Dr. Lisa Freeman of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has been awarded the inaugural Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award for her research into diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease that has affected thousands of dogs of all breeds for nearly a decade.

The prize recognizes work on a devastating disease that has affected thousands of dogs of all breeds for nearly a decade, and signals renewed attention to scientific efforts aimed at understanding how diet may play a role in canine heart disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by a weakening and thinning of the heart muscle, which leads to an inability to pump blood effectively, ultimately causing the heart chambers to enlarge.

Freeman, introduced in the award announcement as a researcher at the Cummings School, has focused on diet-associated DCM — a form of heart disease identified by researchers and clinicians over recent years. The Canine Health Foundation presented the inaugural Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award to Freeman in acknowledgement of that research, according to the Canine Chronicle.

In a statement included with the announcement, Freeman expressed urgency about the work and its real-world consequences for pet owners. “I feel a real sense of urgency with this research. These are people’s beloved pets that are affected. I don’t want more dogs to suffer. And for the dogs and owners already affected…I want to do justice for them,” she said. The urgency of her research reflects broader concerns within the veterinary community about dietary factors associated with DCM, including grain-free diets and those high in legumes like peas and lentils.

Colleagues and the foundation singled out the research for its potential to move the field forward and to stimulate follow-on studies. Freeman has been described as deeply passionate about finding answers for this horrible disease, and her team’s work has been part of a wider effort by researchers, clinicians, and funders to better characterize cases of diet-associated DCM.

The award from the Canine Health Foundation highlights the role of targeted research in tackling complex veterinary problems. It comes amid ongoing concern in veterinary circles about a cluster of DCM cases linked to diet patterns over recent years; the disease has been described in public discussion as devastating for affected animals and their families.

For owners and veterinarians seeking background on dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, authoritative resources summarize how the condition affects the heart and the clinical signs that can prompt veterinary evaluation, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding dietary contributions; additional information is available from veterinary health resources such as PetMD.

Freeman’s reaction to receiving the award emphasized both the lab work and the human side of the problem. Her comments framed the research as a response to owners and animals already harmed: she said the work is driven by a desire to prevent further suffering and to provide answers for those already affected. The FDA, AAHA, and UC Davis have noted troubling patterns emerging in reported cases linked to specific dietary choices.

The Canine Health Foundation’s decision to present an inaugural discovery award for this work underscores the foundation’s interest in spotlighting research with the potential to alter clinical practice or shape future studies. The foundation presented the award at a ceremony noted in the announcement made public by the Canine Chronicle.

As Freeman continues her research, the award serves as a formal recognition of the effort to identify mechanisms behind diet-associated DCM and to translate laboratory findings into clinical tools or advice for veterinarians and owners.

Where things stand now: Dr. Lisa Freeman has received the inaugural Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award from the Canine Health Foundation for her work on diet-associated DCM, an effort framed by Freeman herself as urgent and focused on delivering answers for affected dogs and their owners.

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