In this podcast we hear from Susan Lilly, the new CEO of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. A native of Michigan, Susan boasts a strong fundraising background. After holding development positions at Central Michigan University, she served as Director of Development at Michigan State University and, most recently, was Executive Director of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Health Foundation. In this podcast Susan discusses her passion for helping animals, her enthusiasm about being a part of CHF and its mission, and her desire to connect with you and the many supporters of CHF.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the seventh installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

In this podcast we discuss pregnancy diagnosis with reproductive specialist Dr. Autumn Davidson. Dr. Davidson obtained her BS and MS at the University of California, Berkeley, with an emphasis in wildlife ecology and management. She is a graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and is board certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Davidson is currently a clinical professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis in the department of medicine and epidemiology where she specializes in small animal theriogenology (reproduction) and teaches students during their senior year.  Dr. Davidson also practices at PetCare Veterinary Hospital East Campus in Santa Rosa, CA, and Lone Oak Veterinary Hospital in Three Rivers, CA, where she receives both internal medicine and reproduction cases. 

In this podcast we hear from Dr. Jan Bellows of All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, Florida. Dr. Bellows is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. Dr. Bellows received his DVM from Auburn University and completed a small animal internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is the current President of the American Veterinary Dental College and in this podcast he discusses periodontal disease and dental health in dogs.

For more information about maintaining healthy teeth and gums for your dogs as well as approved dental products, please visit www.vohc.org.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In this podcast we are wrapping up our "Old Dogs Rule" educational series with a difficult, but important conversation about end of life care. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Kathleen Cooney, founder of “Home to Heaven,” an in-home pet hospice and euthanasia services practice. She is also the owner of the first-ever pet euthanasia center in the United States. The center is located on her 35-acre farm in Loveland, Colorado and offers two comfort rooms for pet euthanasia. It is open year-round for families looking for an alternative to standard clinic or in-home euthanasia. Dr. Cooney graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2004. That same spring, her family had to say goodbye to their 15-year-old yellow lab, McKenzie. McKenzie passed peacefully under the aspen tree in their front yard. From this experience, Dr. Cooney learned just how important it was for pets to be at home for the end of their lives. In 2012, she completed writing the book “Veterinary Euthanasia Techniques: A practical guide.” Dr. Cooney served on the 2013 American Veterinary Medical Association's panel on euthanasia guidelines. She is currently the Vice President and conference coordinator for the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC).  She travels frequently to speak on her work and on the current advancements in end-of-life care.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In continuation of our “Old Dogs Rule” educational series, this podcast features  Dr. Ashley Saunders, Associate Professor of Cardiology and a Fellow of the Michael E. DeBakey Institute at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Dr. Saunders completed her DVM in 2001 and residency in Cardiology in 2005, both at Texas A&M, and is board certified in veterinary cardiology. She is funded by CHF to identify novel biological markers of mitral valve disease to enhance diagnosis and prognosis of disease. In this podcast she discusses one of the most common age-related problems in dogs, cardiovascular disease.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In continuation of our “Old Dogs Rule” educational series, this podcast features Dr. Lisa Shaw, owner of the Indian Land Animal Hospital near Charlotte, NC. Dr. Shaw discusses what to expect during a senior dog wellness exam and the importance of senior dog health care.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In continuation of our “Old Dogs Rule” educational series, this podcast features Dr. Laurie McCauley, Medical Director of TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation in Grayslake, IL. Dr. McCauley is certified in veterinary rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, and is one of less than 100 veterinarians who is board certified in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation. She is also certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In this podcast Dr. McCauley discusses the benefits of using rehabilitation medicine as a way to keep senior and geriatric dogs healthy and active.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

Welcome to the first podcast in our educational series “Old Dogs Rule,” a two month celebration of our great old dogs that will be packed with information about how we can keep them going strong for years to come. In this podcast we are speaking with Dr. Fred Metzger of Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, Pennsylvania. Dr. Metzger received his DVM from the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, a select group of veterinary specialists certified by examination. He is one of only 12 board-certified ABVP practitioners in the state of Pennsylvania and one of 460 nationwide. Dr. Metzger currently serves as an adjunct professor at Penn State University and helps teach several classes. In addition, he frequently lectures to fellow veterinarians nationwide speaking on various topics, including clinical pathology, internal medicine and his favorite subject, geriatric medicine. He has authored numerous publications including co-authoring a textbook “A Guide to Hematology of the Dog and Cat.” In this podcast Dr. Metzger will be discussing the health needs for senior and geriatric dogs.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the sixth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

