March 18, 2013
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a rapidly progressing and devastating condition that can develop in multiple breeds of dogs. Bloat is of foremost concern to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and its donors, and as such will require a major research effort to identify the underlying mechanisms of this disease. In response to donor concern, we are launching a Bloat Research Initiative to better define, and ultimately eradicate, bloat in dogs.
The exact cause of bloat is not understood, and to date only risk factors have been identified. It is clear that large-breed and/or deep chested dogs are at higher risk, and it is consensus opinion that these anatomical features may predispose certain breeds to disease. Beyond anatomical features, genetics, feeding practices, exercise, gut motility and stress have been proposed to be associated with development of bloat, but definitive studies are lacking. In order to move beyond these anecdotal and associative relationships we must better define the pathophysiology of disease.
The Bloat Research Initiative will support hypothesis-driven and discovery research; however, genomic studies in the absence of complementary proteomic, epigenomic, metabolomic, transcriptomic or pathophysiology studies will not be considered responsive to this RFP. Similarly, studies designed to enhance surgical technique must be paired with pathophysiology research in order to be considered responsive. Basic science applications should have a well-defined translational endpoint. Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams of researchers are strongly encouraged.