Greater Monroe Kennel Club

Greater Monroe Kennel Club 2015 Newsletter Editor: Donna Otero 4975 Friendly Farms Road Greensboro, NC 27406 dotero7965@gmail.com GMKC by-laws state that the newsletter is to be distributed 2 weeks IN AD- VANCE OF THE GENERAL MEETING. Therefore, ALL articles and information for the newsletter need to be submitted by the TUESDAY that is 2 WEEKS FOLLOWING THE GENERAL MEET- ING. For the July 2015 newsletter, I will need all your information by June 30, 2015. June 2015, Volume 15, Issue 5 All Meetings are Now Held at the Hilltop Bistro Next Meeting is Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. 1602 E. Roosevelt Blvd. Monroe, NC 28112 (704) 289-3733 We meet in the back room of the Bistro. In order to minimize interruptions to the meeting, please plan to arrive by 6:00 p.m. if you are having dinner. Opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of GMKC either as a group or individually. Advice or helpful hints should never be taken as substitutes for personal veterinary counsel. Contact and referral persons are in no way guaranteed by the GMKC 2015 Officers and Directors President John Schoeneman Vice President Martha Milligan Secretary Janet Broome Treasurer Gene Hains Board Meeting will follow after the regular meeting adjourns. Inside this edition AKC Communicates Page 1 General and Board Minutes May 2015 Page 2 Vaccine Flyer Page 4 Puppy E-Books Page 5 Karen s Korner Page 6 Board of Directors Beth Warren Lynn Rowell Pat Ginocchio Www.greatermonroekc.org Click Box Below for most recent publication

GMKC Paw Prints June 2015 GMKC MEETING MAY, 12, 2015 Meeting called to order 7:05 p.m. Secretary s Minutes: Motion to approve by Betty Montgomery, Pat Ginocchio seconded. Vote to approve. Secretary Report: Nothing to report this month. Treasurer s Report: NC Dog Federation donation of $2,000 sent. Our club fee of $25 has been paid, NC Dog Federation ran our fee check through twice, and Treasurer has gotten that extra $25 credited back to our account. We ve paid the interest payment in March on the property. Need authorization to make a principle payment on property will be taken up in board meeting. Motion to approve Treasurer s report by Randy Jackson, seconded Pat Ginocchio. Club vote to approve. Show Report for Spring Classic: We had a very successful Spring Classic; this show is becoming very successful for the club and other clubs involved. Conformation was up this year, receipts very good from this event, agility also held its own returning good profit; Obedience was actually down in profits this year. Treasurer is still reconciling reports and settlement to Columbia Club and CDT. Reserved Grooming: Having reserved grooming space was very successful this year. Next year the club will use the large side of Gold Hall for grooming, there is electricity available, will give more room for grooming; we will use the entire Event Center for reserved grooming. The monies raised from additional reserved grooming space will more than pay for extra space needed in Gold Hall. The grooming section of this show ran very well, the best in several years (Crystal and Janet did a very good job of handling this area). Exhibitors/participants were very pleased with the reserved space, the small dogs (toys and terriers) were very happy to have their own grooming area in Gold Hall (it removed them from the large dogs and they were happy to avoid negotiating around the larger dogs); moving to the larger side of Gold Hall next year will make that grooming area even better by having electrical readily available. RVs for Spring Show: A record number of RVs were parked for this show, our RV counts were more than we ve parked for any other show; our RV group and volunteers were very successful in accommodating the record number of RVs. Membership Report: Fourteen members present and three guests. Lisa Payne was a new guest this meeting and David and Kathy Trone were present for their third meeting; they were given an application for membership. Committee Reports: Pet Safe no report this month. Sunshine Committee no report this month. Legislative Report Betty reported HR Bill moved out of house and into Senate (Bill has been reported in past meeting minutes). Work is still ongoing to change/delete this bill re: reclassification of breeder/owners and accompanying regulations and restrictions. Agility August Show: Dates for our Agility Show are August 6, 7, 8, and 9. November & Spring Classic 2016 Show: Chris Brooks will be Secretary/Supt. for Obedience. Beth Warren mentioned she had used his forms for registration in other shows and it was a breeze to get registered and confirmation; Chris responds very quickly to participants questions and confirmation. www.greatermonroekc.org Page 2

