Here's what's going on in the world of research into
​Doberman health and genetics. 

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EVOLVING DOBERMAN RESEARCH FROM 2007+ 

​2007. Meurs, K.M., Fox, P.R., Norgard, M.M., Spier, A.W., Lamb, A., Koplitz, S.L., & Baunwart, R.D. (2007). A prospective genetic evaluation of familial dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(5), 1016-1020. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03058.x

2010. Wess, G., et al. "Prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers in various age groups." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 24.3 (2010): 533-538.

2012. Meurs, K.M., Lahmers, S., Keene, B.W., White, S.N., Oyama, M.A., Mauceli, E., & Linblad-Toh, K. (2012). A splice site mutation in a gene encoding for PDK4, a mitochondrial protein, is associated with the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher. Human Genetics, 131(8), 1319-1325. doi: 10.1007/s00439-012-1158-2

2013. Owczarek-Lipska, M., Mausberg, T., Stephenson, H., Dukes-McEwan, J., Wess, G., & Leeb, T. (2013). A 16-bp deletion in the canine PDK4 gene is not associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in a European cohort of Doberman Pinschers. Animal Genetics, 44(2), 239-239. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02396.x

2015. Simpson S, Edwards J, Emes RD, Cobb MA, Mongan NP, Rutland CS. A predictive model for canine dilated cardiomyopathy-a meta-analysis of Doberman Pinscher data. PeerJ. 2015 Mar 26;3:e842. doi: 10.7717/peerj.842. PMID: 25834770; PMCID: PMC4380154.

2019. Tharp CA, Haywood ME, Sbaizero O, Taylor MRG, Mestroni L. The Giant Protein Titin's Role in Cardiomyopathy: Genetic, Transcriptional, and Post-translational Modifications of TTN and Their Contribution to Cardiac Disease. Front Physiol. 2019 Nov 28;10:1436. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01436. PMID: 31849696; PMCID: PMC6892752.

2023. Niskanen, Julia E., et al. "Identification of novel genetic risk factors of dilated cardiomyopathy: from canine to human." Genome medicine 15.1 (2023): 73.

2026. A Large-Scale Cross-Population Evaluation of Genetic Risk Variants for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dobermanns. Utrecht University (Netherlands)
Alma H. Hulsman, Gwen Flokstra, Christina Kijan, Marilijn van Rumpt, Johannes C. M. Vernooij, Thomas C. Nelson, Sophie Liu, Lieke Vree, Magdalena Harakalova, Ingrid Ljungvall … See all authors First published: 09 September 2026
https://doi.org/10.1002/age.70206Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

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CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS

Taking new participants. Actively working.

Advanced Heart Ultrasound for Early DCM Detection (Virginia Tech)
What it is: Testing a new, highly sensitive type of ultrasound to catch heart changes earlier in Dobermans showing minor irregular heartbeats on a Holter monitor.
Who can join: Dobermans aged 5 and older that have early electrical rhythm abnormalities but look normal on standard heart ultrasounds.
LINK:  ​research.vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/doberman_dcm.html

Research Study on Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
(Johns Hopkins University)

What it is: The Center for Image-Guided Animal Therapy is currently studying dilated cardiomyopathy and collecting data on healthy Doberman Pinschers and other breeds as well. 

To find out more about this study, please email the study managers at [email protected]

Targeted Cancer Therapy for Lung Spread (UC Davis)
What it is: Standard treatments for metastatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, and provide only a modest benefit once the cancer has spread to the lungs. UC Davis is investigating a novel immunotherapty designed to help the dog's own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. If effective, the treatment has the potential to extend survival and improve outcomes for dogs with metastatic cancer. 
Who can join:  Dogs that weight over 15 kg (33 lbs), have a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma or carcinoma (via cytology or biopsy), have one or more lung nodules consistent with metastasis, have an expected survival of more than 4 weeks, and meet other health criteria assessed at the first visit. Exclusion Criteria: Prior treatment with checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, or other immunotherapies within 2 weeks of treatment, uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with treatment or data, and pregnant or breeding dogs.
LINK: studypages.com/s/innovative-immunotherapy-for-canine-lung-metastases-the-caalm-study-276511/?ref=gallery

The Doberman Diversity Project 
What it is: Ongoing, breed-wide genetic testing using cheek swabs and blood samples for the purpose of sharing all data with credentialed researchers across the world working to better understand and improve the genomic health of the Doberman and to provide research findings in a way that will help breeders work to minimize inherited diseases and improve the breed's overall health.
Who can join: Any Doberman Pinscher worldwide. Doberman mixes welcome. 

