Endowment At Work Timeline
Here is the Endowment’s list of accomplishments, presented in reverse chronological order (most recent first):
- 2026 DNA Swabs purchase, Ectopic Ureter Webinar – University of Wisconsin
Funding: $1,500 - 2026 AKC DNA Testing – 20 Dogs
- 2026 Letter of Support AI Tools Early Kidney Disease – Texas A&M University (TAMU)
- 2026 NIH Study Survey
- 2026 Embark/Wisdom Panel DNA Testing – Side by Side Comparison SCWT Parentage
Funding: $100 - 2025 AKC CHF Grant #03139 Riluzole as a Neuroprotectant in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Funding: $2,500 - 2025 Necropsy on Microphthalmia Puppy with Renal Failure – Samples at Cornell
Funding: $1,900 - 2025 Dr. Tolbert Diet Study Michigan State University, Dr. Sara Jablonski PLE Clinical Study
Funding: $40,000 - 2025 DNA Rebate Program
Funding: $620 - 2025 UPenn: Testing PLN – One dog Kirrel & NPHS1 not matching
- 2025 Embark DNA Testing Comparison
Funding: $147 - 2025 Annual Health & Database Newsletter Report & Calendar
Funding: $815 - 2025 Webinar: Dr. Ed Jazic – Dermatologic Growths
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2024 Webinar: Dr. Jazic – Atopic Dermatitis
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2024 Webinar: Dr. Littman – Leptospirosis
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2024 Webinar: Dr. Littman – Addison’s Disease
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2024 NCVMF: Dr. Katie Tolbert & Dr. Kylie Grant – Chronic Kidney Disease & GI Bleed Study
Funding: $19,355 - 2024 DNA Testing Rebate Program (offset cost to 28 owners using PLN DNA Test)
Funding: $560 - 2023 Trustees of U of PA PennGen: Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (PdX) Test Development
Funding: $2,500 - 2023 Webinar: Dr. Katie Tolbert – PLE
- 2023 Webinar: Dr. Shelly Vaden -Interpreting Test Results
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2023 DNA Testing Rebate Program (offset cost to 100 owners using PLN DNA Test)
Funding: $2,000 - 2023 Newsletter & Calendar to Vet Schools
Funding: $411 - 2022 NCVMF Dr. Katie Tolbert – PLE Research Study
Funding: $5,000 - 2022 DNA Testing Rebate Program (offset cost to 159 owners using PLN DNA Test)
Funding: $3,180 - 2021 AKC CHF Grant #02658: Characteristics of Sensory Neuronal and Muscle Pathology in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy to Identify Targets for Therapeutic Intervention
Funding: $3,000 - 2021 AKC CHF Grant #02534: Clinical Evaluation of Propranolol in Combination with Doxorubicin for the Treatment of Hemangiosarcoma
Funding: $3,000 - 2021 AKC CHF Grant #02428: Identifying Disease-defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison’s Disease
Funding: $3,000
Research Update August 2021 - 2021 Newsletter
- 2021 Webinar: Dr. Littman – PLE & Digestive Issues
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2021 Webinar: Dr. Littman – PLN
Webinar Speaker Fee – $750 - 2021 Webinar: Overall Temperament & Rage
- 2020 Dr. Paula Henthorn PhD June SCWT PLE/PLN Research Progress Report – Detailed updates on survey, sequencing, GWAS, and new genetic tests for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and Microphthalmia)
- 2020 Genetic testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and Microphthalmia (Availability through PennGen)
Supported by prior Endowment-funded research - 2020 AKC CHF Grant 02800: Defining the Effect of Genotype, Breed, and Age on the Risk of Developing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Joint funding with SCWTCA and Genetic Research Fund (GRF) - 2020 PLN Gene Testing: 2 vs 1 – Testing for variant alleles associated with a risk for PLN (“DNA test”) was initially developed at Penn based on Drs. Littman and Henthorn’s research. That research showed that a DNA variant occurred in each of two genes, NPHS1 and KIRREL2, that are next to each other in their positions on dog chromosome 1, and that the presence of these two variants on both copies of chromosome 1 indicated significantly increased risk for developing PLN (Protein-Losing Nephropathy). Among the well over 4,000 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier samples that Penn has analyzed since the test was introduced in 2012, there have been three (3) Wheaten terriers with results in which both genes had different genotypes (for example 1-1 for NPHS1 and 1-2 for KIRREL2). In these cases, Penn reports the results more specifically and discusses the ramifications of these results with the dogs’ owners.
