MAF awards Penn $775K to test osteosarcoma immunotherapy vaccine in dogsApril 20, 2018Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has awarded a $775,000 grant to the University of Pennsylvania to test a vaccine that could improve longevity and quality of life for dogs with osteosarcoma. The research team will conduct clinical trials to evaluate a novel immunotherapy treatment that combines a molecule expressed by cancer cells with a modified live form of Listeria monocytogenes. A pilot study demonstrated this combination elicited a powerful, targeted immune response directed against osteosarcoma cells in patients suffering from this type of cancer. "This could be an incredible breakthrough in the fight against osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive and deadly cancer," said Kelly Diehl, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), senior scientific programs and communications adviser at MAF. "For the last 50 years, Morris Animal Foundation has been funding cancer studies, and this is one of the largest, single grants we have ever awarded. The results of the pilot study were so compelling, that we knew we had to support this research team and their progression to a clinical trial." The vaccine, created by removing harmful genes from the Listeria bacteria and then attaching markers of osteosarcoma cells, supplements standard osteosarcoma treatment of amputation and chemotherapy by attacking cancer cells that …
SPONSORED CONTENTThe Reality of Veterinary Surgery ErgonomicsOne of the greatest challenges of Work-Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (WRMSD) is that they can come on slowly. They can be easy to ignore initially. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued ergonomic guidelines to help veterinarians catch problems early. + Learn More
AHVMA conference 2018 in 'Search of Healing Stuff'April 20, 2018The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) will host its annual conference in Kissimmee, Fla., Oct. 4-7. The event will feature an address from AHVMA past-president Richard Palmquist, DVM, who will deliver his keynote speech, "Search of Healing Stuff," describing how microscopic to macroscopic relationships can build a better healing community. In addition to the keynote address, the conference will feature more than 100 hours of lectures on a range of topics. Speakers include animal rehabilitation specialist Janice Huntingford, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVTP, CVCH, CVFT, equine acupuncturist Deborah Marshall, DVM, CVA, CVC, and certified animal chiropractor Daniel M. Halden. The event will also include a banquet, featuring a silent auction with proceeds going toward AHVMA's student scholarship fund, as well as the association's Annual Herbwalk, sponsored by the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association. To view the conference schedule, click here.
As U.S. pet obesity balloons, vets, owners talk diet, nutritionApril 20, 2018The dog and cat pet obesity epidemic in the U.S. continues to grow, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). In the organization's 2017 annual clinical survey, 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. In 2016, APOP found 54 percent of dogs and 59 percent of cats were overweight or obese. In the survey, pet owners and veterinary professionals were questioned about diet and nutrition, sources of pet food advice, the benefits of corn, dry versus canned, whether pet food has improved, the best sources of pet dietary recommendations, and more. Among the findings: 58 percent of pet owners and 54 percent of veterinary professionals reported having tried to help their own pet lose weight via low-calorie and weight loss diets combined with increased exercise. 25 percent of pet owners and 43 percent of veterinary professionals said they were "too busy" to exercise their dog; 21 percent of pet owners and 19 percent of veterinary professionals cited behavior issues as a barrier. Inadequate access to exercise areas and physical limitations of the owner and pet rounded out the reported challenges. 48 percent of …
AVMA membership surpasses 91KApril 19, 2018 Membership for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hit a record-high this year, with more than 91,000 veterinarians cited as association members—equating to three out of every four U.S. veterinarians. The achievement was announced at AVMA's board of directors meeting, held in Schaumburg, Ill., Apr. 5-6. The board also announced the results of its recent performance survey, which demonstrated an increase in member satisfaction, with more members recommending the association to veterinary colleagues. Additional meeting highlights are outlined below. New AVMA website The board approved funding for a digital agency to assist AVMA with a full redesign of the association website. The project has commenced, with the updated website scheduled to launch in 2019. Veterinary Information Forum follow-up In January, the AVMA House of Delegates hosted a Veterinary Information Forum and asked association staff to collect information from state veterinary medical associations about the provision of veterinary care to underserved populations. The association expects to compile these findings and share them with its members by January 2019. Depopulation guidelines The AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals: 2018 Edition will be the third product in the association's Humane Endings …
CAPC forecasts problematic heartworm, Lyme in 2018April 19, 2018 The Companion Animal Parasite Council, or CAPC, has released its annual 2018 parasite forecasts, and the news isn't good. The agency reported there will be an increase in prevalence of heartworm and Lyme disease, and heartworm is predicted to continue its aggressive spread across the U.S., with the growth of Lyme disease focused east of the Rockies. The spread of heartworm is attributed to the hot and wet weather over a two-year span, shifting weather patterns that allow for ideal mosquito breeding conditions, and the relocation of unknown heartworm-positive dogs across the country, according to CAPC. CAPC also predicts the spread of Lyme disease into nonendemic areas, including the Dakotas, Iowa, Missouri, southern Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. "Our annual forecasts provide critical and important information to help veterinarians and pet owners understand parasites are a true risk to both pets and people," said Dwight Bowman, MS, Ph.D., CAPC board member and professor of parasitology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "This year, there are significant shifts in prevalence, making our maps a critical educational tool for veterinary hospitals, and allowing veterinarians and pet owners to see that parasites are ever changing …
