So many dog guardians have so many reasons why they love their pets. They are loving companions; reliable running buddies; soft, warm beings to cuddle up to; brave protectors; honest, true friends...
Now, they may be able to protect us from cancer. Studies have shown that dogs are able to sniff out certain cancers even earlier than mammograms.
As if we needed yet another reason to love and appreciate our furry friends!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
China's Canine Crackdown
Rex here, again.
I just heard some disturbing news and am thanking my lucky stars that I don't live in China!
Evidently, rabies is a very big issue in China. Apparently, there were 2,651 reported deaths from rabies in 2004 and 318 have died from it since September. Only around 3% of dogs there are vaccinated against rabies. In response to this issue the Chinese government has cracked down on dogs, yes, dogs -- not vaccinations, owners, or any preventative measures. Their method of handling the situation is to restrict households from owning more than one dog, banning ownership of large dogs, and forbidding owners to take their dogs to public places including parks.
Several citizens have protested the crackdown but the Chinese government is holding strong on the issue. One official admitted that people do have the right to raise dogs but people who do not own dogs should also have the right not to be "harassed" by dogs.
Look, one small dog can contract and spread rabies as easily as two large dogs. Why not make the effort, like we do in the US, to educate people on how to train their dogs and ensure that they are not a threat to others by keeping them on leash and giving them regular rabies vaccinations? Seems like a more mature and far more peacful option than this ban.
I guess the year of the dog isn't such a good year for the dog afterall.
Consider me thankful and proud to be a Canine American!
I just heard some disturbing news and am thanking my lucky stars that I don't live in China!
Evidently, rabies is a very big issue in China. Apparently, there were 2,651 reported deaths from rabies in 2004 and 318 have died from it since September. Only around 3% of dogs there are vaccinated against rabies. In response to this issue the Chinese government has cracked down on dogs, yes, dogs -- not vaccinations, owners, or any preventative measures. Their method of handling the situation is to restrict households from owning more than one dog, banning ownership of large dogs, and forbidding owners to take their dogs to public places including parks.
Several citizens have protested the crackdown but the Chinese government is holding strong on the issue. One official admitted that people do have the right to raise dogs but people who do not own dogs should also have the right not to be "harassed" by dogs.
Look, one small dog can contract and spread rabies as easily as two large dogs. Why not make the effort, like we do in the US, to educate people on how to train their dogs and ensure that they are not a threat to others by keeping them on leash and giving them regular rabies vaccinations? Seems like a more mature and far more peacful option than this ban.
I guess the year of the dog isn't such a good year for the dog afterall.
Consider me thankful and proud to be a Canine American!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Virginia Pet Trust Law
Rex here, again. Now, I may be a little late to find out about this now but, you know what they say -- better late than never.
In July, Virginia proudly joined 37 other states with a pet trust statute. This means that Virginia is also a little late to the game, but at least now Virginians can rest assured that their furry friends will be taken care of in case something ever happens to the pet's guardian. Pet owners may now designate a caretaker for their pet(s) and a trustee who ensures that the money is spent on the pet.
Previously, if a pet's guardian passed away and left money in their will to take care of the pet, anyone could contest the provision and the pet could find himself in the shelter -- no cash, no home, no guardian. This statute puts an end to this injustice.
I only find it sad that Virginia is just getting around to this now, but you know what they say, better late than...
In July, Virginia proudly joined 37 other states with a pet trust statute. This means that Virginia is also a little late to the game, but at least now Virginians can rest assured that their furry friends will be taken care of in case something ever happens to the pet's guardian. Pet owners may now designate a caretaker for their pet(s) and a trustee who ensures that the money is spent on the pet.
Previously, if a pet's guardian passed away and left money in their will to take care of the pet, anyone could contest the provision and the pet could find himself in the shelter -- no cash, no home, no guardian. This statute puts an end to this injustice.
I only find it sad that Virginia is just getting around to this now, but you know what they say, better late than...
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Canine Melanoma Vaccine Follow Up
Last week I told you about the canine melanoma vaccine. I now have a bit more information about it for those of you who may have dogs who are battling melanoma.
The study through the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Veterinary Medicine is open to dogs via a vet in your area. In order to participate, it must be proven that the dog is inflicted with melanoma. The dog's guardians are then required to make an $1800 donation to the UW Vet School. My vet said that he would want to have current blood work and x-rays just before beginning treatment, as well. The treatment consists of nine trips to the vet over a 20 week period to administer the vaccine, which is said to not have any major side effects, and radiographs and/or ultrsounds every three months for an unspecified amount of time.
