Showing 17 posts from September 2008
A new study jointly conducted by Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute may one day help not only our canine friends with cancer, but also people with the human form of the disease.
Forging this unique relationship is OSU veterinary oncologist and researcher Stuart Helfand, D.V.M., and Brian Druker, M.D., director of the OHSU Cancer Institute.
Helfand has been researching canine cancer, especially what drives cancer, for about 25 years – an amount of research time similar to that of Druker, who discovered the targeted therapy drug Gleevec for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Gleevec has not only revolutionized cancer therapy for most people, it has recently been found to have activity in mast cell cancer, a tumor commonly seen in dogs.
Reasoning that what is learned about human tumors may be applied to animal tumors and vice versa, the two cancer experts have secured a three-year, $200,000 Morris Animal Foundation grant to study hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Helfand, the principal investigator, was one of the first to discover abnormalities in hemangiosarcoma growth pathways similar to those responsible for CML in humans.
This collaboration brings hope to many such as Eileen and Michael Hudak, of Junction City, Ore., who know well the grief that comes with losing a pet to cancer.
The couple recently lost their dog Rio, a nine-year-old Belgian Tervuren, to hemangiosarcoma. This breed resembles a lighter boned, longer-haired German Shepherd.
For the Hudaks, there was little warning that Rio was sick. They noticed external bleeding from the dog's underside, and within days their beloved pet died. It was already too late for Helfand to try a drug therapy to save Rio. The deadly cancer had spread widely throughout the dog's body.
"Rio was like an ambassador for his breed," said Michael Hudak. "You could take him anywhere. He just loved everybody and everybody loved him. I've had a lot of dogs and he was just really special. If I had a thousand dogs I would never find another one like him."
The Hudaks have high hopes for this research. As breeders of Belgian Tervurens, they worry that Rio's daughter, Eve, and his granddaughter, Rose, who live with them, as well as his other offspring throughout the country -- many of whom are "best of show" winners -- could be affected by this cancer.
Hemangiosarcomas strike all dog breeds, but is more often found in German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It is a rapidly growing, highly invasive cancer. Helfand's clinic sees about five dogs a month with this cancer. Thanks to this grant, the Druker Laboratory is now studying a cell line developed in Helfand's laboratory from a German Shepherd that died of this sarcoma. The researchers want to see what drugs can be developed to treat this disease. In turn, this research may ultimately benefit people with similar cancers.
"Over the years we have made the case that animals with cancer can be excellent models for human disease – they live in the same environment, their lifespan is long enough for study and their cancers mimic human cancers. Sometimes the line blurs: cat, dog, people," said Helfand, a veterinary oncologist in the new OSU veterinary cancer program.
And the human connection also brings hope.
"This could be a pilot for treatment in humans. The hope is that we can use this drug screening in the future for personalized cancer therapy," said Jeff Tyner, Ph.D., a research fellow in hematology/ medical oncology, OHSU School of Medicine. He and Marc Loriaux, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of both pathology (anatomic pathology) and of medicine (hematology/medical oncology), are responsible for the drug screening research in the Druker Laboratory.
Source Eurealert
Related articles:
What You Should Know About Cancer in dogs
Cancer causes for dogs
Cher Died Of Cancer
I lost my sweet little sheltie - Cher to cancer so I know how hard it is to deal with this disease. The more we can learn about cancer causes and treatments - the better for humans and their animal loved ones.
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
Forging this unique relationship is OSU veterinary oncologist and researcher Stuart Helfand, D.V.M., and Brian Druker, M.D., director of the OHSU Cancer Institute.
Helfand has been researching canine cancer, especially what drives cancer, for about 25 years – an amount of research time similar to that of Druker, who discovered the targeted therapy drug Gleevec for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Gleevec has not only revolutionized cancer therapy for most people, it has recently been found to have activity in mast cell cancer, a tumor commonly seen in dogs.
Reasoning that what is learned about human tumors may be applied to animal tumors and vice versa, the two cancer experts have secured a three-year, $200,000 Morris Animal Foundation grant to study hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Helfand, the principal investigator, was one of the first to discover abnormalities in hemangiosarcoma growth pathways similar to those responsible for CML in humans.
