Pet4Pets Blog

Cat Genome Mapped

2007-11-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Blueprint of feline DNA could help humans, too, scientists say
-- Robert Preidt
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have sequenced the genome of the domestic cat (Felis catus), an advance they say will lead to health benefits for the popular pets and provide an excellent model for human disease.
A four-year-old Abyssinian cat named Cinnamon, whose lineage can be traced back several generations to Sweden, was the subject of the genome sequencing by scientists with the Cat Genome Project, based at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The project was authorized three years ago by the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute.
Domestic cats have more than 250 naturally occurring hereditary disorders, many of with are similar to genetic problems in humans. For example, Cinnamon's lineage carries a genetic mutation that causes a degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa that can cause blindness. The disease also occurs in humans and affects about 1 in 3,500 Americans.
The domestic cat also serves as an excellent model for infectious diseases that affect humans, such as HIV/AIDS. Cats can be infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is a genetic relative of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
A report detailing the sequencing of the domestic cat genome is published in the journal Genome Research.
More information
The U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute has more about genomics

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Cancer is more frequent in pets than people

Every year, it's estimated that 6 million dogs and 6 million cats get cancer, many times more often than people. While people grieve for their own lost pet, few know that this is happening to millions of others each year.
But that is starting to change with such programs as Pet Cancer Awareness Month, which each November reminds people that pets get the same kinds of cancer as people – just more of it. For example, dogs get 35 times more skin cancer, four times more breast tumors, eight times more bone cancer, and twice as much leukemia.

Cancer is cancer, whether in people or pets, says expert

2007-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

One in Four Dogs Will Die of Cancer - #1 Cause of Death in Dogs Over Age Two

Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) has launched a $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years.

World-renowned specialists agree that this effort will not only save countless dogs from premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs for human cancers – in particular childhood cancers.

Endorsement of this initiative has been received from: Children's Oncology Group, Animal Cancer Foundation, MIT/Harvard (Broad Institute), and the Mayo Clinic.

This global cancer cure initiative is attracting major corporate support, including a $1.1 million donation from Pfizer Animal Health for a canine tumor tissue bank, to help researchers uncover new cancer therapies.

"One in four dogs will die of cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of disease-related death in dogs over the age of two. Sadly, many of the most popular dog breeds are especially susceptible to developing cancer. Your donation may very well save your own beloved pet dog from suffering cancer’s effects,” states Dr. Patricia N. Olson, CEO and president of MAF.

"This is the ultimate win-win situation," says Dr. Olson. "As we treat and cure cancer in our pet dogs, we may help alleviate the ravages of cancer among humans. This animal-human bond is simply inspirational."

To learn more, visit: www.curecaninecancer.org.

According to Dr. Stephen Withrow, director of the world's largest Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, "Dramatic progress has been made in the last several decades on understanding the causes and treatment of cancer.

“Cancer is cancer regardless of species; discoveries in either dogs or humans will have rapid acceptance in the other species." says Dr. Withrow. "Humans really are the dog's best friend. For example, surgical and chemotherapeutic techniques in dog's bone cancer have helped guide treatment in children and visa versa."

The National Cancer Institute, the global leader in human cancer research, has included the study of cancer in dogs within its Comparative Oncology Program since 2003. NCI's Comparative Oncology Program integrates the study of cancer biology and therapy in dogs with the broader cancer research community.

Dr. Richard Gorlick, Children's Oncology Group, whose members treat 90 percent of all children with cancer in North America, says canine-human research is invaluable.

"Cancer in pet dogs strongly resembles the cancers we see in pediatric patients. We strongly support MAF's initiative and believe that results will be ultimately helpful for both children and canine cancer patients."

All Dogs Face Serious Cancer Threat -- These Breeds Are Most Susceptible
Bernese Mountain Dog: Histiocytic sarcoma (soft tissues)
Boxer: Lymphoma (lymph nodes) Brain Cancer
Cocker Spaniel: Lymphoma (lymph nodes)
Golden Retriever: Lymphoma (lymph nodes), Hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels/spleen); 60% of golden retrievers die of cancer
Labrador Retriever: Lymphoma (lymph nodes), Hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels/spleen)
English Springer Spaniel: Mammary gland (breast)
Pug: Mast Cell (skin)
Shar-pei: Mast Cell (skin)
Greyhound: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Rottweiler: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Any large or giant breed: Osteosarcoma (bone)
Collie: Nasal Cancer
Scottish Terrier: Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder), Melanoma (skin/mouth)
Chow Chow: Stomach Cancer
Flat-coated Retriever: Transitional cell carcinoma (bladder), Melanoma (skin/mouth)

Great video on how pets help kids with cancer

2007-04-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4289373926523818643&q=pet+cancer

You will want to check out this video on a boy's experience with cancer and how pets can help children undergoing chemotherapy.

