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Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts

Breakthrough Dog Heart Surgery in Australia

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Open-heart surgery to address the most common cardiorespiratory disease in dogs has been performed for the first time in Australia, at the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Every year mitral valve disease (MVD) kills thousands of dogs in Australia, and millions worldwide. There is no cure and death usually occurs within a year after symptoms of heart failure being diagnosed.

The only exception to this is a surgical procedure developed by Dr Masami Uechi, Director of Jasmine Veterinary Cardiovascular Medical Centre in Japan, which has added years to the lives of dogs affected by the condition. Dr Uechi, accompanied by five of his surgical team, flew to Australia to perform the open heart surgery last week with University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science specialists.

“We’re excited and grateful that Dr Uechi and his team could perform this surgery at our clinic. It is an unparalleled opportunity for us to assist with the surgery,” said Dr Niek Beijerink, the veterinary cardiology specialist who took part in the operation.“It means that we’ll be able to start the process of learning how to perform the surgery ourselves on Australian dogs and hopefully prolong many of their lives.”

Dr Beijerink invited Dr Uechi, whom he has known for many years, to come to Australia.

Dr Uechi and Dr Niek Beijerink
prepare Prince for the surgery
The six-hour operation was performed on Prince, a 10-year-old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was diagnosed with severe heart failure due to MVD earlier this year. The operation was a success and promises to extend Prince’s life by many years.

“We are so grateful and privileged to be involved in this operation,” said Prince’s owners Cindy and Ken Ting (lead photo).“Due to the fact that this was a first-of-its-kind operation, the emotional and financial cost was high but we hope that these early first steps will eventually mean Dr Uechi’s procedure will be more accessible for dog owners in Australia who were previously left without hope if their dog was diagnosed with MVD.”

“We would like to thank Dr Uechi and his team, Dr Beijerink and the staff at Sydney University for saving Prince.” “We are especially grateful that the owner of Jackson, another dog with this condition who sadly died shortly before he could be operated on alongside Prince, contributed to the costs for Prince’s surgery.”

Prince is being prepped for his open-heart surgery
Dr Uechi said, “This technique of mitral valve repair has been developed over 15 years. It began with open heart surgery on cats before applying it to dogs. I have now performed over 900 operations on dogs with MVD with a 94 percent success rate.”

“I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge with my University of Sydney colleagues and begin to teach them this technique, which will prolong the lives of many dogs in the future.” Dr Uechi’s team will continue to liaise with the University of Sydney’s veterinary surgeons, and to visit the University in 2018.

The University of Sydney has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to support the costs associated with training their staff to develop a centre for mitral valve repair in the upcoming years.

About Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Mitral valve disease (MVD) is caused by the wearing out of the valve that prevents blood from going backwards from the heart’s left ventricle (pumping chamber) to the left atrium (upper chamber), ultimately resulting in trouble breathing due to heart failure.

MVD is most common in middle-aged to older small to medium size dog breeds such as Dachshunds, Poodles and Chihuahuas.

New Bondi Vet Line Up Revealed

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The official cast of the Bondi Vet TV show was revealed today after an extensive search to replace Dr Chris Brown who fronted the show for the past seven seasons.

No fewer than 1,000 hopefuls - or close to 15% of Australian vets - threw their hat in the ring for a chance at TV stardom.“After an exhaustive search process and extensive camera testing of the final four, it was impossible to single out one candidate,” production company WTFN director of content Steve Oemcke said.

Dr Chris Brown fronted the popular Bondi Vet TV show from 2009 to 2016

“Each of the four new Bondi Vets has a unique skill set and story to tell. Their love of pets and animals shines through and there is a great chemistry between them. Their work in front of the camera has been outstanding, and we know that fans will really get behind them as they take the show in an exciting new direction.”

Danni Dusek, Lewis Hunt, Alex Hynes and Peter Ricci
With very big shoes to fill and so much new talent to choose from, the producers opted for a slightly different format with four Bondi vets now officially appointed. 

Veterinary doctors Alex Hynes (Animal Emergency Services, Queensland), Danni Dusek (Mentone Veterinary Hospital, Victoria), Lewis Hunt (Collaroy Plateau Veterinary Hospital, NSW) and Peter Ricci (Perth Zoo and the Animal Hospital, Western Australia) are the new faces of the show, currently broadcast in over 180 countries.

With the vets based around Australia, the new show will be filmed across the country, not just in Bondi.



WTFN is in discussions with Ten and other networks as to which channel the new look Bondi Vet will be broadcast on in 2018.

