Dear dog lover:

The AKC Canine Health Foundation is looking forward to the National Parent Club Canine Health Conference sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare on August 12-14.  We plan to return with many updates on current canine health research as well as educational resources for dog lovers. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this latest issue of e-Barks!

Health Tracks: "Sniffing Out" Lymphoma Genes
Researchers at North Carolina State University are finding the genes involved in non-Hodgkin lymphoma by "recoding" dog genomes. Dr. Matthew Breen’s team took the genetic information from dogs with the same type of cancer, and then rearranged the genomes of the dogs so that, genomically speaking, they were human. By comparing the recoded canine genomes with those of humans with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the researchers could tell which chromosomes were involved in both the human and canine cancer. Read more about Dr. Breen's research.

Featured Grant:  Pinpointing the Mutations for Hereditary Cataract in Northern Breeds
Researchers at the Animal Health Trust aim to pinpoint precisely causal mutations for hereditary cataract (HC) in Northern, or Arctic, breeds. They expect to find at least one causal mutation for HC that is shared by Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyed. Due to the close ancestral relationship among Northern breeds it is likely that mutations will also be shared with more breeds. The results will be used to develop a test to identify dogs at increased risk of developing HC, thus enabling breeding decisions to reduce the incidence of the disease. Read more about this grant.

Health Tips: Determining When to Spay or Neuter
For responsible dog owners, many factors contribute to deciding when to spay or neuter your dog.  Margaret Root-Kustritz, DVM, PhD of the University of Minnesota has reviewed the scientific studies on the effects of gonadectomy on dog behavior and health.  This information can help to determine the right timing for you and your dog.  Read more about when to spay or neuter.

Recent Podcasts

Familial Heart Disease
with Dr. Kathryn Meurs

The Advantages of Purebred Dog Reseach
with C.A. Sharp

Major Histiocompatability Complex
with Dr. Lorna Kennedy

More podcasts

UPenn Veterinary Working Dog Center 2011 International Conference
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 Enroll in the Purina Pro Club and start clipping weight circles from Purina brand dog food bags today.  Your earnings will go toward canine health research for your breed.

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