Research that we have sponsored:

Funded in 2023

Grant 2981 Genome-wide Identification and Characterization of Peptide Epitopes from Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys with Potential to be Used as Vaccine Candidates
Sreekumari Rajeev, BVSc, PhD; University of Tennessee
We need vaccines against Ehrlichia and Anaplasma.
Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys are tick-borne canine pathogens and cause serious and debilitating illness in dogs. There is a critical need to improve diagnostics and to develop vaccines and novel treatment strategies. The goal of this study is to identify vaccine candidates and diagnostic markers using an advanced genomic approach. Investigators will identify potential vaccine candidates by exploring all proteins in the pathogen’s genome in an approach termed reverse vaccinology. This approach will circumvent the expensive and time-consuming procedures in traditional vaccine design and development. Researchers aim to identify unique and shared molecules that could be used to develop a common vaccine for both agents. After initial prediction using computer analysis of A. platys and E. canis genomes, they will experimentally validate use through laboratory assays. The long-range goal of this work is to develop vaccines and improve diagnostics and intervention strategies to alleviate E. canis and A. platys infection in dogs. Tick-borne diseases such as those caused by E. canis and A. platys have a global distribution. Proactive prevention, accurate diagnosis, and prudent treatment are critical aspects of disease control. Results from this project will have a global impact on influencing the health and well-being of dogs and their owners.

2983 Enhanced Detection and Characterization of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Species in Dogs and Ticks with Focus on a Novel Rickettsia Species Infecting Clinically Ill Dogs in the U.S.
Barbara Qurollo, DVM, MS; North Carolina State University
Oh no! Another tick-borne disease!
Dogs carry the burden of high exposure to tick-borne diseases, often alerting us to new and emerging pathogens before people are infected. Recently, investigators identified a new tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) species infecting seven clinically ill dogs in the U.S. All infected dogs had clinical signs like Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Genetic analysis of the novel Rickettsia sp., designated Rickettsia st. 2019-CO-FNY, showed this to be a distinct and new Rickettsia sp. These findings shed light on how little is known about SFGR in dogs and people, due in part to diagnostic limitations and the need for modalities that can more rapidly identify and speciate active SFGR infections. The focus of this study is to investigate the genetic, epidemiologic, and ecological features of emerging SFGR in dogs. Researchers will develop an advanced molecular diagnostic test, attempt to isolate Rickettsia st. 2019-CO-FNY from naturally infected dogs for whole genome sequencing, and characterize tick species harboring SFGR species. If successful, investigators will be able to 1) benefit canine health by providing an improved SFGR diagnostic test to better detect the most prevalent group of tick-transmitted pathogens in the US, and 2) share new information on a medically relevant, potentially zoonotic novel SFGR, including its genomic sequence and how it is transmitted. This information will ultimately shed light on how SFGR infections impact canine health and how different Rickettsia spp. are maintained in the environment, better preparing us for detection and prevention of disease in dogs and people.

Grant 3031 Tolerability and Clinical Efficacy of Oral Potassium Chloride Supplementation for Treatment of Hypochloremia in Canine Congestive Heart Failure
Darcy B. Adin, DVM, MS; University of Florida
Can we restore blood chloride levels to normal in dogs with congestive heart failure? If so, is it helpful?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a very common heart condition in older, small breed dogs. Dogs with CHF almost always die of their disease or complications associated with medications used to treat CHF and therefore this is a significant health concern for dogs. Although medications can increase the quality and quantity of life, additional treatment approaches are needed to improve the outcome for affected dogs. Blood chloride levels are often low (hypochloremia) in CHF because of diuretic treatment and this is a marker for advanced CHF in people and in dogs. Hypochloremia also appears to contribute to disease progression and therefore restoration of blood chloride levels is considered a therapeutic target in people. This study seeks to determine if oral potassium chloride supplementation can restore blood chloride levels in dogs whose values are low. If this study shows that acetazolamide increases blood chloride levels in dogs with CHF that are treated with standard of care medications, then investigators will plan a long-term study to assess the effect of this intervention on survival outcomes. This study has significant potential to improve the lives of dogs living with CHF.

Grant 3039 Prognostic Biomarkers for the Development of Drug Resistance in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Thomas Parmentier, DVM, PhD; Université de Montréal
Which dogs will become resistant to their epilepsy drugs?
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of epilepsy in dogs, affecting 650,000-6,000,000 dogs in the US, Canada and Germany alone. Current treatment of idiopathic epilepsy is limited to anti-seizure drugs. Unfortunately, around 30% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy will require lifelong treatment with two or more drugs to control their epilepsy and are thus affected with drug-resistant epilepsy. These drug-resistant epileptic patients often experience substantial side effects and a decreased quality of life for them and their caregivers. Patients with this concerning drug resistance are not easily identified early in the course of epilepsy which could delay the management of their refractory epilepsy. Several clinical, blood-based (circulating microRNAs) and brain activity (electroencephalographic) features have been proposed as potential biomarkers to predict the development of drug resistance early in the course of the disease which warrants further investigation in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In this study, investigators will work to identify and validate a combination of clinical features, circulating microRNAs and electroencephalographic biomarkers to predict the potential development of drug resistance in newly diagnosed idiopathic epileptic dogs. By developing an accurate prediction model based on the combination of these three types of biomarkers, a completely novel approach, this study aims to individualize and optimize the management of drug-resistant epilepsy through earlier detection of these patients and better defining their prognosis.

