Established by the
Tibetan Terrier Club of America

Research & Grants

 Shortly after its organization in 2007, the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation made initial grants in the amount of $8,480 through the AKC Canine Health Foundation in support of research on NCL and Lens Luxation in Tibetan Terriers.  Specific information about these two grants can be viewed HERE. 

The first TTHWF funding for research independent of the AKC CHF, in the sum of $2,500, covered research into PRA in Tibetan Terriers conducted by Dr.Gustavo Aguirre at the University of Pennsylvania. In April 2010, a second TTHWF funding for research was made to Dr Richard Vulliet at the Regena-Vet Labs in Davis California. 

Additional grants for research projects may be made as warranted by its importance to the Tibetan Terrier. A description of research grants and projects and their progress is available by clicking the bulleted links. 

Researchers interested in working with projects of importance to the Tibetan Terrier can apply for grants HERE.

 

Update on NCL-TTs treated with Stem Cells

 

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (or NCL for short) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease with primary lesions in the brain and eye.  Behavioral changes and loss of vision in older Tibetan terriers are the most common symptoms noted by owners. Other symptoms include changes in temperament (becoming aggressive, anxious, nervous), uncoordinated gait, impaired vision under dim light conditions, loss of house training and recognition skills. Advanced stages may include mild to severe seizures, especially in the later stages. Symptoms typically first appear at 4-6 yrs of age, and progress to death or euthanasia by age 7-10 years.

 

To date, we have treated two NCL-affected TTs with adult stem cells, here referred to as Toronto Dog and Baltimore Dog. Toronto Dog received two treatments and Baltimore Dog has had one. Both appear to have responded favorably with no ill effects associated with the stem cell administrations. Following treatment, both owners have kept in frequent contact by email and their reports are very encouraging. They are very careful to objectively describe specific tasks that the dogs can do after treatment that they could not do before treatment. Both dogs appear to have improved and are doing much better, moving better, and not suffering from the “anxiety attacks” that are characteristic of NCL.  Because dog behavior is difficult to interpret, we do not want to claim that these dogs are “well” but they have improved. This improvement appears to be real based on the owner’s description of their dog’s responses in objective terms rather than subjective opinions. We will begin treating a third NCL-TT next week that is in more advanced stages of NCL.

 

One definition of “good science” is that “it asks more questions than it answers”. And if these initial observations hold true, we now have many more questions to ask. How long will the beneficial effects last? What is the minimum dose of cells? What is the best route of administration? Will treatment repair the vision deficits? Will treated dogs have a normal life expectancy? Will pre-instruction of the cells make them more therapeutic? Can we pre-treat an affected dog and prevent NCL from ever occurring? This is very exciting and humbling for all of us involved in this project. We will continue to treat and monitor the dogs frequently, so stay tuned………and consider supporting your friendly, hardworking Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation.

 

If you would like additional information about these clinical trials being conducted at ReGena-Vet Labs, Davis, CA, contact Dr. Richard Vulliet or Pamela Rosman at regenavetlabs@gmail.com.


University of California - Davis
Stem Cell Therapy Research
Cambridge University,
PLL Research
University of Missouri,
PLL Research
University of Missouri,
NCL Research
Michigan State University
PRA Research
  • January 2010  Dr Simon Peterson-Jones is stepping up his Tibetan Terrier PRA research.  Blood sample submission form is here. 

    Dr. Mary Whiteley, JRD Research
  • Grant 2009 
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