About Dr. Friedenberg
Dr. Steven Friedenberg’s career reflects a lifelong passion for scientific discovery and the genetics of canine disease. Originally a chemistry major with early laboratory experience, his interest in research deepened in veterinary school at Cornell University, where he joined the lab of Dr. Rory Todhunter—an orthopedic surgeon and geneticist known for groundbreaking work in canine hip dysplasia. Under Dr. Todhunter’s mentorship, Dr. Friedenberg developed a lasting fascination with genetics and disease inheritance. After completing his veterinary residency, he pursued a PhD with Dr. Kate Meurs at North Carolina State University, whom he first met during a fellowship sponsored by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Both Dr. Todhunter and Dr. Meurs remain lifelong mentors and friends, fostering his passion for genetics and translational research. As a veterinary criticalist, Dr. Friedenberg has a particular interest in diseases he encounters frequently in the ICU and emergency room—such as Addison’s disease (AD) and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). His work bridges the worlds of clinical medicine and molecular genetics, combining hands-on veterinary expertise with advanced research to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind complex, life-threatening conditions in dogs.
Research Approach
Addison’s disease (AD) is a common and potentially fatal disorder in dogs, caused by the immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands. This damage prevents normal hormone production, disrupting metabolism, kidney function, and immune regulation. Dogs affected by AD are at constant risk of adrenal crisis, making early detection and prevention critical.
Portuguese Water Dogs (PWDs) are particularly prone to Addison’s disease, with studies showing they have a 29-fold higher risk than other breeds—suggesting a strong genetic basis. However, to date, no genetic variants have been identified that explain this predisposition. Dr. Friedenberg’s current project, funded through the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc. and administered by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), aims to identify the genetic factors responsible for AD in this breed.
Building on his prior research in Standard Poodles—a closely related breed—Dr. Friedenberg and his team are using state-of-the-art genomic technologies to map disease-associated regions of the genome. This approach not only seeks to pinpoint the genetic variants that increase risk but also to better understand the biological mechanisms that drive the disease. Early findings suggest that in some breeds, certain disease-associated genetic regions may be so deeply embedded in the genome that “breeding away” from the condition may not be fully possible. Despite these challenges, the research is generating new insights into the immune and genetic processes underlying Addison’s disease, with implications that extend far beyond a single breed.
Potential Impact
Dr. Friedenberg’s research holds promise to revolutionize early detection and prevention of Addison’s disease in Portuguese Water Dogs and related breeds. By identifying the genetic variants responsible for AD, his team aims to create a genetic test that can predict disease risk, enabling early diagnosis, improved treatment strategies, and more informed breeding decisions. The long-term goal is to reduce the incidence of Addison’s disease while maintaining healthy genetic diversity within the breed.
Beyond its breed-specific benefits, this research offers broader insights into the genetic and immunologic mechanisms of autoimmune diseases in dogs—knowledge that could eventually guide the development of new therapies.
Dr. Friedenberg credits the AKC Canine Health Foundation for being instrumental in advancing this work, noting that few organizations are as deeply committed to improving canine health through science. The CHF not only provides essential funding and oversight but also fosters collaboration through partnerships with breed clubs and biannual scientific meetings where researchers share discoveries and connect with the dog community. As Dr. Friedenberg reflects, “There are very few funding sources for scientists who study diseases in dogs for the sake of improving dog health. The AKC-CHF makes that possible.”
