Researchers at Auburn University are testing a new dog bone cancer therapy that holds hope for humans with the same condition.  This new dog bone cancer therapy consists of injecting a virus normally used in the Canine Hepatitis Vaccine.

This canine hepatitis vaccine virus is modified in the lab so that it only duplicates itself when it is actually inside the cancer cell.

Once the virus is injected and enters the cancer cell, it causes the cancer cell to rupture and die; at the same time it releases thousands of copies of itself, which then attack and kill the remaining cancer cells.

According to the Bruce Smith, director of the Research Team, they found a way to turn the cancer cell into a factory producing more and more viral particles so that in essence the cancer cell becomes an “agent of its own death.”

Once they are able to confirm that this new viral therapy works as expected for dog bone cancer, they hope to create a single therapy that is able to treat multiple types of canine cancer.

Canine bone cancer affects approximately five percent of dogs.

In over 90 percent of the cases, even with amputation of the affected limb, the cancer spreads to the lungs and dogs typically survive less than nine to twelve months, even with chemotherapy.

Canine bone cancer survival rates are very poor.

Thanks to a two year grant from the American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation, this new study plans to accept 20 dogs with bone cancer. All dogs must be referred by their veterinarian and all must have all four legs intact, so cancer cell can be collected for the study. These dogs will be treated and monitored for two years.

Ultimately, the team plans to take the knowledge gained from treating bone cancer in dogs to create new human cancer treatments.

They are planning to partner with various medical colleges to run clinical trials in human cancer cases based on the initial results in dogs.

The Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, operates according to a concept called “One Medicine.”

One Medicine views pet and human health as one field whereby discoveries in one species such as a dog, acts to offer health advancements in humans as well.

According to Smith, “Dogs are physically very similar to people.”

In addition, the types of cancer and genetic mutations affecting dogs are quite similar to those affecting people.

Consequently what researchers discover in dogs is in most cases very applicable to people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Natura Pet Products once again has expanded its dry pet food recall to include all sizes and lots of dry cat food, dog food and pet treats with expiration dates up to and including March 29, 2013. Salmonella bacterial contamination has been cited as the cause of the expanded pet food recall.

Recalled pet foods affected include California Natural, Evo, Innova, Healthwise and Karma.

The Michigan and Georgia Departments of Agriculture conducted testing on Natura’s pet foods and detected the presence of Salmonella bacteria.

The Natura pet foods are sold worldwide through veterinary clinics, online and at retail in America and Canada as well as in Japan and Australia.

Pet owners who purchased the recalled pet foods should carefully discard them. Consumers may contact Natura directly for additional information.

Consumers who purchased any of Natura’s recalled pet food products should discard them and contact Natura for a refund at 1-800-224-6123.

In addition to Natura’s pet food recall. BARF World, a manufacturer of raw pet food has also issued a recall due to a salmonella bacterial outbreak in their manufacturing facility.

The BARF World raw pet food recall directly affects the Lamb and Combo patties, with a “best buy” date of July 27, 2013.

Note that neither company claims to have received any reports of sickened pets at this time.

Pet owners should discard the tainted raw pet food and may contact BARF World toll free at 866-282-2273 for refunds and details.

Salmonella bacteria diseases are Zoonotic which means they are easily transmitted between pets, pet food and people. Suggestions to avoid contamination include practicing good hygiene.

Wash your hands well, carefully discard tainted pet foods and sanitize pet food bowls and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the tainted pet food or its packaging.

Signs of Salmonella in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, appetite loss and fevers.

In humans additions symptoms may include Endocarditis, urinary tract infections, arthritis and eye problems.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age.

According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Achromatopsia.

Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness.

According to veterinary ophthalmologist Andras Komáromy, DVM, gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated.

Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells. At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth.

Canine Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the blindness. The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision.

Dr. Komáromy, an associate professor in Michigan States Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was amazed at their success.

Although Achromatopsia is a rare condition, it’s a good model disease for other ocular disorders affecting the photoreceptors cells of the eye, which detect color.

These photoreceptor eye disorders, on the other hand do constitute a major cause of incurable blindness in dogs and humans.

Because of the tremendous success of this therapy, new treatment concepts are currently being investigated for Retinal Therapy Disorders causing blindness in pets and people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Vetsulin was originally marketed by Merck Animal Health, in 2004, as the first federally approved insulin for diabetic dogs and cats. After Vetsulin killed thousands of helpless dogs, it was finally discontinued in 2011 and just recently has been re-approved by the FDA. Vetsulin is now available to US veterinarians and diabetic pet owners.

