cats

A new cancer treatment for dogs and cats

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Researchers have found a new way to extend the life of terminally ill dogs who have cancer. This new form of chemoimmunotherapy repurposes stem cells that uses a non-viral gene delivery treatment instead of the usual virus treatment. The new method is safe has had great results.

The researchers treated 65 dogs and two cats who had either adenoma, lung metastasis or sarcoma. After three to eight weeks of treatment, 55 showed signs of positive response. Of that 14 had a full recovery. Two animals remained cancer free for at least 30 months and 46 enjoyed a good quality of life for 32 months. None of the animals treated had significant side effects.

The research team are conducting further studies and plan to research the possibility of using this treatment on humans.

Journal Reference:

  1. Yoon Khei Ho, Kin Man Loke, Jun Yung Woo, Yee Lin Lee, Heng-Phon Too. Cryopreservation does not change the performance and characteristics of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells highly over-expressing a cytoplasmic therapeutic transgene for cancer treatment. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2022; 13 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03198-z

Cite This Page:

National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. “Novel cancer therapy extends lives of terminally ill dogs.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 January 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230130112405.htm>.

Stress causes overeating in pets

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Researcher Sora Shin, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech has discovered a molecule that triggers the need to eat high fat foods in mice 24 hours after being exposed stress in the form of the scent of cats.

This molecule is found in the hypothalamus section of the brain which is the part of the brain that is connected to changes in the brain that lead to emotional overeating.

 The same molecule is found in people as well as animals. This discovery may lead to treatment methods that can help people who react to the emotionally driven need to overeat, even when they are not hungry.

Sue’s Note: There are many animals, particularly dogs and cats that tend to overeat which result in them becoming obese. Pet owners who have pets that have this problem should consider stress as a factor that causes their pets to overeat. First be sure that the family or friends are not over feeding the pets. If this is not the case the pet owner should evaluate the possibility that stress may be a cause. Since the study showed that the effects of stress can cause overeating 24 hours later, the pet owner should consider events that happened in the last 24 hours. An example would be someone or something that passes the pet’s home when the owner is not home that causes high stress in the pet. In situations where stress is a factor, reducing the amount of food that the pet has access to may cause a greater amount of stress. In this case over the counter calming remedies may help the pet. If not a visit to your veterinarian would be in order explaining to the veterinarian that you suspect stress is a cause of the overeating. Print a copy of the article in the link below to show your veterinarian if necessary.

Journal Reference:

  1. In-Jee You, Yeeun Bae, Alec R. Beck, Sora Shin. Lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neurons drive threat-induced overeating associated with a negative emotional state. Nature Communications, 2023; 14 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42623-6

Cite This Page:

Virginia Tech. “Scientist discovers potential brain link between stress, emotional eating.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 November 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231127180702.htm>.

Unlock the Healing Power of Animal Companionship in Overcoming Addiction

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by guest blogger Cindy Aldridge

Embarking on the path to overcoming addiction, you might discover solace and support in unexpected places. Among these, the companionship of pets stands out as a source of unconditional love and understanding. These furry friends offer companionship and become critical pillars in the journey toward sobriety, providing a unique form of support that nurtures emotional and physical well-being. Susan Bulanda shares more:

Providing Companionship and Sense of Purpose

In the throes of addiction recovery, the presence of a pet can imbue your life with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. The unconditional love and unwavering companionship pets offer can fill the void of loneliness, giving you a reason to push forward. 

Their dependence on you for care and affection instills a routine and responsibility that can be incredibly grounding. This bond is crucial to the recovery process, offering a comforting presence that reassures and motivates you to continue healing.

Navigating Through Inpatient Treatment

When grappling with the complexities of addiction recovery, acknowledging the potential for relapse becomes pivotal. In such instances, opting for inpatient treatment emerges as a decisive choice, offering a structured and supportive setting for individuals navigating the trials of recovery. While concerns about the expense of rehabilitation may arise, it’s reassuring that numerous treatment centers readily accept health insurance from major providers. 

Mitigating financial worries requires proactive engagement with insurance companies to ascertain the extent of coverage. Selecting the right inpatient facility involves a multifaceted approach; start with this list of best rehab centers in the US. Take into account accommodations, accreditations, treatment approaches, location, and the testimonials of former patients. 