More Great Science -- First-Ever Cancer Prevention Trial For Dogs

2007-04-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., April 5 -- The Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation announced today the launch of the first randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled cancer prevention trial in pet dogs. The study will enroll 700 Rottweiler dogs nationwide to test whether daily dietary antioxidants can reduce bone cancer.

Healthy, cancer-free Rottweilers 5 to 6 years of age will be randomized into two treatment groups (supplements versus no supplements) and then followed for up to eight years. Scientists will look at bone cancer incidence, overall cancer incidence and longevity.

The nationwide study is being led by the Murphy Foundation, working together with a skilled network of practicing veterinarians, and is funded by P&G Pet Care, the makers of Iams and Eukanuba. Rottweilers have a strong predisposition to bone cancer.

"Rottweiler owners stand strongly committed to helping us figure out just how to reduce the number of dogs that succumb to cancer," said lead investigator David J. Waters, DVM, PhD, Executive Director of the Murphy Foundation. "This trial takes an important first step toward that goal. Our end goal is to help not only dogs, but their human owners as well, by preventing this devastating disease."

"The intervention we're testing is a potent antioxidant combination that significantly reduces the sensitivity of cells to oxidative stress," said Michael Hayek, PhD, associate director of research and development, P&G Pet Care. "In a pilot study, daily treatment with these supplements rendered the blood cells of dogs more resistant to oxidative stress challenge in the laboratory."

"This landmark study will test whether a change in diet that heightens your defenses against oxidative stress translates into reduced cancer risk or increased longevity. That's very exciting," said Waters. Enrollment of dogs into the trial is expected to be completed during the next 30 months.

Previous emphasis in cancer research -- for humans as well as dogs -- has focused mainly on treatment, not prevention. Murphy Foundation scientists are recognized for their contributions to advancing the frontiers of cancer prevention research, and for pioneering the application
of new discoveries to both humans and animals, a field known as comparative oncology.

About the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation
The Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation is a not for profit research institute named in memory of its founding director and developer of the PSA test for early prostate cancer detection. The foundation conducts joint research with Purdue University and is located in the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Indiana.

To read whole story click link: http://www.prnewswire.com/news/index_mail.shtml?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-05-2007/0004560211&EDATE=

Today Show Does Excellent Story on Canine Cancer

2007-03-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/104471.aspx

Read this blog story and click on the link to Today Show segment, "Jill's Best Friend," that is drawing the interest of pet lovers everywhere. The segment covers her journey with her dog Jack, and his survival from a diagnosis of bone cancer. Animal Cancer Foundation founder, Gerry Post, DVM, is the veterinary oncologist who saved Jack. Dr. Post tells viewers -- "Cancer is no longer a death sentence." What a great story.

New Vaccine for Canine Skin Cancer Is Good Tidings

2007-03-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

This recent item is excellent news for canine cancer and the field of comparative oncology. Melanoma, according to one expert, is 35 times more common in dogs than in people. And it is frequently fatal. But the new idea of using a therapeutic vaccine to activate the immune system to fight the cancer has important implications for this cancer type, and other cancers that affect people and pets. A short version of the press release and a link to the whole story follows:

USDA Grants Conditional Approval for First Therapeutic Vaccine to Treat Cancer

DULUTH, Ga., March 26 -- Merial gained conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a breakthrough vaccine to treat canine melanoma, a common yet deadly form of cancer in dogs. This is the first time that the U.S. government has approved a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cancer -- in either animals or humans.

The vaccine will initially be available for use by specialists practicing veterinary oncology, so pet owners will want to ask their veterinarians about how to access this treatment option.

The vaccine was developed through a partnership between Merial, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and The Animal Medical Center (AMC) of New York. Drs. Alan Houghton and Jedd Wolchok of MSKCC were doing laboratory testing of a melanoma vaccine they developed. An inquiry by Dr. Philip Bergman of The AMC, seeking novel treatments for canine melanoma, resulted in the clinical trial of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering melanoma vaccine at The Animal Medical Center. Subsequent parallel trials at AMC and MSKCC refined the dosage and protocol to the current therapeutic regimen for dogs.