New Anti-Cancer Drug for Dogs

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Australian dogs are needed to help evaluate a promising new anti-cancer drug!

During National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, biotech company PharmAust puts the call out for canines to help evaluate a new anti-cancer drug shown to be safe and effective in preliminary trials. The compassionate use program is a prelude to a multi-institutional canine cancer trial to start next year.

Leading veterinary cancer specialist Dr Angela Frimberger and her team at Veterinary Oncology Consultants are evaluating a drug called monepantel (MPL) in dogs that have been newly diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and have not started any treatment.

MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication and species. PharmAust is aiming to repurpose MPL as safe and effective cancer treatment. “Four dogs have already been treated for lymphoma and the results have been very promising,” said Dr Frimberger. “So far, we have shown that MPL is safe, and three out of three dogs with B-cell lymphoma have had stabilisation of disease on the drug without significant side effects!”

PharmAust is inviting more dogs with lymphoma to complete the last phase of the program. “PharmAust’s long term strategy is to develop MPL to treat cancers in both dogs and humans,” said Richard Hopkins, CEO of PharmAust. “A ‘Phase I’ trial in human cancer patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital showed that cancer markers in patients are significantly suppressed. 

Treatments that work effectively in canines are recognised as being highly predictive of the way drugs behave in human clinical trials. Trials undertaken using MPL in dogs will inform and accelerate parallel efforts to develop MPL as a human cancer therapy.”

PROGRAM ENTRY CRITERIA

The canine entry criteria for the present compassionate use program are:
  • Stage 1 to 3 lymphoma (based on physical exam) 
  • Substage A
  • Immunophenotype can be pending but must be submitted, and needs to be B-cell based on clinical characteristics 
  • No previous treatment, including corticosteroids (prednisolone) 
  • No other significant concurrent medical problems
  •  Good quality of life. 

“The treatment currently involves a relatively large number of capsules, so dogs that are difficult to orally medicate wouldn’t be great candidates,” said Dr Frimberger. “But we are working on reformulating the drug to make it better tasting and easier to administer to dogs before the full trials commence next year.”

The MPL program involves two consultations/treatments at the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) in Homebush, NSW. Owners would have to transport their dogs to and from Homebush for the two treatments.

PharmAust will cover all compassionate use program costs, including travel expenses to and from the ARH, as well as costs for the initial conventional chemotherapy treatment upon program completion.

For more information or to enrol, please contact Dr Angela Frimberger on drfrimberger.monepantel@gmail.com

WHAT IS CANINE LYMPHOMA?

Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of 2, with 25 per cent of deaths attributed to cancer¹. ¹ American Humane Association

“Approximately one in five cats and one in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. But thanks to more pet cancer awareness, improved preventative care and early diagnosis, we are better able to fight pet cancer,” said Dr Frimberger.

Lymphoma, the most common cancer in dogs, occurs in the white blood cells of the immune system. Symptoms can include tumours, lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite.
“The key to a good prognosis with canine lymphoma is early diagnosis and this particular form of cancer is very rapidly progressive, so it’s important to act quickly,” she said.

National Pet Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to pet owners to regularly inspect your pet for any lumps or bumps, and pay attention to sudden changes in appearance and behaviour.

“I always recommend keeping pet insurance so that if you do need to make any major treatment decisions, you can focus solely on your pet’s best interest rather than having to worry about costs. And, if you are concerned about anything, contact your veterinarian for an assessment,” said Dr Frimberger.

To discover more, visit www.pharmaust.com

About PharmAust

PAA is a clinical-stage company developing targeted cancer therapeutics for both humans and animals. The company specialises in repurposing marketed drugs lowering the risks and costs of development. These efforts are support by PAA’s subsidiary, Epichem, a highly successful contract synthetic drug manufacturer which is forecast to generate A$4m in revenues in the 2018 FY.

PAA’s lead drug candidate is monepantel (MPL), a novel, potent and safe inhibitor of the mTOR pathway - a key driver of cancer. MPL has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials in humans and dogs. MPL treatment was well-tolerated and produced a significant reduction in key prognostic biomarkers. PAA is uniquely positioned to commercialise MPL for treatment of human and veterinary cancers as it advances the drug into Phase 2 clinical trial.

Dog Owners Push to Ride on Public Transport

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Is Australia barking mad to restrict dogs from riding on public transport?

A recent study of Sydney dog owners has found that an overwhelming 95% of people are in favour of dogs riding on public transport, with more than half indicating they would do more activities with their pooch if they were allowed.

Findings from the survey of 1250 Sydney dog owners in 2016, revealed a high level of dog-related car trips in a city where dog ownership is among the highest in the world.

