The CAVALIER Study

Principle Investigator Natasha Olby Description The CAVALIER Study (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Aging and Vitality: Assessment of Longevity, Inherited Disease, Exceptional Aging, and Resilience) The goal of this study is to better understand the genetic and biological factors associated with healthy aging and longevity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We hope to identify factors that…

Medically managing non-ambulatory dogs with disc herniation

Principle Investigator Natasha Olby and Melissa Lewis Description Our overall objective is to comprehensively document the recovery trajectory in medically managed, non-ambulatory dogs with presumptive or confirmed thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE) presented to primary care (general practice or emergency) veterinarians. We seek to identify the most appropriate dogs for medical management and to optimize…

Research Study for Senior Dogs: Targeting Frailty To Improve Healthspan and Well-Being

Description Over the past decade, there has been an increased interest in assessing frailty in our aging companion animals. The goal of this study is to monitor how frailty in senior dogs progresses over time, and how activity impacts their well-being. We hope to use what we learn to better care for our aging four…

Pulse Therapy with Clorazepate or Levetiracetam for Cluster Seizures

Principle Investigator Dr. Karen Munana Description We are seeking dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that experience cluster seizures for a new study led by Drs. Karen Muñana and Alejandra Mondino, evaluating pulse therapy for the in-home treatment of cluster seizures. This study is funded by the AKC-Canine Health Foundation. Dogs will be recruited based on the…

Riluzole as a Neuroprotectant in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Principle Investigator Dr Natasha Olby Description This study will evaluate the effect of Riluzole, a drug already FDA-approved for the treatment of human ALS, on the progression of clinical signs in dogs with degenerative myelopathy (DM). This therapy has been previously tested for safety in dogs. The study will be randomized and blinded. This means…

Longitudinal Study Of Neuro-Aging In Dogs

Principal Investigator Natasha Olby Description Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is an age-related neurobehavioral condition that shares similar features to Alzheimer’s disease observed in humans. The progression of this devastating disease ultimately leads to the decline in cognitive function, severely affecting comfort of life for dogs and their owners. The purpose of this study is to track…