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PENDING CLINICAL TRIALS

Not taking new participants. Working on publishing results. 

Gene Therapy for Occult DCM (University of Florida)

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CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS

July 30, 2019.  Texas A&M Cardiology.  Canine Chagas Disease -- Characterizing cardiac disease and developing screening recommedations for asymptomatic dogs seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi. 

Study Inclusion Criteria and General Background Information: Dogs of any age that are clinically healthy without any other medical conditions and have a positive Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) antigen test result within the past 6 months. Dogs cannot have received any prior medical treatment for Chagas disease.  Dogs must be able to make several trips to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in College Station. This study has been Approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
 
Background: The purpose of the study is to perform diagnostic tests to identify changes in the heart of apparently healthy dogs that test positive for Chagas disease in order to better describe the disease process and create screening recommendations.  Enrollment will begin Summer of 2019.

What did they learn? Results/Publication:  https://vetmed.tamu.edu/chagas/publications/ and https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/chagas-disease-in-dogs/​vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/chagas-disease-in-dogs/

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Texas A&M; College of Veterinary Medicine& Biomedical Sciences
4474 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-4474 vethospital.tamu.edu | vetmed.tamu.edu

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ORTHOPEDICS: Osteoarthritis (OA) Natural Anti-inflammatory Supplement Study

​Background: The Texas A&M Orthopedics Team is studying the effectiveness of supplemental therapy for OA in dogs. OA affects up to 80% of client-owned dogs and leads to lameness and decreased quality of life. The Orthopedics Team at the Small Animal Hospital in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences is investigating a new treatment for OA in dogs. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of a natural anti-inflammatory remedy.  This study has been Approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
July 30, 2019. Contact Sarah Kronberger, AAS, BS, LVT (Coordinator) | [email protected]
W. Brian Saunders, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS | [email protected]

Inclusion criteria and general background information:

• Dogs weighing at least 20kg (44lbs)
• Dogs between 2 and 10 years of age
• Dogs with a ‘most lame’ leg as detected by force plate analysis
• Dogs with radiographic (x-ray) signs of OA in shoulder or elbow or knee or hip

Patients will receive a gait analysis, a physical and orthopedic exam, and radiographs to confirm osteoarthritis at their first appointment. Blood and joint fluid samples will also be collected and the patient will be fitted with an activity monitor. Owners and patients must complete eight weeks of osteoarthritis treatment at home. At the follow-up appointment, the patient will receive a second physical and orthopedic examination, force plate analysis, and joint fluid analysis.

Exclusion criteria:

• Dogs that are pregnant
• Dogs who are amputees
• Dogs who have received an NSAID within two weeks
• Dogs who have had orthopedic surgery within one year
• Dogs who have received a joint diet or joint supplement within one month
• Dogs with neurological disease or musculoskeletal pathology other than OA (fractures)

Owner commitments:
Owners must be willing to administer the supplement for eight weeks, regularly charge/maintain the activity monitor, and make brief daily entries in a patient journal. Owners must be willing to return for the follow-up visit.

​Financial incentives:
The costs of both veterinary visits, examinations, diagnostic testing, study supplement, and activity monitor will be covered by the study. The activity monitor and charging accessories must be returned at the follow-up visit.
​
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Texas A&M; College of Veterinary Medicine& Biomedical Sciences
4474 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-4474 vethospital.tamu.edu | vetmed.tamu.edu

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University of Florida Veterinary Research 
Investigation into Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs

The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) for a clinical research trial. This study will evaluate the effect of diet on DCM.

