New lymphoma treatment shows promise in dogs
Researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of lymphoma and are testing a potential new drug in pet dogs afflicted with the disease. At low doses, the compound, called S-PAC-1, arrested the growth of tumors in three of six dogs tested and induced partial remission in a fourth.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907131506.htm

Hip dysplasia susceptibility in dogs may be underreported
A study comparing a new method for evaluating a dog’s susceptibility to hip dysplasia to the traditional American method has shown that 80 percent of dogs judged to be normal by the traditional method are actually at risk for developing osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, according to the new method.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902093454.htm

Are wolves saving Yellowstone’s aspen trees from elk?
Previous research has claimed that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 is helping restore quaking aspen in risky areas where wolves prowl. But apparently elk hungry for winter food had a different idea. They did not know they were supposed to be responding to a “landscape of fear.”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901111636.htm

‘Biosensors’ on four feet detect animals infected with bird flu
Blood hounds, cadaver dogs, and other canines who serve humanity may soon have a new partner — disease detector dogs — thanks to an unusual experiment in which scientists trained mice to identify feces of ducks infected with bird influenza. The proof-of-concept study may pave the way for development of “biosensors on four feet” that warn of infection with influenza and other diseases.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824231216.htm

Bar Regaining Running Fittness

Bar is back on track, or on trail I guess I should say as his running has picked up tremendously over the last month or so.

He is getting out there 4 to 5 times a week, and has made steady gains in his fittness, similarly to last year when he was able to run with us often.

The temps have been pretty warm this summer so finding the best time of day to take him running has been a chore and even when we do go, he tends to fade off after half an hour or so not because of a lack of running fittness but just because of the humidity.

Last year when the fall came, Lars was able to handle up to 10 miles at a decent clip with a stick in his mouth the whole way so we’ve definitely got something to look forward too sooner than later.

He is a much better off leash runner than on., and loves to just forge ahead doing his own thing while keeping an eye on us to make sure we do not pass him.

Just recently he actually completed a 10k road race with us, running 45:45 for his debut on the road.

He had to run the entire way on leash of course, but with his empty waterbottle clenched between his jaws, he was the avid little running partner and was actually the only 4-legged entrant.

http://smartpet.net/2010/08/27/bar-regaining-running-fittness/

Genetic risk factor associated with claw problems in dogs identified
The immune-mediated disease SLO can lead to severe claw problems in dogs. Researchers have now identified genetic risk factors underlying this disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100826093237.htm

A dog’s life: Physiotherapy for arthritic pets
Animals with osteoarthritis are generally offered the same types of physiotherapy as humans, although most of the methods have not been directly tested on animals. Recent work addresses this deficit and shows that relatively simple measures such as walking uphill or over low obstacles can significantly help the bending of dogs’ joints and thus mitigate the suffering caused by arthritis.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825093257.htm

Gene responsible for neurodegenerative disease in dogs, possibly in humans, discovered
Researchers have located and identified a gene responsible for a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects American Staffordshire terriers. This same gene may be responsible for a similar rare, fatal disease in humans.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824103533.htm

Dogs may not be’ man’s best friend’ during hay fever season
Ragweed allergy season can be even more miserable for those with dog, cat or dust mite allergies, according to new research. These year-round allergies appear to “pre-prime” the immune system so symptoms hit harder, according to a new study.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823194055.htm

Dogs’ family status depends on family’s locale
Man’s best friend might just be treated like any other animal depending on where the owners live. A new study found that people who think of animals as children tend to have a city background.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100815162124.htm