Researchers developed a questionnaire to identify signs of osteoarthritis in horses, aiming to facilitate earlier treatment. The tool was found beneficial for 88% of participants, who appreciated its simplicity and ease of use, helping owners better manage their horse's pain.
A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found no significant correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins. Researchers used data from Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to map dog home addresses to radon zones and fracking wells, but did not find a link.
Researchers propose releasing a parasitic wasp to control an invasive avian vampire fly threatening Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands. The study found only two native fly species, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these native species alongside the iconic birds.
Researchers have uncovered novel perspectives on domestic and wild cat evolution through the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing and assembly technologies. The study highlights distinct genetic changes that will aid in future disease studies and provide crucial information for those studying feline diseases, behavior, and conservation.
A new study has provided critical information for improving koala care during subsequent fire seasons. Koalas affected by the Australian bushfires were found to have severe footpad burns and lung damage due to smoke inhalation, hindering their tree-climbing abilities and escape from fires.
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to quickly detect the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in shipments and captive settings. The new approach tests environmental DNA for Bsal DNA to assess the pathogen's prevalence, providing a way to make an essentially invisible pathogen visible.
A recent analysis of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data notes a potential correlation between canine sterilization and hemangiosarcoma development. Intact females consistently have lower diagnosis rates, while spayed females show an increasing risk beyond 8 years old.
Researchers investigating sihek health have found that female birds are at greater risk for death and disease than males. The study also highlights reproductive diseases as a major threat to the species' survival, with females succumbing to these diseases more frequently.
A recent scientific publication found that sterilized dogs of different sizes exhibit varying levels of obesity, with small breeds at highest risk and giant breeds at lowest. The study also discovered that the optimal time for spaying/neutering differs by breed size, with young large breeds facing a higher risk of obesity.
The study established a broad range of reptile cell lines, including those from crocodilians, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. This breakthrough will help advance reptile conservation and replace the need for live animals in scientific research, leading to improved animal welfare.
A new study published in Wildlife Society Bulletin reveals that lead exposure from hunting ammunition is sickening and killing bald eagles, making them more susceptible to other dangers. The research, funded by Morris Animal Foundation, used innovative modeling tools to demonstrate the impact of lead poisoning on eagle populations.
The latest publication from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study reviews current demographics and health parameters, including cancer diagnoses and deaths. The study has obtained 223 of its desired primary endpoints, with hemangiosarcoma being the most common cancer.
A comprehensive study analyzing international literature on wildlife rehabilitation found that human activity is a significant factor influencing outcomes. The study identified five key categories of factors impacting survival outcomes for rescued wildlife, highlighting the need for rehabilitators to mitigate threats and address these ...
Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed granular formulations of insect-killing fungi that effectively killed up to 98% of winter tick larvae under laboratory conditions. The findings provide proof of concept for a safe and effective management strategy to protect moose from the devastating impact of winter ticks.
Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have partnered with Morris Animal Foundation to support pet cancer research, investing over $16 million in the fight against pet cancer. The $100,000 grant will be used to match donor gifts and raise awareness for animal cancer research.
Merck Animal Health donates $100,000 to Morris Animal Foundation for animal cancer studies, doubling impact through the Stop Cancer Furever campaign. The funding supports groundbreaking research aimed at treating and preventing cancers in companion animals.
The Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to better understand the incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs. The partnership involves Elanco sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaires that directly evaluates signs of osteoarthritis.
The partnership aims to improve understanding of CDS incidence, prevalence and risk factors. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects about 14% of dogs 8 years and older.
Researchers aim to understand how physical health affects mental health in senior cats, with potential implications for early detection and monitoring of chronic inflammation. The study may also provide insights into the relationships between physical and cognitive health in feline patients.
Researchers discovered that some English bulldogs diagnosed with a common cancer may actually have polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, a non-cancerous syndrome. This condition can save dogs from being misdiagnosed or euthanized unnecessarily.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants to five studies aiming to improve care and rehabilitation of wildlife impacted by wildfires. The studies will develop guidelines for rescue and rehabilitation, track outcomes, and improve antibiotic treatments.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support 14 large animal health research projects focused on improving the well-being of horses. These studies will investigate genetic tests for heart arrhythmias, guidelines for air-transported horses, and the impact of gut microbiome variation on horse health.
Researchers at Colorado State University found a genetic mutation associated with dogs having hypothyroidism being less likely to develop T-zone lymphoma. The study suggests that a region of chromosome 8 linked to thyroid hormone regulation may play a crucial role in the development of the disease.
Researchers have developed a platelet-rich plasma lysate that, when teamed with antibiotics, can eradicate bacterial biofilms common in joint infections. The therapy has shown great results in horses and may also be applied to humans and dogs.
Researchers found that gallium maltolate (GaM) can treat subclinical foal pneumonia without increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests GaM as a viable alternative to overprescribed antibiotics.