In parallel to choosing a rehabilitation center, it’s crucial to ensure your pet’s well-being by arranging temporary housing. Research local pet boarding facilities or consider pet-sitting services that can offer personalized care in your absence. Engaging with a trusted provider early on will give you peace of mind, knowing your furry friend is in safe hands while you focus on your recovery.

Alleviating Stress Through Pet Interaction

Petting or simply being near an animal has been shown to reduce stress and significantly lower cortisol levels. This interaction promotes a sense of calm and well-being, which is particularly beneficial during the unpredictability of addiction recovery. 

The routine of caring for a pet provides a distraction from stressors and a way to channel energy positively. This natural form of stress relief can make a significant difference in managing recovery’s emotional ups and downs, offering a peaceful respite in moments of turmoil.

Overcoming Loneliness with the Company of Pets

The companionship of a pet combats the loneliness and isolation felt during addiction recovery, offering comfort and a sense of security that diminishes the risk of relapse. Their simple, unwavering support lightens the complexities in human relationships, making the path to sobriety feel less intimidating. This bond is a constant reminder that you are never truly alone in your journey toward healing.

Fostering Emotional Healing Through Pet Bonding

Pets provide a unique outlet for emotional expression, offering a safe space to express feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal. This aspect of pet ownership can be particularly therapeutic during addiction recovery, where emotional vulnerability is often a key part of the healing process. Caring for an animal can help redirect focus from personal struggles to the well-being of another, facilitating a form of emotional healing that is both subtle and profound.

Promoting Physical Health and Activity

Engaging in physical activities with a pet, such as walking or playing, strengthens your bond and promotes your own physical health. This routine encourages regular exercise, which is an essential component of a healthy recovery process. The physical benefits of activity and the emotional support of pet companionship contribute to a holistic approach to overcoming addiction, enhancing mental and physical resilience.

Encouraging Mindfulness and Presence

Caring for a pet requires mindfulness and presence which can be incredibly beneficial during addiction recovery. This responsibility encourages you to live in the moment, focusing on your pet’s needs rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future anxieties. This mindfulness practice fosters a sense of peace and connection, grounding you in the present and supporting a more mindful, purposeful approach to recovery.

In the challenging journey of overcoming addiction, the companionship of pets offers a powerful source of healing and support. Beyond mere companionship, they provide love, purpose, and a unique form of unconditional support that can significantly impact your recovery process. As you navigate the path to sobriety, consider embracing the therapeutic power of pets to find strength, resilience, and comfort in their presence.

Black soldier flies used as meat protein

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Tyson foods has partnered with Protix, a Netherlands-based insect ingredients maker to use black flies as a protein source for its pet, poultry and fish food. Tyson is planning to build a US insect ingredients maker facility to raise and use Black Soldier Flies.

The company takes animal waste and uses it to feed the flies and then processes the flies for animal food. While the Springdale, Arkansas Tyson facility does not make pet food, it sells animal fats, hides, and inedible proteins that are used in pet food.

Recently, Mars Pet Care produces and sells cat food made entirely of bugs.  

https://www.lovebugpetfood.com/ Mars Pet Care

According to the report, “Those flies are not going into human food, at this point. Today, we’re focused on more of [an] ingredient application with insect protein than we are a consumer application,” said John R. Tyson, chief financial officer of Tyson Foods.”

Note that the quote states, “at this point.” Does that mean in the future Tyson will include flies in food for human consumption?

Sue’s Note: The Latin name for black soldier flies is: Hermetia illucens, be sure to read the ingredients of the food that you buy. Also, people around the world for thousands of years have eaten various bugs as part of their diet. Even the Bible notes that John the Baptist lived on locust and honey when he lived in the wilderness. Matthew 3:4

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/20/business/tyson-insect-ingredients/index.html#:~:text=Tyson%20Foods%2C%20one%20of%20the,is%20investing%20in%20insect%20protein&text=Tyson%2C%20a%20major%20US%20producer,Netherlands%2Dbased%20insect%20ingredients%20maker.

Gene therapy to prevent pregnancy in dogs and cats

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A Research team led by David Pépin, PhD, Associate Director of the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School has developed a gene therapy as an alternate to spaying and neutering animals. They are hopeful that this method will eventually be available to be able to control outdoor pet populations.

