The VCA Welfare Foundation is dedicated to advancing medical research that benefits the health and welfare of the Vizsla. We collaborate with leading research institutions and the AKC Canine Health Foundation to identify research projects of the highest veterinary standards. The success of these projects, in part, is dependent on using viable samples from our breed. The Welfare Foundation encourages Vizsla owners to participate in these health studies when appropriate.
Summary of VCA WF Grant Sponsorship (1998 – 2021)
Open Clinical Trials
Please participate in a clinical trial at your local veterinary school:http://www.akcchf.org/research/participate-in-research/clinical-trials.html
In the fall of 2014, with funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), Dr. Ned Patterson and his team at the University of Minnesota launched Phase 3 of the Epilepsy Research Initiative to identify multiple markers for the disease, concentrating on both the Vizsla and the Australian Shepherd. To ensure the success of this research, Dr. Patterson’s team needs as many affected samples from seizing dogs as possible, including related family members. They also need samples from unaffecteds (or controls) who are 8 years old or older. For more information about sample submission and participation in the University of Minnesota’s Epilepsy Research Initiative, please contact Katie Minor at minork@umn.edu. All submission information will be kept confidential.
General DNA Research: Dog Genome Project at the Broad Institute of Harvard & MIT
The genome of the domesticated dog, a close evolutionary relationship to humans, is a powerful new tool for understanding the human genome. Comparing dogs with humans and other mammals reveals vital information about the structure and evolution of genes and genomes. The unique breeding history of dogs, with their extraordinary behavioral and physical diversity, offers the opportunity to find essential genes underlying diseases shared between dogs and humans, such as cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy. Researchers need blood samples for genome sequencing for all dogs but especially dogs with the following diseases: hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, Addison’s disease, diabetes, kidney failure at a young age, and compulsive disorder. For more information on sample submission, email dog-info@broadinstitute.org.
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Bank: Call for Samples https://www.ofa.org/about/dna-repository
General Cancer Research: Call for samples for all dogs with cancer.
Darwin’s Ark Cancer Project
Canine Cancer Vaccine Study: The goal of the VACCS trial is to evaluate a new vaccine strategy to prevent cancer. This study could provide the necessary justification for eventually looking at a similar approach in humans. For more information, see https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/vaccination-against-canine-cancer-study/
Aspergillosis (fungal disease) in the Vizsla: UC Davis Veterinary School Call for Samples https://studypages.com/s/understanding-the-genes-behind-aspergillus-spp-infections-in-german-shepherds-rhodesian-ridgebacks-and-hungarian-vizslas-117095/
Cleft Palate: Call For DNA Samples for Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Dogs Research . For use in a study to identify the genes responsible for cleft lip and/ or cleft palate in dogs.
Vizsla Myositis: For more information, please ask your veterinarian to contact Dr Diane Shelton (UCSD) at musclelab@ucsd.edu and read Dr. Shelton’s article on myostitis. Please note: Dr Shelton can only respond to veterinarian requests. To learn more about myositis research in the UK and how to participate, visit http://www.vizslahealth.net/polymyositis/introduction/