Articles & Newsletters
The AKC Canine Health Foundation Library is a comprehensive list of all the canine health articles available on this website. You can search for an article by research area or breed. The information is divided into four sections:
Articles Available for Download (PDF)
Discoveries - the award-winning newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, published quarterly.
e-Newsletter - view the archives of our e-Newsletter
Canine Health Articles
Do Lipid Droplets Play a Role in Canine Pyometra? July 25, 2022
Lipid droplets in the uterine lining likely play a role in the development of pyometra, or uterine infection.
Novel Neurologic Disorder Characterized in Dalmatians June 20, 2022
The genetic mutation responsible for a unique neurologic disease in Dalmatian dogs was recently identified.
Hope for the Diet-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dilemma June 1, 2022
Sub-clinical heart damage in apparently health dogs appears to be reversible with a diet change.
Genetic Test for Megaesophagus in German Shepherd Dogs May 16, 2022
The combination of a genetic mutation and sex can predict a German Shepherd Dog’s risk of being affected by CIM with 75% accuracy.
Exploring Biomarkers for Atopic Dermatitis April 14, 2022
Measuring cell signaling proteins may be useful to monitor disease progression in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Canine Health Resources Available for Download (PDF)
Great Dane Update - Fall 2020 - Subfertility in Stud Dogs October 27, 2020
Purina ProPlan Great Dane Update (Fall 2020) - CHF-funded investigators are examining the complex nature of canine fertility.
39 & Me October 23, 2020
A practical look at the Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing from a breeder's perspective. Courtesy of The Canine Chronicle - October 2020 issue.
Dog Update - Fall 2020 - Parent Club Health Surveys September 25, 2020
Purina ProPlan Dog Update (Fall 2020) - Learn how parent clubs are using breed health surveys to guide health research funding, choose appropriate health screening tests, and develop health education tools.
Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing in Dogs September 15, 2020
The types of genetic tests currently in use, their application in breeding programs, and their limitations will be discussed, as well as potential negative effects of the misuse of test results in both pet and breeding dogs.
Diagnostic Criteria for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (print) August 31, 2020
Recently, current and former members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ Genetics Committee came together to create and publish clear diagnostic guidelines for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis. These updated diagnostic criteria for GRPU were recently published in the open source journal Veterinary Ophthalmology and are summarized here.
Success Stories
Expanding Our Understanding of Exercise-Induced Collapse May 16, 2013
Once the a genetic test was available for EIC, it quickly became clear that the existence of the DNM1 mutation didn’t explain all cases of EIC. Some Labrador Retrievers with EIC didn’t have both copies of the mutation, others didn’t have copies at all. Therefore, the scientists from the University of Minnesota and the University of Saskatchewan who had developed the test set out to determine if they could understand whether the EIC seen in dogs without the mutation was really the same condition.
The Health Implications of Early Spay and Neuter May 6, 2013
Recently scientists from the University of California-Davis used a large veterinary database to determine what exactly the implications of neutering might be for a breed of dogs that is one of the most popular in the U.S. – the Golden Retriever. The results were fascinating: timing of spay and neuter did affect the risk of a dog developing serious health problems.
Dark Colored Dogs Highlight Cancer's Complexity April 17, 2013
Standard poodles are at risk of an aggressive type of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma of the digit (SCDD). However, not all poodles are equally susceptible to SCDD. Dark colored poodles are at high risk of this cancer, while light colored dogs are almost never affected. Researchers recently found the genetic mutations that are likely responsible for the difference.
Selecting First-Choice Anti-Seizure Medications for Dogs February 15, 2013
Epilepsy is a medical condition found in both dogs and humans. The seizures it causes can be quite dangerous, and although it is often treatable, there has been some debate over which anti-epileptic drug (AED) is most effective.
New System Developed for Studying B-cell Cancers February 15, 2013
With the help of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Daisuke Ito and colleagues set out to find an alternative to traditional cell culture techniques for studying DLBCLs. Instead of creating a DLBCL-like cell artificially, using viral infection, they wanted to find a way to grow and maintain the diverse collection of B-cells found in an actual canine cancer.
Discoveries
The award-winning print newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Providing in-depth information on canine health research and education.
Discoveries Spring 2019 April 17, 2019
Topics include personalized medicine for canine mast cell tumor treatment, diagnosing tick-borne disease, the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program, and a donor spotlight featuring Carolyn and Gary Koch.
Discoveries Winter 2019 January 16, 2019
Topics include mitral valve disease, working dog cognition, and 2018 annual award winners
Discoveries Fall 2018 October 15, 2018
Topics include the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Study, CHF's Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative, and researcher Dr. Cindy Otto.
Discoveries Summer 2018 July 16, 2018
Topics include degenerative myelopathy, Leptospirosis, 2018 theriogenology residents, and researcher Dr. Joan Coates.
Discoveries Issue 55 December 5, 2016
Winter 2016 Edition: President's Award and Distinguished Research Partner Award; Tick-Borne Disease Initiative Update; New Research Grants
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