelial injury in canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease

#D03CA-071 Canine Hemangiosarcoma

Stuart C. Helfand, DVM
University of Wisconsin

Objective: Receptor Tyrosine Activity in Canine Hemangiosarcoma

#D03CA-132 Relapsed Lymphoma

W. C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD
Ohio State University

Objective: Gene expression profiling of Relapsed Lymphoma in dogs 

#99CA-001 Hip Dysplasia

Rory Todhunter, BVSc, PhD
Cornell University

Objective: Mapping refinement of Quantitative Trait Loci for Canine Hip Dysplasia