Discovery is merely the first step of the research process. Improving animal health requires translating discoveries into innovative, workable solutions. Washington State University (WSU) researchers have done so repeatedly, creating novel diagnostic tests and treatments, many of which are used globally to improve animal health. Our programs have benefited livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and people.
Livestock
Diagnostic testing for important and reportable diseases in agricultural animals and horses
WSU continues to develop diagnostic tests for infectious diseases used by regulatory agencies. These immune-based and molecular tests detect diseases of worldwide importance, including anaplasmosis, neospora, malignant catarrhal fever, equine piroplasmosis, equine infectious anemia, small ruminant lentivirus, and prion diseases.
Wildlife
Etiopathogenesis of emerging wildlife diseases
WSU leads research into an emergent hoof disease debilitating elk in the Pacific West. Faculty collaborate with wildlife managers to determine geographic distribution of the disease and investigate the etiologic agent. In our newly constructed, biosecure research facility, researchers determined that the disease is infectious and transmissible to captive elk through contaminated soil.
Defining disease transmission at the livestock-wildlife interface
WSU was instrumental in determining that the fatal pneumonia ravaging bighorn sheep populations resulted from Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, which can be transmitted from domestic sheep. WSU works with wildlife agencies to identify effective management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality and prevent spread of this pathogen.
Companion Animals
Primum non nocere (preventing adverse drug reactions)
WSU's Program in Individualized Medicine (PrIMe), the world's first veterinary pharmacogenetics program, has identified the molecular genetic basis for numerous species-wide and individual drug sensitivities including propofol, macrocyclic lactones, fluoroquinolones, acetaminophen, vinca alkaloids, and more. Genetic tests for some of these sensitivities were invented at WSU and have been adopted globally as the standard of care. PrIMe faculty are regularly called upon by pet owners, veterinarians, industry, and regulatory agencies to provide pharmacological expertise.
WSU's Pituitary Team in action. Drs. Tina Owen, Tom Wilkinson, and Annie Chen-Allen use 3-D printing to guide pituitary surgery.
Citation: American Journal of Veterinary Research 84, 7; 10.2460/ajvr.23.03.0043
Moving the needle for dogs with megaesophagus
Three months: for decades, this has been the median survival time for dogs with megaesophagus. Using advanced imaging, individualized nutritional management protocols, and novel drug interventions, WSU has pioneered a strategy that improves the quality and extends the quantity of life for dogs with megaesophagus. The multimodal approach improves body condition scores and decreases episodes of regurgitation and pneumonia, giving these dogs a good chance at a full, healthy, and happy life.
Multidisciplinary approach to pituitary tumors
WSU's Pituitary Team includes experts in surgery, neurology, critical care, and internal medicine and is supported by anesthesia, radiology, clinical pathology, and oncology. The Pituitary Team's clinical research has resulted in a novel, lifesaving treatment option (transsphenoidal hypophysectomy) for hypersomatotropism, nonfunctional pituitary tumors, and medically unresponsive pituitary-dependent Cushing disease in dogs and cats. This surgery has improved quality of life and survival time and even cured some patients.
Our innovation pipeline includes organ-on-a-chip technology, an “epidemiomic” approach to dairy health management, and next-generation reproductive technologies, demonstrating our commitment to the land grant mission. We will continue to advance animal health and welfare by creating tangible solutions for our patients, our community, the nation, and the world.
