The Canine Research Foundation (CRF) is the research vehicle of ANKC.

It is a Public Charitable Trust providing funds for research conducted at Australian universities and directed at improvement of canine health.  Funds are generated via the levy on puppy registrations, fund raising functions, tax-deductible donations and bequests from the public. The CRF was founded by the VCA in 1992 and a total of 76 research grants have been awarded to date.

In the assessment of new applications for awarding of research grants, the review process has three stages:-

1. A technical review panel to assess scientific merit and relevance to canine health
2. A review by Member Bodies’ Canine Health Committees for their input on relevance
3. A review by CRF Trustees to:

(a) ensure projects fit within the Foundation’s Trust Deed
(b) award research grants to fit within available financial constraints and recommendations from the above reviews.

In the latest round of applications for research commencing in 2010, twenty applications were received and five were awarded grants, with brief details of the successful applications given below.

Research Grants Awarded for Research Commencing in 2010

1. Methods to reduce the severity and frequency of surgical infection.
Investigator: Prof. Ted Whittem,  University of Melbourne.
Grant: $12,000 total for 2010/2011.

The cost of surgical procedures is a considerable impost on pet ownership. Complications from this surgery due to surgical site infections (SSI) are usually unbudgeted additional pet-owner expense. As factors which predict the likelihood of SSI are identified, steps can be taken which will reduce post-operative wound infections.
This study aims to determine the incidence of and describe the factors associated with the incidence of SSI that occur in dogs undergoing surgery in a teaching and referral veterinary hospital in Australia. The study further aims to evaluate some specific strategies aimed to reduce the incidence and severity of SSI.

2. Loss of heterozygosity from chromosome 5 in canine oligodendrogliomas.
Investigator: Dr. Sam Long, University of Melbourne.
Grant: $6,500 total for 2010/2011.

The spectrum of tumours seen in dogs is remarkably similar to that reported in people. Of the primary brain tumours seen, oligodendrogliomas comprise the third most common type. The mainstay of treatment in dogs currently comprises surgical debulking followed by irradiation.
 
However, surgical removal of tumours is associated with up to 19% of dogs dying either during surgery or in the immediate post-operative period, and radiation therapy is currently limited in availability in Australia. The use of chemotherapeutic agents, either alone or in combination with other modalities would be beneficial in avoiding these problems.  Given the loss of heterozygosity and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in humans, the equivalent loss in canine oligodendrogliomas may also predict chemo sensitivity, allowing these tumours to be treated by non-invasive chemotherapeutic protocols, thus improving survival for dogs suffering from these debilitating tumours.

3. Measurement of faecal cytokines in healthy and diarrhoeic dogs.
Investigator: Dr. Mansfield, Murdoch University.
Grant: $11,374 total for 2010/2011.

Cytokines are proteins produced in the face of inflammation, and are very important in mucosal surfaces such as the gastrointestinal tract. They are able to generate many other inflammatory mediators and are often the inciting factor for ongoing inflammation.
Measurement of faecal cytokines may become an objective way to assess response to treatment and monitor individual animals. This would be preferable to invasive diagnostic testing such as endoscopy or surgical biopsies.

4. Finding glaucoma genes in the canine.
Investigator: A/Prof. Baird, University of Melbourne.
Grant: $10,881 for 2010.

Primary or inherited glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in purebred dogs. Overall the prevalence of primary glaucoma is estimated to be nearly 1% across all dog breeds, but as high as 4-5% in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound and Chow Chow, and more than 1% across 19 other breeds. One of the major symptoms of canine glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure, which can rapidly cause blindness and is painful for the dog. Other symptoms include red, hazy eyes and dilated pupils.
The aim of this project is to use genes already associated with glaucoma in humans and assess their involvement in the canine species. By gaining direct evidence of involvement of these genes we can improve management of breeding practices and lead to eradication of the disease.

5. Assessment of lidocaine as an adjunctive analgesic after abdominal surgery in dogs.
Investigator: Dr. Sarah Haldane, University of Melbourne)

If lidocaine is shown to have the same effects in dogs as it does in people and horses with regards to analgesic effects, anti-inflammatory activity and improved gastrointestinal function in the post-operative period, it will be of immense benefit to small animal veterinary practitioners, as lidocaine infusion is both inexpensive and easy to administer. This drug may reduce the requirement for high doses of opioids that can reduce intestinal motility as well as causing sedation. It may also reduce the requirement for anti-emetic or pro-kinetic agents post-operatively. There may even be an additional benefit in reducing time spent in hospital, both for dogs and for their owners in terms of quality of recovery and reduced expense for veterinary care.

Research expenditure for 2010
Including the projects continuing from 2009, research expenditure provided for 2010 under the Foundation’s grants will total $118,345.

Donations and Bequests
Research grants are always limited by availability of funds, so that worthwhile projects may miss out. Breed clubs/councils and individual persons wishing to assist in this important research directed at improvement of canine health are invited to do so via donations or bequests. If they so desire, they may nominate a new or existing research topic related to their breed to receive the funding. Initial contact should be with the ANKC Administrator who will put you in touch with an appropriate person for discussion regarding the prospect.
 
Research Topics
The CRF is always keen to receive input of suggested research topics for referral to universities as the basis of research grant applications. Breed clubs/councils are invited to nominate research topics and forward them in writing to the ANKC Administrator for consideration by March 31 each year.

Thanks
The Trustees are confident that the resultant research will contribute significantly to improvement in canine health, and commend the ANKC Member Bodies, their breeders and other donors for the financial contributions and general support. Special thanks are due to those who give their time and effort to make the research program so successful.

Regular progress reports and final reports are received relating to CRF research grants and results of successful projects are published in veterinary journals as appropriate. Members can be very proud of the contribution being made to improvement of canine health.

Bob Maver
Canine Research Foundation Trustee