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.

Study

D07ZO-630: Nutritional and Behavioral Contributions to Oral Diseases in Captive Red Kangaroos

principal investigator: Poorna Chowdry, Veterinary Student Scholar, Michigan State University

needs sponsorship

Year: 1 of 1. $3,000

This study addresses a disease known as "lumpy jaw" that is frequently seen in zoo kangaroos. In this disease, bacteria invade the jaws, causing infection and breaking down the bones. Some evidence suggests that this may be related to an imbalance of phosphorus in the blood. In animals with similar digestive processes to those of kangaroos, phosphorus levels are regulated in part by saliva production, which increases with more time spent foraging and chewing. The student will adjust the way food is presented to red kangaroos at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to encourage them to spend more time foraging and chewing. Disease progression will then be tracked through behavioral observations, blood analyses, and CT scans of the jaws. The student hopes to provide information into the causes of lumpy jaw so that recommendations can be made to reduce its incidence in captive kangaroos.

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