Animals, mostly dogs, are being brought staggering into veterinary hospitals high on pot, a toxic and potentially lethal condition. Sometimes they’re just sleepy, disoriented and unable to control their bladders. Other times they’re vomiting, having seizures or are comatose.

The symptoms “depend on how much they have,” said Dr. Nicholas Davainis, a Sonoma County veterinarian.

Some animals just need to sleep off the effects, but others suffer dangerous symptoms, including extremely slow heart rates and seizures, that require treatment.

Davainis sees as many as 10 cases of canine marijuana toxicity a month. Farther north, the number of cases climbs, coinciding with increased marijuana production.

Veterinarians at Mendocino Animal Hospital usually see two or three cases a week but last Friday alone had three, said Dr. Jennifer Bennett.

The incidents peak in Humboldt County, the heart of marijuana country.

“I see at least one a day,” said Dr. Joe Humble, and it’s not uncommon to get two or three cases a day at his emergency clinic in Eureka.

“we see more cases than anybody in the world, said Humble, who belongs to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.

When he told veterinarians at an international convention in Nashville last year how many cases he sees, they wanted to know where he worked. When he told them Humboldt County, they “went wild” with recognition.

“We’re well known up here,” Humble said. “It’s kind of an embarrassment.”

Nearly all of the affected patients are dogs. The poison hot line run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received 361 calls in 2011 about animals ingesting marijuana. Ninety-six percent of those involved dogs.

“Cats don’t tend to eat indiscriminately like dogs do,” said Bennett, although she has treated a few cats with suspected marijuana toxicity.

“We’ve got a dog here who’s eaten laundry. They eat anything that seems interesting to them,” she said. Dogs will ingest a variety of forms of marijuana. They’ll eat the plants, dried marijuana, joints and food made with pot, Bennett said.

The items they eat can become even more unusual when they get pot-induced munchies, Humble said.

He recalled a dog that was brought to his clinic, limp and unresponsive.

“The dog’s mouth was jammed” with baking soda, Humble said. The owner thought that’s what was making the dog sick, but it turned out it first had eaten a bag of marijuana-laced cookies. Marijuana food products can pose particular problems because they taste good and contain concentrated amounts of pot.

The dog’s heart rate was in the 30s, dangerously low, Humble said. The normal range is 60 to 160, depending on the size of the dog.

Animals with marijuana toxicity also may exhibit very high or very low temperatures, Davainis said.

Treatments vary with the symptoms. They include induced vomiting, administering activated charcoal to bind the toxins, intravenous fluids and anti-seizure medication. Humble is experimenting with a therapy that binds lipid-soluble toxins.

Animals find pot to eat in a variety of places. They may find discarded marijuana while on a walk, at a neighbor’s house or in an ashtray in their homes.

“some people are a little cagey,” with their explanations,” Davainis said. “It’s always the neighbor and the roommate,” whose pot was devoured. “we don’t ask too much.”

Owners also have been known to administer medicinal marijuana to their pets, erroneously believing that what alleviates their ailments will help their pets.

While marijuana toxicity in pets occurs in other places, it’s more common in California, the doctors say.

“I went to veterinary school in Wisconsin. we never saw it,” Bennett said. “Here, it’s common.”

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or Glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com.

MUNROE FALLS, Ohio — Tell Catherine to go protect her mom, and the diminutive Jack Russell terrier jumps to Dolores Starcher’s side.

The companionship is one of the few pleasures the 75-year-old woman, who suffers from progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, can still enjoy. Not only is the pint-sized pooch Starcher’s protector, she is also her buddy and a constant source of pleasure, said Susan Oblisk, Starcher’s daughter.

“She calls Catherine her little angel,” Oblisk said.

Starcher, a patient in Summa Health System’s Palliative Care and Hospice Services, can keep the dog by her side because she is enrolled in Summa’s Pet Peace of Mind program that assists terminally ill people and their pets.

Pets are a lifeline and the reason people get out of their beds on some days, said Lori Flesher, a licensed social worker and bereavement coordinator for Summa. “Pets need us as much as we need them and they give us so much back. during a serious illness a person may experience physical and emotional changes that may make other people uncomfortable and so others may pull away or treat the person who is ill differently. but pets stick with us no matter what by providing unconditional love, listening to us and providing physical contact,” she said.