Vetsulin is an insulin zinc suspension, of porcine origin which means it is derived from pigs.

According to Merck, the amino acid structure in Vetsulin is identical to canine insulin which Merck representatives said minimizes the risk of potential adverse immune mediated disorders resulting from its use in dogs. Diabetes in cats, on the other hand is not thought to be an immune mediated disorder therefore the risk of developing auto-antibodies is negligent.

In 2009, the FDA issued alerts regarding a lack of stability in Vetsulin. Pet owners were advised to keep a close eye on their diabetic pets in case of an adverse reaction. Following this initial FDA Alert, thousands of diabetic dogs were rushed into emergency rooms all across the country, suffering from the consequences of this unstable Vetsulin.

Results included kidney failure, anemia, and blindness due to cataracts, neurological disorders and death.

There was also a multi million dollar Vetsulin Class Action Law Suit filed and settled out of court in which some of the financial burdens experienced by grieving pet owners were addressed.

Since Vetsulin was officially taken off the market in 2011, diabetic dogs and cats have been doing quite well on human DNA derived insulin, available for example, at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost when compared to Vetsulin.

Adverse reactions experienced by diabetic dogs taking human insulin have yet to be documented or even reported, according to this veterinarian and author’s knowledge.

According to Merck, the number of diabetic pets is currently exploding and in dogs has tripled over the last 30 years.

Merck says the stability and sterility issues in Vetsulin issues have been fully addressed, and FDA approval has been obtained to reintroduce Vetsulin to the US pet market.

Vetsulin, referred to as Caninsulin in Canada and other countries outside of the United States, has been used to treat diabetic dogs and cats overseas for more than 20 years.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Hello Fellow Pet Lovers: I wanted to share this note I received from a grateful dog owner whose 15 year old pooch has several health issues ranging from dog arthritis to canine thyroid cancer, yet is doing remarkably well on natural pet supplements.

Hi Dr. Carol:

I’ve been wanting to write you for many years to tell you about our black lab, Sonny.  About 11 years ago, when Sonny was about 4 years old, one morning he couldn’t walk on his back legs.

He walked on his two front legs with his rear legs suspended in mid-air.  We took him to the vet and he took many x-rays and sent them to specialists.

The diagnosis was bad hip dysplasia plus many other orthopedic and spine problems.   The operations would cost us about $7000 with no guarantees.

A few days later, my husband saw the PAAWS ad on TV and asked me to call.  I ordered and started giving the PAAWS Vitamins to Sonny.  In two-three weeks he was walking on all fours and running around like a puppy.

Sonny had enjoyed good health all these years, but over 2 years ago, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Again, surgery/radiation/chemo charges were estimated at $7000.  The decision was easy…Sonny was 13 and we believed the treatment would kill him.  So, we continued with his PAAWS.

Over a year ago, my husband was using a railroad tie to prop up a new door installation.  The over 100 lb tie fell and landed on Sonny’s back.  Sonny lost control of his back legs and he was taken to the vet.  After x-rays, amazingly he had nothing broken…no bones or internal damage.

But, he couldn’t walk.  The vet thought he’d never walk again…after all, he was a 14 year old cancer victim.  My husband brought him home and we tenderly took care of him, giving him his PAAWS and my husband massaging and performing acupressure on him.

Two months later, Sonny proudly ran into the vet’s office and greeted everyone there as old friends.  The vet announced that “He is a miracle.”

The thyroid cancer is progressing and is slowly choking off his windpipe.  We know our time with him is short, but he has been our miracle.  He shows more heart and love of life than anyone we know, and he’s a hard act to follow for us.

Thank you for your products.  We know that PAAWS has been a major contribution to Sonny health…Sonny is 15 ½ years old now and we praise God for every day we’ve been blessed with his presence.

Thank you for your excellent advice and for making such a great product!

Jeremy & Victoria Mapes

Kearney, NE

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Dogs born blind from birth are now able to regain full vision, regardless of age.

According to a recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Therapy, researchers at Michigan State University combined two therapies which reversed an inherited form of total color blindness in dogs, called Canine Achromatopsia.

Although the study focused on dogs this novel therapy may prove effective in helping people regain vision who also suffer with this form of hereditary color blindness.

