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Osteoarthritis and Hip Dysplasia: Over the last 5 years, my research investigations have focused on the problem of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in dogs. I am bringing contemporary methods to bear on this major canine problem. My focus has been (1) to reduce the false positive and negative diagnoses that arise with the current radiographic methods to diagnose hip dysplasia with an imaging method called the dorsolateral subluxation test; and (2) to find genetic markers for the traits underlying hip dysplasia in dogs and, in the long term, the mutations that predispose to these traits. We have an ongoing study headed by surgery resident Dr. Dan Ogden, to compare the DLS test across breeds. We are in need of 8-12 month old dogs for this study. We have a genetic mapping resource of almost 2,000 dogs with and without hip dysplasia. With owner’s written consent, we collect blood for DNA isolation from external collaborators and dogs admitted to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for hip evaluation. We have identified chromosomal regions harboring the genes that confer susceptibility to, and protect against, canine hip dysplasia. We have discovered several markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that predict a dog’s breeding value or genetic potential for hip conformation. We are validating these markers.
Our funding partners have included the Morris Animal Foundation, Master Foods Inc, the College of Veterinary Medicine through internal grants, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell Biotechnology, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Border Collie Association, and private donations.
DNA Bank (Cornell Medical Genetic Archive): Along with Dr. Marta Castelhano and Liz Corey, my laboratory archives DNA samples with owner permission, along with accurate phenotypes from animals admitted to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. This College based and funded repository provides the basis for the discovery of genetic markers and genes that cause, or contribute to, inherited diseases in companion animals. Many clinicians and preclinical researchers at Cornell collaborate to find the genes that underlie these inherited traits or diseases
Collaborations: My laboratory also collaborates with other members of the section of small animal surgery (Drs. Ursula Krotschek, Stuart Bliss and Jeremy Rawlinson) to find better ways to repair the stifles of dogs with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. We have a clinical trial ongoing using force plates to measure ground reaction forces of dogs operated for this disease. If you are interested to know if your dog might qualify for the trial please contact Rhea Coe at 607-253-3098.
Orthopedic Consults / Second Opinions: The orthopedic section of small animal surgery admits cases for examination and surgery on a weekly basis. Please contact Rhea Coe at 607-253-3098 for an appointment. Emergencies are seen immediately by contacting the hospitals main line at 607-253-3060.
A recent focus of my laboratory is to develop new to methods to enhance clinical bone healing in dogs. Bone marrow stem cells, platelet rich plasma, thrombin, and tricalcium phosphate matrix are used to replace autogenous cancellous bone marrow grafts. This work was supported by industrially.
Lab Members: Steven Friedenberg (DVM Student), Zhiwu (Joe) Zhang (Institute for Genomic Diversity), Janjira Phavaphutanon (PhD candidate whose degree will be conferred in Thailand), Dr. Dan Ogden, Dana Muir (MPH candidate and prevet), Gregory Costanzo, Ming Lui, Spencer Herman
Co-investigators and collaborators: George Lust, Nancy Burton-Wurster (deceased), and Gregory Acland (Baker Institute for Animal Health), Cornell University; and Drs Keith Murphy and Kate Tsai at Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr Jodi Sandler, Guiding Eyes for the Blind Yorktown Heights NY.
Past members - Veterinarians: Stuart Bliss, DVM, DACVS; Rob Hardie, DVM, DACVS; Sean Kennedy, DVM, DACVS; David Lee, Ph.D.; Paul McNamara, DVM, DACVS; Dan Mertens, DVM, DACVS; David Murphy, DVM, DACVS; Kathleen Sevalla, DVM; Carlos Harjes, PhD; Michelle Steffy, DVM,DACVS; Michael Thoesen, DVM, DACVS. Post-Doctoral Associates: Raluca Mateescu PhD, Lan Zhu PhD, Wendy van den Berg-Foels PhD
Financial contributions to Dr. Todhunter’s applied research program can be made through Ms Carol Merkur, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University 14853.
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