Nonsurgical feline sterilization methods to be exploredNovember 22, 2022Controlling the skyrocketing population of free-roaming cats in the United States and improving overall feline health are the dual goals of two recently launched studies. Morris Animal Foundation has announced funding for research projects at the University of Georgia and Tufts University, both of which will focus on developing methods for nonsurgical cat sterilization to control reproductive capacity. Researchers at the University of Georgia will work to develop an oral vaccine to decrease male cat fertility by reducing reproductive hormone levels, while scientists at Tufts will focus on decreasing hormone levels in female cats through an injectable medication. Currently, there are an estimated 60 million to 100 million free-roaming, community cats in the U.S., Morris Animal Foundation reports. The newly funded projects hope to develop strategies for controlling this population beyond trap/neuter/release programs, effectively reducing the number of cats entering animal shelters. "The importance of finding viable, safe, humane, and cost-effective techniques for nonsurgical sterilization in community cats cannot be overstated," says Morris Animal Foundation's vice president of scientific operations, Kathy Tietje, PhD, MBA. "We're excited about these innovative projects and their impact on population control of this specific group …
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Pets' influence on youth development to be exploredSeptember 27, 2019The role of pet ownership in predicting trajectories of youth development is set to be explored in an upcoming Tufts University research study.
Borrowed technique can save patients' eyesSeptember 25, 2019A new veterinary technique out of Tufts University is expected to save the eyes of countless canine and equine patients.
Osteosarcoma in dogs and children genetically similarJuly 26, 2019The veterinary community might soon see advancements in the treatment of canine osteosarcoma (OS).
Morris Animal Foundation funds 13 wildlife studies with $850KSeptember 25, 2018Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will extend $850,000 to fund 13 wildlife research studies. Through the new grants, the foundation is supporting scientists from Tufts University, Cornell University, and the Smithsonian Institution. The foundation's Wildlife Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all submitted grant applications and selected, based on scientific merit and impact, the studies with the greatest potential to save lives, preserve health, and advance veterinary care. Wildlife studies funded for 2018 include: Understanding the Impact of Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles Researchers will analyze multiple data sources to learn if lead continues to impact the long-term health and recovery of bald eagles. This new information will be used to help inform policy and public communication about lead exposure in bald eagles and other wildlife. Tackling Another Contagious Cancer in Tasmanian Devils Researchers will investigate a second, recently discovered, contagious cancer in Tasmanian devils, devil facial tumor 2 (DFT2). Understanding how the disease is evolving and spreading will provide important clues on how to manage this disease and other contagious cancers affecting both Tasmanian devils and dogs. Saving Endangered Frogs from Deadly Fungal Disease Researchers will look at ways to boost the immunity of …
Hydrocephalic fur seal undergoes brain surgery at TuftsDecember 28, 2017A neurosurgical team at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has successfully performed a first-of-its-kind brain surgery on a female adult Northern fur seal in an attempt to address her worsening neurologic condition. Ziggy Star is recovering well at her permanent home at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn. Ziggy was first seen at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University in September for a progressive condition that was causing severe neurologic episodes, difficulty moving, reduced training response, and cluster seizures. An MRI revealed an accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain—hydrocephalus. Mystic Aquarium took in Ziggy approximately four years ago after she was found stranded on the California coast and deemed non-releasable by the federal government. At the time, she had an MRI that showed some neurologic abnormalities. She received treatment, but her symptoms continued to progress at a concerning rate, with the seizures emerging more recently. "The MRI taken recently by our team showed that the brain was disappearing due to the excess fluid, and it was significantly worse than the last study four years ago," said Ane Uriarte, DVM, Diplomate of the European College of …
Cummings Veterinary Medical Center unveils $10 Million hospital renovationMay 5, 2017Nearly four years in the making, the renovation of the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass., is a wrap.