It is possible that the vaccine may have no effect at all but it is also possible that it will give dogs up to a year or two more of life. The numbers available through my vet, however, were only for oral melanoma so if your dog has a melanoma tumor elsewhere, I suggest you contact the UW Vet School for further information.
My vet, in particular, seems to think that this vaccine, once available to all, will be the answer to canine melanoma. For those of you whose furry friends suffer from it, I certainly hope he is correct and wish you all the best. And, please, if you do participate in the study, report your outcomes to your vet and make sure that he or she reports them to the UW Vet School. We will never know how successful this vaccine is without your input.
The study through the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Veterinary Medicine is open to dogs via a vet in your area. In order to participate, it must be proven that the dog is inflicted with melanoma. The dog's guardians are then required to make an $1800 donation to the UW Vet School. My vet said that he would want to have current blood work and x-rays just before beginning treatment, as well. The treatment consists of nine trips to the vet over a 20 week period to administer the vaccine, which is said to not have any major side effects, and radiographs and/or ultrsounds every three months for an unspecified amount of time.
It is possible that the vaccine may have no effect at all but it is also possible that it will give dogs up to a year or two more of life. The numbers available through my vet, however, were only for oral melanoma so if your dog has a melanoma tumor elsewhere, I suggest you contact the UW Vet School for further information.
My vet, in particular, seems to think that this vaccine, once available to all, will be the answer to canine melanoma. For those of you whose furry friends suffer from it, I certainly hope he is correct and wish you all the best. And, please, if you do participate in the study, report your outcomes to your vet and make sure that he or she reports them to the UW Vet School. We will never know how successful this vaccine is without your input.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Canine Melanoma Vaccine:
Miracle or Myth?
Last month my dog had surgery to remove a large tumor. The tumor was sent for a biopsy, suspecting carcinoma, but much to my and the vet's dismay, it was melanoma -- a carcinoma is often well circumscribed and vets have a better chance of completely removing it during surgery than a melanoma.
Only one month later, the area was swelling again and the vet found that the tumor had rapidly grown back, even larger than before. This was the moment I had feared. The moment I learned that there was nothing I could do to help my best pal but keep him as comfy as possible until it affected his quality of life.
Two days later, after coming to terms with the situation and beginning my ritual spoiling my dog to no avail, I received several phone calls from friends and family citing a clip they had seen on the Today Show or read on MSNBC about a "new" vaccine for canine melanoma.
As soon as I went online to start researching this, I discovered that the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW) has been producing a vaccine for canine melanoma since 1998 and the Animal Medical Center in New York has treated at least 100 dogs with a new vaccine with some success. I called a local oncologist and have an appointment to find out more about my dog's options.
Through my preliminary research, I have found out that, in order to participate in the AMC study, I must bring my dog to New York and leave him there for a month or so and his melanoma must be oral or of the toe or footpad (my dog's melanoma is not in any of those areas); but I can participate in the UW study right here, through my local vet, for an $1800 donation to UW. That's all I have found, thus far, no statistics on success or information about side effects.
For those of you interested in the real scoop about this vaccine, and not just the five second news hype, check back later this week for further findings.
Only one month later, the area was swelling again and the vet found that the tumor had rapidly grown back, even larger than before. This was the moment I had feared. The moment I learned that there was nothing I could do to help my best pal but keep him as comfy as possible until it affected his quality of life.
Two days later, after coming to terms with the situation and beginning my ritual spoiling my dog to no avail, I received several phone calls from friends and family citing a clip they had seen on the Today Show or read on MSNBC about a "new" vaccine for canine melanoma.
As soon as I went online to start researching this, I discovered that the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW) has been producing a vaccine for canine melanoma since 1998 and the Animal Medical Center in New York has treated at least 100 dogs with a new vaccine with some success. I called a local oncologist and have an appointment to find out more about my dog's options.
Through my preliminary research, I have found out that, in order to participate in the AMC study, I must bring my dog to New York and leave him there for a month or so and his melanoma must be oral or of the toe or footpad (my dog's melanoma is not in any of those areas); but I can participate in the UW study right here, through my local vet, for an $1800 donation to UW. That's all I have found, thus far, no statistics on success or information about side effects.
For those of you interested in the real scoop about this vaccine, and not just the five second news hype, check back later this week for further findings.
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