CHF and VetVine Webinar Series

Biomarkers of Canine Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be challenging to diagnose, and our ability to determine the category of kidney disease using minimally or non-invasive samples is lacking. This webinar will provide a review of the currently available tests for kidney disease diagnosis and monitoring in dogs, followed by a discussion of promising new biomarkers, including microRNAs. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are thought to contribute to the progression of kidney disease. Furthermore, their stability in blood and urine supports their potential as biomarkers of disease. Those miRNAs that appear to be most promising as biomarkers or contributors to disease progression in dogs will be highlighted.

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Time: 8 pm ET
Speaker: Mary Nabity, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP

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Learn more about Dr. Nabity’s CHF-funded research:
Grant 02152: Translation of MicroRNA into an Early Diagnostic Test for Chronic Kidney Disease
Grant 02066: Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Grant 01658: Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease to Prevent Kidney Damage

Canine Chagas disease - Studies of naturally infected dogs and kissing bug vectors

In this presentation Dr. Sarah Hamer will discuss the transmission cycle of the Chagas disease parasite, clinical abnormalities that can be seen in infected dogs, how to identify the triatomine "kissing bug" insects that serve as vectors, and how to differentiate triatomines from other 'look-alike' insect species.

To be available for viewing: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 
Speaker: Sarah Hamer, MS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVPM (Epidemiology)

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Learn more about Dr. Hamer’s CHF-funded research:

Grant 02448: Canine Chagas Disease: Characterizing Cardiac Abnormalities, Vector Infection and Control Strategies, and Parasite Strains in Kennel Environments

Management of Canine Pyometra

This presentation will provide an overview of pyometra in the bitch, as well as discuss recent research.  Medical management, including appropriate case selection, will be highlighted. It is the intent for the audience to learn how to diagnose and approach canine pyometra, gain an understanding for the behavior of bacteria in the uterus, and principles underlying medical management.

To be available for viewing: Fall 2020 
Speaker: Karen Von Dollen, MS, DVM, DACT

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Recent Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has tremendous potential for treatment of cancer in dogs. Clinical trials of antibody therapeutics in human oncology have demonstrated remarkable results in inducing tumor regressions and cures against a variety of cancer types.

This presentation will focus on the current status and research in the area of cancer immunotherapy for dogs. Discussion will include:

• Major immune targets for new cancer immunotherapies
• Strategies for generating effective cancer immunity
• How we can repurpose existing drugs as cancer immunotherapies
• Updates on recent cancer immunotherapy trials

Original Air Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Speaker: Steven Dow, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)

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Learn more about Dr. Dow’s CHF-funded research:
Grant 02487: OX40 Checkpoint Molecule Targeted Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy in Dogs
Grant 01472: Enhanced Killing of Malignant Histiocytosis with a Novel Combination of Anti-Tumor Drugs
Grant 01152: Liposomal Bisphosphonate Therapy for Malignant Histiocytosis
Grant 00778: Role of Regulatory T Cells in Dogs with Osteosarcoma

Time to get tough and "Ruff": Protecting dogs from infectious diseases

Join this timely webinar about infectious diseases in dogs to learn what we can all do to protect our dogs (and ourselves) from infectious diseases - the ones of today ... and those of tomorrow. This discussion will unpack key modifiable practices likely to have the greatest influence on reducing dog infections and disease. Both individual dog and community level (e.g., dog importation) approaches will be discussed. Special attention will be devoted to areas under increased scrutiny by dog owners such as vaccination. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will have learned and be able to put into practice simple, practical steps that best protect our canine companions.

Original Air Date: April 22, 2020
Speaker: Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVPM

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New Research Insights Into Canine Addison's Disease

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune endocrine disorder in which the body attacks and destroys the outer layer of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal cortex. Dogs with Addison’s disease are at high risk of developing a potentially deadly adrenal crisis characterized by shock, vomiting, and life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities. Treatment for Addison’s disease is manageable but requires frequent monitoring and lifelong hormone supplementation. The disease is believed to be inherited in several dog breeds including Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Cocker Spaniels.

In this presentation Dr. Friedenberg will discuss the latest research into the causes of Addison’s disease. He will also share specific insights into the underlying genetics and immunology of the disease. Finally, recent publications, ongoing studies, and the latest research into what might trigger the onset of this challenging autoimmune disease will be highlighted.

Original Air Date: November 20, 2019

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Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: From Gene Mutation Discovery to Clinical Trials

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an inherited, adult-onset disease of the spinal cord causing progressive weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs and eventually all limbs. DM has clinical, histopathologic, and genetic parallels to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease) in humans.

Mutations in an enzyme that converts superoxide to water and hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), have been linked to DM and human ALS. These discoveries have guided studies to further understand natural history, establish biomarkers, and initiate clinical trials for therapeutic strategies.

Join us in this webinar for a better understanding of DM including:
- Genetic testing results as a risk factor for canine degenerative myelopathy
- The neurologic progression in affected patients in terms of disease spread and changes in neuroanatomic localization
- The pathophysiology of the mutated SOD1 protein and its consequences in the multifactorial pathogenesis of canine degenerative myelopathy
- A platform of clinical trial designs and their potential applications in veterinary medicine

Click here to read a brief summary of this webinar.

