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
Breed-Specific Pain Sensitivity in Dogs September 15, 2023
A team of CHF-funded investigators at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine have published results from their groundbreaking study which may radically change how we understand canine pain
Making Strides - Wearable Tech for Canine Athletes? August 15, 2023
A CHF-funded research team is developing wearable sensors that can recognize and measure dog movements common in agility training and competition.
Studying Potential Treatments for Degenerative Myelopathy May 25, 2023
A recently awarded grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation will help investigators study the drug riluzole as a potential treatment for dogs with DM.
Sniffing Out Strategies to Control Chagas Disease April 18, 2023
CHF-funded investigators at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine have been working to better understand Chagas disease in dogs.
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.
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
Investigating Influenza February 10, 2014
In the middle of winter, it sometimes seems like everyone is down with the flu. However, humans aren’t the only species that can suffer from influenza. Dogs can get it too, and a few years back a novel strain of influenza began showing up in the canine population. With the support of the AKC Canine Health Foundation researchers set out to track the virus across the United States.
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.
Discoveries
The award-winning print newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Providing in-depth information on canine health research and education.
Discoveries Winter 2020 January 30, 2020
Topics include our 25th anniversary and new Clinician-Scientist Fellows.
Discoveries Fall 2019 October 16, 2019
Topics include some of the latest scientific updates from the 2019 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference.
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
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.