Canine Health Foundation

News Release

SCIENTISTS TO POOL RESEARCH TO CREATE WORLDWIDE GENETIC MAP OF THE DOG

The AKC Canine Health Foundation Board of Directors announced today the approval of funding for two studies of heart disease in dogs. The diseases which affect several breeds of dog and also occur in humans are sub-valvular aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Dr. Robert J. Hritzo, president, said, "These studies address important research areas in canine heart disease. They have the potential to make significant contributions to our knowledge of the clinical and genetic aspects of canine cardiology."

Research on sub-aortic stenosis will be conducted at Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, by Linda B. Lehmkuhl, DVM, DACVIM and will be co-sponsored by the Golden Retriever Club of America Health Fund in Honor of Carol Buckmann and the Newfoundland Club of America Health Challenge. The study, Inheritance and Molecular Genetic Evaluation in Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers with Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, is expected to take three years and will seek to determine inheritance patterns of the disease. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the outflow tract of the left ventricle. This condition occurs in dogs, humans and swine and is thought to be inherited. Characteristics of aortic stenosis include fainting and sudden death.

Cardiomyopathy research will be conducted by John Karl Goodwin, DVM, ACVIM, at the Veterinary Heart Foundation in Gainesville, Florida. Cardiomyopathy occurs in dogs, cats and humans and is characterized by a deterioration of the heart muscle. The study, Further Characterization of Boxer Cardiomyopathy and Evaluation of Several Screening Methods to Identify Affected Boxers, will focus on the progression of the disease in Boxers. The co-sponsor of the study is the American Boxer Charitable Trust. This study is expected to take three years and will attempt to determine methods for early diagnosis and the screening of affected dogs. Signs of cardiomyopathy include sudden weight loss, shortness of breath following exercise, distention of the abdomen and loss of muscling along the back. Owners that observe these symptoms should seek veterinary assistance for their dogs.