GMKC Paw Prints June 2015 President s Report: President introduced Beth Warren for a special presentation to the club on Canine Homeopathy and Treatments. Beth gave an excellent presentation outlining various remedies and herbs for treating illnesses and injuries. Thanks, Beth for a very informed report. Anyone interested in more information can contact Beth for a list of references and books on the subject. She can also provide of list of specialists in homeopathic treatments. Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. GMKC BOARD MEETING, MAY 12, 2015 Called to order 8:06 p.m. Board present: Lynn Rowell, John Schoeneman, Beth Warren, Pat Ginocchio, Janet Broome, and Gene Hains. Secretary s Minutes: Vote to approve by Lynn Rowell, seconded Beth Warren, and board vote to approve. Treasurer s Report: Vote to approve Treasurer s Report, board vote to approve. Board voted to give Treasurer authorization to make principle payment in August. Gene made motion, Pat Ginocchio seconded, board voted to approve. Spring Classic 2015 Show: Discussion of attendance and receipts from the Spring Classic this year; conformation up significantly, agility receipts were in line (slight increase) with last year, obedience receipts significantly reduced. Perhaps again consider expenses versus receipts in obedience for next year. Board meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m. END OF MEETING REPORTS www.greatermonroekc.org Page 3

GMKC Paw Prints June 2015 www.greatermonroekc.org Page 4

GMKC Paw Prints June 2015 If anyone would like copies of Ian Dunbar's free e- books -- 1. Before You Get Your Puppy and 2. After You Get Your Puppy--,send me an e-mail request and I will reply with those attached. Maggie Blutreich www.greatermonroekc.org Page 5

GMKC Paw Prints June 2015 Karen s Korner All Articles in this section were submitted by Karen Phillips Ensuring That Emerging Stem Cell Treatments Do Not Activate or Exacerbate Cancer Canine Kidney Failure Harnessing a Dog s Own Immune System to Kill Lymphoma Tumor Cells Lyme Disease Can Be Lethal to Dogs What Dog Owners Need to Know About H3N2 Canine Flu Low Carb Ketogenic and Raw Food Diets Help Dogs Live Longer www.greatermonroekc.org Page 6

Canine Kidney Failure: Causes, Treatment, Prevention Kidney (renal) failure occurs when a dog s kidneys are no longer able to remove waste and concentrate urine. The bodies of animals produce toxins all day, everyday, and the toxins circulate to the kidneys to be dissolved in water, filtered out and excreted through urination. A healthy kidney makes highly concentrated urine, meaning a large amount of toxins can be handled and excreted in a relatively small amount of water. A failing kidney, by contrast, needs more and more water to excrete the same amount of toxins. A dog in kidney failure will drink increasing quantities of water, until eventually he simply can t drink enough and toxin levels in his bloodstream begin to rise. Dr. Becker's Comments: There are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure (ARF) comes on suddenly and can be caused by: Ingestion of a poison like antifreeze, a medication meant for humans, or the Easter Lily plant An overwhelming bacterial infection Dehydration, usually because the dog is left without easy access to fresh drinking water Decreased blood flow to the kidneys a situation that can occur, for example, during a surgical procedure, or as a result of heat stroke, or where there is heart disease Urinary obstruction Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is a slower process and develops over months or even years. It is most common in older dogs. Acute kidney failure can be turned around in some cases; in others, it can become chronic. Unfortunately, the majority of chronic kidney disease is irreversible.

Acute Renal Failure Signs and Symptoms When kidney failure is acute, symptoms come on quickly and are often severe. The top three to watch for are: Vomiting Complete loss of appetite Marked lethargy Other symptoms you might notice: Straining to urinate and decreased urine production Disorientation Physical weakness; loss of coordination ARF is a very serious, life-threatening situation and fast action is required if there is to be any hope of saving your dog s life. There s No Time to Waste If Your Pet is in Acute Renal Failure If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or if you know or even suspect your pup has ingested a poison or is suffering the effects of heat exposure or dehydration, call your vet or an animal emergency clinic immediately and prepare to transport her there. If the diagnosis is ARF, your pet will be hospitalized for intensive treatment. If she survives the initial crisis, and unfortunately many pups don t, her chances for full recovery of kidney function will depend on how badly the organs are damaged, the underlying cause of the condition, and the treatment she receives. The goal of treatment for ARF is to provide supportive care while the kidneys recover. It can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks to determine whether an ARF dog will bounce back, and to what extent. Urine output is a very important indicator for recovery. If a pup continues to have low or no urine output as treatment progresses, sadly, the prognosis is very poor. If conservative treatment isn t moving a dog s health forward, there may be other options, for example dialysis or organ transplant. Decisions about whether to go above and beyond will depend on the availability of such resources locally, and even more important, how the pet owner feels about more aggressive forms of treatment.

