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Showing posts with label canine research study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canine research study. Show all posts

The Hypoallergenic Dog Breed Myth | The Surprising Study Results

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The AKC lists 19 breeds as having hypoallergenic qualities. Do the dog breeds on this list really produce less dander and allergens? A study, based in Detroit, Michigan, sought to find out. Here's what they learned.
Hypoallergenic Coton De Tulear Dog Breed
The Coton De Tulear, a low shed dog and recent addition to the AKC registry.  Image by CVF-pfs

The breeds listed below have been touted by the AKC and breeders as being hypoallergenic, mainly because they shed substantially less than other dog breeds.  However, hair itself is not allergenic; it's the dander attached to it that causes the sniffles and asthma attacks.

The assumption has been, less hair in the air means less dander floating around. As a result, an industry of mixed breeds claiming hypoallergenic status has flooded the dog market. Americans are prepared to spend big dollars ($1500-$5000) on purportedly low allergy mongrels.

The AKC's "Hypoallergenic" Dog Breeds List:


  • Afghan Hound
  • Bedlington Terrier
  •  Bichon Frise
  •  Chinese Crested
  • Coton De Tulear
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Maltese
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
  • Zoloitzuintli (Mexican Hairless)
  • American Hairless Terrier
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless) 
Three Mexican Hairless Dogs Hypoallerginc Dogs
Mexican Hairless Dogs. You might expect them to be as free from allergens as they are from hair.

Designer Mixes Claiming Hypoallergenic Qualities:

  • Goldendoodle - Golden Retrieve and Poodle cross
  • Maltipoos - Maltese Poodle mix
  • Maltichon - Maltese and Bichon mix
  • Mauxi - Dachshund - Maltese mix 
  • Anything else mixed with Poodle or Maltese
Despite the public interest in hypoallergenic pets, no one had ever tested the theory by testing the allergen levels in dog owners' homes.  Then came the study, published in The Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, that attempted to prove or disprove the hypoallergenic breed theory. 

The Allergen Results From the Study of 190 Detroit Homes 

The study[1], based in Detroit, selected participants from a pool of expectant mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy. 190 Expectant mothers who reported owning dogs as pets which where allowed in their homes were asked: the breed of their dog, how much time it spent in the home and if it would be allowed into the nursery. Researchers then went to their homes, one month postpartum, to collect dust samples by vacuum in the nurseries, and then measure the levels of allergens present.

Homes with pure breed, hypoallergenic breeds and hypoallergenic mixes were tested and the results were categorized into four test schemes. 

Scheme A compared allergen levels from pure breed "Hypoallergenic" dog homes and other pure breed dogs as identified by the AKC. 

Scheme B compared pure breed dogs with mixed breed dogs where at least one parent was considered hypoallergenic. 

Scheme C compared purebred dogs, mixed breed dogs with one hypoallergenic parent and mixed breed dogs with no hypoallergenic component in their lineage.

Scheme D Compared only AKC listed purebred Hypoallergenic dogs to all other dog breeds.

The Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the allergen levels of hypoallergenic pure bred dog, designer hypoallergenic dogs and all other dog homes. 

In fact the hypoallergenic dogs consistently produced more allergens, although the increased level did not rise high enough to meet the statistically significant standard deviation. Perhaps these dogs should be rebranded as Hyperallergenic dogs.

3 Tips to Keeping Dog Dander and Pet Allergens Down in Your Home

What might be the cause of these low shedding dogs putting off more dander that those that shed regularly? It may be that those shedding coat are also dropping off their dander on lost hairs outdoors as well as indoors, while the non-shed coat retains much of the dander clinging to their dense coats.

Regular brushing and monthly baths using both shampoo and coat conditioner, can substantially reduce allergens.  As master stylist, Les Bouska of Atlanta Hair Studio explains, "Shampoo causes the hair follicle to open, allowing it to release the dirt and dander attached to the shaft. The conditioner then seals the shaft back closed, making it more difficult for dirt and dander to cling to each hair shaft. Skipping the conditioner leaves the shaft open to quickly collect more allergens." However, he warns, bathing too often with cheap shampoos can actually cause dry skin conditions that can actually increase the allergen levels in your home.

