Research that we have sponsored:

Funded in 2021
CHF 02930: A Dose Finding Study of Cannabidiol in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy.
Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS from Colorado State University.
Will cannabidiol help dogs with uncontrolled seizures? Early results are promising.
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic condition in dogs. Sadly, up to one-third of dogs receiving standard therapy still have uncontrolled seizures. Additionally, the side effects of the antiepileptic drugs are often unacceptable. Thus, there is a need for an antiepileptic drug that is efficacious with minimal side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been shown to have anti-convulsant properties. We funded Dr. McGrath’s past research, which included a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial for dogs with uncontrolled epilepsy. This work was very encouraging. Here, Dr. McGrath is conducting a study to determine the most effective dose of oral CBD that will reduce seizure activity in client-owned dogs with intractable epilepsy and be well tolerated. This has the potential to improve quality of life of epileptic dogs. Learn more HERE.

CHF 02931: Assessment of Frequency of Seizures and Antiseizure Drug (ASD) Efficacy by Electroencephalography (EEG) for Dogs with Epilepsy.
Fiona James, DVM, MS from the University of Guelph.
Precise assessment of seizures by EEG will facilitate accurate treatment.
Electroencephalography (EEG) evaluates brain function and is used in human medicine to confirm seizure activity, classify different types of seizures, and evaluate the efficacy of anti-seizure drugs. However, the diagnosis of epileptic seizures in veterinary medicine is solely based on subjective information (e.g., owner description or visualization of an episode), which has been shown to be highly unreliable. The goals of this study are to use EEG to evaluate the number and type of seizures seen in comparison to what their caregivers see. The EEG data will also be used to determine the efficacy of anti-seizure drugs. These findings will provide an objective measure of treatment success and, hopefully, a way to predict management outcomes for dogs. Learn more HERE.

Grant 02875: Canine Pituitary Adenoma Organoids as an in vitro Model for Canine Cushing's Disease.
Karin Sanders, DVM, PhD from Utrecht University (Netherlands).
An organoid model of Cushing’s disease can be used to find new treatments.
Pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs. Medical treatment options that focus on the pituitary tumor are currently lacking. In this project, investigators aim to validate a novel cell culture model for canine PDH, and use this to find new treatment options. Organoids are grown from stem cells and resemble the primary organ or tumor they derive from and therefore can be viewed as avatars of the tumor. Using the organoids, investigators will identify new treatment targets and then inhibit these targets with drug screens. Drugs identified in this study may eventually improve the survival and quality of life of dogs with PDH. Learn more HERE.

Grant 02809: Microbial and Cytokine Signatures of Periodontitis in Dogs.
Santiago Peralta, DVM, from Cornell University.
Periodontal disease is a major health risk for all dogs!
Periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of tissues surrounding the tooth. More than two-thirds of dogs over 3 years have some degree of periodontal disease. It leads to gum loss, loss of bone around the teeth, and tooth loss. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause health problems in many organs. Poor oral health has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Peralta hypothesizes that the types of microbes found under the gumline can influence the degree of inflammation and tissue destruction. He proposes to identify the microbial communities present in dogs at different clinical stages of periodontitis and investigate the immune response. This could lead to new therapeutic interventions for dental disease. Learn more HERE.

Grant 02850-A: Potential Reduction of Systemic and Pancreatic Inflammation using Fenofibrate in Diabetic Dogs.
Dr. Allison O’Kell, DVM, MS, from the University of Florida.
Will fenofibrate treatment alleviate the complications of diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and does occur in PBGVs. In this study, investigators will examine the effect of fenofibrate on alleviating some of the complications of diabetes. Fenofibrate is a drug known to decrease blood lipid levels that has also shown promise in laboratory settings to decrease consequences of diabetes such as gut barrier dysfunction, systemic inflammation and pancreatitis. Investigators hypothesize that fenofibrate treatment in canine diabetes will reduce systemic inflammation and decrease serum pancreatic lipase activity (a marker of pancreatic inflammation), and positively alter lipoprotein profiles without affecting blood sugar control. Learn more HERE.

Grant 02851-A: Development of Regional Anesthesia Techniques to Treat Chronic Painful Conditions of the Stifle and Elbow in Dogs.
Diego A. Portela, DVM, PhD, from the University of Florida.
Will nerve blocks relieve the chronic pain of osteoarthritis?
Knee and elbow osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of chronic pain in dogs, significantly impacting quality of life. Traditional management employs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, these can have significant gastrointestinal side effects. Dr. Portela wants to explore the use of nerve blocks to improve the quality of life of patients suffering chronic pain. Nerve blocks apply local anesthesia close to nerves responsible for the transmission of pain sensation. Some nerves are difficult to localize, but ultrasound guidance allows practitioners to direct needles to precise locations where the target nerves are located. No studies currently describe how to approach sensory nerves that transmit pain from knee and elbow in dogs. The present study aims to identify and develop a reliable technique to approach the sensory nerves of the knee and elbow using both blind and ultrasound-guided techniques. The investigators hope to provide pain relief in dogs suffering from osteoarthritic pain. Learn more HERE.