"Both humans and dogs develop this cancer in exactly the same way. The disease occurs spontaneously through an interaction of genes with the environment," explained Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD, an oncologist on the Clinical Immunology Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. "By conducting trials in humans and in animals that live in the same surroundings as
humans, there can be a synergy that we hope will result in improved cancer treatment for all."

Canine melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer that typically appears in a dog's mouth, but also may appear in the nail bed, foot pad or other areas. Dogs with melanomas that have gone beyond initial stages typically have a lifespan of one to five months with conventional therapies. To date, the most common treatments for this form of cancer have been radiation and surgery. "Melanoma spreads readily, and, unfortunately, is often resistant to chemotherapy," said Bob Menardi, DVM, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Merial.

Clinical studies demonstrated significantly longer life spans even in dogs with advanced stages of melanoma. In fact, many dogs have survived beyond the 389-day median survival of the initial study.

"Historically speaking, treatment of oral melanoma with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy has not been very effective," said Dr. Bergman. "This therapeutic vaccine is an adjunct therapy for dogs that have been diagnosed with this often fatal disease."

"We're all very proud of what we've accomplished here," said Tim Leard, DVM, PhD, Director of Biologics Research and Development at Merial. "We've brought together a number of partners, all committed to innovation and discovery. This product will improve the health and well-being of dogs, and we're very excited about continuing this work, leveraging technology, and developing more treatments."

The USDA has issued a conditional U.S. Veterinary Biological Product License for this therapeutic vaccine. This conditional license is a response to an application and assurance of safety and purity, and a reasonable expectation of efficacy based on initial trials.
During the period of conditional licensure, Merial will conduct additional research to further support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

Full story:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news/index_mail.shtml?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-26-2007/0004553373&EDATE=

Saving Percy the Cat -- cancer radiation treatment not just for people

2007-03-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2007
Contact: Christian Basi, Associate Director, BasiC@missouri.edu
By Kelsey Jackson

COLUMBIA, Mo. – With blue-gray fur and a habit of purring, Percy isn’t your typical cancer patient, but at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, even Russian Blue cats can undergo radiation treatment.

Each year, more than 1,200 appointments are scheduled through the innovative veterinary oncology program at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine for animals suffering from cancer. The animals are seen by veterinarians with specialty training in oncology. The program works in a cooperative effort with human medicine oncologists to find effective treatments for both people and animals. Veterinarians at MU use similar techniques of human medicine, including the newest advances in chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. MU has four board-certified veterinary oncologists on staff, as well as a board-certified radiation therapist, three medical oncology and one radiation oncology resident, and one oncology intern.

“The University of Missouri-Columbia is unique in that it is home to a veterinary teaching hospital, a medical school and cancer center, a research reactor and a life sciences research center, all located on the same physical campus,” said Carolyn Henry, associate professor and director of the Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology. “This gives us an unparalleled opportunity to create a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers devoted to discovering improved diagnostic and therapeutic options for all cancer patients.”

Cats can develop several cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, breast and lung cancer. The demand for veterinary oncologists has increased as more and more people consider pets as members of their families. In addition, the MU group has developed an oncology clinical trials service for enrollment of animal cancer patients in trials evaluating new cutting-edge therapies. As evidence of their success in this area, the MU oncology program was chosen as one of only 13 sites comprising the National Cancer Institute’s Comparative Oncology Trials Consortium. The first trial studying a novel cancer treatment in dogs is underway, with MU serving as one of only four trial sites in the nation.

Percy, perhaps the most famous pet-patient at the hospital, won the heart of Brad Belk, the director at the Joplin Museum Complex in Joplin, Mo., who found the cat abandoned in 2000. Belk decided to keep the cat as an official museum greeter. In the last seven years, Percy has greeted more than 100,000 museum visitors, received fan letters from people all over the world and survived a well-publicized kidnapping. Some of his famous fans include the governor of Missouri; Brad Pitt’s mother, who wanted one of his offspring to give to Jennifer Aniston; and artist Harriet Cremeen, who completed an oil painting of the cat three years ago.

MU veterinary oncologists were determined not to let cancerous lesions from Percy’s abdomen and left hind leg end his star status. Percy was brought to the veterinary teaching hospital after three previous surgeries did not completely remove his tumors. To combat his aggressive form of fibrosarcoma, the cat had four weeks of radiation therapy by one of the few linear accelerators dedicated to veterinary use. During his stay at the hospital, Percy received 20 doses of radiation to his tumor site.