This collaboration brings hope to many such as Eileen and Michael Hudak, of Junction City, Ore., who know well the grief that comes with losing a pet to cancer.
The couple recently lost their dog Rio, a nine-year-old Belgian Tervuren, to hemangiosarcoma. This breed resembles a lighter boned, longer-haired German Shepherd.
For the Hudaks, there was little warning that Rio was sick. They noticed external bleeding from the dog's underside, and within days their beloved pet died. It was already too late for Helfand to try a drug therapy to save Rio. The deadly cancer had spread widely throughout the dog's body.
"Rio was like an ambassador for his breed," said Michael Hudak. "You could take him anywhere. He just loved everybody and everybody loved him. I've had a lot of dogs and he was just really special. If I had a thousand dogs I would never find another one like him."
The Hudaks have high hopes for this research. As breeders of Belgian Tervurens, they worry that Rio's daughter, Eve, and his granddaughter, Rose, who live with them, as well as his other offspring throughout the country -- many of whom are "best of show" winners -- could be affected by this cancer.
Hemangiosarcomas strike all dog breeds, but is more often found in German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It is a rapidly growing, highly invasive cancer. Helfand's clinic sees about five dogs a month with this cancer. Thanks to this grant, the Druker Laboratory is now studying a cell line developed in Helfand's laboratory from a German Shepherd that died of this sarcoma. The researchers want to see what drugs can be developed to treat this disease. In turn, this research may ultimately benefit people with similar cancers.
"Over the years we have made the case that animals with cancer can be excellent models for human disease – they live in the same environment, their lifespan is long enough for study and their cancers mimic human cancers. Sometimes the line blurs: cat, dog, people," said Helfand, a veterinary oncologist in the new OSU veterinary cancer program.
And the human connection also brings hope.
"This could be a pilot for treatment in humans. The hope is that we can use this drug screening in the future for personalized cancer therapy," said Jeff Tyner, Ph.D., a research fellow in hematology/ medical oncology, OHSU School of Medicine. He and Marc Loriaux, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of both pathology (anatomic pathology) and of medicine (hematology/medical oncology), are responsible for the drug screening research in the Druker Laboratory.
Source Eurealert
Related articles:
What You Should Know About Cancer in dogs
Cancer causes for dogs
Cher Died Of Cancer
I lost my sweet little sheltie - Cher to cancer so I know how hard it is to deal with this disease. The more we can learn about cancer causes and treatments - the better for humans and their animal loved ones.
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
It is possible for your dog to be a vegetarian, but it's not easy. Most veterinarians say don't do it. Dogs are meat eaters by nature. They have the tooth structure of a carnivore and do better if at least a third of their diet is meat. Best to consult with a nutritionally savvy holistic veterinarian if you want to try, but ask yourself first, who are you doing it for, you or your dog?
Here are three things veterinarians say about vegetarian dogs:
They are missing ingredients in their food that they naturally get in the wilds.
Their coats are dull.
They seem to develop odd kinds of illnesses.
Carvel Tiekert, DVM, tells the story of a woman who once brought in a Newfoundland mixed breed that was a sorry site. "The dog was shaggy and baggy, head down and depressed,' he relates. "The owner thought the dog had a disease. I asked what she fed him. She had become a strict vegetarian and was feeding the dog similarly. I suggested she feed him some meat, but she was reluctant. I then suggested some eggs. She could handle that. She returned a month later with a new dog, he had bright eyes, wagging tail, full of energy. That's all I did for the "disease" - prescribe some animal protein."
Did you know this Surprise Source of Vitamin D?
I do feed my dogs eggs but only pastured eggs, the ones from happy chickens that are high in omega 3 fatty acids and an excellent source of protein.
Did you know this Surprise Source of Vitamin D?
I do feed my dogs eggs but only pastured eggs, the ones from happy chickens that are high in omega 3 fatty acids and an excellent source of protein.
I give the dogs veggies and use this whole food multi with their food. The green supplement is veggie, herb, probiotic, and digestive enzyme multi that my family takes. (I give the dogs 1/2 the people dose)
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
Some of you might know that my sweet 18-year-old dog, Tara passed away in March 08. Her picture is to the left, she was 17 1/2 when that picture was taken. I still have bad days and miss her more than I thought I would. I want to share a story I have taped on my refrigerator door. It's very touching and so true.
