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In science, progress is measured in small steps along the way to major discoveries. By consistenly funding the most innovative research, the AKC Canine Health Foundation is realizing both small milestones and major breakthroughs in canine health. All our successes show progress towards our goal to prevent, treat and cure canine disease.
Thank you for your role in making these successes possible!
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have looked at a treatment that could effectively help dogs with the atypical form of hyperadrenocorticism. Working with cultured human adrenal tumor cells, since canine cell lines aren’t available, they have identified a combination of two compounds – melatonin and lignan – which in preliminary studies looks like they might be able to bring many cases of atypical hyperadrenocorticism under control.
Certain dogs experience what are known as refractory (or refractive) corneal ulcers – ulcers which may take up to six months to heal, and for which existing treatments are not consistently effective. Scientists from Ohio State University set out to investigate whether a simple tetracycline treatment might be an effective way to reduce healing time of refractive corneal ulcers.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis recently set out to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of a new blood test for pancreatitis and compare it to several other blood tests that might be useful in detecting the disease.
Lois and Bill Hall's German Shepherds Hawk and Trax both benefitted from research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation. In Hawk's case, he was confirmed not to have Degenerative myelopathy (DM). Trax was not as lucky - losing his life to Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). However a CHF funded study extended his life and is helping to find the genetic cause of TCC.
Several CHF funded researchers presented their latest advancements in canine cancer research at the National Parent Club Canine Health Conference on August 12-14, 2011.
The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have left lasting impacts on the American population. While many human rescuers are showing respiratory health problems a decade later, their canine colleagues have had minimal setbacks, according to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 9/11 Medical Surveillance study.
Ophthalmologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have restored vision to dogs and provide hope to human patients.
Research success story on descovery of genetic mutation associated with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinose in American Staffordshire Terriers.
Research Success Story for the discovery of genetic mutation associated with Lens Luxation.
University of Missouri researchers believe both man and animal will benefit from their discovery that the same gene mutation found in Tibetan Terrier dogs can also be found in a fatal human neurological disorder related to Parkinson’s disease.
You can make contributions to support the specific areas of research that match your interests or greatest health concern.
Your help is needed with canine health research. DNA and tissue samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by certain diseases.