- 2020 Ectopic Ureters: Daniel Langlois BS DVM DACVIM, Michigan State U – Use of laser ablation techniques on a test case
Funding: $1,600 - 2019 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) – Since the introduction of the DNA test for PLN risk, owners and breeders have continued to hope for some similar testing for PLE. As noted, it is a more complex disease. WGS is an important component of this research as it identifies essentially ALL of the DNA variants in an individual (there are millions of DNA variants within an individual mammal, compared to another member of the same species). The overall goal of WGS (combined with other information) is to identify all of the DNA variants in healthy and disease-affected dogs, then to find which of those variants are associated with disease. This is done by analyzing the genome sequences by comparing to sequences of other dogs, examining genes known to be involved with the particular or similar diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases for PLE, and by performing GWAS (genome-wide association studies with SNP chips) to point to the chromosomal regions that need to be studied. The goal of the proposed studies, in combination, is to further improve our ability to predict the occurrence of PLN. Dr. Henthorn has submitted 10 dogs for WGS sequencing to advance our understanding of both PLE and PLN.
Researcher: Dr. Paula Henthorn PhD BS, University of Pennsylvania - 2019 Genetic Testing for PLN – Associated Variant Genes Follow Up Survey
Researchers: Dr. Paula Henthorn PhD BS, Mariah Gentry DVM, University of Pennsylvania
Funding: $5,000 - 2019 Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) using SNP chips for Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) – GWAS to identify the chromosomal regions (and genes within these regions) that are associated with PLE or PLN and can then be studied in additional dogs for confirmation.
Researcher: Paula Henthorn PhD BS, Mariah Gentry, DVM at University of Pennsylvania
Funding: $7,750 - 2018 AKC CHF Grant 2519: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas
Researchers: Edward B Breitschwerdt DVM; Matthew Breen PhD; North Carolina State University
Funding: $2,500 - 2016 Pilot Association Study of PLE/PLN (Protein-Losing Enteropathy/Nephropathy) in SCWTs
Researchers: Meryl P. Littman, Paula S. Henthorn, University of Pennsylvania
Funding: $9,000 - 2015 Freezer Storage at University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine – Purchase of new freezer to store SCWT DNA samples
Funding: $9,142 - 2014 Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine – SCWT Histopathology & Testing Expense
Funding: $5,000 - 2013 Purchase and Maintenance of SCWT Health and Pedigree Database – After years of development, the SCWTCA Endowment, Inc., announced in 2018, the launch of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health and Pedigree Database. This database set-up was originally developed by the Berner-Garde Foundation 30 years ago and is in use by several other breeds as well as SCWTs. Starting with San Jeffries’s database of 46,000 dogs, a team of volunteer data operators added dogs for a 2018 debut of nearly 60,000 Wheatens from around the world.
Initial Funding: $7,600 - 2013 Tufts University Breeding & Genetics Conference
Attendee: Deb Van De Ven
Funding: $235 - 2012 Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN) in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers – Genetic Testing for PLN-Associated Variant Genes
- 2012 PLN Variant Gene Test Discovery: After years of research supported by the owners and breeders of hundreds of Wheatens throughout the world, Drs. Meryl Littman and Paula Henthorn at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) identified mutations associated with PLN in two genes.
- 2012 Genome Study: Samples from the PennVet SCWT DNA Bank were used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 177,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 81,097 SNPs were informative. Control dogs (unaffected SCWTs aged 14 – 18) and affected dogs were studied, as were dogs of other breeds. PLN was found to be associated with changes in two genes responsible for encoding the proteins found in the podocyte slit diaphragm, a fundamental component of the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidney. For more information, please see the Research Abstract as well as the peer-reviewed research report published in Mammalian Genome January 2013.
- 2012 PLN DNA Testing: The research resulted in a DNA cheek swab test, introduced to Wheaten owners in May 2012. DNA collection kits were made available worldwide at no cost to SCWT owners and breeders to assist Drs. Littman and Henthorn in gathering 1,000 SCWT DNA samples for a prevalence study between May and September 2012. The SCWTCA, Inc., the SCWTCA Endowment, Inc., and the Genetic Research Fund (GRF) combined efforts to finance this project.
Researchers: Claire A. Wiley, Meryl P. Littman, Michael G. Raducha, Paula S. Henthorn, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
After the introduction of the test in 2012, SCWTCA, the Endowment, and the Genetic Research Fund boards issued a Statement on Genetic Testing for PLN-Associated Variant Genes endorsing testing for PLN-Associated Variant Genes by breeders as one tool in the assessment of breeding stock. Testing information and information guides can be found on the DNA testing page of The SCWT Club of America website.
In 2016, the membership of the SCWTCA voted to amend its Code of Ethics to require use of this test prior to breeding. - 2012 Student Researcher Professional Development Award: This award supports vet students who make significant contributions to health-related research projects involving SCWTs by partially funding their attendance to a professional conference to present results from a project they worked on. In 2012, an award was made to Claire Wiley to support her presentation of the Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) of PLN.