Kathy Bailey of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a volunteer in the program since its inception in 2009, visits Starcher and brings food for Katherine, named for actor Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The program, funded in part by a $5,000 grant from the Banfield Charitable Trust and matched by Summa, is staffed by volunteers, said Summa volunteer coordinator Angela Tetrick.

“It’s designed to assist hospice patients and their families where they are least able to care for their pets. we try to help where there is a financial need for food, supplies, medicine and veterinary care,” Tetrick said.

Future plans for the program include dog walking, pet cleanup, fostering, and pet transportation, she said.

The most unusual situation where the group was called upon was to help with a flock of chickens: “You could tell this patient’s life was all about these chickens. The whole house was decorated with chickens and chickens were all over the backyard,” she said.

PSP is a rare degenerative neurological disease that affects one in every 100,000 people older than 60. The disease appears to affect men more than women, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke. some of its early symptoms mimic those of Parkinson’s disease, a much more common illness.

Starcher, who was the lead majorette at Copley High School, now has limited vision and stiffness in her neck that causes her chin to tilt upwards. her facial movements are restricted and her eyes remain wide open — all common symptoms of PSP.

When Starcher isn’t busy during the day, you can find Catherine perched in her lap or surveying the activity in the room from the back of Starcher’s chair, her preferred place to rest.

Starcher, who was an artist, hand-decorated some of the most beautiful touches in her former Hudson home, said her daughter. Oblisk has tried to keep her mother surrounded by her favorite things, including a copy of the Mona Lisa, family photos, her own furniture — and of course, Katherine.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), co-chair of the bipartisan Military Veterans Caucus, on Friday secured the passage of his bipartisan amendment with Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) to expedite new and innovative treatments to our nations’ veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The TBI treatment expansion initiative was adopted as a House amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310).

“Our troops and veterans have earned the very best treatment and care that we can provide,” said Thompson. “But sometimes the best treatments aren’t available at military and veteran medical facilities. My amendment will make sure that our heroes who return from combat with TBI or PTSD have access to the highest quality care our nation has to offer.”

“I am pleased that our colleagues have joined us in recognizing the importance of providing treatment options not currently available within military and veteran medical facilities to those who return from combat with TBI or PTSD,” said Sessions. “As we approach the Memorial Day holiday, I believe we can best honor our nation’s active duty soldiers and veterans by ensuring that their health is a top priority and that they have access to the most effective treatments available.”

“The bi-partisan Amendment offered by Congressman Thompson and Congressman Sessions will provide additional resources to the VA and DoD to formally collaborate with non-government organizations, such as The Pathway Home in Yountville, to provide timely, cost-effective and quality alternative treatment to veterans who have symptoms of PTSD and TBI,” said Fred Gusman, Executive Director of the Pathway Home in Yountville.

Between 2000 an 2011 more than 230,000 service members have been diagnosed with TBI.  up to 18 percent of U.S. military personnel returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD symptoms.

Thompson’s and Sessions’ TBI treatment amendment creates a new five-year $10 million pilot program that allows military patients to receive treatment from health care facilities outside of the VA that are utilizing an array of leading-edge, successful therapies to treat TBI and PTSD.  

Physicians and residential treatment centers like The Pathway Home may qualify for payment from the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs through a “pay-for-performance” plan, meaning they must prove that a patient has experienced demonstrable improvement.

Treatment and reimbursement safeguards in the amendment ensure access to innovative private treatments while reserving payment only for treatments that work.

To reach the long-term objective of incorporating leading-edge medical practices into military hospitals, Thompson’s and Sessions’ TBI treatment initiative requires an annual report to Congress on the results of the program.

It also requires a report on how each Department Secretary plans to integrate successful methods into their own medical facilities, encouraging a constant flow of new and innovative treatments.

Thompson represents California’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and Yolo. he is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

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Canine parvovirus is the most common infectious disease of dogs in the United States. WellPet Humane, a nonprofit animal charity clinic in Chamblee, has opened a Parvo Treatment Center dedicated to combating this deadly disease.

