NC University Researchers Design Hardware, Software that can Train DogsMay 2, 2016North Carolina State University researchers have developed and used a customized suite of technologies that allows a computer to train a dog autonomously, with the computer effectively responding to the dog based on the dog’s body language. “Our approach can be used to train dogs efficiently and effectively,&rdquo犀利士 ; said David Roberts, an assistant professor of computer science at NC State and co-author of a paper on the work. “We use sensors in custom dog harnesses to monitor a dog’s posture, and the computer reinforces the correct behavior quickly and with near-perfect consistency.” “Because the technology integrates fundamental principles of animal learning into a computational system, we are confident it can be applied to a wide range of canine behaviors,” said Alper Bozkurt, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and co-author of the paper. “For example, it could be used to more quickly train service dogs. Ultimately, we think the technology will be used in conjunction with human-directed training.” The dog harness fits comfortably onto the dog and is equipped with a variety of technologies that can monitor the dog’s posture …
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Study Shows that Canine AD Shares Significant Features of Human ADApril 27, 2016Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition and the most common form of eczema, is estimated to afflict as much as 10 percent of the U.S. population, and is much more common now than it was 50 years ago. Veterinary clinical estimates also show that approximately 10 percent of dogs have atopic dermatitis. How AD arises isn’t yet fully understood, but a new study from researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, have uncovered important insights about the association of AD in dogs compared to humans. The study appears online in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. To a greater extent than mouse models, canine AD shares important features of the human version. For example, in both humans and dogs AD has been linked to abnormal blooms of Staphyloccocusbacteria on the skin – mostly Staphyloccocus aureus in humans, and Staphyloccocus pseudintermedius in dogs. In the study, the research team, comprised of veterinary dermatologists, microbiologists, pathologists and primary scientists, tracked the bacterial populations, or “microbiomes,” on dogs’ skin, …
As Nasal Tumor Cases Grow, So Do OptionsApril 22, 2016Nasal tumors are rare in companion animals, but experts are reporting more cases of the potentially deadly condition. And, rather than being random outbreaks, they may be a function of greater life spans. “We are seeing more cancer in animals, and some of that probably is related to better care and animals living longer,” said Nicole Northrup, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, an oncologist and associate professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Ironically, pet owners may have something to do with the anecdotal increase in the incidence of nasal cancer. More clients are willing to pay extra for diagnostics such as CT scans and biopsies to catch cancerous tumors in time to begin treatment, experts say. Just how many more cases experts have come across is not an exact science, said Philip J. Bergman, DVM, MS, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM. In fact, Dr. Bergman, director of clinical studies for the VCA hospital chain, said more tumors of all types are being discovered as the pet population lives longer. “As we get better with preventive medicine and continue to be …
Study: Seniors Can Benefit from Having a DogApril 21, 2016The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults of all ages should engage in 150 or more minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Among adults 60 years of age or more, walking is the most common form of leisure-time physical activity because it is self-paced, low impact and does not require equipment. Researchers at the University of Missouri have determined that older adults who also are pet owners benefit from the bonds they form with their canine companions. Dog walking is associated with lower body mass index, fewer doctor visits, more frequent exercise and an increase in social benefits for seniors. “Our study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet bonding with walking behavior and health outcomes in older adults,” said Rebecca Johnson, a professor at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing in the Sinclair School of Nursing. “This study provides evidence for the association between dog walking and physical health using a large, nationally representative sample.” The study analyzed 2012 data from the Health and Retirement study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration. …
NovaVive Goes All In on Veterinary TherapeuticsApril 21, 2016The young Canadian company NovaVive Inc. is hopeful that a biologic technology proven to stimulate an animal’s immune system may be approved at some point to treat hemangiosarcomas and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in dogs. And if one of three planned studies shows promise, mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) also might be used to improve the quality of life of dying dogs. NovaVive, established in 2014 by Bioniche Life Sciences founder Graeme McRae, sells four MCWF-based therapeutic biologics. Purchased from the French company Vétoquinol, which acquired original developer Bioniche’s veterinary division, the current lineup includes: Equimune, for the treatment of equine respiratory disease complex. Amplimune, formerly called Immunoboost, for bovine infectious disease therapy. Immunocidin, for the treatment of mixed mammary tumor and mammary adenocarcinomas in dogs and sarcoid tumors in horses. Settle, for the treatment of equine endometritis. All four immunotherapies are sold in the United States. Australian veterinarians have access to Equimune and Settle, Immunocidin is available in Canada, and Equimune is distributed in New Zealand. NovaVive has engaged two U.S. veterinary oncologists to assist with studies of how MCWF might be used in three other ways. The “ringleaders of the pack,” as McRae called them, are Philip Bergman, …