 In this podcast we will be speaking with Dr Scarlette Gotwals, of Country Companion Animal Hospital in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. Dr Gotwals received her DVM from The Ohio State University in 1983. She has a special interest in canine reproduction and has been involved with canine reproduction and semen cryopreservation for 21 years.  She is a nationally recognized authority in these areas and serves as a consultant to veterinarians through the Veterinarian Information Network. Dr Gotwals is a consultant for the Canine Reproduction Division of Zoetis.  In this podcast she will be discussing Ovulation Timing in the bitch as well as ways breeders can use data from heat cycles and whelping dates to understand more about ovulation timing.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fifth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

In this podcast we are discussing infertility in the bitch, with reproductive specialist Dr. Cheryl Lopate of Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in Wilsonville, Oregon. Dr. Lopate received her Master’s degree in reproductive physiology and DVM from The Ohio State University.  She completed a residency in comparative theriogenology (reproduction) at Purdue University and is boarded in theriogenology. She has worked in a variety of practice settings including general mixed practice, referral practice and academia. She believes strongly in providing client education and speaks at breed group meetings regularly. She also speaks at many veterinary conferences and has written many journal articles on a variety of reproductive topics. 

In this podcast we hear from Dr. Libby Richards, a Certified Health Education Specialist and assistant professor at Purdue University School of Nursing. She received her PhD in Health Promotion from Purdue University and her Masters in Nursing from Indiana University. Dr. Richards’ research is focused on population-based physical activity promotion. In this podcast we will be discussing her CHF funded research into the reciprocal impact of a healthy and active lifestyle on the physical and mental well-being of dogs and their owners.   

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In this two-part podcast, Dr. Karen Overall discusses an issue of major importance to many dog owners: separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs. Dr. Overall received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine and PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She completed a residency in Behavioral Medicine at Penn and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB) and is certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) as an Applied Animal Behaviorist. Dr. Overall’s clinical work is focused on the humane treatment of troubled pets and their distressed people. Her research has two main foci, first to understanding the neurobiology and genetics of canine behavior and canine cognition, and second, the development of natural genetic and behavioral canine models for human psychiatric illness, particularly those involving anxiety, panic, and aggression.

We hope you enjoy part two of Dr. Overall’s interview, “Noise Phobia in Dogs.”

Listen to part one: “Separation Anxiety in Dogs.”

 This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In this two-part podcast, Dr. Karen Overall discusses an issue of major importance to many dog owners: separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs. Dr. Overall received her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine and PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She completed a residency in Behavioral Medicine at Penn and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB) and is certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) as an Applied Animal Behaviorist. Dr. Overall’s clinical work is focused on the humane treatment of troubled pets and their distressed people. Her research has two main foci, first to understanding the neurobiology and genetics of canine behavior and canine cognition, and second, the development of natural genetic and behavioral canine models for human psychiatric illness, particularly those involving anxiety, panic, and aggression.

We hope you enjoy part one of Dr. Overall’s interview, “Separation Anxiety in Dogs.”

Part two, “Noise Phobia in Dogs” will be released on June 19, 2014.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In this podcast Dr. Matthew Breen discusses his investigation into the cytogenomic changes evident in a variety of the leading cancers in dogs, including: lymphoma; leukemia; osteosarcoma; histiocytic neoplasia; urogenital carcinoma; intracranial malignancies; hemangiosarcoma; and melanoma. Cytogenomics is a branch of genetics that is concerned with the study of the structure and function of the cell, especially chromosomes. Dr. Breen also discusses possible collaborations with leading human academic medical centers to explore the translation of his findings in dogs to comparable cancers in humans.

Dr. Breen completed his PhD in cytogenetics in 1990 and then spent two years as a Post Doc in Molecular Genetics at the UK Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh, where he developed new techniques as part of the human genome project. Dr. Breen then spent four years working for the research arm of the Australian Thoroughbred industry, returning to the UK in 1996 where his laboratory developed molecular cytogenetics reagents, resources and techniques for application to canine genome mapping, comparative cytogenetics and cancer studies. In 2002 Dr. Breen relocated his laboratory to NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine as part of its Genomics initiative. Since then his research interests have continued to focus on the genomics, genome mapping and the comparative aspects of canine cancer.

Veterinary medicine has provided a wealth of information about the clinical and pathological presentation of numerous cancers in animals, and while both dogs and cats are now the subject of intense molecular cytogenetic attention, it is the dog that has provided much of the insight to date.

This presentation was recorded at the 2013 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference hosted by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and generously sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare.

