2022-2023 VPRF/AVMF Pharmacology Research Grant

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of direct oral anticoagulants in dogs.

Abnormal blood clot formation (thrombosis) is common in critically ill dogs and makes existing illnesses worse and can be fatal. Effective and safe drugs to reduce the burden of thrombosis are urgently needed.
“We are delighted to have received support from the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation for our proposed evaluation of two direct oral anticoagulant drugs in dogs. We believe our study will inform clinicians seeking to prescribe these drugs for their patients and to enable future clinical studies of these drugs in dogs. Ultimately, we hope that our study will help improve patient outcomes by reducing the burden of abnormal blood clot formation.”

Pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir and valganciclovir in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).  Elephant endotheliotropic viruses (EEHVs) remain a major threat to the sustainability of both free-ranging and managed populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Despite significant improvements in disease monitoring that facilitate early and aggressive treatment, fatality rates of clinical hemorrhagic disease in young elephants from EEHV remain high.
“Hemorrhagic disease caused by elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHVs) is the most common cause of death in Asian elephants born in managed care. Zoo veterinarians have been grappling with this disease for decades, and though research has led to a better understanding of risk factors and transmission, as well as breakthroughs in disease monitoring, there is still limited knowledge on treatment options for these viruses.”