Morris Animal Foundation Announces Call for Newfoundland Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis Research Proposals

 Morris Animal Foundation is now accepting proposals for the study of subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) in the Newfoundland dog breed, one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs.

The request is part of the Foundation’s Donor-Inspired Study program, which allows individual donors and foundations to directly support research topics for which they have a passion and there is a pressing need. Grant applications are due by Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 4:59 p.m. EST.

Projects must advance the science of subvalvular aortic stenosis in the Newfoundland dog breed, specifically. The Foundation is particularly interested in research focused on causation, mechanisms of disease, preventative measures, and/or large-scale studies of therapeutics. Other approaches that are innovative and likely to generate clinical impact also are welcome.

All investigators are eligible to apply, but studies must be limited to three years in duration and budgets cannot exceed $50,000. Competitive applicants will have a previous record of research and publication in relevant fields, with evidence of access to sufficient populations of Newfoundland dogs and/or relevant databases or sample repositories.

Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust (NCA Charitable Trust) is funding the grant. NCA Charitable Trust has supported Morris Animal Foundation for nearly 20 years, making their first gift to support canine health studies in 2000. For over 20 years, the NCA Charitable Trust has been committed to funding research projects aimed at addressing critical health issues affecting the Newfoundland breed.

“We need to learn as much as we can about this disorder for the future of the Newfoundland and other breeds, as there are many affected dogs and carriers within the population,” said Dr. Clyde Dunphy, Chairman of the Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust Management Board. “We hope to find the right study to gain a better understanding of SAS, to lead to better diagnostics and treatments and ultimately help our dogs live longer, healthier lives.”

The NCA Charitable Trust can facilitate recruitment for researchers through their access to 3,000 Newfoundland owners and 26 regional clubs in the United States, as well as international outreach. Researchers also may source DNA samples from the Canine Health Information Center program administered by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

This biorepository currently holds more than 2,000 samples from Newfoundland dogs, made up of about 1,200 blood-based samples and 800 swabs. This includes 38 owner-reported cases of subvalvular aortic stenosis.

Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a Morris Animal Foundation scientific advisory board. Interested researchers can lean more and apply for the grant here.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a cardiac disorder with a narrowing just below the aortic valve of the heart. It forces the heart to work harder and can potentially lead to death at early adulthood. Newfoundlands are one of the most commonly affected breeds of this hereditary condition, though it occurs in several others.

Morris Animal Foundation is an international organization that funds animal health research globally. Scientists from around the world are welcome and encouraged to apply for grants. The Foundation currently is supporting 150 studies encompassing a broad spectrum of species and diseases.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Oct 20 2020. Filed under Breaking News, Featured, Health & Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.