While this discovery is promising, the researchers have yet to develop the infrastructure to treat thousands of unowned feral cats. This will also give pet owners an alternative to traditional spay and neuter programs to prevent pregnancy in their pets.

What is interesting is this gene therapy was first used in people. Typically discoveries in animals help humans, in this case it is the reverse.

Journal Reference:

  1. Vansandt, L.M., Meinsohn, MC., Godin, P. et al. Durable contraception in the female domestic cat using viral-vectored delivery of a feline anti-Müllerian hormone transgene. Nat Commun, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38721-0

Cite This Page:

Massachusetts General Hospital. “Gene therapy produces long-term contraception in female domestic cats.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 June 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230606111636.htm>.

Those amazing whiskers

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A study at Northwestern University has shown that rats determine the direction of the wind with their whiskers. Since many other animals such as dogs, foxes, coyotes and cats also have whiskers that are similar to those of a rat, is it possible that they also use their whiskers to determine the direction of the wind?

All wild animals also have to be aware of the direction of the wind to either find food or avoid being detected by predators. Therefore, the ability to determine the direction of the wind or even a slight breeze is a life and death skill. It seems reasonable that that they would use their whiskers as well as the movement of their fur to detect the direction of air movement.

Sue’s Note: As a person who has trained many working dogs, I have seen dogs learn how to use the direction of the wind to find scent. It is quite an amazing thing to watch, and another example of how intelligent animals are.

Journal References:

Mitra J. Z. Hartmann et al. Whiskers aid anemotaxis in rats. Science Advances, August 2016 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600716

Yan S. W. Yu, Matthew M. Graff, Mitra J. Z. Hartmann. Mechanical responses of rat vibrissae to airflow. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2016; 219 (7): 937 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.126896

Cite This Page:

Northwestern University. (2016, August 24). Whiskers help animals sense the direction of the wind: First-ever study shows that rats use whiskers to locate source of airflow. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160824160248.htm

Negative attitudes toward vaccinating pets

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In a recent study Dr’s Matt and Gabriella Motta of the Boston School of Public Health, found that almost 40% of dog owners in the United States are hesitant about getting their pets vaccinated. Some of these feelings are a spillover from the mistrust of the COVID shots. Many people have lost confidence in both adult and child vaccines and this now includes pet vaccines.

This mistrust of vaccines includes rabies and other diseases. Forty percent of pet owners questioned, feel that the vaccines are unsafe, 20% feel that the vaccines are ineffective and 30% feel that they are unnecessary. 

“The American Animal Hospital Association calls vaccinations “a cornerstone of canine preventive healthcare” and recommends that all dogs (barring specific medical reasons), receive a core set of vaccines for rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza, and advises that many dogs receive additional “non-core” inoculations for Lyme disease, Bordetella, and other diseases.”

Sue’s Note:  Rabies was first described over 5000 years ago. The World Health Organization has estimated that over 250,000 people a year are saved by having animals vaccinated against rabies. They also estimate that 59,000 people die each year from Rabies. In the United States rabies is almost unknown in pet animals, but wild animals can carry it. The biggest threat is in other countries where they do not vaccinate dogs or they have many feral street dogs which are a risk. All of the vaccines for pets have been tested and proven to save animals.

As a senior citizen, I recall as a child we all got Measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox and Rubella. I also knew students in my High School who suffered from Polio.  Since the shots for these diseases have been given, few if any children in the U.S. get these “childhood” diseases. While there is always a risk with any shot, the benefits outweigh the risk. However, that said, I personally feel that the COVID shot should have been tested for a longer period of time. That is my personal feeling. The other shots have been tested and proven safe for both pets and people.

Journal Reference:

  1. Matt Motta, Gabriella Motta, Dominik Stecula. Sick as a dog? The prevalence, politicization, and health policy consequences of canine vaccine hesitancy (CVH). Vaccine, 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.059

Cite This Page:

Boston University School of Public Health. “Nearly half of dog owners are hesitant to vaccinate their pets.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 31 August 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230831142809.htm>.

