Female Dog Anatomy
Fentanyl Patch on a Dog
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This is a Cornell University study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation
This is NOT A FINAL REPORT. Updated February 2013. Grant D09CA-019: Development of a New Diagnostic Test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) for Non-Surgical Evaluation of Spay Status and Ovarian Remnant Syndrome, Ned J Place, MD, PhD UPDATEFor many female dogs and cats, the lack of a visible surgical scar makes it difficult to determine if they have been spayed. Because most shelters require an animal to be spayed before it can be adopted out, animals often require exploratory surgery to determine their spay status. To address this issue, researchers from Cornell University, funded by Morris Animal Foundation, are developing a nonsurgical test to reliably and economically determine the spay status of dogs and cats. The test will measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a specific ovary-produced hormone that is readily detected in blood samples taken from intact female dogs and cats. To date, researchers have collected and archived blood samples from dogs and cats that have a known presence or absence of ovaries. These samples will be used as controls for testing the new assay and for evaluating its sensitivity and specificity. Researchers are also in the process of producing recombinant (genetically engineered) canine AMH, which in turn will be used to generate antibodies for use in the new test. They have successfully sequenced canine AMH messenger RNA (mRNA), which transfers the genetic information from DNA to protein, an important first step toward the production of canine AMH protein. Staff changes delayed the production of antiserum against AMH; however, antibody production is moving forward again. There is a high likelihood that the antibodies for canine AMH will detect feline AMH, and thus the test should work in cats and dogs. The new test is also meant to help diagnose ovarian remnant syndrome-an uncommon situation in which a bit of ovary is left behind after surgery and may cause a spayed animal to go into heat. Projected completion and results of the study are expected by fall 2013. A nonsurgical diagnostic test that measures AMH in dogs and cats will help veterinary clinicians and shelter personnel to clearly determine an animal’s spay status, thereby reducing unnecessary exploratory surgeries and associated costs. Share this Page: Website http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/AMHTest.cfm BACK TO GUIDE < PREVIOUS PAGE > NEXT PAGE >  Dr. Ned J. Place, MD, PhD
Contact Dr. Ned J. Place, MD
Dr. Ned J. Place, MD, PhD Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca , NY 14853 Office: (607)253-3796 Fax: (607)253-4213 njp27@cornell.edu |