CSU Seeks Dogs For Clinical Cancer StudiesOctober 8, 2009 Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center is conducting two clinical studies aimed at finding a new way to treat cancer. The studies are investigating the impact of a drug on cells that suppress the immune system and allow cancer tumors to grow. Initial results in mice and dogs show that the drug can reverse suppression of the immune system and halt tumor growth in dogs and, in some cases, even shrink tumors, according to the center. Researchers are evaluating the class of drugs called bisophosphonates, which have been used for years to diminish pain in bone cancer patients. The Animal Cancer Center is looking at these drugs in combination with liposomes to target cells that suppress the immune system around specific types of tumors. “To date, nearly a dozen dogs have been treated in the study,” said Steve Dow, DVM, Ph.D., a researcher and veterinarian at the center. “The tumor response rate—shrinkage of the tumor or suppression of growth—has been very encouraging.” The results may help humans with many different types of tumors, Dr. Dow said. The researchers are looking for dogs with soft tissue sarcomas to enroll in the clinical trial. Dogs must …
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Morris Animal Foundation Studies Up For SponsorshipOctober 8, 2009 Morris Animal Foundation will fund more than 200 new, continuing and veterinary student scholar studies for 2009-10. All studies are available for sponsorships, which start at $3,000. About 35 new studies are dedicated to companion animals. Cat studies include cancer, heart disease and kidney disease. Dog studies include blood disorders, bone disorders, cancer, eye disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, neurological disorders and urinary disease. Clicl here for details. <HOME>
Submissions Accepted For Nutrition Case ChallengeOctober 8, 2009 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., is accepting submissions through Jan. 31 for the 2009-10 Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition Case Challenge. The challenge is part of the Hill’s/VCA Intern Partnership Program, which seeks to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition in clinical case management and contribute to the academic experience of the VCA interns. The winner of the 2008-09 challenge was Jessica Markovich, DVM, of VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona, for her submission, “An Evidence-Based Review of Taurine Responsive Cardiomyopathy in a Newfoundland.” Dr. Markovich won a free trip to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Montreal, Canada, in June. For submission details, contact a Hill’s practice development veterinarian. <HOME>
When Does Medicine Become ReligionOctober 8, 2009 1. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. “Prayer and spirituality in health: ancient practices, modern science.” CAM at the NIH. 2005;XII (1). Accessed here on June 26, 2009. 2. Evans J. “Hands-on healing.” The Times. July 14, 2008. 3. Guinan P. “Therapeutic touch” is not a Catholic hospital pastoral practice.” The Linacre Quarterly. 2004;71(1):5-14. 4. Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Guidelines for evaluating Reiki as an alternative therapy.” Issued March 25, 2009. Accessed here on June 26, 2009. 5. Galton.org. “Correspondence between Charles Darwin and Francis Galton; Letter 474.” Cited in Weissmann G. “NIH funding: Not a prayer.” [Editorial] The FASEB Journal. 2006;20:1278-1280. 6. Carey B. “Healing power of prayer debunked.” The New York Times. 2006; March 31: A16. Cited in Weissmann G. “NIH funding: Not a prayer.” [Editorial] The FASEB Journal. 2006;20:1278-1280. 7. Osler W. “The faith that heals.” British Medical Journal. June 18, 1910; 1470-1472. Cited in Levin J. How faith heals: a theoretical model. Explore. 2009;5:77-96. 8. Osler W. “The faith that heals.” British Medical Journal. June 18, 1910; 1470-1472. Cited in Levin J. How faith heals: …
Sniffing Out CancerOctober 8, 2009 1. Williams H and Pembroke A. Sniffer dogs in the melanoma clinic? The Lancet. 1989;1:734. 2. Church J and Williams H. Another sniffer dog for the clinic? The Lancet. 2001;358:930. 3. Church J and Williams H. Another sniffer dog for the clinic? The Lancet. 2001;358:930. 4. Welsh JS. Another cancer detected by “pet scan”. BMJ. 2004;329:1286. 5. Willis CM, Church SM, Guest CM, et al. Olfactory detection of human bladder cancer by dogs: proof of principle study. BMJ. 2004;329:712-714. Cited in Cole TJ. Commentary: teaching dogs new tricks. BMJ. 2004;329:715. 6. Cole TJ. Commentary: teaching dogs new tricks. BMJ. 2004;329:715. 7. McCulloch M, Jezlerski T, Broffman M, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of canine scent detection in early- and late-stage lung and breast cancers. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2006;5(1):30-39. 8. Horvath G, Jarverud GAK, Jarverud S, et al. Human ovarian carcinomas detected by specific odor. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2008;7(2):76-80. 9. Ligor M, Ligor T, Bajtarevic A, et al. Determination of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of patients with lung cancer using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2009;47(5):550-560. 10. Wells DL, Lawson SQ, and Siriwardena …
