Impact Stories
In science, progress is measured in small steps along the way to major discoveries. By consistently funding the most innovative research, the AKC Canine Health Foundation is realizing both small milestones and major breakthroughs in canine health. Your support helps us progress towards our goal to prevent, treat and cure canine disease.
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.
Survivin’ Canine Osteosarcoma April 24, 2012
With the help of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Douglas H. Thamm and his colleagues from Colorado State University have been investigating the possible role of a protein known as survivin in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Understanding Transmission of Leishmaniasis in Foxhounds February 27, 2012
There is now a better explanation of why so many Foxhounds are infected with zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. Scientists from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa investigated whether it might be possible for a female Foxhound infected with leishmaniasis to spread the infection to her puppies.
Liposomal Clondronate as a Treatment for Malignant Histiocytosis February 1, 2012
Because of its devastating effects on a number of highly loved dog breeds, the AKC Canine Health Foundation sponsors a great deal of research on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant histiocytosis. One such study, initiated by scientists at Colorado State University, has identified a potentially useful new therapeutic option – liposomal clondronate.
Malignant Histiocytosis - Counting Copies January 23, 2012
By looking for DNA copy number aberrations in dogs with histiocytic cancers – genes that express abnormally few or far too many copies – researchers have begun to identify some of the genetic factors that may be putting dogs, and people, at risk.
Improving Treatments for Atypical Hyperadrenocorticism January 9, 2012
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have looked at a treatment that could effectively help dogs with the atypical form of hyperadrenocorticism. Working with cultured human adrenal tumor cells, since canine cell lines aren’t available, they have identified a combination of two compounds – melatonin and lignan – which in preliminary studies looks like they might be able to bring many cases of atypical hyperadrenocorticism under control.
Looking for a New Treatment for Refractive Corneal Ulcers December 7, 2011
Certain dogs experience what are known as refractory (or refractive) corneal ulcers – ulcers which may take up to six months to heal, and for which existing treatments are not consistently effective. Scientists from Ohio State University set out to investigate whether a simple tetracycline treatment might be an effective way to reduce healing time of refractive corneal ulcers.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis Before It’s Too Late December 2, 2011
Researchers from the University of California, Davis recently set out to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of a new blood test for pancreatitis and compare it to several other blood tests that might be useful in detecting the disease.
Hall Family Twice Benefits from CHF Funded Research November 21, 2011
Lois and Bill Hall's German Shepherds Hawk and Trax both benefitted from research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation. In Hawk's case, he was confirmed not to have Degenerative myelopathy (DM). Trax was not as lucky - losing his life to Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). However a CHF funded study extended his life and is helping to find the genetic cause of TCC.
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.