Research suggests previously unrecognized latex allergies could play a role in equine asthma. Studies applied microarray platforms to determine precise allergens within stable dust that elicit the condition. Latex proteins were found among the most significant allergens associated with equine asthma, alongside Aspergillus fumigatus.
The Morris Animal Foundation is awarding over $1 million for research projects focusing on deadly diseases in dogs and cats, including canine cancer and feline infectious peritonitis. The grants will support scientists at nine universities in developing new treatments and tests to improve animal health.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded over $1 million in wildlife health research grants to support studies on low fertility in elephants, rabies in bats and amphibian fungal disease. These studies aim to address critical health challenges in various species and promote conservation strategies.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants totaling $940,000 to support research projects focusing on horse and alpaca health. The studies aim to develop better diagnostics and treatments for equine herpesvirus, strangles, and fungal infections.
Researchers discovered genetic regions linked to TB resistance in African buffalos, highlighting the complex interplay between host immune responses and disease spread. The study's findings suggest a trade-off between fitness and disease resistance, with potential implications for wildlife management.
A new two-minute focused cardiac ultrasound protocol can help veterinarians detect heart disease in cats earlier, potentially saving lives. The test, developed by researchers at Tufts University, has been shown to be successful in detecting moderate and severe heart disease with high accuracy.
Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that spaying or neutering large-breed dogs can lead to a higher risk of obesity and nontraumatic orthopedic injuries. Dogs spayed or neutered before 6 months of age were at a significantly greater risk of sustaining these injuries.
A recent study published in Mammalian Genome found that inbreeding depression reduces litter sizes in purebred golden retrievers. The researchers analyzed data from 93 female golden retrievers and discovered that a dam's inbreeding coefficient was associated with the number of puppies it birthed.
A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation found nearly half of Mount Lofty Ranges koalas positive for Chlamydia DNA, while all Kangaroo Island koalas were free from the disease. The team's results suggest that Kangaroo Island may be a safeguard against further losses and even extinction due to chlamydial disease.
Research reveals that pups with high hookworm infection rates spend more time in the water, whereas those with lower rates rest or avoid it. Climate change is thought to be a contributing factor, as warmer ocean temperatures lead to scarce fish supplies, forcing mothers to dedicate more time to searching for food.
Researchers developed a syndromic surveillance system to detect respiratory disease outbreaks in wild chimpanzees. The system identified 14 outbreaks from 2005 to 2012, including eight previously unrecorded cases, allowing for early interventions and potential disease transmission understanding worldwide.
Researchers from Colorado State University found that dogs with omega-3 fatty acid supplements or hypothyroidism are less likely to develop T-zone lymphoma. The study also revealed a link between defective genes and the disease, suggesting potential new avenues for research and prevention.
Researchers found a correlation between accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and equine metabolic syndrome severity, suggesting these chemicals may contribute to the disease. The study suggests that reducing exposure to EDCs could help prevent EMS in horses.
The Morris Animal Foundation is funding nine research projects worth nearly $1 million to improve the health of cats and dogs suffering from deadly diseases. The studies will focus on cancer, chronic upper respiratory disease, and osteoarthritis.
Researchers found mockingbirds exposed to low levels of lead in urban New Orleans neighborhoods displayed significantly increased aggression, attacking intruders and ripping out their feathers. The study suggests sub-lethal lead exposure may be common among urban wildlife and warrants further investigation into its effects.
Researchers developed a new treatment for dogs with rare, life-threatening arrhythmia caused by atrioventricular accessory pathways. The minimally invasive technique, radiofrequency catheter ablation, has a 95% success rate and allows dogs to live normal lives without medication.
Researchers developed a treatment for canine leishmaniasis using the LeishTec vaccine, which is already available in Brazil. The vaccine was tested on over 400 dogs and proved effective in minimizing disease symptoms.
For the first time, researchers have found plastic microfibers in the stool of wild South American fur seals on Guafo Island. The discovery suggests that scat analysis could be an efficient way to monitor environmental levels of microfibers and microplastics.
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers successfully protected Ridgway's hawk nestlings from botfly infestations by applying an insecticide product, resulting in a 170% increase in survival rates. This treatment could be used to help save other island bird species declining due to aggressive botflies.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria in European badgers kill off M. bovis, potentially reducing TB spillover to cattle. The bacteria also stimulate the badger's immune system, improving vaccine effectiveness.
A new vaccine against deadly foal pneumonia has been developed after decades of research, with the potential to save thousands of foals' lives. The vaccine protects against Rhodococcus equi infection, which can cause severe pneumonia and fatality rates ranging from 20% to 40%.
Researchers will investigate molecular methods to identify resistant parasites, develop new tests for metabolic syndrome diagnosis, and explore the role of gut bacteria in the disease. The studies may lead to improved equine health outcomes and new interventions.
The Morris Animal Foundation is providing $850,000 in grants to support critical health challenges facing wildlife, including lead poisoning and a newly discovered cancer. These studies will help ensure the survival of endangered species through improved veterinary care and disease prevention.