Adding antioxidants such as fish oil and dog probiotics to your dog's diet can also help alleviate any skin conditions that result in excess dander being generated.

Dogs like to have their own personal space, so provide your dog with his own special bedding that can easily be washed. We like the dog beds whose fill is made from spun threads from recycled plastic bottles. These dry quickly and do not retain dander or pet odors after a quick cycle in the washing machine.

Citations:


[1] Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs
Charlotte E. Nicholas, Ganesa R. Wegienka, Suzanne L. Havstad, Edward M. Zoratti, Dennis R. Ownby, Christine Cole Johnson
Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011 Jul-Aug; 25(4): 252–256. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2011.25.3606




Breakthrough In Pain Treatment For Dogs With Osteosarcoma

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Between 6000-8000 dogs in the United States receive treatment for Osteosarcoma each year.  Typically a disease of large breed dogs, Osteosarcoma can affect breeds of all sizes.  As the disease progresses, it reshapes normal healthy bone tissue and changes it to tumorous bone.  In dogs as in people, this remodeling process becomes increasingly more painful as the disease progresses, impacting activity levels and quality of life.
Dr. Vladimir Osipov Sarcomaimages.com

The Dorothy Cimino Brown, DVM and Kimberly Agnello DVM University of Pennsylvania Study

Seventy dogs suffering from Osteosarcoma participated in this study.  A variety of breeds were represented including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrieves and various mixed breeds. The average size of the dogs in the study was 90 pounds, and the average age fell between 8 and 9 years.  The study was conducted by splitting the group in half and treating both groups with standard care, while the second group also received a single injection of a Neurotoxin, SP-sap (P-saporin), near the tumor site.

A similar neurotoxin many of us are familiar with is Botox, the anti-wrinkle injection. Botox acts to block signals from the nerves to the muscles, so that the muscles can no longer contract.  When specific muscles cannot contract, the wrinkle appears to soften.

Similarly, SP-sap works by attaching itself to the pain sensing nerves. Once attached, the sap portion kills off the nerve.  The theory is, no more pain sensing nerve then no more pain.

Study Results

Six weeks into the study, 74% of the dogs in the control group (those receiving only standard care) had significant increases in pain levels, and needed to be removed from the control group or "unblinded" in order to have their pain management adjusted.  

In contrast with the control group, only 24% of the dogs in the SP-sap group needed to be "unblinded" for adjustments to their pain management.

Additionally, the dogs in the control group, who were receiving only standard care, experienced a 6% increase in pain severity testing.  The dogs who received the single SP-sap injection experienced no increase in pain severity.

And more encouraging, the dogs in the control group experienced and 8% decreases in how pain interferes with their daily activities, while the SP-sap group had a 5% improvement in their daily activities.

The Implications

As Osteosarcoma afflicts both dogs and people in the same manner, this study is potentially good news for both humans and canines.  Relieving pain is critical to improving the patient's quality of life, response to treatment and the overall patient outcome.  The positive results from this study are likely to spark further investigation into SP-sap and other neurotoxins for pain management of Osteosarcoma as well as other diseases with chronic pain symptoms as well.

To learn more about this study visit: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) (2013, October 23). Chronic pain in dogs with bone cancer relieved with new treatment.

Should I Neuter My Dog? The Shocking Risks Of Neutering Early

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Intact male dogs tend to live longer healthier lives
Image: Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net
Images of frightened, discarded cats and dogs in shelters tug at our hearts and serve to encourage the public to embrace the spaying and neutering of pets as a way to reduce the unwanted pet population. 

The burgeoning population of abandoned cats and dogs has increased in tough economic times. A growing trend in the animal welfare and rescue community has been to spay and neuter cats and dogs prior to releasing their charges to their new adoptive families.  

In the case of young kittens and puppies, some of the more zealous of these organizations have begun spaying and neutering puppies as early as 6 -8 weeks of age.  

