CHF and VetVine Webinar Series

Don’t skip leg day: The importance of medial crural fascia when recovering from a TPLO

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture, similar to ACL tears in humans, is a common orthopedic injury in pet dogs. A tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a common procedure performed to address stifle (knee) instability secondary to cranial cruciate ligament rupture. During surgery for a TPLO, the medial crural fascia, a fibrous sheet on the inside of the knee made up of tendons to three important muscles in the dog’s leg, is cut to allow access to the bone. The medial crural fascia is important for bending the stifle, giving the stifle stability, and for proprioception.

As opposed to the rapid gain in wound strength displayed in skin, it takes a long time for fascia to heal. In the first week of healing, fascia incisions have no inherent strength; therefore, the repair is entirely dependent on the suture material, additionally, tendons only reach 50-80% of their original strength at one year following reconstruction. In humans, deficiency in the repair of the medial crural fascia has been associated with decreased rotational stability, increased meniscal injury, and continued knee subluxation following surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This leads to the question for dogs, is there a way we can preserve this medial fascia and improve outcomes following TPLO surgery?

In this segment Dr. Sawyere Hansford - a board-certified veterinary surgeon - will discuss:

• Cranial cruciate ligament rupture - what it is, risk factors, and how it occurs

• Medial crural fascia - what it is and why it's important

• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy - the procedure and how it's performed

• How might we preserve the medial crural fascia

To be available for viewing On Demand: Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Speaker: Dominique Sawyere Hansford, BVSc, MS, DACVS-SA

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Learn more about Dr. Sawyere Hansford’s CHF-funded research:
02682-A: The Effect of a Modified Approach on Early Weight Bearing in Dogs Following a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

How to establish THC diagnosis in the emergency room

Dogs presenting to emergency departments with recent THC exposure demonstrate clinical signs that overlap with numerous, more grievous neurologic disorders. Despite this, an accurate point of care diagnostic test designed for canine THC exposure has yet to be designed. Historically, many emergency clinicians have relied upon the urine drug screening tests designed for human THC exposure despite a divergence in drug metabolism between these two species.

To date, no prospective assessment has been performed to determine the accuracy of human urine drug screening tests in canine THC toxicosis. Further, there are no veterinary studies comparing the detection of THC in urine and plasma samples. Here we will discuss THC metabolism in dogs, the common clinical presentation and progression of THC toxicosis, and the work we have done to determine the ideal sample for detection of acute THC exposure in clinical canine patients.

Original publication date: September 14, 2021
Speaker: Joel Green Weltman, DVM, DACVECC, PhD

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Learn more about Dr. Weltman’s CHF-funded research:
02692-A: Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Analysis of Canine Urine and Plasma in Marijuana Toxicosis

A Novel Non-Surgical Option to Preserve Limbs in Canine Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer in dogs. Large and giant breeds such as Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound, Rottweiler, Boxer, Saint Bernard, and Irish Setter are most affected.

Osteosarcoma is treated with a combination of surgical removal of the primary tumor and chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Surgical removal of the tumor usually involves limb amputation or limb salvage surgery, which can have high complication rates, and not all dogs are suitable for limb amputation. Even after surgical tumor removal and chemotherapy, the cancer often spreads to distant organs and dogs usually die of metastatic disease spread within an average of 12 months after diagnosis. Survival times have not greatly improved over the last 30 years.

Histotripsy is a precision non-thermal focused ultrasound method that mechanically breaks down tissues, can potentially induce immune activation towards an anti-OS immune response, and is an emerging modality for treating multiple cancers including liver and brain cancer. Histotripsy holds exciting potential to be a non-surgical option for treating the primary tumor in OS and also as a therapy that stimulates an anti-tumor immune response. This presentation aims to introduce histotripsy as a potential treatment for canine OS.

Original Air Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Speaker: Joanne Tuohy, DVM, PhD, DACVS

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Learn more about Dr. Tuohy’s CHF-funded research:
02773: Histotripsy for Treatment of Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma
2014 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship

Vector-borne disease diagnostics: From "ruff" to "purrfect"

Worldwide, diseases that are transmitted by ticks and fleas to companion animals continue to expand in frequency and geographic distribution. While a positive test result for a vector-borne disease greatly helps the clinician in providing appropriate care, a negative test result always introduces extra challenges. Nowadays, serology and PCR are well-established methods used to diagnose vector-borne diseases (VBDs), but certain limitations of these assays impact the detection of pathogens and our ability to make a correct diagnosis.

The massively parallel sequencing technology known as next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized biological sciences. It has become a key tool in detecting and characterizing infectious diseases in humans, such as the SARS-Cov2 virus. NGS is soon to become an important tool in veterinary medicine as well.

The focus of this presentation is vector-borne disease (VBD) diagnosis and the discussion will include:

• What is working well and what needs to be improved in VBD diagnostics

• The “sample-volume paradox” of PCR assays and current efforts to address it

• How next-generation sequencing works, its advantages and limitations for VBD detection

• Best practices when interpreting serology and PCR results for VBDs

Original publication date: April 27, 2021
Speaker: Pedro P. Diniz, DVM, PhD

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Learn more about Dr. Diniz’s CHF-funded research:
02528: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tickborne Diseases
2292: Broad-Range Detection of Canine Tick-Borne Disease and Improved Diagnostics Using Next-Generation Sequencing

GDV - What we know, and what we wish we knew!

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a common condition in large and giant breed dogs with an unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rate. Due to the importance of GDV in many dog breeds, several previous studies have investigated potential risk factors for the development of GDV. It is known that there is no single cause for GDV, rather its occurrence is multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to the condition. Understanding what causes GDV allows us to intervene to prevent the disease from occurring.