According to veterinary ophthalmologist, Andras Komáromy, DVM, Gene therapy only works if the cells in the eye that process daylight and color are not totally degenerated.

Therefore they used a protein called CNTF to selectively destroy the eye’s light sensitive cells, which vets call photoreceptor cells.

At the proper dose, its similar to pruning flowers, the protein partially destroys the cells but at the same time it allows for new growth.

Gene therapy follows the protein injection and replaces the mutant gene associated with the dog’s blindness.

The results have been overwhelmingly successful. All seven dogs in the study regained full vision.

Dr. Komáromy, an associate professor in Michigan States Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, was amazed at their success.

Although Achromatopsia is a somewhat rare condition, it’s a good model disease for other ocular disorders affecting the photoreceptor cells of the eye, which detect color.

These photoreceptor eye disorders, on the other hand do constitute a major cause of incurable blindness in dogs and humans.

Because of the tremendous success of this new blindness therapy, new treatment concepts are currently being investigated for Retinal Disorders causing blindness in pets and people.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Procter & Gamble (P&G) recently announced a voluntary recall of pet food products for dogs and cats after the Michigan Department of Agriculture detected Salmonella bacterial contamination in a bag of randomly tested pet food.

In fact, Salmonella was detected in a single package of EVO Turkey & Chicken Cat Food on March 15, 2013.

Late last Friday, P&G expanded its recall of Natura Pet Food Products for dogs and cats to include all products made at a Fremont, Nebraska production facility between January and March, 2013.

In addition, they announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella bacterial contamination in various other lots of their pet foods.

Pet food lines affected include California Natural, Innova, Evo, HealthWise and now Karma.

A recent news release submitted by the FDA, confirmed, Salmonella was also discovered in other packages of EVO Turkey and Chicken Cat Food as well as in Innova Cat Treats.

It’s been a rough month for Procter & Gamble’s pet care division as initially a mold problem hurt the launch of their new Iams Shakeables pet product, then the Salmonella contamination issues followed.

These recent quality-control problems at Proctor and Gamble have arisen after years of declining sales for P&G’s pet care products. The fact is P&G still has not recovered financially from the Menu Pet Food Recall in 2007 in which Melamine contamination caused kidney failure and the subsequent death of thousands of innocent dogs and cats.

Despite the fact that no pet or human illnesses have been confirmed, taking precautionary measures is necessary to protect your pets and your family from Salmonella. Salmonella is a Zoonotic Disease which means it is easily transmissible to people and other pets.

Be sure to practice good hygiene by washing your hands well and sanitizing any and all surfaces the tainted pet food and it packaging may have contacted.

Signs of Salmonella in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, appetite loss and fevers.

In humans, additional symptoms may include arthritis, Endocarditis, eye issues and urinary tract infections.

Pet owners who suspect their dog and/or cat may have been exposed should contact their veterinarian. Individuals who may have become sickened should contact their primary health care provider.

Pet owners who have purchased the tainted pet food should carefully discard the tainted food.

Natura representatives are available by phone Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5:30PM CST. Pet owners interested in replacing the tainted pet foods may contact Natura directly by calling 1-800-224-6123.

It is noteworthy to mention the fact that despite P&G’s struggle to recover from the Menu Pet Food Recall in 2007, this is the third pet product-quality issue Procter and Gamble’s pet care division has experienced in the last two weeks since March 18, 2013.

This veterinarian questions the true aggressiveness of P&G’s quality control when it comes to their pet care division products. P&G offers pet food products for dogs and cats which are sold not only worldwide but also at major USA retailers and in veterinary offices.

Pet owners who wish to file a pet food complaint may do so online at FDA.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Because the list of recalled pet foods and pet treats is so extensive, exact product codes and lot numbers of P&G’s recalled pet food products are available online at Natura dot com or at the Food and Drug Administrations pet food recalls section.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

No one likes to think about a beloved pet growing older. We cringe as the once exuberant puppy needs help up stairs or tires after a short walk.

Anti-Aging medicine is the newest clinical medical specialty offered to physicians.

So, why don’t we hear more about this for our pets?

Pet owners are demanding a higher quality of pet care for their dogs and cats and human medicine is moving from a disease-based model to a preventive, proactive approach. Shouldn’t our veterinarians move in this direction as well?

The fact is the pet anti-aging movement is already occurring. Many veterinarians are shifting from our current disease based model of medicine to pro-active preventative wellness protocols that get our pets into their offices two, three or even four times a year.