Original Air Date: October 17, 2019

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What the flu! Protecting dogs and communities from canine influenza virus

Canine influenza viruses (CIV) have become established in North America and this has resulted in large high-profile canine outbreaks. Such outbreaks often have greatest impact in canine group settings and activities where many dogs come together, such as dog parks, boarding facilities, veterinary clinics and dog show events. Outbreaks of CIV commonly result in many sick dogs, some of which can develop severe illness, and this can have financial and reputational repercussions on canine businesses and organizations.

This talk will review our current knowledge of canine influenza, including diagnosis and prevention of this high-impact disease. Highlights from recent research by the author into the epidemiology of this disease will be provided to allow for early recognition and control, targeted prevention, and veterinary, owner, and community awareness and education.

Original Air Date: July 18, 2019

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This webinar is co-sponsored by AKC Canine Health Foundation and Merck Animal Health.

How mothers matter: The influence of early maternal interaction on offspring behavior and development

Join us in this 1-hour webinar and learn about the ways in which maternal style, experienced over the first few weeks of life, has a long-lasting impact on later offspring development.

Included in this discussion:
- The association between maternal behavior and later offspring temperament and cognition
- The association between maternal behavior and later success of the offspring as a guide dog
- The nuances of maternal behavior and how small amounts of stress in early life likely lead to resilience
- Ongoing research to investigate the influence of mothering across other types of working dogs

Original Air Date: May 21, 2019

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An Update on the Science Behind CBD (Cannabidiol) Use for Pets

Although cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, the science behind it is still in its infancy. Since becoming legal in many states, its popularity has become mainstream, including its use in our veterinary patients. 

The objectives of this webinar will be to provide an overview of CBD, present a review of the published veterinary research, and a summary of the current study investigating its use for managing drug-resistant canine epilepsy. The intent will be to educate veterinarians and pet owners on the current status of CBD and its potential use in veterinary medicine.

Original Air Date: April 10, 2019

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Understanding Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis and Other Inflammatory Neurological Disorders in Dogs

Inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system are common in dogs. Although well described, these disorders can prove challenging to diagnose, as the cause remains poorly understood and clinical findings can be variable or nonspecific.

Dr. Karen R. Muñana will provide an initial overview of inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system of dogs, and an in-depth discussion of steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), focusing on characteristic clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and long term management.

Original Air Date: November 14, 2018

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Crash, Boom, Bang: Updates on Canine Noise Phobia Treatments

Join Dr. Julia Albright and learn more about noise phobias in dogs including risk factors for development of canine noise phobias, assessment of behavioral and emotional disorders associated with noise phobias, pharmaceutical options available for treatment of noise phobic dogs, analysis of the literature and mechanisms behind new nutraceutical options for fears and anxieties, and management plans to help families and dogs cope with noise phobias.

Original Air Date: September 6, 2018

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Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA): Underlying Disease Screening in Dogs. What Should I Be Looking For?

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Infection, neoplasia, and other triggers may contribute to the development of IMHA in susceptible patients. Unidentified underlying triggers likely contribute to treatment failure. Dr. Linda Kidd will discuss key points on immune-mediated hemolytic anemia including:

• Evidence for infection and other comorbidities as triggers for IMHA
• Clues - in a given case context - that help determine diseases for which individual patients should be screened
• Data from a recent AKC Canine Health Foundation study that illustrate how to optimize detection of vector-borne disease agents commonly associated with immune-mediated disease

Original Air Date: August 22, 2018

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The Increasing Threat of Canine Leptospirosis - Keys to Diagnosis, Therapy & Prevention

Over recent years, leptospirosis has received increased attention regarding its emergence and spread in dogs throughout North America. Dr. Jason Stull and Dr. Michelle Evason will review fundamental and advanced techniques in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this often fatal disease.

Original Air Date: April 10, 2018

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Canine Semen Evaluation & Fertility

Watch an interview with Stuart Meyers, DVM, PhD as he discusses his research about determining the characteristics of semen and how that relates to fertility. The research goes beyond standard parameters of sperm motility, morphology, and concentration as they assess semen from stud dogs at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Watch this video and learn more about current research into male fertility.

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Canine Pyometra - Why Some Dogs Don't Get Better With Medical Treatment or Experience Relapses

Dr. Marco Coutinho da Silva, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT discusses pyometra and findings of his research investigating why some cases may fail to respond to medical therapy or become a recurrent problem in dogs.

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A clinical genetics approach to understanding genetic, multiplex and health testing

Watch Jerold S. Bell, DVM present on the increasing availability of genetic screening tests, DNA tests, and how multiplex test panels also require an understanding of what the tests tell you. Watch this video and learn:

• The practical applications for using the results of these tests to improve the health of dogs
• The dangers for the inappropriate use of genetic tests to dog health
• The roles of the breeder, dog owner and veterinarian in utilizing genetic tests

Original Air Date: December 6, 2017

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