AKC Canine Health Foundation Announces $1.5 Million Invested in New Canine Health Research Grants with a One Health Impact

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Phone: 919-334-4019
E-mail: sharon.albright@akcchf.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (July 5, 2022) – The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners, announces more than $1.5 million invested in new canine health research grants with a One Health impact.

One Health is a concept that recognizes the connection between the health of animals, humans, and our shared environment. As a core value, CHF recognizes and supports research that improves the health of dogs while simultaneously advancing knowledge for human medicine. Already in 2022, CHF has awarded $1.57 million for 20 new canine health research grants that may inform canine and human health. In addition to numerous cancer studies highlighted during Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May 2022, the latest One Health grants awarded by CHF address respiratory disease, kidney failure, and more, including:

• Grant 02986: Catechol O-Methyltransferase as a Molecular Drug Target in Heartworm
  Principal Investigator: William Witola, BVetMEd, PhD; University of Illinois
  Develop a new class of drugs that inhibit an enzyme unique to heartworms for more effective and safer parasite treatment.

• Grant 03021: Judicious Antibiotic Use in Cases of Canine Pyelonephritis
  Principal Investigator: Marilyn Dunn, DVM, MS; University of Montreal
  Assess the ability of a newly recommended short course of antibiotics to treat bacterial kidney infection and ultimately decrease exposure to antibiotics and multi-drug resistant bacteria.

• Grant 03026: Evaluation of the Efficacy of Antioxidant Treatment on Active Kidney Damage and Oxidative Stress
  Principal Investigators: Gilad Segev, DVM and Hilla Chen, DVM; The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine
  Evaluate the effect of antioxidant treatment on active damage and chronic kidney disease progression for veterinary and possibly human patients.

“We share so much of our lives with our dogs,” says Dr. Darin Collins, CHF Chief Executive Officer. “CHF is proud to work with investigators and institutions that recognize the value of collaboration between veterinary and human medical professionals. By prioritizing One Health studies, CHF is leading the way to better health for all dogs and their owners.”

CHF is currently managing 66 active research grants with a One Health impact. These studies are part of a robust, international research grant portfolio addressing the health needs of all dogs through their lifetimes. Learn more about this important work at akcchf.org/onehealth.

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About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $66 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.