research studies » current studies
Morris Animal Foundation's current studies will give animals longer, healthier lives.
Each year Morris Animal Foundation funds more than 200 health studies to improve the health of dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas and numerous wildlife species. Our support also trains the next generation of veterinary scientists to meet future animal health needs.
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
D08CA-001: Identifying Genetic Markers for Liver Disorders
principal investigator: Dr. Sharon A. Center, Cornell University
Co-sponsors: Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Inc.; Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Foundation; Arlene and Ron Klein, in honor of Scout; Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
needs sponsorship
Current Year: $85,154
Small, purebred terrier-type dogs are at risk of developing two genetically related disorders that cause abnormal liver function. These disorders, known as portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA) and microvascular dysplasia (MVD), can occur either alone or in combination. Dogs with PSVA suffer from the liver's inability to remove toxins from food and many are overtly ill, while dogs with MVD may only demonstrate intolerance to standard drug dosages. The researchers hope to identify genetic markers for these disorders and use these markers to develop a test for detecting at-risk dogs. This test would help breeders eliminate these disorders from affected breeds.
