Disrupting Hemangiosarcoma: A Novel Approach to Fight Canine Cancer Using Early Detection and Targeted Therapy
Hemangiosarcoma is one of the most aggressive and heartbreaking cancers in dogs. Often described as a silent killer, it advances rapidly with few—if any—early warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, treatment options are limited and often come too late. Dr. Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD, Director of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program […]
Finally, a New Frontier in the Fight Against Hemangiosarcoma
You bring your older, large-breed dog in for their annual physical. They’ve slowed down a bit on walks, but overall, they seem healthy and all the lab work comes back normal—nothing unusual. A week later, they collapse. At the emergency veterinary hospital, the diagnosis is grim: acute internal bleeding caused by hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer […]
From Diagnosis to Discovery: Charting a New Course for Hemangiosarcoma Treatment
If you’ve ever had a dog with hemangiosarcoma, you know how devastating it can be. Often called the “silent killer,” hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the cells that line blood vessels. It can appear anywhere in the body, but most commonly develops in the spleen and heart. The disease gets its nickname because it rarely […]
Gut Instinct: How Microbiota and Lifestyle Changes Can Boost Your Dog’s Health
Just like in people, a dog’s weight plays a big role in their overall health. Unfortunately, obesity is becoming more common in pets— especially dogs . Many dogs gain extra weight because of high-fat, low-fiber diets, oversized portions, unlimited access to food, too many treats, table scraps, and not enough exercise. Being overweight isn’t just […]
Heavy Burden: How Obesity May Limit Healing in Dogs with Osteoarthritis
According to a 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of American dogs were classified as overweight or obese. Yet, in a separate 2023 study, more than 80% of dog owners believed their pets were at a healthy weight. A dog is considered overweight if it weighs 10–20% more than its ideal […]
The Weight of Love: Helping Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life
Why Weight Matters for Dogs Obesity isn’t just about extra weight—it’s a serious health issue that can lead to inflammation and negatively impact the heart, joints, kidneys, skin, and even increase the risk of cancer. The good news? Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight can have the opposite effect. Keeping your dog lean, […]
30 Years of Rigor, Innovation, and Compassion: The AKC Canine Health Foundation’s Legacy of Impact
This year, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) celebrates three decades of groundbreaking research, scientific excellence, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of dogs. Since its founding, CHF has been guided by the values of rigor, innovation, and compassion—principles that drive every grant awarded, every discovery made, and every dog whose life has […]
Unleashing Health: The Mission to Bring Health & Vitality to All Dogs
Thirty years ago, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) set out to unleash canine health discoveries and transform the future of canine well-being. What started as a passionate, health-driven effort by the American Kennel Club has evolved into the largest organization dedicated to improving the health of all dogs. Today, CHF drives groundbreaking research that […]
Poison Prevention for Pets
Attention pet owners: National Poison Prevention Week, the third week of March, was established to raise awareness, reduce unintentional poisonings, and promote poison prevention. These safety goals apply to adults, children, and pets. Many of us know that household cleaners and garden chemicals are toxic, but it’s important to realize that everyday items such as […]
Ann Viklund – Dedicated to Animal Health
Ann Viklund joined the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) Board of Directors in 2013 and served as its Secretary until 2018. She received CHF’s President’s Award in 2017 honoring her exceptional contribution to advancing canine health. She is the Director of Conformation for the Purina Professional Engagement Team and serves as a valued liaison between […]