08/07/2025
ASC-F July Updates
July 2025 RESEARCH GRANTS UPDATE
This ASC Foundation Research Grants update was available as a handout at our Mystery Dinner at the ASC National in July. If you didn't take a copy then or were not at the National, this update is more recent than the last Bulletin update, including promising new information on the Cataract Research program. We currently support six (6) research programs, including two specifically for Cocker Spaniels. The financial support you give by attending our fundraising events or contributing funds in other ways, as well as donating DNA and eye exams, all contribute to our continued ability to fund this research ( as well as Cocker Rescue). Thank you! And don't forget to get those eye exams into the Health Registry!!
IMMUNE-MEDIATED HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA (IMHA) ( 2 Studies)
· The FOUNDATION recently committed funds to support the research study: "Understanding the genetics of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia(IMHA) in Spaniel breeds," under the supervision of Dr Steven Friedenberg. Dr. Friedenberg has solicited funding to study AIMA using the canine model, particularly the Cocker Spaniel (American and English), the Springer Spaniel, and the Clumber Spaniel. Dr. Friedenberg is asking for your help in enrolling Cockers that fall into two groups:
1. Dogs who have had IMHA, either in the past or are currently undergoing treatment.
2. Any dog (with or without IMHA in the past) who is nearing the end of their life, and owners might be willing to donate a small tissue sample after passing.
Among dogs with IMHA, he has a critical need for dogs diagnosed in the past 24 hours. If you think your dog might qualify for any of his studies, please email him at [email protected], and he'll get back to you ASAP. Or you may email: [email protected]
· We strongly support the research by Dr Stokol at Cornell University, and there has been some excellent news recently. Dr. Benjamin Brainard from the University of Georgia and Dr. Joel Weltman from the Animal Medical Center in New York City have joined this research project along with Rochester Specialist and Emergency Services, Auburn University, and the University of Minnesota. This research aims to test the hypothesis that impaired clot breakdown, due to high concentrations of PAI-1, may contribute to clot formation in dogs with IMHA. The nature of this research requires that the blood sample be obtained in special tubes at the time of diagnosis, before the initial treatment, or shortly after that. For this reason, it is limited to the partnering institutions. Questions on participation in the study should be sent to [email protected]
CATARACT STUDY
As of today, we know the following absolutes regarding cataracts in Cockers:
· We now know that the genetics for hereditary cataracts in Cockers is very complex. The early and late onset cataracts seem to be located on 2 separate chromosomes, and both forms appear to have various genes at work that can bring on cataracts in Cockers.
· At the end of February, the newly imputed Low-pass data set generated from early and late onset cataracts yielded promising results. All identified regions encompass many protein-coding genes with biologically relevant functions that likely contain the genes contributing to cataract risk. Future steps involve validating the associated regions and determining the exact genetic variants contributing to the cataract risk. Given the complexity of the genetic makeup of the cataracts, there is a need for a larger study population to allow for increased power and confidence in the genetic analysis.
· The team at Penn is grateful to have received 20 additional dog samples, which have been submitted for analysis and are eagerly awaiting the results. Nonetheless, they still need to collect more samples.
· We want to remind everyone to send in the updates on the dogs already in the study, even if they are clear, and most importantly, to send in new cases of affected dogs and clear 8-year-olds and over.
· Given the prevalence of cataracts in Cockers, it has long been advisable for breeders to be aware of their pedigrees. But, the reality is that pedigree knowledge is anecdotal and comes in the form of 'tribal knowledge' and the willingness of others to share honestly. For this reason, along with the ASC, we established the Cocker Spaniel Health Registry utilizing OFA as our repository for health data on dysplasia and now eyes. Full participation by breeders in ongoing updates to eye exams in the OFA Health Registry will result in a tool that facilitates informed health-related breeding decisions.
GLAUCOMA STUDY
Dr Sara Thomasy, University of California at Davis, has been the recipient of Funds from AKC-CHF to study the genetics of the disease, hoping to identify the variants that cause PAGG. We have proudly supported this work through monetary contributions and contributing cases for the study, and the work is ongoing.
HEMANGIOSARCOMA (2 STUDIES)
THE FOUNDATION continues to support two grants, each with a different treatment approach.
· One grant is managed by Dr. Rowan Milner and the team at the Univ. of Florida titled A GD3 Nano-scaled liposomal cancer Vaccine Trial for Canine HAS. This research proposes to use a vaccine that investigators have extensive experience with treating canine melanoma and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
· The second grant is under the direction of Dr Timothy Fan of the University of IL. If the investigators' hypothesis is accurate, current FDA drugs can be repurposed to inhibit glutamate efflux and serve as novel strategies for curbing the explosive outgrowth of cHSA cells.
