successes — dogs

Morris Animal Foundation funded its first canine study in 1950, a nutrition study at Iowa State University for $1,000. Since then, we have funded 590 canine studies totaling $21 million. We are currently funding nearly $2 million for canine health research. A few of our health accomplishments:

  • Canine Cancer Campaign: MAF launched a major cancer initiative to cure dogs of the disease in 10 to 20 years. Efforts include a national tumor tissue bank, a clinical trial for bone cancer treatment, and a long-term prevention study.
  • First Parvovirus Vaccine: Foundation funding supported the development of the first parvovirus vaccine, saving the lives of thousands of dogs.
  • Diets for Dogs with Kidney Failure: Early Foundation-funded studies helped define the role of protein and phosphorous in the diet of dogs with kidney failure, helping veterinarians to manage the condition with nutrition. A recent study determined that a daily low dose of calcitriol stabilizes kidney function and slows disease progression.
  • Tests to Identify Blindness Gene: Scientists identified the gene for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a group of blinding diseases in dogs. This led to the development of breed-specific DNA tests to help veterinarians and breeders distinguish affected, carrier and normal dogs and breed out these diseases.



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  • Early Lymphoma Detection: A simple blood test was developed to provide early detection of lymphoma in dogs.
  • New Drug to Fight Bone Cancer: Researchers studied a combination of conventional chemotherapy drugs and the drug suramin that appears to provide better treatment than conventional therapy alone and could improve long-term survival of dogs with bone cancer.
  • Technique to Remove Bladder Stones: Researchers used a laser lithotripsy technique to remove bladder and urethral stones in dogs. This technique offers veterinarians a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery and provides dogs with rapid recovery and minimal discomfort.
  • Treatment for Heart Abnormalities: Scientists successfully used radiofrequency catheter ablation to cure dogs with a heart condition known as accessory pathways. Another study used a silicone cuff to treat portosystemic shunts, the second most common congenital cardiovascular abnormality in dogs.