The SHHF is supporting three research projects for the 2007/2008 period.  They are as follows:

Canine Health Foundation Grant # 882-A
Genetics of Cryptorchidism in Males

Cryptorchidism or retained testicles is the most common birth defect in purebred dogs.  An estimated frequency of this abnormality is as high as 4 to 15% in some breeds. Two major health problems as a result of this disorder are infertility at adulthood and increased risk of testicular cancer.  According to AKC standards, the cryptorchid males are disqualified from showing and are not recommended for breeding.  There is no current genetic test to predict the risk of this disease in the dog or progeny.  The genetic risk for this disease can spread through the breed population and eventually affect the overall reproductive health of the breed.  As a result, the financial impact for breeders is significant.  The main objective of this study is to develop a DNA test that may predict the risk of a dog or its offspring to develop cryptorchidism.  DNA samples have been collected from White German Shepherds, German Shepherds, and other breeds.  Each sample will be analyzed for 30,000 genetic markers.  The data will be statistically analyzed and the association of specific DNA markers with the disease will be established.  At the end of the study the genome responsible for abnormal testis position will be identified and can be used to identify animals with this mutant gene.

The SHHF has contributed financial support to this study.  The incidence of retained testicles affect 12.5% litters and an additional 6.3% of litters report testicles that are late to descend.  Approximately 14.1% of Siberian Husky males are affected with retained testicles.  If you wish to contribute financially to this study, please see the donation page.

 Canine Health Foundation Grant #910-A
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Cyclooxygenase-2 Cross-Talk in Canine Mammary Cancers

 Mammary cancer is the most frequent neoplasm or cancer in female dogs, and malignant tumors account for nearly 50% of all mammary cancers and thus this condition is devastating in dogs.  Currently, chemotherapy treatments are very limited in dogs.  Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a hormone, secreted by cancer tissues promotes tumor cell migration, spread, formation of new blood vessels, and the inactivation of host anti-tumor immune cells.  Cycooxygenase -2 (COX-2) is the rate limiting enzyme that regulates PGE2 production.  Increased levels of COX-2 are considered a hallmark of mammary cancer.  Inhibition of COX-2 by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decreases the incidence of several cancers.   Epidermal growth factor (EGFR) regulates COX- expression and function.  In this study, the relationship between EGFR and COX-2 will be studied.  This proposed study will determine EGFR/COX-2 pathway in mammary cancer and lead to discover a new chemotherapy for the treatment and/or prevention of mammary cancer in the dog.

The SHHF has contributed financial support for this study.  Malignant breast cancer was the number one cancer reported in the Siberian Husky.  This cancer can be devastating to the dogs and to the owners.  Approximately 3.6 % of Siberians were reported to have breast tumors.  If you would like to contribute financially to this study, please see the donation page.

 The Rabies Challenge Study by Dr. Jean Dodds

The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust will determine the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccine. The goal is to extend the required interval for rabies boosters to 5 and then to 7 years. This project depends primarily upon grassroots gifts for funding the costs of conducting the requisite vaccine trials. Our contributions to date have come mostly from kennel clubs and private individuals.  The Challenge fund is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization [Fed. EIN # 84-6390682].  Our costs to begin the first year of the study are $177,000; to date we have raised close to $166,000! This vaccine trial cannot begin without funding for the first year. The Rabies Challenge Fund needs to raise a total of $1.5 million to complete the 5 and 7 year challenge studies, the adjuvant study, and to establish the vaccine adverse reaction reporting system.  With your help this can be accomplished.

Cataracts

Research into the Siberian inherited cataract, also called the juvenile cataract, is being done by Optigen Labs. They are looking for the DNA marker, and if it can be found, there will be a way to rid the breed of this hereditary problem. Optigen is looking for people with affected Siberians, Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes who would be willing to participate in the study. For information on how to be part of finding the genetic marker for juvenile cataracts please visit http://www.optigen.com/ On the main page, click "Research Samples Needed - PRA and Cataracts" to take you to the information page. The SHHF thanks you for your willingness to be part of the solution to this genetic problem.

Tumors of the Iris

Research is being done by The University of Wisconsin on tumors of the iris of the eye in Siberians.  At present, this tumor has only been documented in blue-eyed Siberians. The researchers would like anyone who has a dog diagnosed with this particular condition to contact them and consider being part of their study.  For information about the study or to volunteer a dog as a participant, please contact:

Mitzi Zarfoss, DVM
Fellow, Comparative Ocular Pathology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2015 Linden Dr.
Madison, WI 53706

608-262-1938 office phone
608-263-4958 lab phone
608-262-9150 fax line