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Current Studies

Have you, or someone you know, adopted a dog from outside of Canada? You may be eligible for our studies!


Leishmaniosis in imported dogs

As a general overview, researchers in the AEROH Laboratory are conducting two observational studies (cross-sectional and case series) on canine leishmaniosis in dogs imported into Canada, to understand prevalence, risk factors for disease, and prognosis of dogs diagnosed with disease. 

We are recruiting dog ownersfor the studies but are also targeting veterinary clinics in hopes they can share and promote our study within their practice. Participation for owners and veterinarians in our study is voluntary. Our laboratory will cover the cost of testing, and for the case series study, we are offering an honorarium to participating veterinarians. 

Interested? Read below for additional information on our studies. These studies have been approved by the Animal Care Committee at the University of Guelph (AUP#4841) and the Research Ethics Board at the University of Guelph (REB#23-03-021). Funding for these studies has been generously provided by the Canine Health Foundation of the American Kennel Club.  

If you think your dog is eligible, please email sdewinte@uoguelph.ca for additional information. 

What is canine leishmaniosis? 

Canine leishmaniosis is a devastating disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasites, Leishmaniainfantum and L. braziliensis, and transmitted by sandflies. These parasites are endemic in over 90 countries, and dogs who are exposed will remain infected and infective for life, but they may never show signs of disease. If disease does develop, it can affect most systems in the body and be life threatening.  

Why do we care? 

Early diagnosis and treatment of canine leishmaniosis are associated with better clinical outcomes. L. infantum and L. braziliensis, the parasites that cause canine leishmaniosis, are zoonotic.  

Cross-Sectional Study: 

This study will recruit dogs who have been recently imported from a country endemic for canine leishmaniosis. A blood sample will be collected from these dogs, and owners will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on life and medical history of the dog. Owners will be informed of the results from the blood sample (i.e., positive or negative for Leishmania spp.). 

Dogs that are eligible for the cross-sectional study: Imported from a region known or suspected to be endemic* for Leishmania spp. within the last 2/3 years. Dogs who have previously been treated for canine leishmaniosis or have travelled with their owner to an endemic area are ineligible. 

Case Series Study: 

This study will recruit dogs who are positive for Leishmania spp. infection and displaying clinical signs. Blood and urine samples will be taken from the dogs twice over a two-year period, and owners will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the time of diagnosis or enrollment, and then twice more (12 and 24 months post diagnosis). 

Dogs that are eligible for the case series study: Positive for Leishmania spp. infection and be displaying clinical signs. Dogs must have been imported from a region known or suspected to be endemic for Leishmania spp. Dogs who have travelled with their owner to an endemic area are ineligible. 

*Eligible countries are Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana  


Perceptions, Motivations, and Practices Related to International Dog Rescues

We are conducting research to better understand the motivations and experiences of those involved in international dog rescue, including both adopters and rescue organizations. We are currently recruiting participants for two studies:

Study 1: Survey for Adopters

We are looking for participants to complete a 20-minute online survey. To be eligible, you must be over 18 years old, live in Canada, and have adopted your dog within the last 5 years. 

The survey will include questions about your reasons for adopting, your dog’s story, your adoption experience, and your bond with your dog. Participants will have a 1 in 50 chance of winning a $50 gift card to the pet store of their choice.

Study 2: Interviews with Rescue Representatives

This study involves a 30 to 45-minute interview with individuals who hold key roles in dog rescue organizations. Eligible participants should be directors, managers, or coordinators with at least one year of experience in the organization and a deep understanding of its operations, policies, and challenges. 

In the interview, we’ll discuss your motivations for rescuing dogs internationally, the challenges you’ve faced, and the process of placing dogs in new homes. Participants will receive a $25 gift card to the pet store of their choice.

These studies have been approved by the Research Ethics Board at the University of Guelph (REB#24-04-018). Funding for these studies has been generously provided by the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust.

If you are interested in participating, please email Valentina at agonza07@uoguelph.ca.