Chronic Kidney Failure (CRF) Chronic renal failure is one of the most common diseases seen in older dogs, right up there with arthritis and cancer. Unfortunately, by the time most dogs show signs of kidney disease, much of the irreplaceable tissue needed for good renal function is already destroyed. Many pet owners mistakenly think that as long as their dog is peeing a lot often more than he did in his younger years, in fact his kidneys are still working well. In fact, the opposite is true. A dog with developing kidney disease will feel the need to drink and urinate more in an effort to keep his body free of waste a job his kidneys once did with a whole lot less effort. This cycle of over drinking and over urinating will work for a while, but eventually, no amount of water will be enough to get the job done. By the time your pet starts showing other obvious signs of illness, for example lack of appetite, weight loss or low energy level, significant irreversible kidney damage has occurred. Additional symptoms of CRF, which unfortunately are symptoms of many other conditions as well, include: Decreased or lack of urination Urinating during the night Bloody urine Vomiting and/or diarrhea Hunched posture; reluctance to move Poor coat condition Chronic kidney disease can also cause: Mouth ulcers and bad breath from a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream Dehydration High blood pressure, which can result in changes in the retina of the eyes Anemia as a result of decreased red blood cell production Smaller than normal, enlarged and/or or painful kidneys Fluid retention in the limbs and abdomen

Treatment Options If your pup s CRF is caused by some factor other than damaged kidneys -- for example a disease that decreases blood flow to the kidneys or a urinary tract obstruction -- it s possible the problem with the kidneys can be reversed with appropriate treatment of the underlying cause. That s why it s important for your vet to determine the source of the CRF. If the disease is the result of irreversible kidney tissue damage, in many cases renal function will stabilize for weeks or even months at a time. And while the disease will progress and kidney function will continue to deteriorate, your pet s symptoms can be minimized with supportive treatment. Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for dogs with kidney failure, primarily to prevent dehydration due to the large amount of water that is passed out of the body. Subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid delivery may be necessary, and many pet owners can do this at home after some instruction by their veterinarian. Potassium is often added to the fluids or the animal s diet to safeguard against muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbances that result from low electrolyte levels. In some cases, IV fluids may also be required. Your dog should have round-the-clock access to fresh, clean water. Withholding water, for example overnight, will not solve your pet s need to urinate in the middle of the night and could cause a real health crisis. You ll need to keep careful track of the amount of food and water your pet consumes each day. If consumption decreases, additional fluids must be administered to prevent dehydration. You should also weigh your pet at least weekly to insure she s getting enough calories to maintain her weight and proper hydration. The food you feed your dog with CRF is also critically important for disease management and overall well-being. A reduced amount of high-quality protein and high moisture content are essential, but phosphorus intake must be restricted. Since phosphorus is found primarily in high protein food sources, you can quickly see the need for expert guidance on how to best nourish your pet. Your integrative/holistic vet is your best resource for advice on the right diet for your pet s condition, and also what supplements, medications if necessary, and other therapies will help sustain your dog s health and quality of life. Kidney Failure Prevention Not every cause of canine kidney failure is known or understood, nor can every case of ARF or CRF be prevented. However, there are a number of things within your control that can go a long way toward promoting the health and longevity of your precious pup s vital kidney function.