Grant 02861-A: T Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs.
Harry Cridge, MVB, MS, from Michigan State University.
Can we predict whether pancreatitis will lead to cardiovascular events?
Pancreatitis is a common affliction in PBGVs. Unfortunately, targeted therapeutic options do not exist and current therapy is primarily supportive in nature. Mortality rates in dogs with acute pancreatitis can be high due to systemic complications. Cardiovascular complications occur in approximately 50% of humans with acute pancreatitis, and they also occur in canine pancreatitis. This study will identify and characterize the cardiovascular abnormalities that occur with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis in dogs. These abnormalities could be associated with disease severity and outcome. More importantly, they may represent therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes in this common and frequently deadly disease for dogs. Learn more HERE.

Funded in 2020
CHF 02252: Investigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities
Holger Andreas Volk, DVM, PhD; Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Canine epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition, often requiring lifelong medication with anti-epileptic 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 are termed 'refractory' or 'drug-resistant' patients. There is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments to improve the quality of life (QoL) of drug-resistant patients. The ketogenic diet, originally characterized as high in fat and low in carbohydrates, has been a successful treatment in children with epilepsy for several decades, decreasing seizure activity and even leading to seizure freedom in drug-resistant patients. Recent research has identified that a component of the ketogenic diet, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCT) called C10 has direct anti-seizure effects on the brain. The investigators will assess whether dietary supplementation with ACT oil containing C10 for dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy will reduce seizure frequency and/or severity. They will also investigate whether the MCT supplement alters the side effect profile of AEDs, improves behavioral problems associated with epilepsy (e.g. anxiety) and cognition, and improves the stress levels of the affected dog. If successful, MCT supplements could provide a new tool for canine epilepsy treatment.
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02323: Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy
Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS; Colorado State University
Epilepsy is the most common neurologic condition in dogs. Approximately 20-30% of dogs receiving standard therapy remain uncontrolled for their seizures. Additionally, the side effects of the antiepileptic drugs (AED) are often unacceptable. Thus, there is a need for an AED that is efficacious with minimal side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a prominent non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been shown to have anti-convulsant properties. While CBD offers promise as a treatment for canine epilepsy, controlled studies are needed to prove its effectiveness. The primary goal of the study is to determine the efficacy of CBD in the treatment of canine epilepsy. If CBD is effective in decreasing seizure frequency, it has the potential to improve the quality and length of life for dogs with uncontrolled epilepsy, and add a much-needed tool for veterinarians in the treatment of canine epilepsy.
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02489: Tumor-permissive Collagen Signatures in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors: Development of Prognostic Markers and Targeted Therapies for Improved Outcomes
Susan W. Volk, VMD, PhD; University of Pennsylvania
Mammary gland tumors (MGT) are the most common malignancies in intact female dogs, and the resulting premature death and morbidity in this sub-population of dogs represents a significant health problem. While genetic alterations within tumor cells can promote their uncontrolled growth and ability to spread to distant sites, recent work indicates that normal, non-malignant cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) within the surrounding tumor stroma also regulate the growth and spread of cancer.  The goals of this project are 1) to identify additional collagen signatures which predict clinical outcome in dogs, 2) determine how they direct tumor cell behavior and 3) develop therapies that prevent formation of tumor-inciting collagen signatures in canine MGT. The investigators predict that identifying and targeting tumor-inciting collagen signatures will lead to improvements in both diagnosis and treatment of dogs with malignant MGT.
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02534: Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Propranolol and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Erin B. Dickerson, PhD and Antonella Borgatti, DVM, MS; University of Minnesota
Canine hemangiosarcoma is a largely incurable cancer in dogs, and treatment approaches to improve outcomes have remained relatively stagnant over the past few decades. Treatment remains a challenge partly because the cancer is frequently detected at an advanced stage and because these tumors are often resistant to chemotherapies. Recently published reports showed that propranolol, a drug used to treat heart disease in humans and dogs, substantially increased the survival time of human angiosarcoma patients when used in combination with standard of care treatments. The main goal of the study is to establish whether propranolol in combination with doxorubicin following surgery improves outcomes for dogs when compared to the use of chemotherapy and surgery alone
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02561: Is Gut Dysbiosis Associated with Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy?
Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS; North Carolina State University
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic nervous system disorder of dogs. Its cause is poorly understood, but is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. Treatment with anti-seizure drugs remains the standard of care. However, approximately one-third of dogs fail to achieve satisfactory seizure control, highlighting the need to investigate factors that may influence disease course. An association between epilepsy and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease is well documented in humans, and several other nervous system disorders have been linked to alterations in gut microbial populations, with considerable attention focused on the bacteria Helicobacter and Lactobacilli. The aim of this study is to determine whether dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have shifts in the gastrointestinal environment that may influence disease course. The researchers hypothesize that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have alterations in the gut microbial population - characterized by the presence of Helicobacter, a decrease in Lactobacillus, and resulting inflammation - that are associated with epilepsy development and outcome. In exploring the association between the gut microbial population and canine epilepsy, this study has the potential to improve our understanding of epilepsy, and ultimately guide the development of more effective therapies for this disorder.
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02610-A: The Role of Motilin Signaling in Canine Osteoarthritis
Li Zeng, PhD; Tufts University
Osteoarthritis is a devastating disease characterized by joint pain and immobility and while it is highly prevalent in dogs, there is no optimal treatment for this disease. The goal of this study is to design strategies to prevent osteoarthritis progression and improve the quality of life for dogs. A central feature for osteoarthritis is the destruction of joint cartilage, a tissue that normally serves as a cushion between bones. Without this cushion, there is increased friction at the joint, causing mechanical stress and accelerating joint degeneration. One treatment strategy is to combat inflammation, because inflammation results in joint cartilage loss and is a key component in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. In preliminary studies, the investigators found that the hormone motilin has an anti-inflammatory activity that has not been previously reported. Their hypothesis is that motilin protects the canine joint against inflammation and improves the health of the cartilage in osteoarthritis. Outcomes of this research may benefit both dogs and humans suffering from osteoarthritis.
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02643-A: Examination of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Canine Neoplastic Cell Apoptosis/Autophagy and Potential for Chemotherapy Resistance or Sensitivity
Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM, PhD; Cornell University
Currently the use of cannabidiol (CBD) rich extracts for canine oncology patients is common, yet there are no data in canine oncology regarding the effects of CBD on canine cancer cells.  The objective of this study is two-fold; 1) to determine if co-treatment of cancer cells with a common chemotherapeutic (doxorubicin) and CBD at varying concentrations affects chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity, and 2) to examine the molecular framework of the cell death response looking at the most commonly implicated pathways targeted in canine cancer treatment, including mechanisms of cell signaling and autophagy (removal of damaged cells).
Learn more HERE.

