March 2017

Dear Dog Lover:

Thanks to your support, 2017 is off to a great start!

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) officially rolled out the second year of our Tick-Borne Disease Initiative and also launched our Epilepsy Initiative at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February. Both Initiatives will provide funding for new grants to tackle these important canine health issues, as well as for educational outreach to dog owners, breeders, clubs, foundations, and veterinarians. 

In the first year of the Tick-Borne Disease Initiative five grants were awarded. These projects address tick-borne disease by finding new ways to prevent infections, and recognize, diagnose and treat tick-borne diseases before they become debilitating or even fatal to dogs.

Epilepsy is the most common medical neurological disorder in dogs, and the goal of this CHF Initiative is to provide funds to support innovative research that will advance understanding of the mechanisms and genetics underlying epilepsy, leading to more effective treatments for dogs.

We hope you will consider supporting one, or both, of these Initiatives. As an added incentive in 2017, all donations to the Tick-Borne Disease Initiative and the Epilepsy Initiative will be matched dollar-for dollar by the AKC, up to $250,000 (each).  

Please visit the CHF website and check our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about educational opportunities, newly funded grants, and research outcomes.

Thank you for your commitment to helping all dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Happy Spring!

Margaret W. Pratt: An Enduring Legacy

Margaret W. Pratt was a long-time supporter of CHF, and through her estate she chose to make a lasting impact on the health of dogs. Learn more >>>  

Pictured left to right: Mrs. Mabel (Jinx) Gunville, Joan Huber and Margaret W. Pratt (circa 1974).

Research Outcome: CHF grant 1731: 'I feel it in my gut' -- an unexpected relationship between gut bacteria and brain disease in dogs

CHF-funded researchers identified strong evidence that meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO) might be triggered by specific imbalances in the bacteria of the gut. The identification of changes in gut bacteria as a specific risk is important because it suggests that it might be possible to change the risk of developing disease, or treat affected dogs, by changing the population of bacteria in the gut. Read more >>>

Research Update: CHF Grant 02248: Identification of a Novel Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Gene and Its Underlying Disease Mechanism

A research study led by principal investigator, Dr. Hannes T. Lohi, University of Helsinki and the Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics has identified a new gene linked to juvenile epilepsy in dogs. Finding this gene defect has important implications for understanding epilepsy, and could help treat epilepsy in both dogs and humans. Read More >>>

VetVine Webinar Series: Update on Canine Hemangiosarcoma

Join us on Wednesday, May 10 at 8:00 pm EDT for an informative webinar on canine hemangiosarcoma. CHF-funded researcher, Douglas H. Thamm, VMD, DACVIM (oncology), will discuss the staging, therapy, and prognosis for this form of cancer, as well as recent findings about the biology, early diagnosis, and new treatment strategies for this canine disease. Register today>>>*

*Free registration required. This link takes you to the VetVine website.