Researcher seeks newly-imported dogs for study
If you have a client who has recently brought a dog into Canada or have links to rescue groups that import dogs into the country, a Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researcher wants to hear from you.
Dr. Tasha Epp, an associate professor in the WCVM's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, is leading a study that's investigating the health of imported dogs in Canada. To be eligible for the study, dogs must have recently entered the country (within a month of entry).
Epp stresses that the the study is voluntary and will not affect the entry status of any imported dogs.
What's all involved for study participants?
- The owner's local veterinarian will be asked to perform a health assessment of the dog. The study pays up to $120 to offset the costs.
- The owner's local veterinarian will take blood and fecal samples from the dog for disease testing. The study pays for all costs associated with testing.
- Researchers will ask study participants to complete a short online questionnaire about their personal experience in importing a dog to Canada.
- Researchers will report all disease results to the dog owner's veterinarian for follow-up care.
If you know of any potential candidates for this study, please email compan.surv@usask.ca for more information. Your support is greatly appeciated.