Funded in 2019
CHF 02532-A: Canine Influenza: Occurrence, Spatial and Temporal Trends and Identifying Modifiable Factors to Reduce Transmission at Events in the United States
J Scott Weese, DVM and Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD; University of Guelph; Ohio State University and University of Prince Edward Island
Learn more HERE.

Funded in 2018
CHF 02323: Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy
Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS; Colorado State University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02528: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tickborne Diseases
Pedro Diniz, DVM, PhD; Western University of Health Sciences
Learn more HERE.

Rabies Challenge Fund
The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust was established in 2005 to raise funds for a research project to determine the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccines. We all know that over-vaccination can cause adverse effects in dogs. Many states have adopted a 3-year rabies protocol thanks to the research and advocacy made possible by The Rabies Challenge Fund. Some states, however, still require an annual or biannual booster. The research project is currently following a colony of beagles that received the current licensed rabies vaccine seven years ago. The investigators are analyzing the immunologic memory in those dogs with serum antibody titer tests. They are also exposing dogs at periodic intervals to live rabies virus to determine if the vaccine is still effective. They hope that their results will provide the basis for allowing rabies serum antibody titer tests to replace periodic boosters.
Learn more HERE.

Funded in 2017
CHF 02175-A: Development of a Brucellosis Vaccine for Dogs
Angela M Arenas, DVM, PhD; Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02238-A: Effect of Platelet Count on Platelet Function Tests in Dogs
Elizabeth Spangler, DVM, PhD; Auburn University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02241: The City Dog Study: Dermatologic and Respiratory Disease among Inner-City Dogs Living in the Homes of Children with Asthma
Meghan F. Davis, DVM, MPH, PhD; Johns Hopkins University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02249-A: Studying the Role of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Canine Epilepsy
Karen R. Muñana, DVM; North Carolina State University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02257: Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Canine Epilepsy
Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD; University of Missouri, Columbia
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02309-T: Targeting the Cancer Epigenome: The Effect of Specific Histone Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibition in Canine B-Cell Lymphoma
Angela McCleary-Wheeler, DVM, PhD; University of Missouri
Learn more HERE.

Funded in 2016
CHF 02128-A: Redefining the Recommendations for Prevention of Infectious Disease at Dog Shows and Other Areas Where Dogs Meet and Compete
Jason Stull, VMD, PhD; Ohio State University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02161-A: Supporting the Evidence-Based Use of Antibiotic Gels after Extensive Dental Plaque Removal in Dogs
Django Martel, DVM; The Animal Medical Center
Learn more HERE.

CHF 2217: A Novel Mechanism to Regulate the Growth of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Erin B. Dickerson, PhD; University of Minnesota
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02237-A: Capturing Tumor Cells in Canine Blood
Tracy Stokol, PhD; Cornell University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 2252: Canine Epilepsy: Determining the Mode of Inheritance, Mapping the Genes, and Developing a Linkage Test
James R. Mickelson, PhD; University of Minnesota
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02284-A: Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevalence, Clinical Illness, and Prognosis
Thomas Wittum, MS, PhD; Andréia Arruda, DVM, MSc, PhD; Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD; The Ohio State University and University of Prince Edward Island
Learn more HERE.