Many situations of acute renal failure can be prevented by ensuring dogs are kept safely away from toxic substanceslike antifreeze, heavy metals, rat poison and other pesticides, common household medicines, and certain foods and plants. Any dog with a bacterial infection, urinary obstruction or other illness that could lead to compromised kidney function should receive proper treatment, the sooner the better. Insuring your dog is never struck or kicked or gets out in a roadway will prevent possible trauma to her kidneys that could lead to renal failure. Limiting the drugs, vaccines and surgical procedures your pet is subjected to throughout her life will reduce the amount of toxins her liver and kidneys must process. Kidney failure in elderly dogs is usually the result of worn out organs. The less stress on your pet s kidneys, the longer they ll do their job effectively. Feeding a balanced, species-appropriate diet instead of commercial pet food will supply your dog s body with the fundamental nutrition he requires for the health of every organ and system in his body, including his kidneys. Low quality, highly processed pet foods in particular dry kibble, which lacks the moisture content and quality protein pets need -- are being linked to many of the degenerative diseases seen in pets today. Take note of even small changes in your pet s behavior, appetite, thirst and energy level. Don t assume increased thirst and urination is nothing to be concerned about. Trust your inner voice if it tells you to make an appointment with your holistic vet to discuss the state of your dog s health. With any degenerative condition there is opportunity while your pet is in the gray zone between health and illness, to slow, halt or even reverse movement toward the black zone and full-blown disease. Perform regular at-home wellness exams and make sure your pup gets at least one and preferably two wellness visits with your holistic or integrative vet each year. This is the best way to stay on top of your pet s health and address problems as they arise. Return to Karen s Korner Pet Talk: Lyme disease can be lethal to dogs A recent, er, uptick in Lyme disease cases has some veterinarians urging dog owners to take preventive measures, especially if you go hiking this holiday weekend.

Human cases of Lyme disease have steadily increased in Oregon in the last decade, and statistics reveal a similar trend in dogs. In 2010 there were 15 cases of canine Lyme disease in Oregon, compared to 125 cases in 2014, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. So far this year, 31 Oregon dogs have tested positive, and the organization predicts this year will carry a higher-than-average risk for the Pacific Northwest based on increased tick activity. This is likely due to two issues: milder winters and an expanding tick habitat, says Dr. Emilio DeBess, Oregon's public health veterinarian and a board member of CAPC. The tick that carries Lyme disease is the Western black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick or its scientific name, Ixodes pacificus, which lives west of the Cascades in elevations below 1,200 feet. Data from the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge team shows that May through September is the peak time period for ticks. Infected ticks spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. "Transmission occurs when the deer tick attaches to a person or animal and feeds on its blood over the course of several days, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream," explains Dr. Ashlee Redmond, medical director for the West region with Banfield Pet Hospital. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems like arthritis or kidney disease, which can lead to death. Lyme disease most commonly affects dogs, people and other mammals, she says, although cats appear mostly resistant to it. Preventing Lyme disease At Aumsville Animal Clinic, Dr. Jay Stewart estimates that between five and 10 dogs tested positive for Lyme disease at his clinic in the last few years, including one that died from related kidney failure. Several dogs have also tested positive for another tick-borne illness called anaplasmosis. Ticks usually carry up to three illnesses on average, DeBess says, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.

DeBess points out that ticks are just as likely to thrive in your backyard as they are in the woods; studies show nearly 50 percent of human cases occurred locally. That's why veterinarians recommend protecting your pets against fleas and ticks, and to do so year round. Preventative products are available in anything from chews, tablets and topical medications to sprays and collars. Ask your veterinarian which product is best for your pet. "Remember, not all flea products protect against ticks," Redmond points out. "Even those that do don't always kill the tick fast enough to prevent the spread of Lyme disease." It can take anywhere from six to 32 hours for a tick product to take effect, so keep that in mind as you plan your outdoor adventures. Also note that, "If it's labeled for dogs, absolutely do not use on cats," Stewart points out. "We've seen way too many cats getting sick or killed by inappropriate use." If Fido spends a lot of time outside, you may want to consider the vaccine. Just keep in mind that unlike the other preventative products, which protect against all tick-borne illnesses by either repelling or killing ticks, the vaccine offers immunity only for Lyme disease. "It's the best thing that we've got, but in and of itself, you don't want to rely on that as the only thing," Stewart says of the vaccine. "It's like trying to keep from getting the flu you might get a flu shot, but that doesn't mean you don't wash your hands." Symptoms and treatment After your dog has been outside, give him a thorough petting session. "Commonly you'll find ticks somewhere around the head or behind the ears," Stewart says. "You can also find them on the legs or feet." If you do find one, you can make sure to remove all of its head and mouthparts or call your veterinarian, who may suggest a prophylactic course of antibiotics to prevent the disease from being transmitted, Stewart says.

