E-Insight

November 2004

Morris Animal Foundation Helps Fund Veterinary Research at Colorado State

Can you identify the link between these animals? Dogs, koala bears, fish, domestic cats, rhinoceros, cheetahs, llamas, reptiles, horses, birds, kangaroos, elephants, island foxes, giant pandas, giraffes, gorillas, gerenuks, sea lions, otters, clouded leopards, lions and wolves.

All of these animals have at least one thing in common.  Each of these species – and many more – is helped by Morris Animal Foundation, one of the only sources of funding for studies that specifically benefit wild and companion animals.  This year, Morris Animal Foundation has committed $4.2 million for 107 studies that will address cancer, canine epilepsy, hip dysplasia, feline diabetes, infectious diseases, equine diseases, reproduction in endangered species and many other ailments.

Health studies for dogs will receive 35 percent of the funding, followed by wildlife (26 percent), horses (14 percent), cats (12 percent), the Foundation’s Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (10 percent) and llamas/alpacas (3 percent). 

At Colorado State , three projects currently receive funding from the Morris Animal Foundation. These are:

1. Molecular Diagnosis of Feline Intestinal Lymphoma and Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Enteritis, Dr. Anne Avery, Principal Investigator

2. Evaluating New Methods of Monitoring Platelet Function and Anti-aggregation Therapy in Cats, Dr. Janice Bright, Principal Investigator

3. Effect of Topical Cidofovir on FHV-1 DNA Copy Numbers and Conjunctivitis in Cats, Dr. Cynthia Powell, Principal Investigator

Morris Animal Foundation is a 56-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a healthier tomorrow for companion animals and wildlife.  Since its inception, the Foundation has funded more than 1,150 humane animal health studies with funds exceeding $36 million. For a complete list of Foundation-funded studies, including investigator, location, description and sponsors, go to www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.