Morris Animal Foundation calls for research proposals on canine IMHA
More research needed on this uncommon but serious disease with high morbidity and mortality rates for dogs
Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) it has opened applications for research proposalsgeared toward canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). The deadline for proposals is November 15, 2023.
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According to an organizational release, MAF is especially looking for finding research and development efforts that focus on1:
- Improving diagnosis and identification of IMHA subtypes, and/or correlation of subtypes and outcomes
- Strengthening and/or individualizing treatments, including optimizing antithrombotic therapy
IMHA involves the destruction of red blood cells by the body's own immune system.1 According to Washington State University,2 depending on the research studies, mortality rates for dogs with IMHA range between 50 to 75%.
Allen and Barbara Dearry are funding this call for proposals inspired by their young whippet, Clark, who has undergone a year of substantial interventions since his diagnosis of IMHA at age 3. At the start of 2022, after receiving a leptospirosis vaccination, he was lethargic and experienced appetite loss, however this one day worsened when he tried to run and came to a stop and was gasping for air.3 Fortunately, the Dearry’s were able to afford the needed veterinary care for Clark to manage the disease, though still little is known about IMHA. They hope to help increase knowledge and help other dogs suffering from this condition through the MAF research proposals.
References
- Morris Animal Foundation opens call for canine IMHA-focused research. News release. Morris Animal Foundation. August 23, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023.
- Ferugson W. Beloved dog beats deadly disease. Washington State University. May 17, 2021. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://news.wsu.edu/news/2021/05/17/loved-dog-beats-deadly-immune-system-disease
- Dearry A. Clark’s IMHA journey. Morris Animal Foundation. April 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://fundraise.morrisanimalfoundation.org/just-because/ClarksIMHAJourney