Join us in this webinar in which Dr. Rozanski will provide updates on our current knowledge and understanding about GDV in dogs. Her discussion will include:

• What is known about the genetic aspects of GDV

• The pathophysiology and treatment of GDV

• Why some dogs who develop GDV do poorly

• Preventative measures including surgical gastropexy

• Our current challenges with GDV in dogs, ongoing research efforts, and possible targets

Original Air Date: March 24, 2021 
Speaker: Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC

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Learn more about Dr. Rozanski’s CHF-funded research:
01937-B: Evaluating the Complex Genetic Basis of Bloat

PU - What's That? Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis

Golden Retrievers develop an eye condition that practitioners should know about - Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU). This condition has an insidious onset, but early detection can be a key to avoiding glaucoma and vision loss.

Join in this session and learn about risk factors, how to recognize signs of GRPU on an ocular examination, keys to making a clinical diagnosis, treatment options, and breeding advice.

Original air date: December 17, 2020
Speaker: Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVO

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

02590-A: Histologic characterization of Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis
02569-MOU: Development of a Polygenic Risk Model for Pigmentary Uveitis in Golden Retrievers
01727-A: Emergence of Pigmentary Uveitis as a Potential Cause of Cataracts and Glaucoma

This webinar is sponsored by the Golden Retriever Foundation®.

Upper Airway Syndrome - Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in Norwich Terriers

In Norwich Terriers it is likely that upper airway syndrome is a separate and different condition from brachycephalic airway syndrome, with distinctive, primary changes arising in the larynx. This webinar will summarize the Norwich Terrier Upper Airway Syndrome (NTUAS) Study Group's findings and will include discussion on:

• Signs of upper respiratory compromise

• The importance of a full upper airway examination and why all components should be evaluated

• Components that appear to contribute to NTUAS

• How the NTUAS Score was developed and what it means

• The nature of progression of NTUAS over time

Original Air Date: Monday, November 9, 2020
Speaker: Bryden J. Stanley, BVMS, MSc, MANZCVS, MRCVS, DACVS

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

Grant 02232-MOU: Characterization of Upper Airway Syndrome in Norwich Terriers
Grant 01935-B: Abnormalities in the Stomach's Ability to Contract Predisposes Large-Breed Dogs to Bloat
Grant 01467: Understanding Laryngeal Paralysis to Provide Better Treatment

This webinar is co-sponsored by the Norwich Terrier Club of America.

Addressing the Spay / Neuter Conundrum in Dogs: Some Breed-specific and Body Size-specific Guidelines

UC Davis recently completed collection of data from extensive veterinary hospital records on 35 dog breeds and 5 weight categories of mixed breed dogs, showing major differences in vulnerability to the effects of gonadectomy on the prevalence of joint disorders and cancers. This webinar will provide an overview of the data-based findings from hospital patient records, and the spay / neuter guidelines for each breed and for each weight category for mixed breed dogs. Suggestions will be offered for deriving guidelines for breeds not covered by the findings with the intention of offering a “handbook” for veterinarians wishing to guide clients in making spay / neuter decisions, breeders wishing to advise clients, and for those wishing to adopt a puppy. 

Original Air Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Speaker: Ben Hart, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVB

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Learn more about Dr. Hart’s CHF-funded research:
Grant 02275: Disease Risks Associated with Spay and Neuter: A Breed-Specific, Gender-Specific Perspective
Grant 01840: Health Implications of Early Spay/Neuter on Canine Health
Grant 01488-A: Health Implications of Spay and Neuter: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever

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.

Original publicate date: September 15, 2020 
Speaker: Karen Von Dollen, MS, DVM, DACT

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Learn more about Dr. Von Dollen’s CHF-funded research:
2016 American Kennel Club/AKC Canine Health Foundation/Theriogenology Foundation Small Animal Theriogenology Resident – North Carolina State University

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.

Original Air Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2020
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

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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Learn more about Dr. Stull’s CHF-funded research:
Grant 02532-A: Canine influenza: occurrence, spatial and temporal trends and identifying modifiable factors to reduce transmission at canine shows in the United States
Grant 02380-A: Estimating Prevalence and Identifying Risk Factors for Canine Leptospirosis in North America
Grant 02284-A: Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevalence, Clinical Illness, and Prognosis
Grant 02128-A: Redefining the Recommendations for Prevention of Infectious Disease at Dog Shows and Other Areas Where Dogs Meet and Compete

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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Learn more about Dr. Friedenberg's CHF-funded research:
Grant 02428: Identifying the Disease-Defining Autoantibodies in Canine Addison's Disease
Grant 02348: Whole Blood Transcriptome Profiling of Dogs with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Grant 02531 (Co-investigator): Identification of Genetic Risk Allele(s) Associated with the Development of Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever

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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Learn more about Dr. Coates' CHF-funded research:
Grant 02165-MOU: Identification of Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: The Search for A Cure
Grant 02658: Characterization of Sensory Neuronal and Muscle Pathology in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy to Identify Targets for Therapeutic Intervention

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.

Learn more about Dr. Stull's CHF-funded research:
Grant 02532-A: Canine influenza: occurrence, spatial and temporal trends and identifying modifiable factors to reduce transmission at canine shows in the United States
Grant 02380-A: Estimating Prevalence and Identifying Risk Factors for Canine Leptospirosis in North America
Grant 02284-A: Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevalence, Clinical Illness, and Prognosis

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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Learn more about Dr. Bray's CHF-funded research:
Grant 02518: The Effects of Early Life Experience on Working Dog Temperament and Cognition

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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Learn more about Dr. McGrath's CHF-funded research:
Grant 02323: Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy

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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