Dog

Dogs, although one of the least common animals needed for research, are among the most important.  Many cancers in dogs are identical, or almost identical, to human cancers. The cancer in dogs often develops faster, making them an ideal model to see if a certain therapy is effective. Many breeds of dogs experience spinal cord injuries with damage similar to the injuries suffered in people. This makes dogs very important for spinal cord injury research.

Dogs are also valuable in safety and efficacy studies for new drugs because their systems often react the same as in humans.  Research involving dogs helps both people and other dogs.

Areas of Vital Research

Research Animals Gallery

Dog/USA

Love Letters Series - Brick in the Wall

Brick in the Wall (2017) is part of the Love Letter Series which connects the inspiring and impactful stories of patients’ lives and legacies with animal-based research. This video shares the story of Joshua Frase, his life and his legacy. You’ll learn about Joshua, his family, the research team and…

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Dog/Baltimore, MD

A Home for Louie

Louie the hound is adopted after he completes his work as an asthma study subject. Robert J. Adams, DVM, Associate Provost for Animal Research and Resources at the Johns Hopkins University talks about the research dog he adopted in 2015, the need for animals in biomedical research and how human…

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Dog/United States

Love, Care, Progress

Love, Care, Progress: Research Involving Dogs is the inaugural video in the Love, Care, Progress series, focused on the important role of canines in health research which benefits humans and dogs alike. Research professionals, including a trainer, scientist, animal behaviorist, surgical manager, and veterinarian talk about caring for the animals…

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Dog

Beagle Playing with Kong

Beagles have been important for many medical advancements, from understanding body systems and disease processes to the development of new medicines and treatments for both people and animals. Researchers, veterinarians and animal caregivers work together to provide for the needs of these amazing animals. Toys are provided and rotated regularly…

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Dog

A Boy's Best Friend

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a debilitating genetic condition that affects 1 in every 3,500-5,000 boys born worldwide. Golden retrievers have a spontaneously occurring muscular dystrophy that is genetically identical to that of young boys. The similarities don't stop there. In boys and dogs the disease can vary from very mild…

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Dog

pooltime

Socializing with other dogs, human interaction, and playtime are very important aspects in ensuring a good environment for research dogs. This is Blake taking a dip in his pool after running around the doggie play yard with his playmates.

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Dog

Peanut Taking a Break

Peanut is a dog with a naturally-occurring form of muscular dystrophy. He is resting with his research technician after a round of walking across a specially-designed floor plate that measures and records the strength of his muscles to determine whether treatments to reverse the disease are effective.

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Dog

Moose and Jack

Moose and Jack are on a study to help researchers find effective treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating genetic disorder found both in golden retrievers and boys.  The dogs’ housing ensures that their social, psychological, and behavioral needs are met. Moose and Jack like to sleep close together, play…

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