Research regarding the long term benefits and risks that such early intervention may have on the physical development of the adult dog is many years away. However we can look to existing research for the effects on the health of dogs spayed or neutered prior to one year of age.  The surprising results of these studies inform the advisability of altering male dogs as well as the age that spay or neuter may be appropriate.

In 2007, Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. published a study, “Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs.”  This study reviewed much of the existing veterinary medical literature, over 50 peer-reviewed articles, in an attempt to access the health impacts of spaying and neutering dogs, and to aid veterinary care providers and pet owners in making more informed decisions regarding the advisability of spay / neuter as well as appropriate timing in the dog’s development for surgery.

The Health Benefits and Risks of Neutered Male Dogs

Veterinarians regularly tout the health benefits associated with neutering male puppies.  Reduction of prostate cancer is frequently cited as a benefit, additionally prevention of testicular cancer is also cited as an important consideration in the long term health of the dog.  While neutering will eliminate the risk of dying from testicular cancer, the risk of developing this cancer and dying from it, for an intact dog, is less than one percent. And while prostate cancer in humans is linked to testosterone, studies show that in canines it appears to have an opposite effect on them than it does on humans.

Benefits of neutering found in a review of the medical studies included moderate reduction in the likelihood of males developing:
  • perianal fistulas
  • non-cancerous prostate disorders
  • and possibly a reduction in the risk of developing diabetes
While the benefits associated with neutering males in this study appear minimal, the increased risk of developing several cancers, obesity, orthopedic disorders and adverse reactions to vaccinations is substantial.

Risks: Neutered Male Dogs vs. Intact Males:
  • Neutered males are 1.6 times more likely to develop Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma than their intact counter parts.
  • Are twice as likely to develop Urinary Tract Cancer than intact males
  • Are four times more likely to develop Prostate Cancer than intact males.
  • Experience a 27% increase in adverse reactions to vaccinations over their intact counterparts.
  • And if neutering is done prior to 1 year of age, it substantially increases the risk of the more common cancer Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). 
Additionally, neutered dogs are 4 times more likely to be obese than their intact counterparts, in fact neutering triples the risks of hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain, lethargy and hair loss.  

Perhaps due to being overweight, neutered dogs also experience a higher risk of developing orthopedic disorders and are at greater risk for progressive geriatric cognitive impairment.

Weighing the benefits against the increased health risks associated with neutering male dogs, it appears from this study that the risks far outweigh the benefits, with one major exception. Unilateral and bilateral cryptorchism, or undescended testicles,when not neutered, results in a 13 times greater chance of developing testicular cancer.  While prognosis for treatment of testicular cancer is good, a 90% cure rate, it is advisable to neuter these dogs. 

Marking behavior normally occurs when 
there are intact females in the home
 Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net

Marking Indoors

Many owners wish to eliminate the tendency of male dogs to mark territory, by neutering males before they reach sexual maturity.  In fact males neutered around 6 months of age frequently never learn to “hike” their legs, and eliminate in the same manner as puppies and female dogs do. 

However, with proper training, males will learn not to mark or hike their legs indoors.  It is only when males are exposed to intact females and their estrus cycle, that the male marking behavior becomes a challenge inside the home.

Aggression Reduction

Another reason cited for neutering males is to reduce or eliminate aggressive behavior. Intact dogs are not welcome at dog parks and for good reason.  A pair of intact males presented with an intact female in estrus will likely result in a display of aggression between the males. 

Dominant males will want to assert themselves, and the cost to your dog's health and your wallet are not worth the risk.  If you are keeping an intact male dog, respect the rules of dog parks and most municipal and county laws. Keep your dog on leash or confined at all times.

Total Lifespan Intact vs. Neutered Males

In a recent study at University of Georgia, researchers examined records of over 40,000 dogs to determine whether intact males or neutered males live longer.  While they too found that neutered males tend to die of certain cancers at a higher rate than their intact counterparts, overall the neutered dogs had, on average, a longer lifespan.  The study showed that intact males and females tended to die more frequently of infectious disease at an earlier age than the spayed and neutered dogs in the study.

