Veterinary Radiology

Research

Guidance policy for graduate students

Publications

Research

Research interests: Respiratory diseases in dogs and cats are considered to a part of general internal medicine or cardiology. Moreover, there are few veterinarians specializing in this field with only a few universities possessing specialized departments. Therefore, research on respiratory diseases of dogs and cats is sparse. Although a few reports have been made in Europe and the United States, these results cannot necessarily be applicable to dogs and cats in Japan because the popular breeds are different from those in Europe and the United States. Consequently, we have conducted a clinical study of respiratory diseases in dogs and cats bred in Japan. Although endoscopic examination and imaging tests, such as CT/MRI under general anesthesia, are often necessary for the definitive diagnosis of respiratory diseases, they are not always possible in all cases owing to the risk of general anesthesia and other facility issues. Therefore, to establish non-invasive tests that allow diagnosis without invasive tests, we are currently conducting research to create diagnostic clinical prediction models using clinical signs, X-rays, and ultrasonography. Additionally, we are investigating biomarkers of bronchial and pulmonary diseases using blood samples, and have also evaluated the microbiome of various nasal diseases to elucidate the pathophysiology. In the future, we will also evaluate the microbiome in bronchial and pulmonary diseases with the aim of applying our findings as possible treatment options. We are also conducting several cooperative projects with internal researchers at our university and external researchers, and hope to develop our research by sharing our areas of expertise and discussing with specialists in other fields.

Guidance policy for graduate students

As of April 2023, I supervise two graduate students in the Doctorial program of Veterinary Medicine. As we work at a university hospital, we obtain our research themes from the questions we encounter in my daily practice. Our research aimed to establish new diagnostic methods and elucidate pathophysiology in respiratory diseases of dogs and cats, and ultimately to apply the results of our research to clinical practice. It is the mission of the clinical veterinarians at the university to conduct clinically relevant research, and we believe that practical and creative research conducted by our team, with actual experience in medical practice, can make a significant contribution to clinical veterinary medicine. Presenting the results of our research at academic conferences and ultimately in academic papers will lead to saving, not only the animals we examine but also many others around the world. Therefore, research conducted by clinical veterinarians is extremely valuable and meaningful. In addition, all the research conducted is for clinical practice and we aim to train veterinarians and researchers who can provide specialized care in front-line respiratory medicine. Balancing clinical practice and research is an extremely demanding but satisfying experience. We are looking for graduate students who wish to be involved in propelling clinical veterinary medicine one step further by conducting clinical research for the development of canine and feline medicine while being at the forefront of medical treatment.

Publications

(First/corresponding author only)