They hang from helicopters, scale mountains to rescue injured patients and implement humane ways to control animal populations. They’re wildlife veterinarians, read more about their often-untold stories.
Archive for May, 2009
Telling the Wildlife Story - Veterinarians on the Forefront
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Ear Mites Raise Risk of Ear Cancer in the Santa Catalina Island Fox
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009The endangered Santa Catalina Island fox appears to have a higher prevalence of ear canal cancer than do foxes on some of the neighboring islands. Scientists from the University of California–Davis confirmed that the cancer is confined to Santa Catalina Island and that foxes that have died of this cancer showed severe inflammation of the ear canal associated with large infestations of ear mites. This severe inflammation of the ear canal produces associated damage to the glands, which then become cancerous. Researchers ruled out environmental toxins and viruses as the cause for this ear cancer. In a newly approved grant from Morris Animal Foundation, these scientists will now conduct a clinical trial to determine whether an anti-parasite treatment can reduce ear mite burdens and severity of ear canal inflammation (otitis). If the ear mite burden can be lowered, the incidence of ear canal cancer may decrease.
Genetic Links to Epilepsy Identified in Dogs
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009Identifying the genetic mutation(s) for epilepsy would facilitate the development of a genetic test to help prevent it from occurring. In this three-year study, researchers from the University of California–Davis successfully narrowed down the mutation to three chromosomes that are highly associated with idiopathic epilepsy (CFA 2, 12, and 38). They then further identified the likely regions on those chromosomes where they hope to identify the actual genetic mutation(s). The findings from this study on the Belgian sheepdog and Tervuren should apply to the many dog breeds that experience epilepsy.
New Nutritional Information to Diagnose Disease
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Scientists at the University of California–Davis completed a study that documented and validated the largest and most complete blood amino acid concentrations published to date in household cats eating commercially available diets. This new information provides veterinarians with more appropriate ranges for pet cats, which in turn provides for better diagnosis of disease. Kudos to the scientists working on this project—they completed their research and the results were accepted for publication in only six months.
Colorado High School Students Honored by MAF
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) recently honored three Colorado high school students with awards in animal science at the Colorado State Science and Engineering Fair, Inc., in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Colorado State Science and Engineering Fair, Inc., honors Colorado students who excel in science, engineering and technology and allows students to present their research to science professionals and peers from around Colorado. Read about the winners.
Arthritis in the Animals You Love
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Veterinary researchers estimate that 20 percent of adult dogs suffer silently from osteoarthritis and 45 percent of cats endure arthritic pain. To educate pet owners about arthritis—and ways to prevent and treat it—Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) developed a Web exclusive at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation/arthritis/ with tips on early detection and treatment of arthritis in pets.
