Multimedia

Urban Search and Rescue Dogs

In this edition of Genome Barks we hear from Dr. Cindy Otto, Associate Professor of Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the Director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Dr. Otto discusses her CHF-funded research which has monitored the search and rescue dogs that worked in the 9/11 recovery efforts. Dr. Otto also discusses the Penn Vet Working Dog center, the importance of increasing detection dog breeding in the United States, and how science can be used to identify key characteristics that make for highly successful search and rescue dogs.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

Canine Osteosarcoma Research

In this podcast we hear from Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, a professor in comparative genomics at Uppsala University and the Scientific Director of Vertebrate Genome Biology at the Broad Institute.

Dr. Lindblad-Toh discusses current research on osteosarcoma, including how identification of the unique genes and associated biological pathways that define osteosarcoma can make a difference in how this disease is diagnosed and treated, not just in dogs, but in humans too.

Please note: This podcast does not have the high quality sound you are accustomed to from AKC Canine Health Foundation podcasts. Dr. Lindblad-Toh was kind enough to record this podcast via an international telephone connection. We apologize for the inconvenience, but because the information in this podcast is very valuable to dog owners, we hope you will find it worthwhile to listen.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

Comparative Cytogenetics of Cancer. Just How Human Are Our Dogs?

Presentation by Matthew Breen, PhD, CBiol, FSB, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Professor of Genomics at the 2011 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference hosted by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Recent Progress in Molecular Genetics of Cancer and Challenges Ahead

Presenation by Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD, Director, Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine at the 2011 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference hosted by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Presentation Abstract: The last decade has seen dramatic improvements in molecular genetic research of canine cancer. This includes new and improved diagnostic tests and approval of the first immune-based cancer therapy (ONCEPT, Merial canine melanoma vaccine) and the first targeted small molecule inhibitor (Palladia, Pfizer c-Kit inhibitor for treatment of mast cell tumors). There also has been significant progress defining breed-associated cancer susceptibility. Our efforts have focused on defining the role that “breed” plays not only on the frequency of tumor occurrence, but also on tumor behavior. At the same time, we have dedicated considerable effort to understand the mechanisms that drive tumor behavior as a means to improve our diagnostic precision, our prognostic capacity, and the development of new therapies. To help achieve these goals, AKC CHF has supported eight research projects in our laboratory since 1998. These projects have allowed us to build a sample bank that has been used extensively by the research community worldwide (more than 40 investigators at more than 30 companies, universities, and research institutes in seven countries and four continents). The projects also have formed a robust foundation for clinical translation, verifying the notion that oftentimes tumors are as unique as patients and we must beware of generalizations and oversimplification. This presentation will underscore the differences that exist within tumors and among dog breeds, and illustrate how we have started to overcome these challenges to achieve our clinical goals.

Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine IBD

Presentation by Albert Jergens, DVM, MS, PhD Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Iowa State University at the 2011 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference hosted by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Presentation Abstract: Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes a heterogeneous group of idiopathic, chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that are immunologically-mediated. While their exact etiologies remain unknown, research results suggest that interplay between genetic factors and enteric bacteria are crucial for disease development, owing to abnormal host responses directed against the commensal microbiota. Key clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, and histopathologic lesions of inflammation may involve the stomach, small intestine, or colon. Recent advances in molecular tools, disease activity indices, and biomarker development now permit objective assessment of IBD severity at diagnosis and in response to various therapies. Treatment of IBD involves both dietary and pharamacologic interventions as well as therapeutic manipulation of the enteric microbiota through the use of antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics. This presentation will highlight recent research advances in canine IBD and offer insight into future research directions.