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The P.D.C.A. is currently involved in several research projects. These projects are on-going, so there is only a small amount of information the researchers can make available for general publication. The majority of our projects are also supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (CHF), but we are also giving financial support to a study of Mast Cell disease that is being funded in part by the Morris Animal Foundation. Pugs have a high incidence of Mast Cell Cancer but the majority of them have a low grade neoplasia that rarely metastasizes or causes death. We are backing 4 projects with the CHF this year, including one studying whether early correction of stenotic nares (pinched nostrils) will prevent development of brachycephalic syndrome later. UPDATE: September 2009 Update The next CHF project is studying the canine Y chromosome to determine if there are genes that cause infertility. The researchers have isolated 7 novel transcripts from the Y chromosome that are only found in the dog and they are proceeding to further map the chromosome. UPDATE: September 2009 Update The next CHF project is attempting to understand how Canine Influenza Virus is transmitted in dogs, and what methods might be used to reduce the spread. UPDATE: September 2009 Update The next CHF project concerns viral influences and possible treatments for encephalitis in the Pug and the Maltese. The primary researcher is Dr. Scott Schatzberg, who has worked on P.D.E. in the past. UPDATE: September 2009 Update The CHF asks breed clubs to submit areas of interest for future research. If there are other areas of interest to breeders and club members, please let me know. Chris Dresser DVM |