CONTACT US

Orsolya Balogh, DVM, PhD, DACT
Associate Professor, Theriogenology
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Office phone: (540)231-6954
Email: obalogh@vt.edu

About the Balogh Lab

The primary research interest in the Balogh Lab is canine uterine inertia with primary focus on the underlying endocrine and molecular mechanisms of absent or insufficient labor contractions. The role of obesity on reproductive performance of bitches is also investigated. Further projects are centered around canine semen analysis and male infertility, and the effects of a slow-release GnRH agonist (deslorelin) on testicular and epididymal function. Studies on canine pregnancy and neonatology, female and male reproductive endocrinology, and ultrasonography of the female and male reproductive tract are also of great interest.  


Research

Ongoing projects

  1. Canine dystocia: Understanding the functional alterations of uterine contractility in primary uterine inertia
  2. The role of obesity on reproductive performance of bitches
  3. Canine semen processing: optimizing centrifugation and concentration standards for cooled canine semen handling
  4. Testicular downregulation with a slow-release GnRH agonist (deslorelin) as a model of canine male infertility

Collaborators

  • Dr. Julie T. Cecere, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech
  • Dr. Aykut Gram, Turkey
  • Dr. Linda Müller, Hungary
  • Dr. Sandra Goericke-Pesch, Germany
  • Dr. Tom Cecere, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech

People

  • Dr. Orsolya Balogh (PI)
  • Dr. Nicole Sugai (MS student and theriogenology resident)
  • Dr. Samantha McCarter (PhD Student)

2022

2021

2020

2019

  • Müller L, Kok E, Kollár E, Balogh O, Thuróczy J: Changes in serum leptin concentrations in relation to the oestrous cycle and body fat content in female dogs. Literature review and own data (in Hungarian). Magy Állato Lapja, 2019;141:411-424.

2018

2017

2012–2016

PhD or MS positions in canine reproduction at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

PROJECT 1
"Canine dystocia: Understanding the functional alterations of uterine contractility in primary uterine inertia"
Primary uterine inertia (PUI) affects 14-50% or more dogs presenting with dystocia, and due to the lack of effective medical treatment options, almost all dogs undergo Cesarean section. In this project, we seek to understand the underlying endocrine and molecular mechanisms of PUI to help improve current clinical treatment protocols.

DURATION
Appointments are on a full-time basis for a period of two to four years.

ANTICIPATED START DATE
August 2023 or negotiable

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Continuous until suitable candidate is found

CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Veterinary degree or final-year veterinary student, or graduate in animal science or other related field
  • Strict work ethic, motivation, good organization skills, team player
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Genuine interest in canine reproduction, reproductive endocrinology, and reproductive physiology
  • Laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques, cell culture, immunohisto/cytochemistry, ELISA procedures is an advantage

INFORMATION ON PROGRAM AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the position, send your CV, a letter of interest with career goals, and names and contact information of three references to the PhD supervisor: