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More time for transplants
When it comes to getting kidneys to organ transplant patients, the clock is always ticking. In an effort to buy more precious time, researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an organ transplant storage solution that preserves canine kidneys twice as long as current solutions, for six days as opposed to three. As human trials begin, the researchers, led by veterinarians Jonathan McAnulty and Christopher Murphy, say their efforts could boost the number of kidneys available for transplant in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, contact Tania Banak at 608-263-6914 or banakt@svm.vetmedl.wisc.edu.
Breathing a bit easier
They keep the human heart beating, and now pacemakers may also keep performance horses breathing. They may even be able to help humans who have laryngeal paralysis or difficulty speaking and swallowing due to thyroid surgery. Researchers, including a group from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, are developing a pacemaker for the equine larynx that can help stimulate damaged muscles and keep the airway open during strenuous exercise. They are hopeful that the pacemaker, once tried in horses, will eventually be able to help people. For more information, contact David Kirkpatrick at 847-285-6782 or dkirkpatrick@avma.org.
Coming together to fight cancer
Similarities between a form of cancer found in dogs and another found in humans have helped forge a unique partnership between veterinary and medical doctors who are dedicated to fighting the disease in both species. Oregon researchers Stuart Helfand, DVM, and Brian Druker, M.D., are studying a cell line developed by Helfand from a German shepherd dog that died of hemangiosarcoma to see what drugs can be produced to treat the disease. Their research may ultimately lead to treatments for similar cancers found in humans, such as chronic myeloid leukemia. For more information, contact Debrah Rarick at 541-737-6776 or debrah.rarick@oregonstate.edu.
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Weighing in on genetic engineering
Recognizing that genetic engineering has opened many doors and has the potential to provide great benefit to humans, animals and society, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently praised the release of federal guidance on the use of genetically engineered animals in research and food production. The AVMA's comments were issued in response to the announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that it has released draft guidance on the regulation of genetically engineered animals and is asking for comments from the public. For more information, contact David Kirkpatrick at 847-285-6782 or dkirkpatrick@avma.org.
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A sampling of interesting upcoming events and pet-related campaigns ...
National Pet Wellness Month, Oct. 1, 2008 – Oct. 31, 2008: By age 2, most pets have already reached adulthood. Many enter middle age at 4. By age 7, many dogs, particularly larger breeds, are considered "senior." That is why, since 2004, the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health have joined forces to urge pet owners to stay on top of their pet's health. National Pet Wellness Month helps raise awareness about the pet aging process, disease prevention and the importance of twice-a-year wellness exams for all cats and dogs. For more information, go to www.npwm.com.
2008 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Symposium, Oct. 23, 2008 – Oct. 25, 2008: This symposium includes world-renowned speakers involved in interactive case sessions; intensive hands-on laboratories; seminars; small group, cutting-edge panel discussions and scientific poster presentations. Attendees at the symposium include the foremost general veterinarians and pre-eminent veterinary surgeons in private practice, academia and industry, as well as technicians, students and researchers. For more information, go to http://www.acvs.org/Symposium/.
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