As part of the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission to promote excellence in veterinary and biomedical education, research, and clinical service, researchers such as Dr. Renee Barber are committed to delivering long-term solutions to the most pressing challenges facing animal and human health.
One such challenge is immune-mediated encephalitis, a common problem in dogs that can result in behavioral changes, seizures, vision deficits, circling, loss of balance or difficulty walking. While this disease mostly affects young to middle aged toy and small breeds such as pugs, Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire terriers, it can impact dogs of any breed at any time.
Immune-mediated encephalitis is difficult to definitively diagnose and the current treatment is with immunosuppression and, when needed, anti-seizure medications. While some dogs respond well to treatment, others do not or frequently relapse. Unfortunately, those dogs that do not respond well do not survive.
Through extensive research, Dr. Barber's lab has ruled-out infection as a possible cause of the disorder and successfully identified specific DNA variants that contribute to disease development. However, continued and expanded research in immune-mediated encephalitis is critical to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients as well as to ultimately develop disease prevention strategies.
Your tax deductible gift will directly help Dr. Barber's lab achieve the major goals of this research going forward, bringing us one step closer to unearthing a solution.