research studies

research studies » current studies

In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund nearly 200 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as more than 40 veterinary student projects.

We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.

Category



Disease/Species



Study



D07CA-008: Molecular Genetic Studies of Inherited Retinal Diseases in Dogs

principal investigator: Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, University of Pennsylvania

Co-sponsors: Arlene and Ron Klein, in honor of Scout

needs sponsorship

Year: 2 of 3. $66,740

An estimated 80 to 100 different dog breeds are affected with blindness diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or other eye diseases that are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Early detection is difficult and dogs are often bred before disease is identified. As a result, diseases are passed on to new generations of puppies. Identification of genes and mutations is critical to reducing disease frequency while maintaining breed genetic diversity. In previous MAF-funded studies, Dr. Aguirre identified mutations in nine retinal disease genes and developed diagnostic tests for 44 different breed-specific diseases. In this project, he will examine syndromic oculoskeletal dysplasias, which occur frequently in Labrador retrievers and Samoyeds. Identifying the genes and mutations for these diseases could lead to a diagnostic test for these breeds.

Sponsor This Study