A journey of thousand leagues starts with the first step
Animal Health scientists report over and over the same issue: they are underserved, underconsidered.
If we look at the overall scientific literature, there are hundreds if not thousands of scientific journals focused on a handful of species: human, mice, rats. In really occasional cases even dogs, monkey, rabbits, zebrafish, pigs and sheeps.
We are scientists, so I’ll say this with numbers. This is the distribution of papers you will find on PubMed between 2020 and now (August 2024) if you search for the different species:
Even without precise data, we all get the point: if we want better health for companion animals, we need:
- to talk about companion animals
- to publish about companion animals
- to support Animal Health companies in their work
Too often I have heard from the big Animal Health companies in the field (think about the Zoetis , Elanco , Boehringer Ingelheim , MSD Animal Health, IDEXX Small Animal Health etc..) that they resorted to talkint with Human Biotechs and Life Science providers, because they couldn’t find solution providers for Animal Health.
That’s why I decided to start this Newsletter, to spread awareness on new advancements in the field and develop a community around Animal Health.
If you found this Newsletter valuable or if you have any comment, please let me know!
So now, without further ado, let’s have a look at latest news!
How do COX Pathways Weaken Immune Defense in Canine Bladder Cancer?
In this study, from the @University of Tokyo, Japan, Eto et al. explore how the COX-prostanoid pathway suppresses the immune response in canine bladder cancer. By analyzing immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues and comparing gene expression data, researchers found that this pathway may weaken anti-tumor immunity. The findings suggest that COX inhibitors could help enhance the body’s immune response against tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes in both dogs and humans.
Eto, S., Kato, D., Saeki, K., Iguchi, T., Shiyu, Q., Kamoto, S., Yoshitake, R., Shinada, M., Ikeda, N., Tsuboi, M., Chambers, J., Uchida, K., Nishimura, R. and Nakagawa, T. (2024), Comprehensive Analysis of the Tumour Immune Microenvironment in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma Reveals Immunosuppressive Mechanisms Induced by the COX–Prostanoid Cascade. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12999
Safety of Stem Cell Therapy in Dogs: A 6-Month Study
Cho et al. from the Jeju National University, Republic of Korea , assessed the safety of intravenous allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in 40 client-owned dogs treated for various conditions. Over a 6-month period, no significant adverse effects or new tumor formations were observed. The findings suggest that MSC therapy is a safe and promising treatment option for canine patients, with no major risks detected in this study.
Cho, HS., Song, WJ., Nam, A. et al. Intravenous injection of allogenic canine mesenchymal stem cells in 40 client-owned dogs: a safety assessment in veterinary clinical trials. BMC Vet Res 20, 375 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04216-3
Cannabidiol and Krill Oil Improve Joint Pain in Dogs with Arthritis
In a double-blind, randomized study, Kumpanart Soontornvipart et al. from the Chulalongkorn University , Thailand, tested the effectiveness of a cannabidiol (CBD) and krill oil supplement in dogs with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thirty dogs were divided into placebo, krill oil, and CBD + krill oil groups. The study found that dogs receiving the CBD + krill oil supplement showed significant improvements in pain and inflammation after two weeks, though there was no significant difference compared to the krill oil alone. The findings suggest that CBD combined with krill oil is a safe and effective option for managing pain in dogs with OA.
K. Soontornvipart, P. Wongsirichatchai, A. Pongphuwanun, K. Chatdarong, S. Vimolmangkang. Cannabidiol plus krill oil supplementation improves chronic stifle osteoarthritis in dogs: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. The Veterinary Journal, 2024, 106227, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106227.
Managing Neutropenia in Dogs: Effects of Chemotherapy Dose Reductions and Treatment Delays
Suzanne Busser er et al., from The University of Edinburgh, UK, examined the impact of 10% dose reductions and treatment delays on neutropenia management in dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Analyzing 1,056 treatments in 128 dogs, researchers found that a 10% dose reduction successfully prevented further neutropenia in about 60% of cases, with varying success depending on the drug used. The study also revealed that the duration of treatment delays did not significantly affect the occurrence of subsequent neutropenic events. These findings help inform safer chemotherapy protocols for dogs by understanding the risks and benefits of dose adjustments.
Busser, S., Blackwood, L., Pereira, C., Chase-Topping, M., Bavcar, S. and Fournier, Q. (2024), Impact of 10% Dose Reductions and Duration of Treatment Delays in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia in Dogs Treated With Common Chemotherapy Protocols: A Single-Centre Experience. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13004
Green Tea Extract Helps Fight Feline Herpesvirus and Reduces Oxidative Stress
In their recent study, Consiglia Longobardi et. al from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, explored the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1), a common viral infection in cats. Researchers found that GTE significantly reduces viral proliferation and oxidative stress in infected cells. The extract not only decreased the expression of viral proteins but also boosted cell survival by reducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings suggest that GTE could be a promising natural treatment option for managing FHV-1 in cats, though further research is needed.
Longobardi, C., Damiano, S., Ferrara, G. et al. Green tea extract reduces viral proliferation and ROS production during Feline Herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) infection. BMC Vet Res 20, 374 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04227-0
Infections in Cats and Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study on Blood and Urinary Infections
In this his pilot study, Uva et al. from the Università degli Studi di Bari, Italy, investigates the occurrence of blood and urinary infections in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among the animals studied, bacteremia was found in a small number of cases, while bacteriuria was more common. In one dog, the same bacteria were detected in both blood and urine, leading to a diagnosis of urosepsis. The study highlights the relatively low prevalence of bloodstream infections linked to urinary infections in pets with CKD, providing valuable insights for veterinarians managing these conditions.
Annamaria Uva, Maria Alfonsa Cavalera, Floriana Gernone, Souad Nasar, Paola Ghergo, Marco Cordisco, Marialaura Corrente, Andrea Zatelli. Occurrence of bacteremia, bacteriuria and bacteriuria-related bacteremia in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. A pilot study. Research in Veterinary Science, 2024, 105382, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105382.
I am Davide – Founder & CEO of Lab4Paws Paws. With my life science company I help #AnimalHealth scientists develop therapeutic & diagnostic solutions for companion animals and work to reduce animal testing for human drug development.
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