DENVER/October 25, 2021 – Morris Animal Foundation is now accepting proposals for studies focused on limb-sparing treatments for osteosarcoma in Saint Bernards and other giant-breed dogs. This request is part of the Foundation’s Donor-inspired Study program, which allows individual donors to directly support a research topic they have a passion for, and for which there is a pressing need. Grant applications are due by January 14, 4:59 p.m. ET.
This grant is being funded by Dr. Fay Cho, a long-time lover of Saint Bernards, in memory of Biscotti, a beloved dog she lost to osteosarcoma. Working closely with the Foundation, Cho chose to direct funds to research aimed at improving the success of limb-sparing treatment options for
Saint Bernards and other giant breeds.
“I’ve had dogs with many different types of cancer,” said Cho. “But the unrelenting pain associated with osteosarcoma was intense and impossible to control. I made a promise to Biscotti as she was drawing her last breath that I would do something to help other dogs with this terrible disease. This grant is a fulfillment of that promise.”
Projects must advance the science of limb-sparing treatments for osteosarcoma in Saint Bernards and other giant-breed dogs. Projects oriented toward human health, other animal species or breeds of dog not classified as giant do not fall within Morris Animal Foundation’s mission for this request for proposals and will not be reviewed.
All investigators are eligible to apply, but studies must be limited to three years in duration and budget cannot exceed $150,000. Competitive applicants will have a previous record of research and publication in canine oncology with evidence of access to sufficient populations of Saint Bernards and other giant-breed dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma.
Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a scientific advisory board, made up of canine cancer experts. Interested researchers can learn more and apply for the award on Morris Animal Foundation's website.
Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit organizations worldwide funding health studies benefiting cats, dogs, horses, llamas, alpacas and wildlife. The Foundation currently has 150 active studies encompassing a broad spectrum of species and diseases.
Scientific Advisory Board
- Noel Dybdal, DVM, PhD, Genetech
- Courtney Campbell, DVM, Vetsurg, Ventura and Vet Candy
- Elena Contreras, DVM, MS, PhD, Long Island University
- Ira Gordon, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology), Ethos Veterinary Hospital
- Crystal Faelan, PhD, Integra LifeSciences
- Jong Hyuk Kim, PDVM, PhD, University of Minnesota
- Amy Greenbaum Fox, DVM, Medical Writer/Editor
- Lana Kaiser, MD, DVM, Michigan State University
- Charles McMillan, DVM, IndeVets
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, the Foundation has invested more than $142 million to date in nearly 3,000 studies to advance the health and well-being of animals around the world. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