WellPet now offers parvo treatment to dog owners who are financially struggling at a nominal cost. Canine parvovirus is highly contagious, can live in the environment for years and can cause life-threatening disease to dogs, especially puppies. it can be especially severe in puppies that are not protected by maternal antibodies or a simple vaccination series.

About 80 percent of dogs that contract parvo will die if not treated. Fortunately, parvovirus can be successfully treated. Survival depends on how quickly the disease is diagnosed.

Studies indicate there is an 80 percent survival rate with quick and aggressive treatment.

The disease is commonly diagnosed by an evaluation of the clinical signs such as lethargy, bloody diarrhea and vomiting accompanied by a quick laboratory test.

Prevention, with a series of vaccines ensures that a puppy or dog remains healthy. Multiple pet owners who have a dog with parvo symptoms should take precaution and disinfect the whole household with bleach.

Many pet owners who come to WellPet cannot afford the low-cost treatments. for those who would like to sponsor a Parvo Treatment call or visit the website.

Last Updated Saturday 1:21 p.m. ET

(AP) ATLANTA – Diamond Pet Foods is voluntarily recalling its Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food because it may be contaminated with salmonella.

A statement from the company Friday said no illnesses have been reported and no other Diamond products are affected.

Pets that eat the food or people who handle it could become infected with salmonella. Healthy people infected with salmonella should watch for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Pets with salmonella may have decreased appetite fever and abdominal pain.

The product was distributed to customers in 12 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, new York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. It is possible those customers may have distributed it to other states.

Customers who have purchased the following Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice products should stop feeding it to their pets and discard i:

- 6-pound bag with the production code DLR0101D3XALW and best before Jan. 4, 2013;

- 20-pound bag with the production code DLR0101C31XAG and best before Jan. 3, 2013;

- 40-pound bag with the production code DLR0101C31XMF and best before Jan. 3, 2013;

- 40-pound bag with the production code DLR0101C31XAG and best before Jan. 3, 2013;

- 40-pound bag with the production code DLR0101D32XMS and best before Jan. 4, 2013.

Now that the days are longer and getting warmer, we are enjoying outdoor spaces more with our pets. you may be starting to add plants to the garden or providing maintenance care to spruce up your yard and garden. while you are cultivating plants, nurturing grass or trying to rid the yard of weeds, here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe from potential accidents, poisonings and emergencies.

General

recommendations

Safe storage: Store all fertilizers, chemicals, tools, etc. in closed cabinets or/and in pet proof containers. Don’t leave bags out for dogs to chew through. Keep all products well-labeled, ideally in the original package. Before purchasing and using, we recommend that you read all labels to understand potential precautions that should be taken and to keep labels for reference if you need to call your vet or poison control.

Safe design: planning a garden overhaul or starting from scratch? Consider non-metal lawn edging to avoid lacerated paws. Review the list of toxic plants on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website (aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants) and either avoid planting these plants or ensure your pet won’t have unsupervised access to these potential toxins. A few examples include lilies (many varieties), tulips, gardenias, irises, avocados and grass palms. Learn what plants are currently in your yard and determine if you need to keep your pet away.

Safe training: Consistent, regular behavior training can help you keep your pet safe and away from dangers.

The following list contains some of the most common examples of pet emergencies related to gardening season.

Most common pet

garden emergencies

Cocoa mulch: contains theobromine, the same chemical compound found in chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. Dogs may be attracted to the scent of this mulch, and if ingested, it can cause illness. Mild symptoms include gastrointestinal upset e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. More severe symptoms can progress to muscle tremors, weakness, seizures and, in extreme or rare cases, death. the toxicity level depends on the amount of the mulch ingested and the size of the dog. best rule of thumb: keep this type of mulch out of muzzle reach of your pooch.

Other types of mulch: (e.g., cedar, pine, fir, and spruce) can contain oils that cause gastrointestinal upset, and in very high concentrations possible neurologic symptoms.

Overconsumption of grass, mulch: Some of our pet companions are simply fascinated with eating anything and large amounts of it. These pets may get themselves into a life-threatening situation by eating so much that it causes stomach bloat or/and intestinal obstruction. These situations may require emergency intervention — including surgery — to cure. These pets should be supervised or not permitted in areas where they might ingest mulch, grass, etc. Working with a trainer may be a tool to help train your dog to avoid this behavior.