Grant Recipient: Claire Wiley
Funding: $560 - 2009 AKC CHF Parent Club Health Conference, St. Louis, MO: Various presenters addressing health issues applicable to most breeds.
Attendee: Jana Carraway
Funding: $200 - 2009 Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust: Private fund supporting longitudinal work to address the duration of immunity conveyed by rabies vaccine with the intent of extending the legally required interval for rabies boosters to 5, then 7 years.
Researcher: Dr. Ronald Schultz, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Funding: $500 - 2009 Sibling Pairs Study SNIP Chip Purchase – Technology to compare 24 pairs of affected and non-affected SCWT siblings. Includes Blood Draw Clinics (paid 1/3 of the cost to help sponsor 21 blood draw clinics to acquire DNA samples for the CPP) and SNIP CPP Participant Fee Sharing (paid 1/2 of the participant registration fee for 991 SCWTs whose blood was drawn during SCWTCA sponsored clinics to produce DNA samples for future Wheaten-related research.)
Researcher: Gary Johnson DVM PhD., University of Missouri – Columbia
Funding: $35,200 - 2008 Informative Family Project, Geriatric Dog Project contributing to AKC CHF Grant 1485 – Pelletizing DNA for Penn DNA Bank, biopsies, shipping of samples, summer students, genetic testing DNA collection kits, AKC report fees for Penn for registration numbers, histopathology, testing expense, and freezer expense.
Researcher: Meryl P. Littman VMD DACVIM, University of Pennsylvania
Funding: $9,000 + $38,800 - 2008 AKC CHF Conference
Attendee: Jana Carraway
Funding: $200 - 2007-2008 National Institutes of Health: Lifetime Study of the SCWT – Seven of the 21 blood draw clinics described above provided 103 samples for the NIH study.
Researcher: Dr. Elaine Ostrander, Ostrander Canine Genomics Lab - 2007 & 2008 University of Missouri Canine Phenome Project (DNA bank for future Wheaten-related research) – The purpose of the Canine Phenome Project (CPP): to establish a DNA bank with supporting data for use by researchers to identify the genes responsible for canine diseases and other characteristics. For Wheaten owners, an opportunity to store DNA from Wheatens for future use by researchers interested in finding the genetic causes of PLE, PLN, RD, Addison’s, and/or other diseases. NIH Lifetime Study and Siblings Pair Study included.
- 2006 4th Annual AKC CHF Canine Cancer Conference: Genes, Dogs, & Cancer – Several prominent researchers addressed identifying genetic markers for specific diseases and possible avenues to find new therapies to combat diseases. Helped sponsor the conference; received complimentary registration for two conference attendees.
Attendees: Elaine Azerolo and Susan McGee
Funding: $5,000 - 2006 Investigation of Antigenic Causes of Vaccine-Associated Allergic Reactions in Dogs
Researcher: Dr. George Moore, Purdue University - 2006 AKC CHF: Genetic Determinants of Malignant Melanoma
Researcher: Michael Kent DVM, University of California – Davis
Funding: $1,000 - 2006 gained 501(c)(3) status
- 2004 incorporated as the SCWTCA Endowment, Inc.
- 2003, 2004 Adopt a Colony Dog Fundraiser – The Colony Dogs living at NC State University (NCSU) were used in numerous research grants to Dr. Shelly Vaden starting in 2003. This project was a coordinated fundraising campaign among individual and regional clubs to support the dogs’ daily care and well-being. Gifts were solicited by the Endowment and paid directly to NCSU Veterinary Medical Foundation.
Researcher: Dr. Shelly Vaden DVM PhD DACVIM, North Carolina State University
Funding: $13,300 for expenses + $145,450 total - 2002 & 2004 AKC CHF Grant 2219: Longitudinal Clinical Study, Mode of Inheritance and Therapeutic Trial of PLE/PLN in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers – From birth comparison of SCWTs fed hypoallergenic diet with SCWTs fed normal diet. AKC CHF provided oversight for grant administration. SCWTCA matched funds for two prior related grants starting in 1996.
Researcher: Dr. Shelly Vaden DVM PhD DACVIM, North Carolina State University.
Funding: $55,600 - Ongoing Fecal A1PI Kit Program – This kit was created to eliminate the owner’s cost of a vet submitting samples to the TAMU GI Lab and to insure the samples arrived frozen to the lab for accurate testing of intestinal protein loss. The kit continues to be made available by the SCWTCA Endowment, Inc. at manufacturer’s cost. Distribution points set throughout the US & Canada.
Approved by SCWTCA, Inc.; Distributed by the SCWTCA Endowment, Inc. - SCWTCA Endowment Origins: 1995 established the SCWTCA Health Fund, 2001 created a separate non-profit