It takes at least 24 hours or more for the disease to be transmitted, but you should get it removed as soon as possible because you don't know when that pesky parasite attached itself. Lyme disease symptoms can take up to a month after infection to develop. Signs include mild fever, lameness, swollen joints, a stiff gait or a rash at the site of the bite. A blood test is the best way to diagnose it. If your dog does become ill, you won't catch Lyme disease from him but you can certainly contract it from being bitten yourself. "Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from pet to owner," Redmond says. "However, pets can bring an infected tick into their home or yard, where it can easily find a human victim." Tips on preventing Lyme disease: Prevent exposure to ticks that cause Lyme disease by "making the environment surrounding your home inhospitable to ticks and the wildlife that can harbor them (e.g., mice and deer)," suggests Dr. Ashlee Redmond, medical director for the West region with Banfield Pet Hospital. "This includes keeping shrubbery and grass clipped short, weeds under control and garbage stored in a covered location inaccessible to wildlife." If your dog has spent time outdoors, especially between late spring and early fall, examine him for ticks. If you find one, remove it carefully. Visit the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association's website at oregonvma.org for tips on removing ticks. Inside your home, vacuum on a regular basis to eliminate ticks tucked into your carpeting. Prevent tick bites by using a flea and tick preventive medication. Do a "tick check" on yourself and your pets after spending time in tall grass, wooded, or brushy areas, especially in the spring and summer. Make sure to brush your dog after outdoor adventures, checking skin folds and tick hiding areas such as armpits, groin, ears, and under collars.

Sources: Dr. Ashlee Redmond; Dr. Emilio DeBess; Oregon Veterinary Medical Association --Monique Balas; msbalaspets@gmail.com Return to Karen s Korner Low-Carb Ketogenic and Raw Food Diets Can Help Dogs Live Longer And Fight Cancer The ketogenic diet has been shown to help manage a variety of diseases, including epilepsy, diabetes and heart disease in both mice and humans. But researcher Thomas Sandberg says the ketogenic diet can help dogs live longer, as well as prevent and even reverse cancer. Sandberg, an animal activist and founder of Long Living Pets Research in Oakley, Utah, has been studying the use of the ketogenic and raw food diets to enhance the longevity and health of dogs for the past 15 years. Sandberg, who launched his 30-year research project in 2000, has been tracking the health of 1,000 dogs around the world. He discovered dogs thrive on both a low-carb raw food diet and a ketogenic diet, which is an extremely low-carb, high-fat, adequateprotein diet. Dogs are pure carnivores and do not thrive on your average commercial dog food, said Sandberg, author of Learn How to Add Years To Your Dog s Life. I have studied dogs and cats digestive systems since 1997 and believe that feeding a simple diet of raw meats, edible bones and organ meats will promote a healthy immune system. The result is a long,

healthy life way past what is the expected lifespan of most breeds fed commercial dog food. Sandberg, who was born in Norway, said the commercial kibble that most dog owners feed their pets causes their canine companions to get sick, fat and die early. Sandberg believes you can dramatically extend a dog s life (even two -fold) simply by limiting their intake of unhealthy carbs and feeding them what nature intended. Sandberg, who himself follows a ketogenic diet, said his research also shows dogs placed on a ketogenic diet were able to completely eradicate their tumors and become cancer-free. The cancer-inhibiting effects of a ketogenic cancer have been studied for years by leading researchers such as Dr. Thomas Seyfried of Boston College. In an interview with the Examiner, Dr. Seyfried said his decades of research indicate cancer is a metabolic not a genetic disease. And the best way to treat a metabolic disorder is through diet, not by pumping a patient full of toxic radiation. Seyfried published his findings in his ground-breaking book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease. The problem with the traditional treatment of cancer, said Seyfried, is that the cancer community has approached it as a genetic disease, so much of the research efforts have gone into gene-focused studies, which he says does not address the root of the problem. Dr. Seyfried, widely considered the godfather of the nutritional treatment of cancer, joins a growing number of researchers who say the ketogenic diet can treat most forms of cancer. This is because nearly all the healthy cells in our body have the metabolic flexibility to use fat, glucose and ketones to survive, but cancer cells lack this metabolic flexibility and require large amounts of

