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 Genetics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Belgian Sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren September 1, 2022
Investigators have identified two genetic mutations that influence the development of idiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian Sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren.
Do vector-borne infections contribute to laboratory test abnormalities common in the Greyhound? August 15, 2022
CHF-funded investigators analyzed data to see what influence vector-borne infections have on the results of these common blood and urine tests
Do Lipid Droplets Play a Role in Canine Pyometra? July 25, 2022
Lipid droplets in the uterine lining likely play a role in the development of pyometra, or uterine infection.
Novel Neurologic Disorder Characterized in Dalmatians June 20, 2022
The genetic mutation responsible for a unique neurologic disease in Dalmatian dogs was recently identified.
Hope for the Diet-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dilemma June 1, 2022
Sub-clinical heart damage in apparently health dogs appears to be reversible with a diet change.
Canine Health Resources Available for Download (PDF)
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.
Golden Retriever Update - Summer 2020 - Hemangiosarcoma & Bartonella June 8, 2020
Purina ProPlan Golden Retriever Update (Summer 2020) - The Link Between Hemangiosarcoma & Bartonella: Vector-Borne Illness May Contribute to Cancer
Boxer Update - Spring 2020 - Mast Cell Tumor March 26, 2020
Purina ProPlan Boxer Update (Spring 2020) - Mast Cell Tumor: Research of Personalized Medicine & Checkpoint Immunotherapy
Xylitol - information for Dog Owners pdf March 13, 2020
Information on xylitol, a sugar substitute that is poisonous to dogs.
Success Stories
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.
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.
Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy – No Easy Answers June 1, 2012
Researchers have been investiging whether any of the genes that had tentatively been linked to epilepsy in either humans or mice might be associated with idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.
Hunting for Hereditary Diseases in the German Shepherd May 15, 2012
A research team has determined whether genome-wide association studies using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can be used to identify the chromosomal regions associated with four common diseases seen in German Shepherd Dogs.
Discoveries
The award-winning print newsletter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Providing in-depth information on canine health research and education.
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
Discoveries Issue 53 November 1, 2015
Includes topics on the National Parent Club Canine Health Conference; The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. to receive CHF President's Award; cold weather tips; Dr. Diane Brown hired as CSO.
Discoveries Issue 52 - Spring 2015 May 1, 2015
Includes topics on Pet Cancer Awareness; What to expect when visiting a veterinary oncologist; CHF Parent Club Conference; extending the lives of dogs with melanoma; advances in lymphoma and reevaluating the nature of hemangiosarcoma
Discoveries Issue 51 January 1, 2015
Include topics on our 2015 Distinguished Research Partners; 2015 President's Award Recipient, Thomas A. Grabe; and Clinician Scientist Fellows; information on Brucellosis; and newly awarded research grants
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.