More visits mean more chances to find small issues before they become big problems!

But, annual veterinary visits are only one part of the solution.

When scientists unraveled the canine genetic code, they discovered that dogs and people share similar mechanisms relative to aging. As we grow older, adverse changes in our cells increase the risk of death.

About a third of these changes are genetic in nature.

More often, however, they are due to lifestyle and environmental factors.

The fact is that longevity is attributed 30% to genetics and 70% to lifestyle.

Therefore, simple changes in pet lifestyle such as diet, exercise and balanced natural pet nutrient supplementation can alter your dog and/or cat’s health destiny by 70% in his or her favor.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

After testing positive for Salmonella bacterial contamination, by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Natura Pet Products is recalling several lots of its dry pet food brands.

The recall affects California Natural, Evo, Innova and Healthwise dog and cat foods.

Salmonella bacterial diseases are Zoonotic which means they are easily transmitted between pets and people. Animals eating the tainted pet food are at risk as are pet owners.

Consumers who have handled the contaminated pet food should practice good hygiene; for example be sure hands are washed well.

Signs of Salmonella include vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, lethargy, and fever and appetite loss.

Pet owners who suspect their dog and/or cat may have been affected should contact their veterinarian.

Certain pets may only experience abdominal cramping, fever and decreased appetite.

It is important to understand that some infected pets will appear completely normal and act as carriers able to transmit the disease to other pets and people.

In humans, Salmonella causes symptoms similar to those mentioned above for pets along with the possibility of arthritis, Endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and muscle pain and eye irritations.

Household members who fear contamination should contact their health care provider.

The recalled pet foods are being sold in veterinary clinics, at retail and online throughout the world.

Expiration dates on the recalled pet food lots range from December 17, 2013 to January 2, 2014.

Pet owners who purchased any of the recalled pet foods should discard them safely. Consumers with questions should contact Natura toll free at 1-800-224-6123 or visit them online at Naturapet.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats

Researchers at the University of Davis conducted a ten year canine study to determine the effect of spaying and neutering dogs prior to the age of one as it affects health and disease development in Golden Retrievers.

The canine study focused on five specific diseases: Hip Dysplasia, knee or stifle ligament injuries and three types of cancer. The types of pet cancer studied were Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma and Mast Cell Tumors.

In each of the five diseases studied the rates of disease development were significantly higher in neutered male and female dogs versus those in the study that were not neutered and therefore left intact. Hip Dysplasia rates were double in the group of neutered dogs versus non-neutered dogs.

Neutering male dogs involves removal of the testes and spaying a female dog requires removal of the ovaries. Both procedures result in the interruption of the body’s production of hormones. Without hormones, unwanted canine pregnancies and pet overpopulation issues are avoided.

However because your dog’s  hormones play a key role in bone growth and closure of what is referred to as bone plates, the risk of canine arthritis, Hip Dysplasia  and knee ligament injuries increase significantly. In fact the risk of Hip Dysplasia doubles in Golden Retrievers spayed or neutered prior to the age of one.

In addition to pet arthritis and canine cancer, early spaying and neutering has been linked to unwanted behavioral issues and a host of other pet health disorders still being studied in dogs.

The research indicates the importance of discussing the risks and benefits of spaying or neutering pets with your veterinarian prior to the procedure.

Veterinarians and pet owners alike should use their best medical judgment when deciding the best time and age to spay or neuter.

Another published study released in 2012 revealed the fact that waiting until dogs are age six or older results in a 33% increase in health and longevity.

In addition, the risk of reproductive tract cancer in dogs is not eliminated by spaying or neutering, which is the exact opposite of what many veterinarians and pet owners previously believed.

Currently the Denver based branch of the Morris Animal Foundation is recruiting 3000 Golden Retrievers as part of a new

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

This project will track the dog’s health, disease entities and environment throughout their entire life span.

Pet owners that may be interested in enrolling their Golden Retrievers for this study may register online at caninelifetimehealth.

About Dr. Carol

Dr. Carol is a pet health researcher, a Board Certified Anti-Aging Pet Health Diplomat, a published author and a

practicing, holistic veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

She welcomes new canine and feline patients.

Dr. Carol also offers pet health consultations and answers pet health questions and makes homemade pet diets by phone and e-mail for her online pet loving community.

Pet owners may contact Dr. Carol directly at her veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) today.

Bookmark www.carolonpets.com for the latest pet health news, anti-aging tips and updates for your dogs and cats