our work in numbers

Research
Projects
Funded
$ 0 k+
DNA
Samples
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Total
Grants
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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
2011
Gene ID/TCC Risk

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

2012
Investigation of Genetics & Characteristics of Scottie Cramp

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

2012
Fine Mapping of TCC Loci/Scotties, Westies & Shetland Sheep Dogs

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

2013
Targeted Therapies Hemangiosarcoma

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

2013
Stopping Tick Infestation to Prevent Canine & Human Dx

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

2013
ID Biomarkers Lymphoma Risk, Tx Golden Retrievers

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

2014
Gene Discovery in Hereditary Cerebellar Abiotrophy/Scotties

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

2014
Sequencing ID of Bacteria /Canine Periodontitis & Oral Health

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

2014
Screening/ Early Intervention in Bladder Cancer

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

2014
Novel Biomarkers/ Targets in Chronic Kidney Disease

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

2014
Progression & Pathogenesis of Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism

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

2018
Immune Targeting of the V600E B-Raf Neoantigen in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma

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

2023
Defining the Heritable Genomic Landscape in Scottish Terriers r/t Urinary Bladder Cancer Risk

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.

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.

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
2024
Veterinary Grants
Theriogenology Residency Grant

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.

2023-25
DNA Grants
DNA Bank Blood Draws

Grant Total: $3k

  • STC Greater Dayton STC California
  • STC of Greater Washington DC
  • Washington State STC
  • STC of Tampa Bay
  • STC of Michigan
2020-25
Ultrasound Grants
Ultrasound Screening Clinics/Bladder Cancer

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)

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,

please email us at:

info@scottishterrierhealth.org