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
The Canine Immune Response to Valley Fever March 20, 2023
CHF-funded investigators identified an immune response specific to Coccidioides (Valley Fever) infection in dogs. This information will help with disease prognosis, treatment, and prevention.
Exploring Genetic Causes of Glaucoma in the American Cocker Spaniel February 7, 2023
Investigators identified a region on chromosome 10 that is implicated in the development of glaucoma in the American Cocker Spaniel.
Complex Genetics Underlie Deafness in the Dalmatian January 19, 2023
The genetics of congenital deafness in the Dalmatian are complex, but investigators have identified genetic markers associated with the condition to help breeders plan mating pairs with a decreased risk of producing deaf offspring.
New Treatment for Urinary Incontinence December 12, 2022
Regenerative medicine is an option to treat urinary incontinence in female dogs
Progress Continues in the Development of a New Treatment for Canine Bone Cancer November 14, 2022
Histotripsy appears to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment for canine bone cancer.
Canine Health Resources Available for Download (PDF)
German Shepherd Dog Update - Fall 2020 - Osteosarcoma Research Focuses on Extending Life November 10, 2020
CHF-funded research on the immune response and immunotherapy for canine osteosarcoma.
Great Dane Update - Fall 2020 - Subfertility in Stud Dogs October 27, 2020
Purina ProPlan Great Dane Update (Fall 2020) - CHF-funded investigators are examining the complex nature of canine fertility.
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.
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 Summer 2019 July 15, 2019
Topics include the microbiome-gut-brain axis and epilepsy, canine atopy, Calming Care probiotic, and researcher spotlight on Dr. Karen Munana.
Discoveries Spring 2019 April 17, 2019
Topics include personalized medicine for canine mast cell tumor treatment, diagnosing tick-borne disease, the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program, and a donor spotlight featuring Carolyn and Gary Koch.
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.
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.
