AKC Canine Health Foundation Marks Pet Cancer Awareness Month with Free Online Resources
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent, treat, and cure diseases in all dogs, marks Pet Cancer Awareness Month by providing free educational resources and research updates on canine cancer to dog lovers throughout the world.
“During the month of May, CHF focuses on providing news and information to help educate dog owners about the cutting-edge research and improved treatment options in the field of canine cancer, while also emphasizing the continued need for further research,” said Dr. Diane Brown, chief executive officer of CHF.
Canine cancer treatment options continue to improve and many have a One Health benefit, providing insight and better treatment options not only for our dogs, but for their human companions as well. For example, CHF has awarded a grant to Dr. Rowan J. Milner at the University of Florida to study vaccine development against osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that is diagnosed in nearly 10,000 dogs per year and also afflicts children.
CHF recently learned of Mya, a German Shorthaired Pointer who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Mya received radiation and chemotherapy treatments that were originally developed to treat the same disease in children. Mya’s inspirational story speaks to the importance of canine cancer research and the benefits it holds for both species.
Since 1995 CHF has funded over $11.5 million in canine cancer research. Over 200 research grants have provided breakthroughs in treatment options and diagnoses, and have helped scientists study cancer at the cellular level, allowing veterinarians to diagnose cancer earlier and treat it more effectively.
Dog owners and dog lovers can directly impact the future of canine cancer research by making a donation to CHF. New or lapsed donors who have not given to CHF since December 31, 2013 will have their contributions matched dollar for dollar by the American Kennel Club (up to $500,000).
Visit www.akcchf.org/caninecancer to access free resources and to learn more about canine cancer.
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.