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fourth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

In this podcast Kim Hesler of Zoetis Reproductive Services discusses shipping canine semen and how it may be easier than you think. Ms. Hesler grew up on a Herford cow-calf and row crop operation in northern Missouri before attending the University of Missouri, where she majored in Animal Science. She interned with Select Sires, which entailed estrus timing and artificial insemination of cattle throughout the country. In 2007, she joined the Synbiotics Reproduction Services team in Kansas City, Missouri. Through a corporate merger she is now a Reproduction Service Specialist with Zoetis where she provides assistance to customers and Zoetis Freeze Centers regarding storage and international shipment of canine and equine frozen semen.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the third installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

In this podcast Dr. Kit Kampschmidt of Brittmoore Animal Hospital in Houston Texas, discusses cryopreservation of canine semen.  Dr. Kampschmidt received his DVM from Oklahoma State University in 1983. He has developed a special interest in canine reproduction and semen cryopreservation. He is a nationally recognized authority in these areas and serves as a consultant to other veterinarians through the Veterinary Information Network. He has been an invited speaker for national veterinary meetings, state and local veterinary associations, and many breed clubs. He has trained veterinarians from all over the United States and the world in canine semen freezing and artificial insemination techniques. He is a member of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Animal Hospital Association, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Society for Theriogenology.

In this podcast we bring you an interview with Karen and Bob Deeds of the Canine Connection, a training facility in Fort Worth, TX that specializes in a wide range of training and behavior modification for dogs.

Having returned from searching Ground Zero with his dog, Kinsey, after 9/11, Bob believed that people could accomplish much more with their pets if they understood their dogs’ potential. Utilizing proven, science-based, positive techniques, Karen and Bob are dedicated to providing education, training, and behavior modification to enhance the overall relationship between a dog and his owner.  

Bob is currently an evaluator for FEMA's federal K9 program where he tests dog and handler teams for certification. Karen is a Certified Dog Behavior Consult with the International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Bob and Karen are regular speakers at conferences and last year they spoke at the PennVet Working Dog Conference. For more information about their training program visit www.deedscanineconnection.com

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.

In this podcast we hear from Kayce Cover, an animal behavior consultant and coach, about her approach to training. Ms. Coveris a professional animal trainer who has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Masters of Science in Education.  Cover trained as a research scientist, but prefers to work in applied communication and motivation – working to get results with people teamed with animals. Cover has worked for a number of highly prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, and a number of universities. In this podcast she discusses her training methods and philosophy that have led to phenomenal success with multiple species. 

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust. 

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the second installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

In this podcast Dr. William Schultz, owner of Schultz Veterinary Clinic in Okemos, Michigan discussestips for success with fresh, chilled semen breedings. Dr. Schultz received his DVM from Michigan State University in 1973, went into private practice and opened his companion animal practice in the fall of 1974.  Dr. Schultz is a well-recognized expert in canine reproduction, a board member of The Society for Theriogenology and The Theriogenology Foundation, and is a frequent speaker at veterinary conferences, veterinary associations and national specialties. Dr. Schultz has lectured and published articles on transcervical and surgical inseminations using fresh, chilled and frozen semen as well as multiple articles involving carbon dioxide laser surgery. 

Listener Advisory: This podcast is intended for an audience of dog breeders and veterinarians.  The subject matter includes detailed descriptions of breedings and reproductive anatomy. 

Welcome to another podcast brought to you by the AKC Canine Health Foundation. In this podcast we hear from Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh and Dr. Elinor Karsson, two of our most prominent oncology genetics researchers. Dr. Lindblad-Toh is a professor in comparative genomics at Uppsala University and the Scientific Director of Vertebrate Genome Biology at the Broad Institute. Dr. Karlsson is a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University and was recently awarded the Charles A. King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship.

In this podcast we learn about the research that is refining the genes and gene signatures associated with osteosarcoma and how this may lead to better treatments. Initial findings have been published in the open access journal Genome Biology, entitled "Genome-wide analyses implicate 33 loci in heritable dog osteosarcoma, including regulatory variants near CDKN2A/B." 

For information on how to participate in this research study, visit the CHF website. 

This podcast was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust.  

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to announce the launch of a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

The first podcast in the series features Dr. Matthew Krecic, a Diagnostics specialist for Zoetis, and focuses on Brucellosis, an important topic for all breeders. Dr. Krecic completed his DVM at the Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business. He is board-certified in small animal internal medicine through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Krecic served as a senior Telemedicine Veterinarian at IDEXX Laboratories before joining Zoetis in 2009, and he continues to practice small animal internal medicine in his spare time.