Uncovering Genetic Clues Behind Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma in English Cocker Spaniels

A Rare but Aggressive Cancer with Breed-Specific Impact Anal sacs (sometimes called anal glands) are small structures located just beneath the skin that store a strong-smelling fluid. In most dogs, they empty naturally during defecation. In some, they don’t empty as they should, leading to discomfort, impaction, infection, and familiar behaviors like scooting or the […]
00990-A: Prognostic Indicators for Anal Sac Gland Carcinoma in the English Cocker Spaniel and Preparing to Map Predisposition to this Tumor
Grant Status: Closed Grant Amount: $12,678 David Sargan, MA, PhD; University of Cambridge July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007 Sponsor(s): Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation Breed(s): English Cocker Spaniel Research Program Area: Oncology Donate to Support this Research Program Area Project Summary The goal of this project was to perform a […]
03103: Identification of Genetic Mutations in AnalSac Carcinoma Development in English Cocker Spaniels, Part II – Validation
English Cocker Spaniels (ECSs) are about 7.3 times more predisposed to anal sac carcinoma (ASC)development than other dog breeds. Hence, there is a genetic base for ASC development in ECSs and this study aims to identify genetic factors that are causative. Funded by AKC CHF, previous studies were performed including whole genome sequencing (WGS) and […]
02428: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a common and life-threatening disorder in dogs in which the body’s immune system destroys the outer layer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones that are critical for energy metabolism, immune system function, intestinal health, and kidney function. Symptoms of Addison’s disease can mimic other conditions, and as a result, […]
0001270: Hereditary Nephritis in English Cocker Spaniels
Familial nephropathy is an autosomal recessive kidney disease that affects English Cocker Spaniels. This research has discovered the fundamental cause of the disease at the protein level, and identified two specific genes in which the mutation responsible for the disease will likely be found. Over 75 percent of the genes have been sequenced. Once the […]
01986: Profiling the Metabolic and Lipid Imbalances that are Causative of Gallbladder Disease in Dogs
The gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is one of the most common, poorly understood and deadliest biliary diseases of dogs. A GBM develops when the gallbladder secretes abnormal mucus that eventually obstructs or ruptures the gallbladder. GBM formation afflicts all dogs, but especially Shetland Sheepdogs, Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels, and in general, dogs with disorders of […]
02515-A: Investigating the Role of Interleukin-17-producing Cells in the Pathophysiology of Canine Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Canine primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is an acute and severe disease of dogs, with a mortality rate ranging up to 70%. IMHA is caused when the immune system produces abnormal antibodies that attack and destroy the dog?s own red blood cells. It is not known how or why these abnormal antibodies form in the […]
02052: Defining the Mechanism of Severe, Life-Threatening Bleeding Disorders in Dogs
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in dogs. It occurs when the immune system destroys the body’s own platelets – blood cells that prevent hemorrhage. The resulting lack of platelets in some dogs causes mild bruising and in others causes severe, life-threatening hemorrhage. Veterinarians do not understand what triggers ITP and cannot predict […]
02363-A: Platelet Function in Dogs with Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic liver disease is common among adult dogs with numerous breeds being predisposed. Liver biopsy is usually required to identify the underlying cause of liver disease in these patients, and is often recommended to monitor response to treatment. Because dogs with liver disease have abnormal clotting activity, bleeding is a substantial risk of biopsy. Routine […]
02455-A: Identification of genetic mutations in anal sac carcinoma in English Cocker Spaniels
English cocker spaniels (ECSs) are about 7 times more likely than other dog breeds to develop anal sac carcinoma (ASC). Hence, there appears to be a genetic basis for this disease development in ECSs. The investigators will sequence the genomes and transcriptomes of blood and ASC tumor samples collected from ECS dogs across the US. […]