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old.)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
What do you think about the wisdom of this 6-year-old?
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
Authorities evacuating residents from New Orleans ahead of Hurricane Gustav are making amends with four-legged friends after thousands of pets perished in Hurricane Katrina three years ago.
Animal welfare groups tried to make sure that evacuees had their pets with them, while shelters away from the Gulf Coast accommodated animals this time around.
Many owners stayed in the city during the catastrophic 2005 hurricane because they could not take their pets to shelters and could not bear to leave without them.
"This city has been hit so badly, they've lost so much, and the last thing they have to hold on to is their animal," said Laura Bergerol, a volunteer with Animal Rescue New Orleans.
The group stacked up boxes for residents who planned to carry their small pets with them as part of an evacuation on buses and trains through the Union Passenger terminal.
Pet owners stood in line to register their furry friends. Then they were given a machine readable band to tag on to their pet, in case they became separated.
Among the horrors of Katrina three years ago were dead dogs bobbing in the drowned streets of the city, 80 percent of which was flooded.
Dog owner Julian Coleman lined up to register his feisty Rottweiler-German shepherd puppy Ali.
"I didn't want to just leave him to get hurt, like so many did in Katrina," Coleman said as Ali jumped up. "It makes me feel a little safer having him with me."
Evacuee Sylvania Moore was anxious about being separated from her mother, but relieved to be able to take her shitsu, Buddy, with her.
"He gets to ride the bus with us, which is good," said Moore, clutching Buddy in her arms outside the Amtrak terminal. "It's a relief that we didn't have to leave him behind."
Source: NewsDaily
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
Animal welfare groups tried to make sure that evacuees had their pets with them, while shelters away from the Gulf Coast accommodated animals this time around.
Many owners stayed in the city during the catastrophic 2005 hurricane because they could not take their pets to shelters and could not bear to leave without them.
"This city has been hit so badly, they've lost so much, and the last thing they have to hold on to is their animal," said Laura Bergerol, a volunteer with Animal Rescue New Orleans.
The group stacked up boxes for residents who planned to carry their small pets with them as part of an evacuation on buses and trains through the Union Passenger terminal.
Pet owners stood in line to register their furry friends. Then they were given a machine readable band to tag on to their pet, in case they became separated.
Among the horrors of Katrina three years ago were dead dogs bobbing in the drowned streets of the city, 80 percent of which was flooded.
Dog owner Julian Coleman lined up to register his feisty Rottweiler-German shepherd puppy Ali.
"I didn't want to just leave him to get hurt, like so many did in Katrina," Coleman said as Ali jumped up. "It makes me feel a little safer having him with me."
Evacuee Sylvania Moore was anxious about being separated from her mother, but relieved to be able to take her shitsu, Buddy, with her.
"He gets to ride the bus with us, which is good," said Moore, clutching Buddy in her arms outside the Amtrak terminal. "It's a relief that we didn't have to leave him behind."
Source: NewsDaily
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes
1) the types and number of pets in your household;
2) the name of your veterinarian;
3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.
To get an emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out ASPCA online order form; please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.
Step 2 Arrange a Safe Haven
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND.
Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
- Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities. - Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. - Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets. - Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.
Step 3 Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)
- 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
- Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
- Litter or paper toweling
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes
- Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)-
Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
- Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
- Flashlight - Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet) - Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)- Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter
- Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.
You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family.
Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
Step 4 Choose “Designated Caregivers”
This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.
When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet. Click here for information about pet trusts.
Step 5 Evacuation Preparation
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
- Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
- Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.
- The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted in the animal's shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at most animal shelters.
- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.
Step 6 Geographic and Climatic Considerations
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
- Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
- Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones. - Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.
- In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.
Special Considerations for Birds-
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
- In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.
- In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird's feathers.
- Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.
- If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently.
- Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.
- It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.
- Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner.
Special Considerations for Reptiles
- A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.
- Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming device, such as a hot water bottle. Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).
Special Considerations for Small Animals
- Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.
- Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hidebox or tube, a week's worth of bedding.
ASPCA Emergency tips
ASPCA Emergency tips
I use and recommend Flint River Ranch a natural healthy dog food.