• Inclusion Criteria:

1. Dogs with DCM (with or without congestive heart failure)
2. Dogs can be of breeds typically predisposed to DCM (e.g. Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Great Danes) or atypical breeds not usually predisposed to DCM
3. Dogs can be eating any diet at the time of diagnosis, but owners should be willing to change the diet to one recommended by the University of Florida (one of several high-quality, reduced sodium, foods made by well-established manufacturers)
4. Dogs must still be on their original diet at the time of study enrollment
5. All visits take place at the University of Florida, Veterinary Hospital

• Exclusion criteria:

1. Dogs that have already changed their diet
2. Dogs less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs)

• Procedures: Dogs enrolled in the study will have a physical examination, ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram), electrocardiogram, and blood tests (including complete blood count, biochemistry profile, taurine concentrations, NT-proBNP and troponin I). Dogs will then be transitioned to one of several recommended commercial diets and reexamined 3, 6 and 9 months later. Dogs that are deficient in taurine (as determined by blood tests) will be supplemented with taurine.
• Costs: The first step is to schedule an evaluation appointment by the Cardiology Service to determine if your dog will qualify for the study. If your dog is eligible for the study at the time of the evaluation, the study will cover the costs of the echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and blood tests. These costs will be covered by the study at each evaluation (enrollment, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months). The costs of other tests, hospitalization, or medications are not covered by the study, nor is financial incentive provided.
• Contact: Contact the Cardiology Staff at the Small Animal Hospital 352-392-2235 or Dr. Darcy Adin by email at [email protected].
• Principal Investigator: Dr. Darcy Adin

Background:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious disease whereby the heart becomes weak and enlarged. Dogs may have symptoms of heart failure and can have a shortened lifespan with DCM.  Recent reports suggest that there may be a relationship between certain dog foods and DCM.  Some affected dogs have improved when their diets are changed, supporting the role of food in this disease process.  The purpose of this study is to investigate this potential relationship, and to determine if improvement in heart function occurs with a change in diet.

​For more information on this issue:
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm630993.htm
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm
https://research.vetmed.ufl.edu/clinical-trials/small-animal/investigation-into-diet-associated-dilated-cardiomyopathy-in-dogs/

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University of Florida
Vet School/Small Animal Hospital
DCM CLINICAL TRIAL (NEW)

What: New Doberman DCM Clinical Trial.
Where: University of Florida Vet School
When: NEW (Start Date of this Trial is PENDING but they hope to begin soon).
How: You must take your dog into the UF Vet School Clinic for an initial exam (cost to you = $200).
Inclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of DCM and previous evidence of congestive heart failure which has been controlled by medical management
• A circulating neutralizing antibody titer to the virus vector of less than 1:20
• Clear of extra-cardiac disease, congenital heart disease or primary mitral valvular disease
• Owner agreement to authorize participation with informed consent and collection of the heart following euthanasia or death from any cause.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Approximately $200 initial exam (paid by you).

Included in the Study:  Bloodwork, ECH, and ECG. Enrolled patients also receive repeat screenings at no cost.
Value of Participating in the Study:  Estimated at $5,000.
NOTE: You must pay the cost of thoracic radiographs is they have not been provided by your veterinarian.

Contact: Contact the Cardiology Service at the Small Animal Hospital 352-392-2235
Prior to setting an appointment, you are STRONGLY encouraged to email Dr. Sleeper ([email protected]) so she can pre-screen you as a potential candidate and clarify any fees you might incur.

Study Details:
At enrollment, an antibody titer, hematology and biochemistry panel will be used for screening purposes. Dogs will undergo a 3-minute electrocardiogram (ECG), a complete echocardiogram (ECHO) and the owners will complete a quality of life questionnaire. In order to participate in the study, dogs fulfilling the requirements will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the placebo arm (cardiac injection with saline) or the gene therapy group (cardiac injection with the virus vector: AAV2/6-ARC-s100a1). Standard medical management for DCM and congestive heart failure will continue throughout the study in all dogs (pimobendan, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and diuretic therapy). Saline instead of empty virus will be used as the placebo so that control dogs can undergo gene delivery if the treatment group demonstrates a significant improvement compared to the placebo group. Owners will need to commit to re-evaluations at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months at the University of Florida following therapy.

