<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Spontaneous Canine Disease Models in Biomedical Science: A One Health Path to Predictive Drug Development

Despite recent advances in biomedical research, translating preclinical findings into effective therapies remains a major challenge&mdash;particularly for complex diseases. Spontaneous diseases in companion animals, especially dogs, offer a powerful yet underutilized bridge to human medicine. Naturally occurring cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular, renal, and ocular diseases in dogs closely resemble their human counterparts in pathophysiology, treatment response, and environmental exposure. These models allow for the evaluation of novel therapies, including immunotherapies and gene-based treatments, in immunologically relevant systems. Integrating patient-derived organoids and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling further enhances mechanistic understanding and translational accuracy. To fully leverage this potential, investment in infrastructure, biobanking, and interdisciplinary training is essential. As One Health gains momentum, spontaneous canine models emerge as scientifically robust and ethically sound tools for more predictive, cross-species drug development.