AKC Canine Health Foundation Takes Aim at Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) November 12, 2014 -- Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs, and if left untreated could cause extreme gum damage, tooth loss and pain. By three years of age, most dogs have some evidence of periodontal disease and associated discomfort. In an effort to speed progress in prevention and effective treatment of canine periodontal disease, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has awarded two research grants to improve the oral health of dogs.
Paola Massari, PhD, of Boston Medical Center aims to develop an effective canine periodontal disease vaccine. She believes most effective targeted interventions against periodontal pathogens will be through effective immunization, directing a dog’s own immune system to combat the bacteria responsible for disease.
Dr. Django Martel, DVM, and his colleagues at the Animal Medical Center will establish whether the use of antibiotic gel therapy reduces periodontal disease and provide veterinarians with the evidence needed for effective periodontal disease management.
According to Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF’s Chief Scientific Officer, “Just like periodontal disease in humans, periodontal disease in dogs is a painful condition that profoundly affects quality of life and can lead to a multitude of health problems. We have strategically funded research that will have immediate impact by supporting the evidence-based use of antibiotic gels to treat progressive disease, while also funding research that will provide a long term solution by developing an effective vaccine to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place.”
In conjunction with the announcement of this research funding, CHF is also releasing a free podcast entitled, “Periodontal Disease and Dental Health in Dogs” with Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College.
To support these grants and to learn how a donation to CHF will help redefine the practice of veterinary medicine, visit http://www.akcchf.org.
CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. For more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.
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About CHF
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHF’s mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information.
Sharla Seidel, AKC Canine Health Foundation, http://www.akcchf.org, +1 (919) 334-4014, [email protected]
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