For Your Dog’s Health
We know that your dog's health is important to you. The information here will be helpful whether your dog is healthy or affected by a disease. Please remember that the information contained here cannot substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
Dog Health Articles: the articles below contain more detailed information on canine health issues. They can be filtered by research area.
Selecting First-Choice Anti-Seizure Medications for Dogs February 15, 2013
Epilepsy is a medical condition found in both dogs and humans. The seizures it causes can be quite dangerous, and although it is often treatable, there has been some debate over which anti-epileptic drug (AED) is most effective.
Update on Mitral Valve Disease Research January 31, 2013
Dr. Mark Oyama provides information on mitral valve disease and his on-going research to treat the condition.
Vigilance Key in Overcoming Mitral Valve Disease January 31, 2013
Two dog owners share their personal experiences with dogs diagnosed with mitral valve disease including participating in research on the disease. Mitral valve disease is a condition where, over time, the mitral valve of the heart degrades.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in IMHA January 15, 2013
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a major cause of severe anemia in American dogs. IMHA occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBC), leading to symptoms including exhaustion, weakness, and panting. However, although scientists have known for years that the immune system destroys the RBCs in dogs with IMHA, they still have no idea what prompts it to attack.
There for Each Other – Relationships Between Humans and Dogs on Search and Rescue Teams November 20, 2012
Search and Rescue teams perform incredibly important, and incredibly stressful, work. However, until recently, there has been little research on how the stresses of the job affect the mental health of the humans and dogs performing it. Researchers recently determined that a factor that significantly increased depression and PTSD symptoms in handlers was having a dog who became sick or died. Interestingly, shifting of the bond between dog and handler did not only affect the humans. Changes in the health of human handlers also affected the well-being of their dogs.
Keeping Dogs' Paws Healthy November 19, 2012
Since dogs spend so much time running, jumping, fetching and generally romping indoors and outside, is it any wonder that having healthy paws is so important for a dog's well being? A few simple steps will keep your dog's paws in good shape and help you recognize common ailments of the foot.
Beyond the Genome October 1, 2012
Beyond the genome, much progress has been made in our understanding of the regulation of health and disease. Developing a greater understanding of all of these mechanisms of disease development in the dog is critical and will likely help solve some of our most complex health problems – not just in dogs, but in humans too.
It's More than Just Bite! October 1, 2012
Part four of the four Series on Posture: Skull shape is one of the most biologically important variations in the dog, because changing the “default” cone-shaped head will change the size and shape of the brain case, the eyes, nose, teeth and airway. There are some health risks that are suspected to have associations with the size and shape of the dog’s head.
Supraspinatus Tendinopathy October 1, 2012
In the dog, supraspinatus tendinopathy is similar to rotator cuff injury in humans. The supraspinatus muscle is responsible for extension of the shoulder joint. Injury to the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle causes inflammation.
Brachycephalic Research Shows Body Condition Is Key to Thermoregulation September 19, 2012
Recent research by Michael Davis, D.V.M., professor of physiological sciences and director of the Comparative Exercise Physiology Laboratory at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, showed that a dog’s body condition score has an even greater impact on thermoregulation, or the ability to maintain a steady body temperature, than does being a brachycephalic breed. The AKC Canine Health Foundation and several parent clubs helped to fund the research.
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
