December 11, 2025 – Improving canine health has been a cornerstone of Morris Animal Foundation’s mission since 1948. From developing the first diet to improve the kidney function of a beloved guide dog to the groundbreaking Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to annual calls for studies to improve all aspects of canine health, we are committed to helping all dogs live longer, healthier lives.
This October, after thorough review, four new studies were recommended for funding and will begin in early 2026. These studies cover topics ranging from cancer treatment to rabies control, and each has the potential to save dogs’ lives.
New Canine Health Studies Include:
- Dr. Christopher H. Contag, Michigan State University, will work to engineer bacteria that can enter cancer cells to deliver cancer-fighting proteins from within, while avoiding damaging any healthy cells. Focusing on histiocytic sarcoma, an aggressive cancer common in several dog breeds, this work could lead to a new class of therapies and even inform models for human cancer treatment.
- Dr. An Vanhaesebrouck, University of Cambridge, will explore the causes of idiopathic acquired megaesophagus as a step toward improved diagnostics and treatments.
- Dr. Ahmed H. Lugelo, Global Animal Health, Tanzania, will test if an oral rabies vaccine is effective in immunizing populations of free-roaming dogs from rabies in a real-life setting. The team will also use facial recognition to track vaccinated dogs, avoiding repeat doses, and protecting dogs, wild animals and people from the deadly disease.
- Dr. Marietta M. Ravesloot-Chavez, University of California, Davis, will seek to develop a novel, safe and effective therapy for mast cell tumors, utilizing antibodies that target specific cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Successful treatment could serve as a model for similar cancers in cats, and potentially in humans.
Fueling Future Scientists
Dr. Ravesloot-Chavez received funding for her project through the Dr. Rodney Page Fellowship in Canine Oncology – a prestigious award empowering emerging canine oncology researchers and ensuring a lasting legacy to improve outcomes for dogs with cancer.
This new study aims to develop a more precise therapy for the most common skin tumors in dogs. Mast cell tumors vary in severity, and treatment options are often limited, especially if the tumor has spread. By utilizing this targeted immunotherapy approach used to treat many human cancers but not widely available for dogs, Dr. Ravesloot-Chavez and team will aim to give dogs and their people more effective and safer treatment options, with fewer side effects than the standard chemotherapy.
Building Toward Breakthroughs
“These new studies are strong examples of the steps we are taking to improve the health of dogs, in our homes and around the world thanks to our incredible donors” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science Communication at Morris Animal Foundation.
While these studies represent real progress to improve the health of dogs, there are numerous studies that meet our high standards for impact and scientific rigor, but cannot move forward because funding falls short. Your gifts help ensure no promising science is left on the table and no breakthrough is stalled.
Science doesn’t stop for the season, and neither do we. Keep this critical science, and more, moving forward with your gift today.