With almost 39% of Sydney households owning a dog, University of Sydney researchers Dr Jennifer Kent and Professor Corinne Mulley wanted to find out how people get around with dogs in a city that restricts them from riding on public transport.


“There is compelling evidence of the links between companion animals and human health. So we wanted to know how much human-dog time is reliant on a car, and what role public transport could play to encourage this bond and activity,” said Dr Jennifer Kent, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

The survey examined the popular activities that owners do with their dog, and how often these trips – such as a walk; visiting the park or other recreational areas; going to dog training, cafés, bars or the shops; and visiting family, friends or the vet – relied on a car.


“Based on our research sample of dog owners, we estimate that there are approximately 2.4 million dog-related trips in a private car carried out in Sydney each week,” said Dr Kent.

On average, people walk their dog twice or more a week and in one quarter of cases they began the outing by car. More than three quarters of dog owners who go to a recreational area twice or more a week, 45 per cent of these people went by car. 

Of the two thirds of people who go to the dog park three times a week, more than half went by car. Similarly, two thirds of people visiting family or friends once a week, 88 per cent did so by car.

The survey also found that, on average, people visit the vet more than three times a year and 86 per cent of these trips are made by car. Almost 14 per cent of people said that a lack of transport had prevented them from taking their dog to the vet.

When a public transport policy for dogs was proposed, 95 per cent of Sydney dog owners were in favour. More than 55 per cent indicated that they would attend other activities with their dog more often, and 20 per cent said they would consider getting by without a car.

“If dogs weren’t restricted from riding on public transport, this high number of car trips for dogs could be reduced. The benefits would extend far beyond fewer cars on the road, by potentially getting people moving more with their dogs and socially connected,” said Dr Kent.

The University of Sydney research also investigated the policies of pets on public transport in 30 cities across Europe and the USA. It found all European cities allowed dogs on public transport, while several cities in the US, North America and Australia did not.

Dogs can now ride on public transport in Paris once they have their own ticket - Image: Benita Hartmann - Tierfotografie

Paris used to make dogs pass a ‘basket test’ for riding in a carrier or small bag however these rules were relaxed in early 2017. Once they have their own tickets, all dogs - no matter what shape or size - can now accompany their owners on the subway and RER trains, however they must be muzzled and on a lead.

The policies did vary with limits on the area of the train, tram or bus a dog could travel, peak hour travel, and the size of dog. Most cities charged a fare for dogs at a concession or child price. Zurich went one step further and offers an annual travel card for dogs.

“It is interesting that those countries with high rates of dog ownership, such as the USA and Australia, prohibit dogs on public transport. The issue with dogs on public transport is perhaps less about society’s appreciation of dogs, but more about the acceptance of dogs in public spaces.

“Increasingly in Australia we are seeing dogs welcomed in public places apart from the park and other recreational areas. More dogs are accompanying their owners to outdoor bars, cafes and other public spaces, as people are discarding the notion of the dog as a stay-at-home animal,” said Dr Kent.

Pets in The Park Canberra Launch - Nov 3

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Pets in the Park officially launches in Canberra on November 3 at 2pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Braddon.

Currently more than 100,000 people are homeless in Australia and 1,785 people in the ACT alone don’t have a place to call home (www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au)
Many homeless people or those at risk of homelessness lead a difficult and isolated life. But for those with pets, their companion animals act as their refuge and give them a better quality of life while they are experiencing homelessness. More homeless pet owners in the ACT will now get access to free veterinary care thanks to Pets in the Park.

Since beginning in 2009 in New South Wales, Pets in the Park (PITP) continues to grow as a national charity as it officially launches its community services in the Australian Capital Territory, aimed at helping people in the Canberra area who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness by providing free veterinary care programs for their companion pets. 

“For many homeless people, having a pet provides the unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security that they’re unable to find elsewhere. The benefits of this bond between owner and pet are immense; including increased social, emotional and physical health,” said Dr Mark Westman, PITP Director and Founding Member.

“However, although pet ownership greatly enriches the quality of life of those who are experiencing homelessness, it can at times come at a significant financial cost and result in the forfeiting of personal welfare. This is where Pets in the Park comes in.”

Today, PITP runs free monthly veterinary clinics in NSW (including a mobile ‘outreach program’ clinic in Sydney), Queensland, Victoria and most recently the ACT. The monthly clinics operate on the first or last Sunday of every month (depending on the clinic) and are run by a strict client referral system.

