our work in numbers
Projects
Funded
Samples
Collected
Grants
Distributed
HTF
OUTCOMES
As the HTF begins its thirty-first year, we are taking this opportunity to highlight key HTF outcomes with particular emphasis on the past ten to fifteen years. As you will see, we have been busy!
Research Outcomes
Prior to 2012, a number of research projects had received financial support from the Health Trust Fund in the areas of Craniomandibular Osteopathy, Scottie Cramp, Transitional Cell Carcinoma, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Atopic Dermatitis, Lymphoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Most of these studies were also funded by AKC Canine Health Foundation Grants and the Morris Animal Foundation Grants.
RESEARCH FUNDING TIMELINE
HTF Support: $5k
Comparative analysis of canine breed genomes to highlight how the diversity in dog genomes can be used to identify gene variations that result in either phenotypic differences or potentially causal of diseases such as cancer.
Researcher(s)
Elaine Ostrander PhD
University/Organization
National Human Genome Research Institute & AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF)
Publication: NEJM 367(7)636-46
HTF Support: $40.75k
Phenotyping was done on nearly 90 Scotties and 19 of 31 exhibited general spasticity and 12 of 31 exhibited hind limb spasticity and skipping. Frequency and severity decreased with use of fluoxetine, behavior modification and avoidance of triggers was found to be helpful in 7 dogs.
Researcher(s)
Natasha Olby Vet MB, PhD & Ganokon Urkasernsin PhD
University/Organization
North Carolina State University & AKC CHF
Publication: Journal of Small Animal Practice 2015 Apr;56(4):2
HTF Support: $31k
Identification of 3 regions of the genome that may be associated with TCC opening up new fields of study to identify the gene mutation(s) associated with TCC susceptibility in Scotties, Westies, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
Researcher(s)
Elaine Ostrander PhD
University/Organization
National Human Genome Research Institute & AKC CHF
Publication: CHF Research Report, 8/5/2014
HTF Support: $5k
Data showed that a subset of canine HSA tumors have mutations in the PIK3CA gene resulting in a dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathway.
Recommended screening high risk patients & genetic panel.
Researcher(s)
Cheryl London DVM PhD
University/Organization
Tufts University School of Medicine & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $5k
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a variety of desiccants, botanicals and conventional pesticides to control ticks in the environment while enhancing safety for dogs & people. At high humidity products containing pyrethroids, pyrethrum and pathogenic fungi performed the best and at lower humidity (such as within the home) desiccants and botanicals also were effective. Direct application of these products to crack and crevice refuges should enhance control while reducing resident and companion animal exposure to pesticides.
Researcher(s)
Emma Weeks PhD
University/Organization
University of Florida & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $2.5k
This study found a distinctive genetic profile in large B cell diffuse (most aggressive) lymphoma; the most aggressive subtype of the disease in dogs, and further research will develop therapies for more successful outcomes and to predict the risk for developing this cancer in unaffected dogs.
Researcher(s)
Jeffery Bryan DVM, PhD
University/Organization
University of Missouri-Columbia & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $18k
Genome-wide association studies and linkage mapping identified a 4 Mb region on the X chromosome (CFA X) associated with Cerebellar Abiotrophy in Scotties. Further investigation will be needed to identify the gene mutation and potential genetic test.
Researcher(s)
Natasha Olby Vet MB, PhD
University/Organization
North Carolina State University & AKC CHF
Publication
PMCID: PMC5508367 PMID: 28556454
HTF Support: $1.2k
Study will identify bacteria causing canine periodontal disease using genetic analysis and DNA detection of bacteria. No progress report or summation received.
Researcher(s)
Marcello Pasquale Riggio PhD
University/Organization
University of Glasgow & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $90k
Landmark study involving 100 Scottish Terriers who were followed for 3 years and resulted in recommendations to perform annual ultrasound screenings by age 6 years.
Researcher(s)
Deborah Knapp DVM, MS
University/Organization
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Publication
Front Oncol. 2022 Nov 11;12:1011969.
doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011969 and
PMID: 38000695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106044
HTF Support: $2.5k
Identify miRNAs in serum and urine that may serve as biomarkers for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and supporting the development of diagnostic tests and drug development. This work continued with the support of additional CHF grants and resulted in several publications.
Researcher(s)
Mary Nabity DVM, PhD
University/Organization
Texas A & M & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $12.5k
A SNP (small nucleotide polymorphism) on Canine Chromosome 5 near the HSD17B2 gene may be associated with the elevated liver enzymes in Scotties. Further investigation is needed.
Researcher(s)
Kurt Zimmerman DVM, PhD
University/Organization
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine & AKC CHF
Publication
PMCID: PMC6189480 PMID: 30356827
HTF Support: $21k
The investigators used standard immunological methods and advanced genetic sequencing technology to study systemic and intra-tumoral immune responses to identify biomarkers that may predict immunological and clinical response in dogs.
Researcher(s)
Nicola Mason, PhD, BVetMed
University/Organization
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine & AKC CHF
HTF Support: $164.5k
Full genome sequencing and data analysis of 118 Scottish Terrier DNA samples collected during the screening and early intervention study to identify mutations associated with Urinary Bladder Caner risk. Preliminary results look very promising for the identification of a gene mutation. These preliminary results have led to the funding of the current project with Dr. Knapp.
Researcher(s)
Deborah Knapp DVM, MS
University/Organization
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Education Outcomes
SCOTTIE GUARDIAN NEWSLETTER
The Scottie Guardian, the HTF’s quarterly e-newsletter, was launched in February of 2019. For the past 7 seven years, the newsletter has provided educational and entertaining articles, HTF research updates and important notices, as well as celebrating all things Scottish Terrier and more! Click the link below to see all the issues of the Scottie Guardian.
HEALTH LIBRARY
Building on the ScottiePhile collection of scientific articles, the Health Library was created in the mid-2000’s and included active search capability with the addition of more canine research and clinical articles. With the move to our new website, our Health Library is evolving. Check it out below.
SEMINARS
The HTF has provided several educational seminars over the years including:
Several one day seminars covering Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), liver enzymes, first aid and canine reproduction, held at three regional club specialties and at the STCA Specialty.
2 Webinars provided via ZOOM regarding the HTF DNA BANK Project (watch one below)
Canine DNA research presentation at the 2026 Rotating Specialty
Preservation
Outcomes
HTF GRANTS TIMELINE
Grant Total: $20k
Veterinary Residency Grant providing funding for the training of a Veterinary Theriogenology Resident to specialize in animal reproduction including breeding and care during pregnancy.
Grant Total: $3k
- STC Greater Dayton STC California
- STC of Greater Washington DC
- Washington State STC
- STC of Tampa Bay
- STC of Michigan
Grant Total: $14k
Regional Scottish Terrier Clubs
- STC of Greater Dayton (Grants 2020, 2024 & 2025)(Clinics in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025) The grant from 2020 was used for 3 clinics.
- STC of California (2020)
- STC of Michigan (2020)
- San Francisco Bay STC (2020)
- STC of Chicago (2020)
DNA BANK PROJECT
The establishment of the DNA BANK repository began in 2022 with contract negotiations and procedure development. Since then, almost 1,000 tubes of Scottish Terrier DNA have been processed and stored as of December 2024. Beginning in 2026, all DNA will be transferred to an Indiana based repository which sets the stage for international submission of DNA samples.
Have More Questions?
For further questions about HTF and the work we do,
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