Nervous System Health Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) funds research to better understand and treat neurological diseases in dogs, including conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nerves.
Why We Focus on Nervous System Health
Infectious, degenerative, and structural diseases of the nervous system, such as paralysis and brain disorders, can significantly impact a dog’s ability to move, interact, and lead a normal life. These conditions cause not only physical suffering for the dogs but emotional strain for their families as well. Research into the molecular and genetic causes of these disorders is essential, as it helps identify new treatment targets and offers hope for more effective therapies. By advancing our understanding of these diseases, we aim to improve the health and quality of life for dogs affected by neurological conditions.
Research Grants
Nervous System Health ● $15,086.16
03514-A: Optimizing Pain Control with Epidural Anesthesia in Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease Surgery
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Alex Chan
Nervous System Health ● $24,540.00
03327-A: Understanding megaesophagus, a step closer to its treatment
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): An E. Vanhaesebrouck, DVM, CEAV, DECVN, DPhil, MRCVS, EBVS
Nervous System Health ● $20,654.00
03411-A: Prognostic Utility of Preoperative F-wave Measurements in Paraplegic Dogs with Absent Pain Perception due to Intervertebral Disc Extrusion
Breed(s): Basset Hound, Beagle, Corgi, Dachshund, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu
Researcher(s): Go GT Togawa
Nervous System Health ● $27,082.50
03440: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Working Group
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Natasha J Olby, VetMB, PhD
Nervous System Health ● $78,171
03219: Combining Traditional and Multiomic Approaches to Reveal the Cause and Mechanisms of Canine Dysautonomia
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Jonathan H Fox, BVSc
Nervous System Health ● $62,457
03134-T: Use of a Service Dog Breeding Program to Unravel the Genetics of Congenital Idiopathic Megaesophagus in German Shepherd Dogs
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Leigh Anne Clark, PhD
Nervous System Health ● $205,317
03139: Riluzole as a Neuroprotectant in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Joan Coates, DVM, MS and Sarah A Moore, DVM
Sponsor(s): American Bloodhound Club, American Chesapeake Club, Inc., Bubba’s Buddies, Finding the Cure for DM Foundation Inc, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Tibetan Terrier Club of America/Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation
Nervous System Health ● $90,000
02943-MOU: Identification of Genetic Risk Factors in Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherd Dogs
Breed(s): German Shepherd Dog
Researcher(s): Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD
Sponsor(s): German Shepherd Dog Club of America
Nervous System Health ● $108,000
02800: Defining the Effect of Genotype, Breed and Age on the Risk of Developing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy and Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying That Risk
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD and Joan Coates, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Great Pyrenees Club of America, King Fund for Wire Fox Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation, SCWTCA Endowment, Inc., Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, Inc., Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Genetic Research Fund, University of Missouri – Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, American Bloodhound Club, American Chesapeake Club Charitable Trust, American Shetland Sheepdog Association, Collie Health Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
Nervous System Health ● $14,958
02790-A: Characterization of the Fecal Microbiome in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury Secondary to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Breed(s): Dachshund
Researcher(s): Kari Foss, DVM, MS
Nervous System Health ● $40,180
02802: Clinical Trial of Prevotella histicola Supplementation to Ameliorate Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Origin (MUO)
Breed(s): Chihuahua, Dachshund, Maltese, Poodle, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
Researcher(s): Nick Jeffery, BVSc, PhD
Sponsor(s): American Maltese Association, Chihuahua Club of America
Nervous System Health ● $9,473
02791-A: Neurofilament Light Chain Concentration in Dogs with Meningoencephalitis (MUE)
Breed(s): Chihuahua, Maltese, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier
Researcher(s): Christopher Mariani, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Chihuahua Club of America, Pug Dog Club of America, Inc.
Nervous System Health ● $153,360
02658: Characterization of Sensory Neuronal and Muscle Pathology in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy to Identify Targets for Therapeutic Intervention
Breed(s): Boxer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Researcher(s): Joan R. Coates, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Considering Animals Fund, Lucky’s Tavern, SCWTCA Endowment, Inc., University of Missouri – Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Welsh Terrier Club of America, Inc.
Nervous System Health ● $59,320
02606: The Genetic Background of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae in Dogs
Breed(s): German Shepherd Dog
Researcher(s): Hannes T. Lohi, PhD
Sponsor(s): American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Nervous System Health ● $112,993
02589: Genetic Basis of Canine Spinal Abnormalities
Breed(s): Basenji, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug
Researcher(s): Kari J. Ekenstedt, DVM
Sponsor(s): Boston Terrier Club of America, French Bulldog Club of America, Pug Dog Club of America, Inc.
Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health
With more than $1.2 million supporting canine nervous system health research, CHF is deeply committed to improving the lives of affected dogs and their families.