Read more here: http://research.vetmed.ufl.edu/…/small-an…/dcm-in-dobermans/

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RESEARCH FINDINGS

​European Society of Veterinary Cardiology Screening Guidelines for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

G Wess et al. J Vet Cardiol 19 (5), 405-415. 2017 Sep 29.
​DATE:  September 29, 2017
BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common cardiac disease in large breed dogs and is inherited in Doberman Pinschers with a high prevalence (58%).
OBJECTIVE: The European Society for Veterinary Cardiology convened a task force to formulate screening guidelines for DCM in Dobermans.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Screening for occult DCM in Dobermans should start at three years of age and use both Holter monitoring and echocardiography. Yearly screening over the life of the dog is recommended, as a one-time screening is not sufficient to rule out future development of DCM. The preferred echocardiographic method is the measurement of the left ventricular volume by Simpson's method of discs (SMOD). Less than 50 single ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) in 24 h are considered to be normal in Dobermans, although detection of any number of VPCs is cause for concern. Greater than 300 VPCs in 24 h or two subsequent recordings within a year showing between 50 and 300 VPCs in 24 h is considered diagnostic of occult DCM in Dobermans regardless of the concurrent echocardiographic findings. The guidelines also provide recommendations concerning ancillary tests, that are not included in the standard screening protocol, but which may have some utility when recommended tests are not available or financially untenable on an annual basis. These tests include assay of cardiac biomarkers (Troponin I and N-Terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide) as well as a 5-min resting electrocardiogram (ECG).
CONCLUSION: The current guidelines should help to establish an early diagnosis of DCM in Dobermans.
Read more here:  ​http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1760273417300619?via%3Dihub

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Good Summary of DCM in Dobermans

​www.tierkardiologie.lmu.de/studenten/dobermann_kardiomyopathie.html

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Previous Research from Munich

To read past research from the Department of Animal Cardiology at LMU Munich, click here. 

This video may be a good primer to watch before you read the article below. 

​PDK4 Deficiency Induces Intrinsic Apoptosis in Response to Starvation in Fibroblasts from Doberman Pinschers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

December 1, 2017
Taggart K, Estrada, Thompson, Lourenco, Kirmani, Suzuki-Hatano S, Pacak CA. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Abstract:  The Doberman pinscher (DP) canine breed displays a high incidence of idiopathic, nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with increased mortality. A common mutation in DPs is a splice site deletion in the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) gene that shows a positive correlation with DCM development. PDK4, a vital mitochondrial protein, controls the switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation based upon nutrient availability. It is likely, although unproven, that DPs with the PDK4 mutation are unable to switch to oxidative phosphorylation during periods of low nutrient availability, and thus are highly susceptible to mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. This study investigated cell viability, mitochondrial stress, and activation of the intrinsic (mitochondrial mediated) apoptotic pathway in dermal fibroblasts from DPs that were healthy (PDK4wt/wt), heterozygous (PDK4wt/del), and homozygous (PDK4del/del) for the PDK4 mutation under conditions of high (unstarved) and low (starved) nutrient availability in vitro. As hypothesized, PDK4wt/del and PDK4del/del cells showed evidence of mitochondrial stress and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway following starvation, while the PDK4wt/wt cells remained healthy and viable under these conditions. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) PDK4-mediated gene replacement experiments confirmed cause-effect relationships between PDK4 deficiency and apoptosis activation. The restoration of function observed following administration of AAV-PDK4 provides strong support for the translation of this gene therapy approach into the clinical realm for PDK4-affected Dobermans.
Read More Here:  ​www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29285418

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Cancer News/Research/Trials

​USDA Grants Canine Osteosarcoma Vaccine With Conditional License

DATE:  October 5, 2018
SUMMARY: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs, but a new vaccine is striving to change that narrative. Aratana Therapeutics, a company focused on innovative therapeutics for dogs and cats, announced that their Canine Osteosarcoma Vaccine, Live Listeria Vector (AT-014), has been granted a conditional license by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Center for Veterinary Biologics.

The vaccine uses a listeria-based antigen delivery system that activates cytotoxic T-cells. This directs the T-cells to fight off cancer cells—capitalizing on the dog’s immune system and its ability to attack bacterial infections.

Read more here:  
http://www.americanveterinarian.com/news/usda-grants-canine-osteosarcoma-vaccine-with-conditional-license