Brain connectivity in animals and people

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In a first of its kind study, researchers at the American Friends of Tel Aviv University studied the MRIs of 130 mammals of different species to determine if there is a difference between brain size and its ability to transfer information through the neural network. This information was compared with the MRI of 32 human brains. The size of the mammals ranged from tiny bats to large mammals. The report stated that no animal was killed for the study.

Professor Assaf explained that many scientists assumed that human brains were superior due to greater brain connectivity, explaining a human’s greater abilities. However, no difference was found between species. However, there were differences between individual animals of the same species.

Brain connectivity involves the transfer of information from one part of the brain to another. The researchers found that different brains use different strategies to preserve an equal measure of overall connectivity.

“Our study revealed a universal law: Conservation of Brain Connectivity,” Prof. Assaf concludes. “This law denotes that the efficiency of information transfer in the brain’s neural network is equal in all mammals, including humans. We also discovered a compensation mechanism which balances the connectivity in every mammalian brain. This mechanism ensures that high connectivity in a specific area of the brain, possibly manifested through some special talent (e.g. sports or music) is always countered by relatively low connectivity in another part of the brain. In future projects we will investigate how the brain compensates for the enhanced connectivity associated with specific capabilities and learning processes.”

This study was conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by Prof. Yaniv Assaf of the School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Sagol School of Neuroscience and Prof. Yossi Yovel of the School of Zoology, the Sagol School of Neuroscience, and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History.

Journal Reference:

  1. Yaniv Assaf, Arieli Bouznach, Omri Zomet, Assaf Marom, Yossi Yovel. Conservation of brain connectivity and wiring across the mammalian class. Nature Neuroscience, 2020; 23 (7): 805 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0641-7

Cite This Page:

American Friends of Tel Aviv University. “MRI scans of the brains of 130 mammals, including humans, indicate equal connectivity.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 July 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200720112216.htm>.

Can animals predict earthquakes?

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People often claim that they notice animals acting differently before an earthquake. To study this, with the hope of using animals to predict earthquakes, a group of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz/Radolfzell and the Cluster of Excellence Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz, have investigated whether cows, sheep, and dogs can actually detect early signs of earthquakes.

The researchers put sensors on the animals in an earthquake prone area of Northern Italy and studied their movements over several months. They found that the animals were unusually restless hours before an earthquake. They also noted that the closer the animal was to the epicenter the sooner they showed unusual behavior. In some cases, the animals showed unusual behavior up to 20 hours before the quake.

The researchers found that during the months they studied the animals there were, officially reported, 18,000 earthquakes in the region which included small hardly noticeable quakes to 12 with a strength of 4 or higher on the Richter scale.

The data implies that animals can predict earthquakes and the researchers are considering a global study to help develop an early warning system using a chip located on animals.

Journal Reference:

  1. Martin Wikelski, Uschi Mueller, Paola Scocco, Andrea Catorci, Lev V. Desinov, Mikhail Y. Belyaev, Daniel Keim, Winfried Pohlmeier, Gerhard Fechteler, P. Martin Mai. Potential short‐term earthquake forecasting by farm animal monitoring. Ethology, 2020; DOI: 10.1111/eth.13078

Cite This Page:

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. “The sixth sense of animals: An early warning system for earthquakes?.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 July 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200706101837.htm>.

Cat’s can detect odors as well as a dog

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Until now, no one has seriously studied a cat’s ability to detect odors. A collection of researchers found that when a cat takes in air, their nose divides it into two flow streams. One flow stream is cleansed and humidified which goes to the lungs and the other is sent quickly to the olfactory region. What the researchers found is that a cat’s nose is a highly efficient dual-purposed gas chromatograph. This makes the cat’s ability to detect odors equal with that of a dog.

The odor detection part of the cat’s nose acts very quickly so that the cat can determine what is food, foe or friend. The researchers feel that the discovery about how a cat can detect odors may inspire improvements to the gas chromatographs that are used today.

Journal Reference:

  1. Zhenxing Wu, Jianbo Jiang, Fritz W. Lischka, Scott J. McGrane, Yael Porat-Mesenco, Kai Zhao. Domestic cat nose functions as a highly efficient coiled parallel gas chromatograph. PLOS Computational Biology, 2023; 19 (6): e1011119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011119

Cite This Page:

Ohio State University. “How the cat nose knows what it’s smelling: Study reveals function behind complex nasal structure.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 29 June 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230629193238.htm>.