VPN Plus+ ExclusiveBright ideas in veterinary ophthalmologyJuly 23, 2020The field of veterinary ophthalmology is always evolving, uncovering new theories, diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries. The Vision for Animals Foundation (VAF) is funding various ophthalmology studies, including one led by University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center resident Kayla Banks, DVM, that is comparing cleaning and sterilization protocols for diamond burr tips used in diamond burr debridement for canine superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects. Another study, led by Maggie Jinks, DVM, a resident at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, is looking at the role of extrinsic forces on lens cell mitosis. Lionel Sebbag, DVM, DACVO, assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says there are continued efforts in the veterinary ophthalmology community to find new diagnostic tools and therapies to improve patient comfort and vision. "For instance, there are task forces working on glaucoma and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS), two devastating diseases resulting in vision loss," he says. "Further, the recent advances in genetics are exciting, and it is only a matter of time before they fully benefit veterinary patients. "A better understanding of genetics will help reduce the prevalence of serious inherited ocular diseases, such as progressive retinal …
SPONSORED CONTENTSwitch to Triple Protection in One Monthly DoseSee the difference of triple protection with the one monthly chew. + Learn More
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveImproving the outlook for brain tumor patientsJuly 21, 2020The path to discover and perfect new cancer treatments is long and expensive. It can take more than a decade and cost over $2 billion to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic before it reaches the marketplace. To expedite the process, researchers are thinking outside the box—or rather, outside their own species. The concept of comparative medicine (i.e. One Medicine) has great potential to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments. By examining the similarities and differences in biology among different species (e.g. dogs and humans), we gain increased understanding of the mechanisms of disease in each. This comparative medicine model, as demonstrated in the field of neuro-oncology by the Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium (CBTC), has already shown promising results. Launched by the Comparative Oncology Program (COP) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2015, CBTC comprises veterinarians, physicians, and basic researchers who have joined forces to improve outcomes for dogs and humans affected by brain cancer by using more predictive and accurate preclinical models. Laboratory animal models don't always adequately mimic the complex genetic, biologic, and environmental conditions of the human experience. Dogs get many of the same spontaneous cancers as humans, and their genome is …
"Golden oldies" could unlock secrets of canine cancerJuly 20, 2020Pinpointing why some dogs get cancer and others do not is the focus of Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
Dog parks may be petri dish for parasitesJuly 20, 2020Now more than ever, it is imperative veterinarians ensure their patients are properly protected from parasites.
$300K grant to protect Ariz. Tribe lands from deadly parasiteJuly 16, 2020A pervasive and deadly tick-borne disease has infiltrated communities in Arizona, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation is determined to put a stop to it.
Puppy parasiticide chews get green lightJuly 13, 2020Ensuring puppies receive early protection from fleas and ticks is the goal of a newly approved chewable parasiticide.
Frontline workers get helping paw from "Dogtor" LokiJuly 8, 2020A therapy dog dubbed “Dogtor” Loki is among the recipients of this year’s American Kennel Club (AKC) Paw of Courage awards.
Understanding nutrition in dogs with degenerative mitral valve diseaseJuly 6, 2020It is extremely helpful to introduce to clients the concepts of sodium restriction, adequate calorie and protein intake, and cardiac cachexia in the pre-CHF stage.
Parvo cases jump a whopping 70 percent during COVIDJuly 6, 2020BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital reports an “alarming” increase in the number of confirmed parvoviral enteritis cases and hospitalizations during the pandemic.
Alert service aims to contain deadly diseaseJune 26, 2020Nonprofit group Pet Disease Alerts has launched a subscription service to notify veterinarians and pet owners about local outbreaks of Leptospirosis.
