January/ February 2014

Dear dog lover:

Thanks to you, 2013 was a banner year for canine health. 2014 promises to be another exciting year as we tackle the most pressing canine health needs. Stay tuned for updates on our areas of focus for the coming year.

We just received confirmation of another 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) adheres to sound governance, while consistently executing its mission in a fiscally responsible way. 

Additionally in 2014, the American Kennel Club will match contributions to CHF from new and lapsed donors up to $500,000. CHF is grateful for each and every donation, large and small, old and new. Whether you’ve given recently, if it’s been awhile, or if you’ve never given before, we hope to earn your support in 2014. Learn more about the matching challenge and donate today.

Thank you for all your support of our mission to help dogs live longer, healthier lives!

Health Tracks: Customizing Care 
Success stories in recent canine health research embrace an individual, or customized, approach to treating disease. The ninth biennial National Parent Club Canine Health Conference hosted by CHF and sponsored by Purina brought together leading research scientists with parent club representatives for a review of many health topics. Scientific presentations included cataracts, epilepsy, bloat, gastroenterology, and physical therapy for dogs. A common theme was individualized medicine. Find out more.

Featured Grant: Understanding Bleeding Disorders in Dogs 
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in dogs. It occurs when the immune system destroys the body's own platelets - blood cells that prevent hemorrhage. The resulting lack of platelets in some dogs causes mild bruising and in others it causes severe, life-threatening hemorrhage. Researchers will investigate the specific causes of ITP, identify protein-based biological markers that predict bleeding severity, and define genes associated with the disease. Learn more about this grant.

Health Tips: Early Scent Introduction for Puppies
Good health includes the physical, mental, and social well-being of the dog.  Dr. Gayle Watkins has been breeding Golden Retrievers and competing in a wide array of dog events--conformation, agility, obedience, tracking, hunt tests and field trials--for nearly 30 years. She uses a variety of methods, including scent introduction, in her puppy rearing to produce healthy, stable, talented dogs. Learn More.

Recent Podcasts & Webinars

Syringomyelia (SM) in the Brussels Griffon
with Dr. Simon Platt 

The Comprehensive Approach to Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs
with Dr. Natasha Olby

Bloat Initiative Grants Awarded

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Charity Cocktail Party
New York, NY
Saturday, February 8, 2014

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