It should be noted that the dogs in this study were from teaching hospitals, and the results might be different in private veterinary practices.  It is not known whether the intact males and females were pets or strays and what level of care they had received prior to admission. 

Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net
Should We Neuter Our Dog?

If you have a breed that is predisposed to developing certain cancers such as osteosarcoma, lymphoma or hemangiosarcomo, and you have a well fenced yard, you may want to leave your male intact.  

The research clearly shows that the earlier that you spay or neuter your pet, they greater the risk is of developing one of the aforementioned cancers.

However, recent research also suggests that neutered males live longer than intact males. If you opt for neutering, we suggest that you wait until your dog’s first birthday to alter him.  While many vets advocate neutering at 6 months, it appears that hormones from the reproductive system are aiding in the development of the dog’s autoimmune system. Allowing him to reach sexual maturity will give him the advantage that these hormones provide, and hopefully extend his lifespan as well as the quality of his final years.

4 Promising Studies: Early Detection and Treatment Options for Canine Hemangiosarcoma

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Courtesy of Public Domain Images
Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer found almost exclusively in dogs. A relatively common canine cancer (6-8% of all canine cancers) it is estimated that 2 million of 73 million dogs currently alive in the United States will develop the disease and die from it.

At this time, it is considered incurable, as it remains symptomless until the advanced stages of the disease.  The current standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, have proven to extend the life to the affected dog a mere median of 180 days with surgery alone, and an additionally 180 days with chemotherapy added to surgical intervention.

In the wake of these poor treatment outcomes, research has focused on early detection of the disease as well as a new, very promising alternative medicine approach.

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is an indolent cancer, meaning it initially develops very slowly, asymptomatically and painlessly.  The most common primary sites of the disease are the spleen, right atrium of the heart and the tissue beneath the skin.  In the later stages of the disease, the cancer aggressively metastasizes to the lungs, liver and intestines.   While dogs of any age and breed may be susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, it occurs more commonly in dogs beyond middle age, and has a higher incidence in breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Skye Terriers, suggesting a genetic component is involved.

The Canine Genome

The completion of the Canine Genome Project has spurred research into the genetic components of a wide variety of physical ailments believed to have heritable factors. Researchers at Modiano Lab at the University of Minnesota have taken an interest in the genetic components contributing to hemangiosarcoma.   Three of the more promising approaches involve mapping the risk alleles associated with the disease, determining the genetic, breed-specific abnormalities of the tumors themselves and developing a blood test for early detection of cancer cells via flow cytology.

The first project, developed in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Breen, focused on the possibility of breed specific abnormalities that may be detectable in tumors arising in dogs of different breeds. The initial results were promising; the data showed that tumors from dogs of one specific breed are functionally and genetically more similar to each other than they are to tumors from dogs of other breeds. This information demonstrates that heritable risk factors contribute to the development of canine cancer. More importantly, these results are the first step toward developing prevention and treatment strategies that address the specific causes underlying the biology of canine hemangiosarcoma.

The second project of great promise, developed in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has begun the process of mapping the risk alleles for the development of both Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma in the following target breeds:

Turkey Tail Fungus - Penn State's Magic Mushrooms see below
Courtesy of Wallwork Family Pages

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Border Collie
  • Boxer
  • Briard
  • Bullmastiff
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Flat-coated Retriever
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Golden Retriever
  • Greyhound
  • Irish Setter
  • Keeshond
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Mastiff
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Rottweiler
  • Vizsla
  • Saluki
Researchers are currently seeking samples for this research in the form of blood samples and tumor samples with associated pedigree information.  Samples from mixed breeds and other breeds are welcome from both healthy (aged) dogs and affected dogs.  To learn more about how to contribute to the project visit the Modiano Labs website.

Early Cancer Detection: Flow Cytometry

Once we have a genetic test that can forewarn us of a genetic predisposition to developing specific cancers, we will want to be able to detect the disease at an early stage of its development, well before it becomes symptomatic.

