Limited production COLLECTIBLE 5 pin series!

A limited number of pins are still available, there is still time to complete
your collection.   Please contact us to place an order.

        

order form

In 1997, concerned Akita owners met in a chat room on the internet to discuss our breed's welfare. This group, recognizing the growing problems with immune mediated diseases/disorders showing up with alarming frequency in the Akita breed, offered up A CHALLENGE to all Akita owners across the world, to "do something". Do something to insure the health, and thus THE FUTURE of our proud and magnificent breed.

It was decided to actively pursue funding qualified research, ongoing or proposed, in the fields of; genome mapping, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), SA (Sebacceous Adenitis) and DNA Banking. The consensus is, these paths will someday discover DNA marker genes that will provide the testing that can enable breeders and medical practitioners to eliminate or at least control many of these problems seen in our Akita.

A series of five collectible pins beginning with 1997 and ranging through 2001, was created. The funds raised by these limited editions pins has and continues to significantly contribute to health studies.

To date, "The Challenge" has funded:

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), an on going study to discover the PRA marker gene in Akita, at The Baker Institute by Doctors Aguirre and Acland.

The Canine Health Foundation approved Dr. Robert W. Dunstan's proposal for the study of Sebacceous Adenitis through the funding and cooperation of the parent club, the Akita Club of America. "The Challenge" funds have been channeled through the ACA, to directly benefit this study. This work has now been assumed by Dr. Kelly M. Credille, DVM.

DNA samples from all affected autoimmune Akitas and their relations, are currently being banked by Dr. Credille at TAMU. If you currently have or know of an autoimmune affected Akita, we encourage you to contact Dr. Kelly Credille at TAMU for information on submitting samples of affected tissues and/or blood.

Much progress has been made but further hurdles await. More samples are needed from PRA, SA, and Pemphigus affected Akitas and whenever possible, their family unit.

PRA Contact - Gregory M. Acland, B.V.Sc.; Dip.ACVO (607) 256-5684 [phone]
Center for Canine Genetics & Reproduction (607) 256-5689 [fax]
James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health gma2@Cornell.edu
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Hungerford Hill Rd, Ithaca, New York 14853

SA and/or Pemphigus Contact - Akita Tissue Bank 
Dermatopathology Specialty Service 
215 VMA Bldg.
College of Veterinary Medicine 
Texas A & M University 
College Station, Texas 77843-4467
979-845-2651

The Challenge group realizes that these illnesses can be a financial burden as well, and some Akita owners may experience financial hardship from the additional costs incurred in having the necessary biopsies or blood drawn and shipped. Therefore, we as a group will assist with sample collection costs, whenever possible to do so.

Researchers hope to collect as much historical and pedigree information as possible, necessary to the success of their research. All such information is kept in strictest confidence.

I hope you will all continue to accept the challenge to "do something" , with your purchase of one pin or the whole series. Its not to late to start your collection of all five years pins.