Fertilizers or weed killers: Proper use of these substances is key to protecting your pets. Read all warning labels of any products that you are using. Some will indicate that the substance is not harmful to pets or people once it has dried. Some may recommend a certain number of hours or days before coming into contact with treated grass. Be aware of the forecast: if it is going to be a windy day, avoid applying these products. If rain is predicted too soon after you will be applying the product, it would be best to wait. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin and pad irritation, oral (tongue, gum tissue) irritation if eaten, possibly gastrointestinal upset if swallowed. for cats, permethrin-based products are especially toxic, causing neurologic changes, seizures, death.

Compost ingestion: Compost bins often contain many foods that are toxic to our pets, including coffee and onions. Keep these bins in an area that your pet can’t reach or a place that is well enclosed.

Metal lawn edging and other sharp tools: Many wounds that occur on the paws of our pets can be prevented by eliminating our pets’ exposure to these sharp objects.

Parks and open fields: Watch for flags that indicate recent pesticide usage. Consider consulting with your local grounds maintenance about the products that they use.

If your pet is exposed, the following are general guidelines. In all cases, consultation with your veterinarian is the best recommendation.

Skin or pad exposure: rinse well with water, bathe with mild shampoo (i.e., oatmeal based) to remove oils and chemicals from skin surfaces.

Ingestions: Call your veterinarian for advice. Depending on what was eaten, the amount, and the time frame of ingestion, your vet may counsel you regarding inducing vomiting and emergency treatment, or they may determine that no treatment is needed.

ASPCA Poison Hotline (aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control), 1.888.426.4435. There is currently a $65 fee.

We hope these tips will help keep your pets safe this summer from common gardening mishaps!

Jennifer Bolser, DVM is Chief Clinic Veterinarian for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s full-service public veterinary clinic. the veterinary clinic is located at 2323 55th Street in Boulder and is open six days a week. Info: boulderhumane.org or call 303-442-4030 option 2.

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CAMDEN — “Where are the rosaries on the sidewalks for America’s poor?” asked Stephen Schneck.

Schneck, who gave the 12th annual Romero lecture March 23 at the campus of Rutgers University here, was not criticizing the work or devotion of pro-life activists who pray the rosary outside of abortion clinics. The assault on human life — “breath-taking in its evil” — he put at the top of his list of symptoms that make up what he described as a crisis in American public life.

But he wanted to make up other “symptoms”: unjust immigration policies, the resurgence of racism, threats to the environment. They all add up to “hyper-individualism, a dog-eat-dog version of humanity,” he said.

The cure, he argued, is Catholic social teaching, which stresses the common good. The current crisis, a law of the jungle approach to society, he said, is “shockingly and profoundly at odds with our faith.”

The starting point, Schneck said, is outlined by St. Paul who saw the interconnectedness of communities, describing individuals as part of a corporate whole, connected to the mystical body of Christ. “We need to preach this in the pulpits, teach it in schools,” he said.

Schneck is director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington. The topic of the Romero Lecture Series this year was “Politics & the Pews: your Faith, your Vote & the 2012 Election.”

Schneck, nonetheless, steered clear of election politics. a member of Democrats for Life, he was equally critical of both political parties, saying neither provided a conscience-free home for faithful Catholics.

The names of only two politicians came up during his keynote address and the question-and-answer session that followed: “our president,” who Schneck criticized for not having the “guts” to talk about the poor in an election year (and he implied the same criticism of Republican candidates), and Lyndon Johnson, who he praised for his anti-poverty and civil rights accomplishments.

Asked to name individuals who embody the thinking he encouraged, Schneck named not politicians but social activists, such as Dorothy Day and Jane Addams, the founder of Hull House in Chicago.

“If we cannot take our faith seriously enough to raise it in the public square, maybe we need to find a new religion,” he said.

The daylong event included a presentation titled “Media as Faithful Citizenship”; workshops on how to live Faithful Citizenship through community organizing, prayer, advocacy and voting; and the presentation of two awards. Bishop Joseph Galante was the recipient of the Faith and Justice Award and the Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center, Camden, received the Community Partnership Award. for information on the Romero Center go to romero-center.org

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There’s never a dull day at Samantha Porter’s home.