As cancer tumors grow, they shed cells into the blood stream.  However, the tumor cells are shed so infrequently that they cannot be detected in routine blood tests. Enter the technology called flow cytometry. Here cells are “tagged” with fluorescent molecules that identify their lineage of origin, they are then run through an instrument (the flow cytometer) that combines optics and fluidics information through a software capable of analyzing hundreds of thousands of cells in a matter of minutes.

Researchers have employed this technology, and have successfully shown proof of principle for this test. Idexx Laboratories has licensed the technology from the University of Colorado, although the ultimate affordability of employing this technology in local veterinary practices tests remains to be seen.  Another issue with this technology, is that it does not tell us where the site of origin of the tumor is. Early treatment will therefore need to be able to treat the disease independent of the site of origin.

The Biggest Breakthrough In Hemangiosarcoma Cancer Treatment: Penn State’s Magic Mushrooms

In a Penn State study funded by Chinese Medicine Holding LTD. and released in September 2012, dogs with hemangiosarcoma were treated with a compound derived from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, resulting in the longest survival times ever reported for dogs with the disease.

The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, known commonly as the Yunzhi mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. A compound within the mushroom, polysaccharopeptide, or PSP, is believed to have immune-boosting properties. Over the past two decades, studies have indicated that PSP may also have a tumor-fighting effect.

Penn State researchers studied dogs with naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma to see what effects, the Yunzhi mushroom would have on their patients. Fifteen dogs that had been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma participated in the trial. Divided into three groups of five, each group received a different dose — 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day — of I’m-Yunity, a formulation of PSP which is also readily available over the Internet. The dog owners were instructed to give their dog a capsule of I’m-Yunity, daily. The owners brought their dogs to Penn’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital for follow-up visits on a monthly basis for blood sample testings and ultrasounds to determine the extent that tumors had developed or spread in the dogs’ bodies.

“We were shocked,” Cimino Brown said of Penn State. “Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.”

Not only had the dog’s survival times increased with the use of PSP, but unlike chemotherapy, there were no reported side effects.  Dogs receiving the highest dosage, 100 mg/day, had the longest median survival time, however the difference in survival times between dosages was not statistically significant.

While not inexpensive, this treatment is certainly more affordable than chemotherapy.  Those on tight budgets, may consider using this supplement at the lower dosage without fear of significantly impacting survival rates.  However, it should be noted that while the PSP, I’m Yunity, extends life and improves quality of life, it has not been shown to be a cure for hemangiosarcoma.

The Penn State researchers are preparing to pursue further trials of I’m-Yunity in dogs with hemangiosarcoma to confirm and refine their results. One upcoming trial will compare I’m-Yunity to a placebo for those owners who choose not to pursue chemotherapy for their pet; the other will compare the compound with the current standard-of-care, chemotherapy.

Here are some options for Organic Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract 

 

The liquid form may be easier to administer.  The capsules are 500mg, so you would need to open the capsule and shake out 1/4 of the mushroom extract. For larger dogs (80 lbs and up) you may want to give them one third of a capsule or approximately 165mg.

We will keep you posted as more information comes in from the ongoing Penn State Research.

For information on Canine Osteosarcoma please click here.

UGA Researchers' Findings: Canine Parainfluenza Virus leads to Breakthroughs in Human Vaccines

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Mighty dogs to the rescue. Once again, our canine companions are assisting in providing invaluable medical advances to mankind.  Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect early stages of cancer as well as super bug infections in patients with hospital acquired infections. Now comes another gift from Man's Best Friend!
Beagles to the rescue


Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a virus commonly found in dogs, the parainfluenza virus (PIV5), could serve as the foundation for the next great breakthrough in human vaccine development. PIV5, which does not cause disease in humans, contributes to upper respiratory infections in dogs, and therefore is  targeted in many canine vaccines.  As the virus does not affect humans, researchers turned their eyes towards it as a potential delivery mechanism for human  vaccines against diseases that have previously alluded  development.

