AKC Canine Health Foundation Marking Pet Cancer Awareness Month with Free Online Resources

The AKC Canine Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing diseases in all dogs is continuing to leverage the power of science and research by providing free online resources to mark Pet Cancer Awareness Month.

Podcasts, webinars, and other helpful information on different types of cancer and the search for cures will be available on the easy-to-use website throughout the month of May.

“No two dogs are exactly alike, but they all have something in common: the need for quality health care,” Susan Lilly, Foundation CEO said.

As an example of this need, Lilly pointed to the Foundation awarding nearly $10.8 million in support of 191 canine cancer research grants since 1995, leading to breakthroughs in treatment options and diagnosis in a number of cancer types such as lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and a previously untreatable form of bladder cancer. In 2014, research included studying personalized medicine for the treatment of canine mast cell tumors; identifying drugs that may kill cancer stem cells; increasing the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treatment of mast cell tumors; investigation of the genes controlling canine leukemia to properly diagnose and control the disease; and preventing heart damage during chemotherapy through early detection of cardiotoxicity.

The Foundation’s scientific program includes a Grants Committee consisting of veterinarians, human medical doctors, and individuals with a background in science who review funding requests for small, pilot studies. Larger, long-term research projects are reviewed by carefully selected experts and key opinion leaders in their given field of research.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation has also awarded research extending beyond dogs with an application to human cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Foundation’s Pet Cancer Awareness Month website also includes details of some of this ongoing research. The organization uses a unique grant process, taking into consideration information gathered from dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, and dog clubs about their most pressing health concerns, while rigorously reviewing each grant request for scientific merit, potential impact on the field of study, and potential to help the most dogs. Additionally, grant recipients are required to sign the Foundation’s Humane Use of Animals Policy stipulating that every animal involved in a Foundation‐supported project will receive compassionate care throughout the study.

Podcasts and webinars available for free download, include: What to Expect When You Visit a Veterinary Oncologist with Dr. Rachel Reiman; The Future of Cancer Research, with Dr. Bruce Smith, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine; Canine Hemangiosarcoma: How Much Do We Really Know and When Will We Find A Cure? with Dr. Jaime Modiano, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine; The Cytogenomic Landscape of Canine Cancer with Dr. Matthew Breen, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and many others.

The Foundation raises funds for research from animal health-oriented corporate donors, affiliated organizations, dog clubs, dog owners, and individuals who love dogs. For information on how to help support canine health research, visit our website.