Familial Heart Disease

In this podcast we bring you an interview with Dr. Kathryn Meurs. Dr. Meurs recently relocated her laboratory to North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she is Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies as well as the director of the NCSU Veterinary Cardiac Genetics & Holter Laboratories A board certified cardiologist, Dr. Meurs has focused her research efforts on familial heart diseases. Dr. Meurs has been funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation for subvalvular aortic stenosis in Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers; dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman Pincher and Great Dane; and ventricular arrhythmias in the Boxer.

The Advantages of Purebred Dog Research

In this podcast we bring you an interview with C.A. Sharp, President of the Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute, an organization dedicated to sharing knowledge about the genetics of the breed. C.A. is also a prolific writer on canine health.

In this podcast C.A. discusses the reasons why purebred dogs are good research models; why purebred dogs are helpful to human medicine and to veterinary medicine for all dogs; and the need to participate in research by providing DNA samples.

Major Histiocompatibility Complex

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Lorna Kennedy a member of the faculty of the University of Manchester Center for Integrated Genomic Medical Research in the United Kingdom. Dr. Kennedy has received funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation for her work in the genetics of hypothyrodism, immune mediated hemolytic anemia, and anal furunculosis.

These diseases are all associated with changes in an area of the canine genome called the Major Histiocompatibility Complex (MHC). In this podcast, Dr. Kennedy discusses the MHC, autoimmune diseases, her research on these diseases and similarities to human conditions.

Exercise Induced Collapse

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Jim Mickelson, a member of the faculty at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

The primary goal of Dr. Mickelson’s research program is to indentify the molecular basis of inherited neurologic and neuromuscular disorders in domestic animals. Dr. Mickelson has received funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation for his research in epilepsy, exercised induced collapse and polyneuropathy.

In this podcast Dr. Mickelson discusses his research that resulted in a genetic test for Excercise Induced Collapse in the Labrador Retriever.

Shar Pei Fever

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Mia Olsson a doctoral student at Uppsala University in Sweeden. Ms. Olsson discusses Shar Pei Fever and her research on the condition. Shar Pei Fever is a recurring fever-like condition that is similar to an auto-inflammatory condition in humans. Ms. Olsson is part of an international research team from Uppsala University and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard who discovered the gene associated with the condition.

Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence

In this podcast, Ron Rella, Director of Project Administration for the American Kennel Club, describes the Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). The ACE Awards were put into place in 1999 to recognize the extraordinary interdependence of dogs and people. Mr. Rella explains the qualifications to be nominated for ACE Awards and the different categories for which awards are made.

ACE Award Winner Taffy

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome the 2008 winner of the American Kennel Club ACE Award for Search and Rescue, the Bloodhound Taffy and her handler, Doug Williams. Lee Arnold, Chairman of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Mr. Williams discuss Taffy’s accomplishments, school visits, criminal tracking, and community outreach.

Golden Retriever Club's Dedication to Canine Health

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Ann Hubbs, the Health Committee Chair of the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA). GRCA and the Golden Retriever Foundation have supported CHF-approved research with more than $300,000 in sponsorships since 1995. Dr. Hubbs discusses the Golden Retriever lovers’ dedication to canine health and some of the stories that motivated them to support health research, some of the top health concerns in the breed and their participation in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).

Dermatomyositis

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, a member of the faculty at Clemson University. Dr. Clark’s research has focused on canine genetic disease. In this podcast, we discuss Dr. Clark’s work in dermatomyositis. Dr. Clark defines the disease, and discusses prevalence, clinical signs, and tips for breeders to help future generations.

Malignant Histiocytosis

In this edition of Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Catherine André, a CHF-funded researcher and member of the faculty at the University of Rennes in France. Dr. André has received funding for her work in malignant histiocytosis in the Bernese Mountain Dog. Dr. André describes malignant histiocytosis, breeds at greater risk for this cancer, treatment possibilities, and also her research into ichthyosis in the Golden Retriever and some of her other projects.