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.
Racing Towards Answers – Scientists Look For A Better Understanding of Sled Dog Health December 1, 2010
This article describes what we have learned from research on sled dogs. We now have a better understanding of the unique concerns affecting the health of these dogs.
Looking for Normal December 1, 2010
This article describes research to understand how canine mast cells function.
Research on Brain Disease in Pugs Could Also Help Scientists Understand A Rare Form of Multiple Sclerosis December 1, 2010
This article is about research on an inflammatory brain condition, necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME). Researchers have found that disease risk in Pug Dogs is closely linked to the same group of genes that has been implicated in human risk for Multiple Sclerosis.
Developing Breed-Specific Tests for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Dogs December 1, 2010
The group of diseases called the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses cause progressive nervous system damage in both dogs and humans. This article is about the research that resulted in genetic tests for the diseases in some breeds of dogs.
Malignant Histiocytosis: Looking for a Cure December 1, 2010
The median survival time for malignant histiocytosis is only 2-4 months. Traditional cancer treatments such as radiation and surgery are generally ineffective in dogs with MH. There is hope for the future; however, as preliminary studies of a new form of treatment have shown some real promise.
A Heart-To-Heart on Severe Subaortic Stenosis December 1, 2010
This is the story of how an experimental procedure for the heart disease severe subaortic stenosis has helped dogs Marley and Moe. The procedure also holds promise to help children affected by the disease.
Rottweiler "Punch" Helps Advance Osteosarcoma Research September 15, 2010
Faith Bult knows osteosarcoma will eventually claim her Rottweiler Punch’s life, but she hopes contributing to research by donating samples of Punch’s blood and DNA will help future generations of dogs diagnosed with this disease.
Personalizing Cancer September 4, 2010
With a $12,000, start-up grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, researchers at Van Andel Research Institute soon identified regions of DNA associated with hemangiosarcoma in Clumber Spaniels. Little did they know that their project would become part of a larger effort involving academic, industry and government organizations and that it would result in a revolutionary move to provide better cancer treatment not only for dogs but for people, too.
Monitoring the Health of Canine Heroes August 30, 2010
In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, some 300 search-and-recue dogs were deployed to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Since October 2001, Cynthia Otto, an associate professor of critical care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary medicine, has been tracking the health of those dogs.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Once Considered Incurable, Now Highly Treatable August 2, 2010
In many respects, Frankie was a lucky dog. Just a few years ago Frankie’s diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) would have been a death sentence. Fortunately for Frankie and other dogs, times are changing. The past decade has seen great progress in managing 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.
