Articles & Newsletters
The AKC Canine Health Foundation Library is a comprehensive list of all the canine health articles available on this website. You can search for an article by research area or breed. The information is divided into four sections:
Articles Available for Download (PDF)
Discoveries - the award-winning newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, published quarterly.
e-Newsletter - view the archives of our e-Newsletter
Canine Health Articles
Researching Mechanisms of Chronic Pain in Dogs January 25, 2021
CHF-funded investigators have demonstrated the presence of two types of functioning receptors involved in pain signalling in canine macrophages, allowing better study of chronic pain in dogs.
Searching for the Genetic Basis of Addison’s Disease in the Bearded Collie January 12, 2021
CHF-funded investigators describe several genetic mutations that contribute to the risk of Addison's Disease in the Bearded Collie.
Addressing the Behavioral Changes of Canine Epilepsy January 5, 2021
While exploring potential new treatments for canine epilepsy, CHF-funded investigators at the Royal Veterinary College are also analyzing the important behavioral changes that accompany this disease.
Searching for the Genetic Basis of Bloat December 21, 2020
CHF-funded investigators at Tufts University are examining the genetic and metabolic factors associated with bloat to understand the true cause of this disease.
Vision Loss in Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis December 11, 2020
CHF-funded investigators studied Golden Retrievers affected with pigmentary uveitis over time to determine the incidence of vision loss, the risk factors for developing glaucoma, and the effect of treatment on disease progression
Canine Health Resources Available for Download (PDF)
39 & Me October 23, 2020
A practical look at the Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing from a breeder's perspective. Courtesy of The Canine Chronicle - October 2020 issue.
Dog Update - Fall 2020 - Parent Club Health Surveys September 25, 2020
Purina ProPlan Dog Update (Fall 2020) - Learn how parent clubs are using breed health surveys to guide health research funding, choose appropriate health screening tests, and develop health education tools.
Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing in Dogs September 15, 2020
The types of genetic tests currently in use, their application in breeding programs, and their limitations will be discussed, as well as potential negative effects of the misuse of test results in both pet and breeding dogs.
Diagnostic Criteria for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (print) August 31, 2020
Recently, current and former members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ Genetics Committee came together to create and publish clear diagnostic guidelines for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis. These updated diagnostic criteria for GRPU were recently published in the open source journal Veterinary Ophthalmology and are summarized here.
The "Vaccinate?" Debate June 10, 2020
A discussion of the importance of canine vaccination to prevent disease.
Success Stories
Using Technology to Track Disease January 13, 2014
Leptospirosis, which is caused by a waterborne parasite, can infect both dogs and humans. Without effective treatment, it can cause serious kidney and liver damage. It can even lead to death. Researchers from the University of California-Davis have been investigating the spread of leptospirosis using specialized mapping programs.
New Treatment Goes After Notoriously Tough Cancer Stem Cells November 25, 2013
Canine hemangiosarcoma is relatively common in companion animals. It is also relatively difficult to treat, as they quickly become resistant to conventional forms of therapy. Scientists from the University of Minnesota wondered if targeted toxins might be an effective way of addressing cancers. The results were quite promising.
Expanding Our Understanding of Exercise-Induced Collapse May 16, 2013
Once the a genetic test was available for EIC, it quickly became clear that the existence of the DNM1 mutation didn’t explain all cases of EIC. Some Labrador Retrievers with EIC didn’t have both copies of the mutation, others didn’t have copies at all. Therefore, the scientists from the University of Minnesota and the University of Saskatchewan who had developed the test set out to determine if they could understand whether the EIC seen in dogs without the mutation was really the same condition.
The Health Implications of Early Spay and Neuter May 6, 2013
Recently scientists from the University of California-Davis used a large veterinary database to determine what exactly the implications of neutering might be for a breed of dogs that is one of the most popular in the U.S. – the Golden Retriever. The results were fascinating: timing of spay and neuter did affect the risk of a dog developing serious health problems.
Dark Colored Dogs Highlight Cancer's Complexity April 17, 2013
Standard poodles are at risk of an aggressive type of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma of the digit (SCDD). However, not all poodles are equally susceptible to SCDD. Dark colored poodles are at high risk of this cancer, while light colored dogs are almost never affected. Researchers recently found the genetic mutations that are likely responsible for the difference.
Discoveries
The award-winning print newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Providing in-depth information on canine health research and education.
Discoveries Winter 2019 January 16, 2019
Topics include mitral valve disease, working dog cognition, and 2018 annual award winners
Discoveries Fall 2018 October 15, 2018
Topics include the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Study, CHF's Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative, and researcher Dr. Cindy Otto.
Discoveries Summer 2018 July 16, 2018
Topics include degenerative myelopathy, Leptospirosis, 2018 theriogenology residents, and researcher Dr. Joan Coates.
Discoveries Issue 55 December 5, 2016
Winter 2016 Edition: President's Award and Distinguished Research Partner Award; Tick-Borne Disease Initiative Update; New Research Grants
Discoveries Issue 54 2016 May 18, 2016
Topics from this issue include: Pet Cancer Awareness Month; Canine Reproductive Health Collaboration; In Memoriam: Monique Arrington
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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.
