Research Study

Dundobi Longitudinal Health & Nutrition Study

Purpose

Dundobi maintains a structured, long-term health dataset in Dobermans to better understand how nutrition and management strategies relate to measurable health outcomes over time.

This program is designed to collect consistent veterinary, growth, digestive, and cardiac health markers across a controlled breeding population and client network. The goal is to organize real-world observations into standardized data that may support future academic collaboration and publication.

This is not a product trial and does not attempt to promote a specific feeding philosophy. The objective is to measure biological responses under consistent conditions.

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Study Overview

Participating dogs are followed over time while maintained on a consistent diet and care routine. Health markers are recorded at regular veterinary visits and through structured follow-up.

The study evaluates how diet type and nutritional management relate to:

• Digestive function

• Metabolic health

• Inflammatory indicators

• Reproductive outcomes

• Growth and development

• Cardiac screening markers relevant to Dobermans

Minimum observation period: 46 months 

Preferred observation period: ongoing yearly follow-up

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Eligibility

Dogs may participate if they meet the following criteria:

• Doberman Pinscher

• Generally healthy at enrollment

• Owner willing to maintain consistent feeding routine

• Owner willing to share veterinary records and test results

Dogs with controlled medical conditions may participate in an observational track where diet is not altered but health data is recorded.

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Data Collected

Physical Measurements

• Body weight

• Body condition score (BCS)

• Muscle condition score

Digestive & Nutrition Observations

• Stool consistency scoring

• Feeding routine and diet details

• Supplements and treats

Veterinary Laboratory Data

Collected during normal veterinary wellness exams:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Chemistry panel

• Urinalysis

• Fecal parasite screening

Additional markers tracked when available:

• Cholesterol and triglycerides

• Fasting glucose

• Inflammatory indicators

• Taurine levels

• Cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, Troponin I)

Cardiac Screening (when performed)

• Echocardiogram results

• Holter monitoring results

Reproductive & Developmental Records (breeding dogs)

• Breeding dates and outcomes

• Pregnancy confirmation

• Litter size and neonatal outcomes

• Growth tracking of offspring

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Owner Participation

Participants agree to:

• Maintain consistent diet during observation period

• Notify the program of major changes (illness, medications, diet changes)

• Share veterinary records from routine visits

Participation is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time.

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Data Use & Privacy

All records are stored securely and used for internal research analysis and potential academic collaboration. Personal identifying information is not publicly released.

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Why This Matters

Dobermans are predisposed to certain metabolic and cardiac conditions. Long-term structured health tracking allows patterns to be studied across generations and environments, helping improve breeding decisions and preventive care strategies.

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Participation

Owners interested in contributing to the dataset may submit their dog’s basic information and recent veterinary records for review.

Background of the Researchers:

Sammer S Softa MBA, BS.

The lead researcher for this study is Sammer Softa, who holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. In addition, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology.

Sammer has also completed several relevant training programs, including the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) programs on working with dogs in research, conflict of interest, and working with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Overall, Sammer's educational background and training make him well-equipped to conduct this study and ensure the safety and ethical treatment of the Doberman pinschers involved in the research.

Dr. Raja Mudad, MD, FACP

Dr. Mudad is a medical oncologist with extensive academic experience in conducting clinical trials.  He has been principal investigator on multiple national trials testing various novel treatments for cancer. He has published several articles related to his research.  He continues to practice and is an associate professor at the University of Miami. Dr. Mudad is well versed in writing clinical trials and monitoring the conduct of these trials. He is experienced in evaluating adverse events and determining causality.  He is also experienced in statistical analysis.  Dr. Mudad’s contribution will be in the conduct of the trial and in monitoring and reviewing the data for analysis.

Amanda Morales Moreira BS.

Amanda is a soon to be highly qualified veterinarian and researcher with a diverse background in animal biology and animal health. She obtained her bachelor’s and soon to be doctorate in veterinary medicine degrees in animal science with a specialty in animal biology from the University of Florida. Amanda has hands on experience in theoretical and applied research, having worked as a researcher and published her own research in multiple projects involving ruminant nutrition research, canine theriogenology research and ovine parasitology studies. She is currently the lead faculty owner at Mor Veterinary Center, a mixed animal practice private hospital with a concentration in small animal theriogenology. She is deciding if to pursue a masters while she is currently conducting a clinical rotation at The Mannheimer Foundation Inc., an AAALAC-accredited, national leader in nonhuman primate medicine, reproduction, and educational training.  Animal is in the process of starting her own research project at the University of Florida where she continues to contribute to cutting-edge research in her field. Amanda will be responsible for developing medically adequate procedures for the determination of the health benefits and assurance of patient quality of life throughout the research trial. Amanda will assure each patient’s health is maintained humanely while ensuring the medical data is accurate to provide deeper insights and understanding of the study results.

Professor Virgil Acuna MBA, MS, BS.

Professor Virgil Acuna is a highly qualified electrical engineer and researcher with a diverse background in unmanned systems, communication systems, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from FIU, and an MBA to complement his technical expertise. Professor Acuna has extensive experience in theoretical and applied research, having worked as a researcher in the aerospace industry. He is currently the lead faculty at the IT and Engineering department of Atlantis University, where he continues to contribute to cutting-edge research in his field.