How to Recognize Animal AbuseApril 20, 2016Animal cruelty is an unfortunate, horrific reality involving innocent beings that are unable to speak up for themselves. Veterinary professionals have a moral, ethical and, in some states, legal obligation to be the voice for these victims. Animal cruelty is a catchall statement for offenses that include neglect, abuse, abandonment, animal fighting and even practicing veterinary medicine without a license. State laws vary in whether animal cruelty is deemed a misdemeanor or a felony, and they even go so far as to detail which animals are included. For example, New York laws cover “every living creature except a human being,” while in Alaska, protected animals include vertebrates but not fish. Veterinarian’s Obligation Several states have laws in place that address the issue of veterinarians reporting suspected animal cruelty and abuse. These include Arizona, which outlines a veterinarian’s duty to report suspected canine participants of dog fighting. Oregon makes it mandatory for veterinarians to report aggravated animal abuse. Additionally, Kansas requires veterinarians to report cruel or inhumane treatment, and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action. Because laws vary from state to state, it’s vital that veterinarians review local and …
Vet Explores the Funny Aspects of Cooking for Dogs in New BookApril 18, 2016Cooking for dogs is a trend that’s been around for years, but the funny side of it hasn’t ever really been talked about. That’s what a new book, “Canine Kitchen Capers: A Humorous Look At Preparing Food for Dogs (& Spouses)” is all about: how hysterical it can be. Written by Judy Morgan, DVM, a holistic veterinarian, and her husband Hue Grant, the book is full of stories of cooking misadventures, such as: Vegetarians willing to cook meat only for their dogs; The woman who spent three days canning food for her dog, forgetting her kids and feeding her husband cold cereal; and The occasional starving husband who can't stop himself from secretly scarfing the dog's homemade stew. Judy Morgan Authors Hue Grant and Judy Morgan, DVM, with two of their rescued spaniels. Morgan says the stories in the book were submitted by readers of her prior book, “What's For Dinner Dexter? Cooking for Your Dog Using Chinese Medicine Theory.” A recipe for dog food and a complementary recipe for humans accompany each story. For example, “Butternut Squash Banana Treats for Dogs” is followed by “Maple Bacon Pecan Butternut Squash …
Clients Like to Travel? Why You Should Talk to Them About Pet-Friendly DestinationsApril 18, 2016Is your veterinary practice ready to educate clients about including their pet in a family vacation? They’ll appreciate your help with tips for planning ahead to get the most from the experience. Many of your clients reduce the number of trips they take because they worry about boarding their pet too often. That’s true even when an outstanding boarding facility is available. Of course, the quality and attitude of lodging businesses vary a lot. Your practice can become a hero by guiding them through steps they can take for locating places where their pet will be treated with love and respect. Don’t miss this opportunity to make clients know, like and trust your practice even more. How to Help Your Clients Plan Ahead Preparing to take your pet on vacation is not an overwhelming task. But there are several smart planning moves that can easily be overlooked. Here are a few things you can remind clients to do. ID your dog. That means microchipping and ID tag on a collar. Health status. Carry a written record of current examination, vaccinations and parasite preventatives. A list …
Canine Flu Was Transmitted to Four CatsApril 15, 2016The canine influenza strain that struck thousands of U.S. dogs in 2015 has infected four cats at a northwest Indiana animal shelter. Sandra Newbury, a clinical assistant professor and director of the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, confirmed the diagnosis. “Suspicions of an outbreak in the cats initially were raised when a group of them displayed unusual signs of respiratory disease,” Dr. Newbury said. “While this first confirmed report of multiple cats testing positive for canine influenza in the U.S. shows the virus can affect cats, we hope that infections and illness in felines will continue to be quite rare.” Newbury and Kathy Toohey- Kurth, MS, Ph.D., of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, reported that dogs housed at the shelter also tested positive for the H3N2 strain. The feline link was not a total surprise. “Feline cases previously reported in South Korea suggested that the virus … was capable of making the leap from dogs to cats,” the university stated. “However, just one cat tested positive for H3N2 on a single occasion in the U.S. last year.” All the shelter animals were quarantined, and …
KSU Vet Researchers Successful in Treating FIPApril 14, 2016A new research project from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine has been successful in treating a deadly cat disease that has previously been nearly 100 percent fatal. Yunjeong Kim, an associate professor in the college's diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department, has worked with collaborators in various fields to develop an antiviral compound for feline coronavirus associated with feline infectious peritonitis, more commonly known as FIP. Her article, "Reversal of the Progression of Fatal Coronavirus Infection in Cats by a Broad-Spectrum Coronavirus Protease Inhibitor," has just been published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. "FIP is caused by coronavirus infection," Kim said. "Coronavirus infections are very common among cats. However, in most cases, these viral infections cause mild and self-limited enteritis or no symptoms. But some cats will develop a fatal disease which is FIP." Kim said FIP is usually found in young cats that are less than 2 or 3 years old. "FIP arises from certain viral mutation that occur in the infected …
