Current Studies

At any given time, our team is investigating a number of important Shelter Medicine questions. Faculty members, residents, interns, and veterinary students all undertake projects to understand the issues that impact the health and well-being of homeless and sheltered animals.

 

Calling All Dog Experts: What kind of dog is that?

Lead researcher: Dr. Julie Levy

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and frequently without pedigrees to describe their heritage. The breeds of dogs with unknown or mixed-breed lineages are frequently guessed based on their physical appearance, but it is not known how accurate these visual breed assessments are. This project will compare visual breed assessments to DNA breed profiles.

 

 

 

A cat hides near a litterbox filled with diarrhea.

Getting the Scoop on Cat Poop: Enteropathogen Prevalence

Lead researcher: Dr. Laura Andersen

Feline diarrhea affects nearly every agency that cares for unowned cats, and we set out to uncover the risks and understand how different management models are affected. Feline diarrhea presents a challenge for diagnosis, treatment, and animal welfare… and may even pose a risk for human health.

 

 

Microchip Use and ScanningMicrochip Reader

Lead researcher: Dr. Julie Levy

How are microchips and microchip scanner used in the Southeastern United States?  This study seeks to understand the current environment, giving us a peek into the implications for pets and their owners, and what current usage patterns could mean for shelters and veterinarians seeking to reunite lost pets with their families.