Unlike some of the human patients, Percy shows no signs of side effects from his treatment. Percy was released from the hospital and is doing well, Henry said.

Racing to Cure Cancer

2007-03-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Iditarod Racing Team Sponsors Charity Collars For Cancer

Karen Ramstead, a six-time competitor in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, is joining in the fight to help find cures for pet cancer.

“All the dogs on my Iditarod team this year will be sporting bright orange Pet4Pets™ charity collars,” said Ramstead, an Alberta dog musher and Siberian Husky breeder.

The collars are sold in pet supply stores, vet clinics and at www.pet4pets.com to support pet cancer research. Each collar sold raises $2 for the Animal Cancer Foundation.

The legendary Iditarod follows a 1,151-mile trail through deep snow, two mountain ranges, along the lonely Yukon River, and finally up the coast of the Bering Sea. The race celebrates the dramatic 1925 delivery by dog sled of lifesaving medicine for a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska. When Ramstead’s team sets off from Anchorage this March, they will be joining the race to cure cancer in pets and people.

“Like many dog owners, we have lost a number of dogs to cancer. Chester, one of my 10-year-old retired leaders, has lived out his last days with this disease. It broke my heart to watch as this once amazing athlete be beaten by cancer,” she said.

Ramstead spotted the charity collars at the vet clinic. In agony at Chester’s diagnosis, she felt that sponsoring the collars was a way to honor her canine companion of thousands of miles of aching cold and exhausted jubilation.

Chester arrived in her life at a grim time in the winter of 1996/97. She had lost her father to cancer. Her husband, Mark, was out of work. The last thing they needed was another dog. But Chester stayed, and it was a turning point in their lives.

Soon Mark got a new job. They moved from Calgary to Perryvale, near Athabasca in Northern Alberta. And Karen, a Toronto transplant, got serious about the Iditarod, called The Last Great Race on Earth. Just to finish is a triumph of will.

She and Chester first tried it in 2000 but did not finish. The next year, they did. She was the first Canadian woman to complete the race. And Chester was a leader in the first team of registered Canadian Kennel Club Huskies to cross the finish line, she said.

In 2004, her team, led by Chester and her superstar leader, Grover, set the third-fastest time for a purebred team. As celebrities, she and Chester toured schools to teach youngsters about mushing. Chester loved kids, and they loved him right back.

“With his non-stop wagging tail and friendly Siberian grin, he made friends wherever we went,” she recalled. A handsome dog, Chester also won a Canadian Championship and is one of only seven Champion Siberian Huskies that have finished the Iditarod.

In January 2005, Chester retired from racing after a shoulder injury. He spent some time in New Hampshire and came home to retire. Then, he had trouble swallowing food. A lump appeared on his head. An X-ray, barium swallow and biopsy confirmed that Chester had advanced cancer and less than a month to live.

“Our once proud, strong sled dog moved into the house so that we could enjoy every moment with him,” she said.

“Chester and I traveled 20,000 miles together in harness over the years. We have conquered the Alaska Mountain Range, brutal storms, ice, overflow and more – but this was something that he and I couldn’t beat.”

So in March 2007 her team sprinted across the frigid wilderness to honor the brave dog teams of 1925. And they wore symbols of a great challenge for the 21st Century – to fight cancer, a disease that afflicts millions of pets and people.

As winter set icy roots in the forests of Alberta, amidst the holiday season, Chester grew weaker and stopped eating. So the two companions of thousands of miles had one last journey to make together. But his name will live on.

“If telling Chester's story can help make it so someday another dog owner doesn't have to watch their dog go through this, I'm all for it,” she said.

Ramstead’s sponsorship of charity collars for the Animal Cancer foundation helps raise awareness that scientists studying pet cancer can also shed light on human disease and that many pets with cancer may benefit from new human cancer therapies. For more information, visit www.pet4pets.com.

Pet4Pets™is a trademark of Genia LLC

Cancer is more frequent in pets than people; charity collar sales help fund new cures

2007-02-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

The National Cancer Institute says 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2006, 8 times fewer than its estimate of 6 million dogs and six million cats diagnosed annually.

Pets get the same kinds of cancer as people, and often more of it – dogs get 35 times more skin cancer, four times more breast tumors, eight times more bone cancer, and twice as much leukemia.

Scientists studying pet cancer can also shed light on human disease and pets can benefit from new human cancer therapies. Post said the ACF focuses funding on new science that benefits both pets and people.