glucose and cannot survive on ketones. So by limiting carbohydrates (as the keto diet does) we can reduce glucose and insulin, and thus restrict the primary fuel for cancer cell growth. Thomas Sandberg has read Seyfried s research and agrees the ketogenic diet can help both humans and dogs. He s astounded by the reluctance of many dog owners to accept that kibble is not the optimal diet for their pets. Fortunately, Sandberg says the tide is slowly changing, as evidenced by the growing number of dog owners who ask to be included in his research project. Dogs are carnivores, he said. Therefore, the only food they can properly digest, metabolize, and utilize is raw meat. This is a fact. Sandberg, a former fitness executive and lifelong dog lover, started his research project as a way to learn how to extend the lives of his dogs. I have fed my Great Danes a ketogenic raw food diet since 2000, he said. Every year my dogs undergo a full medical check-up and each year, without exception, they have been 100% healthy. There s no reason why all dogs can t enjoy a long, healthy, disease-free life if they are given the proper nutrition. For more information on Thomas Sandberg s project, check out his website at Long Living Pets Research. To help fund his research, check out his GoFundMe page. Return to Karen s Korner What Dog Owners Need to Know About H3N2 Canine Flu H3N2 made headlines in April after an estimated 1,000 dogs in Chicago contracted the virus, but now the virus is popping up in other states.

"I'm still very hopeful that she'll make a complete recovery," veterinarian Jodi Houser told USA TODAY Network about Katie, the 13-week-old West Highland White Terrierthat tested positive for the virus May 15 in Newark, Ohio. There isn't a specific treatment for the flu because it's a viral disease, but veterinarians treat it with supportive care such as fluids, rest and antibiotics for accompanying illnesses, according to Houser. While the flu can lead to death, most dogs recover. Positive tests for H3N2 have also been reported in Alabama, California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey, Iowa and Indiana, according to the most recent report by Cornell University's Animal Health Diagnostic Center. And a new case was confirmed Wednesday in the metro Atlanta area of Georgia. There is no evidence that the flu can be transferred to humans, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's estimated that several thousand dogs have been affected by the virus, but not more than 10,000 at this point, Keith Poulsen, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told USA TODAY Network in an email. Poulsen and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has been working along with Cornell University and others to study H3N2 and have formed a group called National Canine Influenza Task Force. What dog owners need to know USA TODAY Network: How many dogs have died from the flu? Poulsen: We think that the mortality rate is about 2-3% or less, but we are studying that right now. So the short answer is not very many. USA TODAY Network: How is it spreading? Poulsen: The virus spreads from nose to nose (or direct) contact between dogs. As people travel and expose dogs to other dogs with the virus, they will bring the virus back to their hometown. This is how the virus has spread from the Chicago area to Wisconsin, Iowa and Texas. Similar to how respiratory disease spreads at a daycare or airport people sneezing and coughing on each other. USA TODAY Network: What symptoms should owners look for if their dog appears sick?

Poulsen: Fever, cough, nasal discharge, lethargy and decreased appetite. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. USA TODAY Network: Should pet owners be concerned? Poulsen: The short answer to this is "yes," but no more than they should be for any infectious disease for their dogs. Very young and geriatric dogs are at higher risk for infectious disease and caution should be taken when owners take their dogs to dog parks, events, etc. In current epidemic areas, such as Chicago at this time, dog owners need to have increased vigilance to avoid dogs that appear sick and to not take their dogs to public places if they are sick. USA TODAY Network: What should dog owners do to protect their pet? Poulsen: 1. Don't panic. This has happened before and is going on now in multiple species at the same time. 2. High-risk dogs, such as dogs that absolutely have to be boarded or go to doggy daycare, in epidemic areas (such as Chicago) should be vaccinated, despite a very low chance of cross-protection. 3. Avoid direct contact with sick dogs. Keep your dog on a leash in epidemic areas. Keep your high-risk (pets) at home in epidemic areas. Return to Karen s Korner Research Study Update: Harnessing a Dog's Own Immune System to Kill Lymphoma Tumor Cells AKC Canine Health Foundation Grant 1418 Principal Investigator: Dr. Heather M. Wilson, DVM; Texas A&M Research Foundation Study progressing to second round of clinical trials Lymphoma is the most common malignancy of dogs representing up to 25% of diagnosed cancers. Dogs often develop an aggressive form of lymphoma that is rarely curable, with most unfortunately succumbing to disease within 12 months of diagnosis despite best-available chemotherapies.

