Interesting Links – Deerhound Health

28Jun201916Mar2021

FDA Update on DCM

inthering2013 General Health Issues, Interesting Links

Here is the latest update from the FDA on the diet-related DCM:

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

Here is a nice article written by Lisa Freeman of the Clinical Nutrition Service at Tufts University Vet School: Read more →

29Jun201617Mar2021

Health Testing and the Gene Pool

An article that beautifully explains why health testing should not be used to eliminate dogs from the gene pool:

http://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/health-testing-education-or-elimination/

24May201617Mar2021

Useful Technique for Protecting Injured Tails

inthering2013 Interesting Links Tail Sling

A helpful article from the Irish Wolfhound Club of America web site on how to deal with those messy tail injuries that just won’t heal:

http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/tailsling

22Feb201607Mar2021

Selected Journal Articles on Bloat/GDV

inthering2013 Interesting Links, Research Bloat, gastric dilatation volvulus, gastric torsion, GDV, torsion

Below are 11 selected journal article abstracts on bloat/GDV, gleaned from the last few years of published articles, that might be of interest. Many, many thanks to Corinne Dulberg for compiling this.

31Mar201509Apr2021

Pimobendan for Valve Disease

inthering2013 Interesting Links, Research mitral valve disease, Pimobendan

Photo of Deerhounds at in Strangford Lough by Jim Humphreys

Valve disease (which is different from cardiomyopathy) is seen in older Deerhounds, as well as many other purebred and mixed-breed dogs. It turns out that a drug we already use for cardiomyopathy also works well on dogs with valve disease. Read more →

07Jan201417Mar2021

Clinical Trial: Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplement for Hemangiosarcoma

inthering2013 Clinical Trials, Interesting Links, Research Hemangiosarcoma, I'm-Yunity, PennVet

Announcement from the University of Pennsylvania for a clinical trial for hemangiosarcoma:

Further Evaluation of the Benefits of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplement for Dogs with Splenic Hemangiosarcoma

Dec 6, 2013

In a previous study conducted here at PennVet, the mushroom supplement I’m-Yunity® significantly increased survival time in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma. I’m-Yunity® extract effectively delivers the standardized ingredient polysaccharopeptide (PSP) which can only be isolated from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom.

In this new trial, we will be comparing I’m-Yunity’s® effect on survival time and quality of life to the standard chemotherapy treatment.

Dogs will randomly be chosen to receive either chemotherapy, I’m-Yunity® treatment, or both concurrently, and owners will not know to which treatment group their dog was assigned. Dogs enrolled in this study will have 11 weekly visits, followed by monthly follow-up visits until the end of their life.

Eligibility:

Diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma following splenectomy.
At least 4 kg.
Not currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
No other significant health concerns that are an immediate threat to life.
Ability to administer oral medication (pills) to your dog.

Please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu for more information about this study.

Chinese Medicine Holdings, the makers of I’m-Yunity supplement, is the sponsor of both studies, but both studies were designed by the Penn clinical epidemiologist, who is also the principle investigator.