From the moment she wakes up, theJacksonvilleresident has the responsibility of walking, feeding and nurturing a family of pit bulls, Doberman pinschers,Chihuahuasand a parrot at her home.

“this is a full time job for me. I walk 10 miles a day with the dogs,” she said.

For Porter, it has become more than just a job. each day her mission grows to help erase the fear and misconceptions that the public often holds about Dobermans, pit bulls and other large breeds.

“When I take them for walks, people move to the other side of the street and it shouldn’t be that way,” Porter said. “I want people to see that they’re not as bad as portrayed.”

Porter has five years of experience as a dog psychologist and trainer. she opened her home to rehabilitate and provide love and support to dogs without families.

Through months of patience and determination, Porter has transformed her clan of “misfits” into mild mannered and loving animals through her rehabilitation and rescue organization, Manageable Misfits.

“it is primarily dedicated to pit bulls and Dobermans but I work with German Shepherds, mastiffs and other breeds that get a bad name,” Porter said.

Many of the dogs who come to her home have suffered from abuse and neglect, while others found themselves homeless due to owners moving or surrendering responsibility. with the help of volunteers, Porter evaluates each dog to determine temperament and compatibility with people and other animals before they are available for adoption. Porter says that although many pit bulls and other large breeds are perceived as aggressive, she feels dogs behave according to how they are trained by their owners.

“they get along great with people and kids, but if you put them in the wrong hands they will do whatever you train them to do,” she said. “because of the breed and stigma they are still trying to ban the dogs inOnslowCounty. there should be more laws in place to protect the dogs but I don’t think they should be banned.”

Originally fromMichigan, Porter grew up with a love for dogs, cats, reptiles and other creatures. she first started dog rescuing after moving toColumbus,Ohio, where she says dog fighting was a growing issue. it was also where she got her first Doberman and began providing professional and private training to other dog owners.

“Pit bulls and Dobermans have been my favorite for a long time,” Porter said. “I was never allowed to have big dogs growing up so when I got my first Doberman I was really excited.”

After moving toJacksonvillein 2008, she began networking with local rescue organizations and visiting animal shelters to train animals with behavioral issues and increase their adoption success.

“usually as far getting dogs, a lot of Dobermans come as surrenders and people can’t keep them because we live in a military town and they are not accepted as much,” Porter said. “Now I’m striving more to get dogs from shelters because around here a lot of the dogs don’t really get a chance.”

There are currently 12 dogs available for adoption. Potential owners must apply and agree to in home evaluations and recommendations from a vet if they have other animals. each dog receives required medical treatment from Manageable Misfits, including dhlpp, rabies and bordatella vaccines and are spayed, neutered and receive microchip implants.

“they can contact me on the website and I take them out to the park every Sunday so people can see them,” Porter said.

Porter says that like any other breed, Dobermans and pit bulls need love, attention and respect from owners during training.

They can also become excellent service dogs, detecting depression, anxiety, balance issues, symptoms of epilepsy and diabetes related illnesses. Onyx, a gentle 2- year-old Doberman is just one of her successful service dogs.

“We’ve had really good success as far as rehabilitation,” Porter said. “Our main goal is to look forward to providing more certified service dogs so that can be at apartments and deal with things like depression.”

In addition to training the dogs, Porter provides food, grooming and veterinary services for the dogs out of her own pocket and through donations until Manageable Misfits receives its 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status. Foster homes are also needed for the animals, and potential foster parents can apply and go through a home evaluation process to qualify.

“the thing I need most help with is foster homes if you can’t adopt a dog or you are thinking of adopting a dog but not sure one kind and that gives them an opportunity to test the dogs out without issues,” she said. “if anyone wants to come and take the dogs for a walk or bring their kids to play with them if they can’t have a dog, they are welcome to come anytime.”

To help raise funds for the rescue, she also provides services as a photographer and plans to host several fundraising events to keep the rescue in operation. she also compiled photos of her favorite dogs over the years to write her book titled “Manageable Misfits.” all proceeds from the book go directly to the rescue. Porter said she is willing to do what it takes to provide for the dogs and encourage the community to help give pit bulls, Dobermans and other rescued dogs another chance at life.