PETS IN THE PARK PROGRAM IN THE ACT 

The ACT program commenced in April 2017 as a monthly clinic service in collaboration with the Uniting Church Early Morning Centre in the Canberra CBD. Success of this program is reflected in the ethos of sector-wide collaboration to ensure its promotion, support and collective social impact, said Dr Westman.

“Pets in the Park engages with all homeless support services across the ACT to ensure access for those who will benefit from its services,” he said.

Dr. Westman said the Pets in the Park team is excited about launching the much-needed program in the ACT and welcomes Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, Minister for Community Services and Social Inclusion, and the Hon. Dr. Andrew Leigh MP, Shadow Minister for Charity and Not For Profits, to speak at the opening ceremony (attendance by invitation only).

“The Ministers’ support of the launch of Pets in the Park in Canberra reflects the perspective and inclusion focus that both the ACT and Commonwealth Governments have for people who are struggling with homelessness, and the investments required in homelessness support services like Pets in the Park for members of our own society who are less privileged than others,” Dr Westman said.

“On behalf of the Pets in the Park National Board, we congratulate the newly formed Canberra Regional Committee on the success of this service currently operating, and anticipate further expansion to other locations in the ACT shortly.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE...


PITP is dedicated to the provision of free veterinary care programs and services for companion pets of the homeless and is recognised as the only national organisation focused completely on making a difference to the quality of life for both the companion animals and those people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. 


PITP relies on community donations and the financial support of sponsors and community grants. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

The charity is also supported by veterinary practices that donate surgery space and surgical procedures, as well as the many wonderful volunteers who generously donate their time to health and surgery clinics.

To discover more about PITP, visit www.petsinthepark.org.au 

Pet Insurance Cover on the Rise

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Is pet insurance cover soon to match the rate of private health cover in Australia?

Leading insurance comparison service comparethemarket.com.au recently commissioned a survey to gauge how much Aussies are now willing to spend on their pet’s health and some of their findings really surprised us... More than 1 in 2 pet owners surveyed would not only insure their pet, but would spend a $1000 or more on their pet’s health.

We love our pets and money seems to be no object when it comes to their health. New research [2] reveals 54% of Australian pet owners have, or would consider, pet insurance. Even without insurance, 50% would spend more than $1000 on treatment and recovery if their pet had an accident or was diagnosed with a serious illness, and 34% would spend more than $2000.

Younger pet owners are more likely to take up pet insurance than any other generation: 70% of 18 to 34-year-olds already are or would consider insuring their pet. This compares to 56% of 35-44-year-olds, 50% of 45-54-year-olds, and 40% if over 55.

The survey further revealed that 12% of pet owners would spend more than a whopping $10,000 on medical costs if their precious pet fell ill. Interestingly, twice as many women (16%) as men (8%) would spend these amounts on their cat or dog.

Respondents were also asked how much they currently spend on medical costs, grooming, food, products and accessories for their pet. 58% admitted to spending over $50 a month for these services - which sounds very low indeed...
For 82% of respondents, most of these costs are food-related.

Comparethemarket.com.au spokesperson Abigail Koch said: “While many Australians may be dropping their health cover, the number of Aussies insuring their pet’s health is increasing. Since 2013, the number of households with pet insurance for their dog has increased from 18% to 26% [4].

“Aussies love and see their pets as family members, and while they can be costly, many of us would do whatever we could to afford treatment if they were to fall ill or become injured. With pet insurance, Aussies could spend as little as $20 a month [5], depending on their level of cover, and save up to 80% on expensive vet bills. Comparison websites make it easy for pet owners to compare pet insurance policies to find a level of cover best suited to their pet’s age and breed.”

About comparethemarket.com.au

Comparethemarket.com.au is a free online comparison service that helps Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy products from a wide range of providers across personal finance products, utilities, car, health, home and contents insurance etc.

[1] APRA Private Health Insurance Quarterly Statistics June 2017: http://www.apra.gov.au/PHI/Publications/Documents/1708-QPHIS-20170630.pdf
[2] Pureprofile survey of 1,006 Australian adult pet owners
[3] APRA Private Health Insurance Quarterly Statistics June 2017: http://www.apra.gov.au/PHI/Publications/Documents/1708-QPHIS-20170630.pdf
[4] Animal Medicines Australia: Pet Ownership in Australia, 2016: http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AMA_Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-2016-Report_sml.pdf
[5] Monthly averages sourced from ASIC (2016, December 13th). Pet insurance. moneysmart.gov.au/insurance/pet-insurance
[6] Animal Medicines Australia: Pet Ownership in Australia, 2016: http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AMA_Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-2016-Report_sml.pdf

Press Release 25/10/2017