Kansas' Manhattan area tech college receives $500K grantApril 19, 2018 The National Science Foundation awarded a three-year grant amounting to more than $500,000 to the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) in Kansas. The funds will help the school develop a critical environment engineering technology program, which will train students to become engineering technicians to assist in veterinary medicine. "One of the key elements is providing a skilled workforce to support the research scientists, veterinary scientists, and lab managers so the facilities operate safely and effectively," said James Genandt, MATC president. "MATC is excited to lead the way with technician training for biotechnology, biosafety risk reduction, and critical environment technology. The new program expands Kansas City's Animal Health Corridor, a cluster of animal-science businesses and educational programs available in the region, including Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine and the Biosecurity Research Institute. Additionally, soon the corridor will include the college's National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility—a $1.25 billion animal disease laboratory, constructed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "It is clear that the Animal Health Corridor is a key component of the regional economy and provides this area with a global connection offering the winning combination of research, product development, markets, and …
Merck announces inaugural Dog Flu Prevention WeekApril 18, 2018Merck Animal Health announced it has created Dog Flu Prevention Week, to be held during the third week of April annually (this year April 16-22), as a reminder to pet owners to protect their social dogs, either for the first time or for revaccination. Thousands of cases of dog flu have been confirmed across the country in the past year, and Dog Flu Prevention Week is being launched to recognize the anniversary of the discovery of the newest strain—H3N2—the party responsible for most cases. Dog Flu Prevention Week will kick off the discussion around vaccine-preventable diseases in conjunction with World Animal Vaccination Day, which is April 20. "All dogs that are social and interact with other dogs are at risk for dog flu, but the good news is that dog flu is vaccine preventable," said Kathryn Primm, DVM, co-author of the Pet Parent's Guide to Infectious Disease of Dogs. "Dogs can be protected against both strains of dog flu with a single vaccine, which is given as two doses, two to four weeks apart." Social dogs that are frequently in contact with other dogs at places like dog parks, dog day care and grooming facilities, and boarding kennels are at an increased …
Fear Free founder helps owners identify, address FAS in new bookApril 18, 2018Even though a good dog owner is attentive to their companion's physical needs—feeding, bathing, and playtime—they sometimes overlook a dog's emotional needs because it can be hard to identify the triggers of a dog's fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), according to Marty Becker, DVM, founder of the Fear Free Pets program, who has released a new book aimed at teaching the program's principles to owners. In From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias, Dr. Becker; Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB; Wailani Sung, Ph.D., DVM, DACVB; and Mikkel Becker explain how FAS is the underlying cause of many concerning behaviors such as excessive barking, aggression, destructive behaviors, and house-soiling. Further, the book discusses how FAS is the source for deterioration of the human-animal bond, and can make a trip to the veterinarian, pet groomer, or boarding facility miserable for pet and owner alike. If misinterpreted, overlooked, or left untreated, these negative experiences can lead to devastating consequences and permanent damage. Dr. Becker and his colleagues address FAS and share their own experiences, and include techniques and resources to implement Dr. Becker's Fear-Free program (fearfreepets.com and
Researchers review mesenchymal stem cell therapy potentialApril 18, 2018 In a review published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Jessica M. Quimby, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, and Dori L. Borjesson, DVM, MPVM, Ph.D., Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures at the University of California, Davis, consider both the current and potential clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in cats. The use of bone marrow-derived stem cells is established for the treatment of human cancer patients and, as such, veterinary applications for bone marrow- and adipose-derived stem cells are being evaluated. In their review, Drs. Quimby and Borjesson consider the emergence of this trend, as well as the current understanding of the biology/immunology of mesenchymal stem cells. Additionally, the authors analyze previous use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of a number of inflammatory, degenerative, and immune-mediated diseases of cats. Traditionally, managing such conditions relies on a lifelong use of medication, with the potential for associated side effects. Often, cats do not respond to standard treatment strategies and, thus, the medication may not protect against the progression of the underlying disease. So far, applications of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in cats have produced encouraging results, including …
AAVSB announces new website, updated logoApril 17, 2018The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) has unveiled new branding, including a complete redesign of its website, and a refresh of the organization's logo. The new, mobile-friendly website provides an improved user experience and focuses on "presenting the right information to the right user at the right time," according to the organization. "We're thrilled to finally get to share our new website with our member boards, their licensees, students, exam candidates, and members of the public to whom the AAVSB is an indispensable resource," said Jim Penrod, executive director. "Our website and logo have evolved, but our mission to support and advance the regulatory process for veterinary medicine is the same. We've simply increased our ability to reach and interact with our key audiences thereby providing greater support to our member boards." The association partnered with Level Five Solutions Inc., a user-experience firm based in Overland Park, Kan.; Adventure Tech, a web and software development company also based in Overland Park; and Lost & Found Designs, an online-based creative design company. Visit the newly redesigned website at aavsb.org.