“I do as much as I can to help and now I need help from other people,” Porter said. “I don’t want people to have to cross the street when they see them anymore.”

WANT TO HELP? Manageable Misfits is in need of volunteers and foster homes for dogs. there are currently 12 dogs available for adoption. Monetary donations as well as food, toys and other supplies are always accepted. For more information, visit manageablemisfits.com, call 517-294-0366 or email sask9nc@gmail.com.

‘Miracle dog’ Olly beats deadly virus

1:00pm Sunday 18th March 2012 in News by Harriet Marsh

RECOVERY: Yvonne Burgess with six-month-old Olly who has just recovered from parvovirus

A ‘MIRACLE dog’ from Poole is recovering from a deadly virus that’s claimed pets’ lives in the county.

Six-month-old Olly started vomiting violently after contracting the highly contagious parvovirus, despite having had his jabs.

Owner Yvonne Burgess is warning other dog walkers of the risks after nearly losing her beloved pet.

Yvonne, from Lagland Street, said: “Olly started retching and vomiting and had diarrhoea.

“He was gradually getting worse and worse and worse.”

Vets at Pets At Home, near Fleetsbridge, did not think the black Springer-cross would make it and he was rushed to intensive care at Walton Lodge vets.

now he is back home and allowed out for walks again.

Yvonne, 56, said: “They think Olly picked it up sniffing the mess of another dog that hasn’t been vaccinated.

“He’s made a full recovery thanks to the brilliant vets, but I want people to have their dogs vaccinated and clean up after them.

“If not they’re going to end up like Olly was.”

she added: “We tend to be a bit more paranoid now. If we see him sniffing anything we make sure he gets away.

“The vet said he’d seen three cases in the past three years and the other two didn’t make it.

“Olly is a miracle dog.”

PARVO is a common and potentially serious viral disease in dogs, which first appeared clinically in 1978.

larger breeds are more susceptible but any breed can get parvovirus and vaccinations are the best protection.

it can affect the heart muscle causing breathing difficulty and death in very young dogs, or the intestines with symptoms including lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and fever.

there is no treatment specifically for parvovirus beyond supportive care with antibiotics, fluids and anti-vomiting drugs.

many puppies infected need to be hospitalised. Surviving the first three days is usually a good sign for long term survival.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dogs treated with platelet therapy from a unique filter-based process showed significant improvement from osteoarthritis-related pain and lameness according to a new study commissioned by Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL). Results from the study, a two-center, prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, were revealed last night at the 39th Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) Meeting in Crested Butte, Colorado.

“The data were convincing because animals randomly assigned to saline control treatment did not improve. Conversely, dogs treated with C-PET, as well as those that elected to cross over to C-PET treatment, did improve, thereby demonstrating a level of efficacy”

“This study is the first to provide evidence in support of platelet therapy for canine osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Alicia L. Bertone, DVM, Ph.D, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS), Professor and Director of the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory at The Ohio State University, and senior author of the study.

The findings were presented by the study’s co-author, Dr. Maria Fahie, DVM, DACVS and Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Osteoarthritis, a progressive chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints, is a major concern for owners of the more than 72 million pet dogs1 in the United States. Approximately one in five adult dogs in the U.S.2 suffers from osteoarthritis. Common canine treatment methods can range from weight control and exercise to the administration of nutraceuticals and anti-inflammatory drugs. in an effort to treat the condition rather than just the symptoms, many veterinarians have begun offering alternatives like minimally-invasive cell therapy. Typically offered in conjunction with some of the more traditional methods, cell therapy can help accelerate healing and lead to longer-term relief.

SECUROS canine platelet enhancement therapy (C-PET) from MWI is a filter-based system that relies on Pall’s unique technology to concentrate platelets and their associated growth factors – which reportedly enhances wound healing and induces tissue regeneration – from a small volume of a dog’s own blood. The C-PET system involves a simple process. It includes sedating the dog, drawing blood, filtering the blood, recovering the platelet concentrate, and delivering the cell therapy. in most instances, the C-PET process can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Additionally, the SECUROS C-PET system does not require a centrifuge or power supply, a significant advantage over other platelet enrichment techniques.

