What’s In A Name? On ‘Slumdogs’ And ‘Spays’ In Veterinary MedicineOctober 9, 2009 I’ve got this new dog. He’s a pug-like puppy-mill disaster fresh off the Miami streets. And his name is Slumdog. After a lifetime of naming my pets human-style, I can’t help feeling I’ve somehow devolved now that I’ve just named one after a pseudo-ethnic epithet. “What’s wrong with Billy?” my mother offered by way of not-so-subtle coercion, “or even Mumbai?” (one of his nicknames). What can I say? Slumdog just named himself. It happens. You use it once by accident and it never goes away. For good reason, you might agree, after observing his severe angular/rotational limb deformities, ventrolateral strabismus, exophthalmia and just plain “poor adherence to breed standard.” He’s a mess. I know it. And you didn’t even get to see him before the generalized demodecosis and severe flea/hookworm anemia/malnutrition. Nor do you have the benefit of observing his downright dirty habits and bizarre behavioral tics. It happens to us all at one time or another when it comes to names. And you’ve seen it in your clients with respect to their name choices. Like when clients name their animals “S**t-head,” “Lil’ Hitler” or “Fubar” and somehow think it’s funny. And as …
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UC Davis Says Mountain Gorillas Pose No AIDS ThreatOctober 8, 2009 Researchers at the University of California, Davis, Mountain Gorilla One Health Program reported that mountain gorillas do not pose an AIDS threat to humans. The announcement was made in response to an article published in the Aug. 2 online edition of Nature Medicine, which raised concerns about potential risks to tourists and others who come into contact with gorillas. The article reported that French researchers had identified a new HIV strain that is closely related to a western lowland gorilla strain of simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV. The new HIV strain was identified in a woman from Cameroon. Michael Cranfield, DVM, co-director of the Mountain Gorilla One Health Program, said that none of the blood samples taken from more than 50 mountain gorillas during the past 10 years tested positive for HIV or SIV. In addition, two decades of post-mortem exams of gorillas who died of natural or other causes revealed no reason for concern, said Linda Lowenstine, DVM, professor of veterinary medicine at UC Davis and chief pathologist for the program. The reality is that gorillas are at greater risk of catching illness from humans than the other way around, said Kirsten Gilardi, DVM, …
More Pet Owners Turn To MSU’s Lucky Fund In Economic HardshipOctober 8, 2009 Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine reported an increased need for its Lucky Fund because of the economic climate, which, in turn, has caused the fund to rapidly deflate. “The fund helps subsidize veterinary bills for owners whose pets have a good chance at recovery and otherwise cannot afford the care and cannot obtain credit to finance it,” said Patrick LeBlanc, DVM, director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “With the economy, we’re finding more and more owners who need to access it, and the fund as a result is very low right now.” Fewer people are donating, he added. The fund is used several times a month and generally helps about 20 to 25 pet owners a year. MSU now has to be more selective in who receives assistance, Dr. LeBlanc said. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Michigan State University. Checks should have “Lucky Fund” written on the memo line and be mailed to: Veterinary Teaching Hospital Business Office Room A198 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 <HOME>
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 …
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 …
