DENVER/February 14, 2023 – Morris Animal Foundation announced it is funding four new studies focused on two common health issues in dogs – ear infections and obesity.
“Chronic, sub-acute diseases in dogs often are overlooked for research funding,” said Dr. Kathy Tietje, Vice President of Scientific Operations at Morris Animal Foundation. “These new studies focus on common disorders affecting dogs that negatively impact their health and quality of life.”
The projects are slated to begin in 2023. Grant recipients and their topics are:
- Dr. Rosanna Marsella, University of Florida - Investigation of prevention strategies and treatment options for otitis in dogs.
- Dr. Tessa LeCuyer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Evaluation of a novel biologic therapeutic for canine bacterial otitis externa.
- Dr. Lindsey Citron, University of Pennsylvania - Fosidomycin for treatment of canine otitis externa.
- Dr. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel - Holistic prevention of obesity among working dogs: integration of genomics, behavior, health and welfare approaches.
Otitis externa is an inflammation affecting the ear. Most dogs develop otitis at some time in their life, and it is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care.
Obesity affects roughly 56% of dogs in the United States, a statistic echoed by other studies from the United Kingdom. Researchers in other regions also report obesity as a problem. Obesity has been linked to numerous health conditions in dogs, such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in nearly 3,000 critical studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl, DVM, MS
