LEADING Werribee researchers are using dogs to understand common pet diseases in the hope of wiping out human disease.
Doctor Steven Holloway’s team at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary Science has taken DNA from 100 dogs to provide a model for combating diabetes and multiple sclerosis in humans.
“The research will have a double benefit because any knowledge we can gain from creating and testing new treatments for dogs could also be relevant to humans,” Dr Holloway said.
The research will investigate diseases of the immune system caused by genes, by looking at subtle changes that could make the dog more prone to disease, or have better immunity against it.
“If we can determine the genetic elements responsible for auto-immunity we may be better able to study how to prevent or treat these illnesses,” said Dr Holloway.
Researchers are looking for more dogs to participate but they must have been diagnosed with diseases of the immune system, including anaemia and diabetes.
“If the research is obvious we will only need a couple of hundred dogs,” he said.
However, if inconclusive researchers will need thousands.
Werribee resident Kerry Fox agreed to help out. Her Irish setter, Lady, was diagnosed with diabetes about seven months ago.
Ms Fox injects her dog twice a day and regularly visits the vet to have its blood sugar levels checked.
She said she hopes the trial will help other dogs, and even humans.
The study is backed by a grant from the Canine Research Foundation.
Interested people should contact the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic/Hospital on 9731 2000.