Science has successfully used viruses to create vaccines in the past, although for some perilous pathogens it has been difficult develop an effective vaccine.  Such pathogens include most notably HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. The researchers at UGA have found that by placing antigens from other viruses or parasites inside PIV5, it effectively becomes a delivery vehicle that exposes the human immune system to specific pathogens, which in turn allows our immune systems to create the antibodies that protect against future infection.

Said Biao He, Professor of Infectious Disease at UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine and lead researcher,  "We can use this virus as a vector for all kinds of pathogens that are difficult to vaccinate against.  We have developed a very strong H5N1 flu vaccine with this technique, but we are also working on vaccines for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria."

This technique ensures full exposure to the vaccine, and is much safer, as it does not require the use of attenuated, or weakened, pathogens. Using this approach, an HIV vaccine delivered by PIV5 would contain only those parts of the HIV virus necessary to create immunity, making it impossible to contract the disease from the vaccine.

It is estimated that 34 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus, with 3.3 million of them under the age of 15.  The leading cause of death for people living with HIV is tuberculosis.  These exciting findings bring new hope to areas of the world lacking the educational resources to help combat the spread of these diseases.

To learn more about the study click here to visit Science Daily.com's article.

Canine Cancer Resources

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A diagnosis of cancer in your pet is devastating. However, the earlier it is detected, the better the prognosis for your companion. Researchers are now testing methods to improve early detection of cancers such as hemagiosarcoma and osteosarcoma.  While a comprehensive cancer screening program is still  far off in the future, it makes sense to learn the early warning signs of cancer, especially if your dog's breed is predisposed to one of these deadly canine cancers.

Over the last three years, there has been an explosion of cancer treatment testing on dogs.  As dogs are larger than mice and closer to our body mass and their cancers are very similar to human's, canine cancer research on naturally occurring cancers benefits both species. Check out our listing of ongoing trials and their criteria below. Your pet may be eligible for one of the trials. 

New advances in early detection and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment protocols are extending dogs' lives, while offering better quality of life during and after treatment. Often these treatment protocols are less expensive than traditional Western medicine approaches.


lethargy and depression are early warning signs of canine cancer

15 Early Warning Signs of Dog Cancer

Early detection is the key to a good prognosis in treatment of canine cancers. Learn the early warning signs here.


Medicines that can be purchased over the counter: Yunnan Baiyao to stop internal hemorrhaging, Turkey Tail Mushroom to halt tumor growth and a special Canine Cancer Diet.


canine cancer treatments for hemangiosarcoma

New Treatment Prolongs Lives for Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma

Studies show new, inexpensive treatment prolongs lives with no negative side effects. Learn how you can treat your own dog at home and potentially extend his life and improve its quality.



Hemangiosarcoma research studies

Hemangiosarcoma: Early Detection Methods and Treatments in 4 New Studies

Advances are making it possible to detect cancer early in breeds predisposed to hemangiosarcoma.


Shine the dog the cancer research project was named for

Learn How Your Dog Can Join the Shine-On Research Project 
(Experimental Medicine is included for Study Participants)

Early Detection Research Project to Target Hemangiosarcoma Cells in Dogs (Shine On) was conceived to reduce the mortality and the suffering caused by canine hemangiosarcoma. 

The goal of this project is to develop effective methods for early detection and for prevention of canine hemangiosarcoma. We will use a blood test to look for the cells responsible for establishing and maintaining the disease, and then use an experimental drug treatment that attacks those same cells in order to prevent development of the tumor.


New Canine Cancer Cure, Hylaplat

New Canine Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment Is Proving Effective on a Wide Variety of Metastic Dog Cancers. Find out if your dog is eligible to participate in the trial.





Osteosarcoma is a skeletal cancer beginning near growth plates.

Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes

As the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, osteosarcoma accounts for 85% of tumors that originate in the skeletal system.





correlation between early neutering and canine cancer

The Shocking Risks of Early Neutering 

Research sheds light on correlations between early neutering and certain forms of cancer in male dogs.