“This study employed both subjective questionnaires and objective measures of lameness with improvement demonstrable within C-PET treated animals that was not seen in the control groups,” said Michael P. Kowaleski, DVM, DACVS/ECVS, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, who reviewed the data.

both centers in the trial (Western University and The Ohio State University) enrolled 10 dogs with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, for a total study size of 20 dogs. All dogs were randomized to receive either saline or platelet therapy produced with the C-PET product. they were evaluated prior to treatment and again three months after treatment. The dogs were withdrawn from medication for pain one week prior to each evaluation and allowed to continue medication as needed between evaluations. At the end of the 3-month period, the treatments were un-blinded and owners of dogs who received saline were given the option to cross over to C-PET treatment and be re-evaluated again 3 months later.

Dogs were assessed for pain and lameness using two visual analog scale questionnaires3 completed by the dog owners. Dogs enrolled at The Ohio State University were also subjected to testing by force plate kinetics, an objective measure of lameness. in all three assessment methods, dogs treated with their own blood platelets obtained using SECUROS C-PET demonstrated significant improvement in pain and lameness.

“The data were convincing because animals randomly assigned to saline control treatment did not improve. Conversely, dogs treated with C-PET, as well as those that elected to cross over to C-PET treatment, did improve, thereby demonstrating a level of efficacy,” commented Dr. Fahie.

for more information on how to obtain a SECUROS C-PET kit, visit: securos.com.

About the Trial Methodology and Platelet Therapy

Study results demonstrated that, on average, animals given C-PET but not saline alone showed statistically significant improvement in measures of pain and lameness whether using questionnaires or force plate kinetics measurements. Saline treated animals showed no improvements and there was an indication that some may have gotten worse. when those dogs crossed over to the treatment arm, they too improved significantly by all measurement instruments: the Canine Brief Pain Index and the Hudson visual analog scale for lameness as well as force plate kinetics measurement of peak vertical force (PVF). PVF measures the amount of weight the animal can place on their legs. this is the first study of intra-articularly administered platelet therapy for osteoarthritis in dogs that demonstrates significant improvement of a magnitude that rivals that seen with pain killers using both questionnaires and objective measures of lameness.

Platelet therapy technology is derived from the patient’s own blood. The prevailing mechanism of action of platelet therapy stems from the belief that the growth factors they secrete serve as a homing signal for the recruitment of stem cells from other parts of the patient’s body to the site of application of the platelets.4 Stem cells are defined by their ability to self replicate and differentiate into the cells of various lineages including collagen-producing chondrocytes and bone-producing osteocytes, both of which play a role in maintaining healthy, and repairing, defective joints.

About Pall Corporation

Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing solutions to meet the critical fluid management needs of customers across the broad spectrum of life sciences and industry. Pall works with customers to advance health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The company’s engineered products enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation, with total revenues of $2.7 billion for fiscal year 2011, is an S&P 500 company with almost 11,000 employees serving customers worldwide. Pall has been named a “top green company” by Newsweek magazine. To see how Pall is helping enable a greener, safer, more sustainable future, follow us on Twitter @PallCorporation or visit pall.com/green.

About MWI

MWI is a leading distributor of animal health products across the United States of America and United Kingdom. MWI sells both companion animal and production animal products including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, supplies, pet food, capital equipment and nutritional products. MWI also is a leading innovator and provider of value-added services and technologies used by veterinarians and producers. for more information about MWI, please visit our website at mwivet.com.

1 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook (2007 Edition). n.p., n.pag. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. ‹avma.org/reference/marketstats/sourcebook.asp›.

2 Fox SM, Millis D. Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis. Manson Publishing Ltd. 2010, p. 24.

3 Hudson et al. Assessing repeatability and validity of a visual analogue scale questionnaire for use in assessing pain and lameness in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2004 Dec;65(12):1634-43.

Drown et al. Ability of the canine brief pain inventory to detect response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis. JAVMA. 2008 Oct; 233(8): 1278-83.

4Baek SJ, Kang SK, Ra JC. in vitro migration capacity of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells reflects their expression of receptors for chemokines and growth factors. Exp Mol Med. 2011 Oct 31;43(10):596-603.

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