Grant 3040 Identification of Novel Epilepsy Genes in Dogs
Hannes T. Lohi, PhD; The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics
The title of this grant says it all.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological problem in dogs and affects most breeds. Genetics plays a significant role in seizure susceptibility, but gene discoveries have been rare due to clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Investigators have recently completed a genome-wide association study in ~600 Labrador Retrievers (LRs) and successfully mapped two loci with genome-wide significance in dogs affected by focal epilepsy or paroxysmal dyskinesia. In this study, investigators will recruit new epileptic LRs with focal seizures or paroxysmal dyskinesia to independently replicate the identified loci, and then perform in-depth analysis of the regions to identify candidate causal variants. If successful, the study will validate new epilepsy loci and reveal new epilepsy genes to improve diagnostics, understanding, and care of the disease in LRs and possibly other breeds.

Grant 3045-A Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology
Leonardo Brito, DVM, PhD; University of Pennsylvania
Is your stud dog’s semen suitable for artificial insemination?
Sperm morphology evaluation is an important component of dog fertility analysis. However, visual evaluation of sperm morphology is difficult to teach, and results are largely dependent on the proficiency and experience of the evaluator, leading to large variability in results within and across evaluators. The objective of this pilot study is to explore recent advances in artificial intelligence for image pattern recognition, similar to that used by the likes of Google and Facebook, to create an automated method for sperm morphology evaluation. A large database with 10,000 dog sperm images will be created. The images will be evaluated by expert veterinarians, then used to train a Convoluted Neural Network (CNN) using deep learning methods. Investigators expect to generate an algorithm capable of classifying sperm morphology with greater than 90% accuracy and precision. Employing such an algorithm could allow veterinarians to establish more reliable reference values and guidelines for prospective stud dogs and for semen to be used for artificial insemination, improve veterinarian’s abilities to formulate diagnoses and prognoses for infertility problems related to specific sperm defects, and to establish the reproductive safety of drugs and compounds.

Grant 3051-A Antimicrobial Resistance in the Canine Vaginal Microbiome
Erika Ganda, DVM, PhD; Pennsylvania State University
Rapid determination of the best antibiotic to use is critical for treating female reproductive infections
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern across all species, as bacteria adapt to antibiotics faster than new medications can be developed. The most efficient way to slow the advancement of AMR is to appropriately treat with antibiotics based on clinical signs, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Unfortunately, when treating a reproductive tract infection in a breeding canine there are two negative outcomes to consider- loss of reproductive function and loss of the animal. While urgency is needed in treating reproductive infections, we need to ensure that the antibiotics that veterinarians commonly prescribe will actually limit or stop the infection. The previous standard for detecting AMR within bacteria was culture and sensitivity performed by a diagnostic laboratory; however, newer technologies known as metagenomic analysis have allowed researchers to discover bacterial populations within different environments that were unseen by culture methods. Metagenomic analysis not only provides information on what bacteria are present within a given environment, for this study the canine vagina, but it also tells researchers which genes within those bacteria have certain functions, such as resistance to antibiotics. While metagenomic analysis does not supply information about whether the bacteria are alive and reproducing, it will provide veterinarians with a starting point to consider whether the antibiotics that are currently utilized to treat female reproductive infections are the best options given the resistance patterns detected in this study. Preventing further AMR is an urgent need, especially in companion animals where there are few restrictions on prescribing antibiotics.

Funded in 2022
Grant 2561: Is Gut Dysbiosis Associated with Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy?
Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS; North Carolina State University
Is the development of idiopathic epilepsy and its outcome influenced by a dog’s gut microbe population?
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. The investigators will collect and study paired fecal samples from untreated and phenobarbital treated epileptic dogs and including an unaffected dog from the same household. The occurrence of Helicobacter and Lactobacillus species will be analyzed using molecular genetic techniques and specific biomarkers of inflammation and evaluated for associations with disease onset 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.

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
Learn more HERE.

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

CHF 02561: Is Gut Dysbiosis Associated with Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy?
Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS; North Carolina State University
Learn more HERE.

CHF 02610-A: The Role of Motilin Signaling in Canine Osteoarthritis
Li Zeng, PhD; Tufts University
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
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.