'Thank Your Vet' Contest Brings In Hundreds Of NominationsOctober 8, 2009 The third annual "Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet" contest, conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation, has brought in more than 370 nominations. The contest honors America’s veterinarians for their dedication to helping animals and strengthening the bonds people have with their pets. One national winner and five regional winners will be selected and featured in the January 2010 issue of Veterinary Practice News, a co-sponsor of the contest along with sister publications Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy. Hill’s Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan., is also a co-sponsor. The winners will be honored at the North American Veterinary Conference, which takes place in January in Orlando, Fla. The contest judges include last year’s winner, Rachel Boltz, DVM, of Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, Calif.; Julie Legred, CVT, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America; Jason Merrihew with the American Animal Hospital Association; and Marilyn Iturri, editor of Veterinary Practice News. Click here to see the list of nominations. <HOME> Read about last year's "Thank Your Vet" winner, Rachel Boltz, DVM
Two Vets Vie For $100,000 Indianapolis PrizeOctober 8, 2009 Twenty-nine animal conservationists have been nominated to receive the biennial Indianapolis Prize, worth $100,000. The prize was initiated by the Indianapolis Zoo to inspire local and global communities and to celebrate, protect and preserve the world through conservation, education and research. Among the nominees are Edward Louis Jr., DVM, Ph.D., from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, and Patrick Redig, DVM, Ph.D., from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Louis is an advocate of island biogeography and has discovered about 30 percent of known lemurs to date, according to the Indianapolis Zoo. Dr. Redig has dedicated more than 35 years to protecting raptor populations through field work, bench research, clinical work, professional teaching and community service. Six finalists will be announced in the spring of 2010. The winner will be determined in mid-2010 and honored at the next Indianapolis Prize Gala, to be held Sept. 25, 2010 in Indianapolis. The 2008 Indianapolis Prize was awarded to field biologist George Schaller, Ph.D., whose work spanned decades focusing on several endangered species, such as tigers in India and gorillas in Rwanda. “Following in Schaller’s footsteps will not be easy, but …
Diamond Recalls Some Premium Edge Cat Food In Eastern U.S.October 8, 2009 In an action limited to the Eastern United States, Diamond Pet Foods of Meta, Mo., recalled its Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and its Premium Edge Hairball formulas with date codes: RAF0501A22X (18-lb.), RAF0501A2X ((6-lb.), RAH0501A22X (18-lb.) and RAH0501A2X (6-lb.) The recall was prompted by calls from cat owners and veterinarians in the Rochester, N.Y., area. Retailers in the area have been asked to remove affected products from the shelves and contact any customers that had purchased affected product. Diamond is further requesting that any cat owners that purchased the above products return them to their retailer. The affected cats displayed neurological symptoms. Product testing showed no contaminants in the cat food but that the foods were deficient in thiamine. Diamond reports that tests performed on other Premium Edge cat foods using the same lot of vitamin premix as used in the recalled foods did not show a thiamine deficiency. Neurological signs have not been seen in other Diamond Pet Food products, the company reported. <HOME>
What Suture Size Should I Use?October 6, 2009 A Veterinary Practice News reader asked an excellent but tough question: “What suture size should I use?” It is very difficult to answer this question, as there are multiple variables. Choices are debatable and subjective. Among many other factors, suture sizes will obviously vary with the size of the patient, hence the ranges suggested. That said, here are some general guidelines for various procedures: Procedure Suture Size Suture Type Enterotomy/Enterectomy 4/0 or 3/0 Monofilament, absorbable Oral surgery such as tooth extraction 5/0 to 3/0 Absorbable. Braided is less irritating to the patient Vessel ligation 4/0 to 0 Monofilament, absorbable Cystotomy 4/0 or 3/0 Monofilament, absorbable Splenectomy (ligatures) 4/0 or 3/0 Monofilament, absorbable
Cornell Reproductive Biologist Wins NIH Pioneer AwardOctober 6, 2009 Alexander Travis, VMD, Ph.D., an associate professor of reproductive biology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, recently received the Pioneer Award from the National Institutes of Health. He is the first veterinarian to receive the award, according to Cornell. The award, which was handed out to 17 other individuals, is an aspect of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research, a high-risk research initiative of Research Teams of the Future. As outlined by the NIH, the term “pioneering” is used to describe highly innovative approaches that have the potential to produce an unusually high impact on a broad area of biomedical or behavioral research, and the term “award” is used to mean a grant for conducting research, rather than a reward for past achievements. Dr. Travis’ research investigates the design and function of mammalian sperm, particularly the organization of their energy-producing pathways. With his five-year, $2.5 million grant, Travis plans to harness this design to develop very small energy sources for implantable medical devices that could carry out a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic functions, according to the NIH. “We’re borrowing the sperm’s strategy for locomotion,” Travis said. The idea was conceived after he …