Dr. Wilson and collaborators sought to develop a new treatment to retrain the dog's own immune system to attack the most common type of canine lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma. In order to accomplish this they obtained a small number of circulating white blood cells, called T cells, from the blood of affected dogs and inserted a gene that will cause the T cell to express a receptor which recognizes the tumor "fingerprint". After docking with the lymphoma, the T cell will be triggered to mount an immune response against the tumor cells with the specific fingerprint. This therapy could be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Dr. Wilson and colleagues at MD Anderson Cancer Center have successfully designed several different canine chimeric antigen receptor (ccars)-expressing T cells that have mutations that will allow them to target tumor cells. They are currently working with Texas A&M University, the National Institutes of Health and the FDA for approval on the use of these engineered systems to treat pet dogs with B-cell lymphoma. While they were in the process of optimizing ccar+ T cell growth and expression, they simultaneously developed CARneg T cells as a successful treatment to significantly extend the survival of chemotherapy-treated dogs with B cell lymphoma (called the P.E.T. 1.0 clinical trial). Regulatory permission was granted for the P.E.T. 1.0 trial by the USDA. They were able to show CARneg T-cell infusion results in rapid killer T-cell reconstitution within a chemotherapy lympho-depleted immune system, CARneg T- cell homing to lymph nodes and tumors, biomarker expression predicting the prognosis of the patient as well as success of the T cell infusion, and a significant increase in tumor-free time

and overall survival time. Survival was almost 5 times longer in patients who received T cell infusions after chemotherapy when compared to the chemotherapy only control group. Unfortunately, while survival time was increased with CARneg T-cell infusions post-chemotherapy, the majority of dogs eventually relapsed. Thus, the need to pursue ccar-expressing T cells to provide long lasting and permanent remission without the need for chemotherapy is still necessary. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the effectiveness of ccar+ T cells (P.E.T. 2.0 clinical trial) Return to Karen s Korner Research Study Update: Ensuring That Emerging Stem Cell Treatments Do Not Activate or Exacerbate Cancer in Dogs AKC Canine Health Foundation Grant 1876 Principal Investigator: Dr. Douglas H Thamm, VMD; Colorado State University Study supports the recommendation that thorough screening for cancer be undertaken prior to stem cell therapy Treatment with adult stem cells is showing promise for a variety of immune, inflammatory and degenerative diseases in dogs and humans. However, there is accumulating evidence that stem cells may promote tumor growth through direct stimulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion and suppression of programmed cell death (apoptosis), as well as indirectly through stimulation of blood vessel growth and suppression of the immune system. Cancer is generally a disease of older dogs, the same population of patients likely to receive stem cell therapy for other diseases. In this pilot study, Dr. Thamm proposed to investigate the effects of canine stem cell factors on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration in a large panel of canine tumor and blood vessel cell lines. The knowledge of whether stem cells can promote tumor growth will address a key safety concern regarding the application of stem cell-based therapies in dogs with known or suspected cancer, and will inform decision making regarding stem cell use in an aged dog population at risk for tumor development. Dr. Thamm evaluated the effects of stem cells derived from canine bone marrow on the growth and migration of a panel cell lines derived from canine tumors. Compared with control medium, the stem cells significantly promoted tumor proliferation in 11-18 of 29 evaluated cell lines (38-62%), and proliferation was significantly inhibited in 4-7 of 29 (14-24%) cell lines, depending on the individual dog used for stem cell generation. Sarcomas were more likely to be stimulated and blood-derived tumors more likely to be suppressed by these stem cells. The stem cells significantly stimulated tumor cell migration in two of the four evaluated cell lines (osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma). Demonstration that these stem cells can exert pro-tumorigenic effects in vitro (in test tubes) addresses a key safety concern regarding the application of stem cell based therapies in dogs with known or suspected cancer, and should inform decision making regarding using stem cell therapies in an aged dog population at risk for tumor development. At minimum, it supports the recommendation that thorough screening for cancer be undertaken prior to MSC therapy. Return to Karen s Korner