| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P07-01 January 5, 2007 |
Media Inquiries: |
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is announcing the approval of Slentrol (dirlotapide), a prescription drug for the management of obesity in dogs. Slentrol reduces appetite and fat absorption to produce weight loss. A veterinarian will determine whether the dog should be treated, based on the dog’s weight and general health. Continue reading FDA approves first drug for obesity in dogs
Diet, Exercise, Stimulating Environment Helps Old Dogs Learn
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2005/nia-18.htm
According to conventional wisdom, old dogs and new tricks aren’t a good match. But a new study of beagles finds that regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and a diet rich in antioxidants can help keep aging canine and perhaps human brains in tip-top shape. Continue reading Diet & learning
Raisin Toxicity
Around 1989, the APCC ( Animal Poison Control Center) began noticing a trend in dogs who had eaten grapes or raisins: Nearly all developed acute renal (kidney) failure. …In all of the cases, the ingredients for potential acute renal failure were the same. ” Continue reading Raisin toxicity
BARF Diet Mythology
Steven E. Crane
A very small segment of pet owners have accepted the opinions of a vocal fringe minority of individuals who are currently proponents of feeding raw foods. The diet is commonly called the BARF diet, (Bones And Raw Food). Individuals within this group often make unsubstantiated claims that sound plausible but are typically unsupported in fact. The barf diet is extolled based primarily upon several myths claimed to justify the feeding of this diet. Continue reading BARF diet
Canine and human breast cancer share several important clinical and histologic features. A case-control study of nutritional factors and canine breast cancer was conducted at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1984-1987 by interviewing owners of 150 pet dogs diagnosed with breast cancer, owners of 147 cancer control dogs, and owners of 131 noncancer control dogs. Continue reading Diet,cancer, spaying
GRANT
Incidence and Breed Related Risk Factors for Gastric Dilation-Volvulus in Dogs
5-year prospective study by Larry Glickman, VMD, Ph.D., Purdue University
Participating breed clubs Akita, Bloodhound, Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner and the AKC/CHF.
Method
Investigator measured dogs at dog shows and the owners completed a detailed questionnaire concerning the dogs medical history, genetic background, husbandry and eating practices, personality and diet.
Five years later, the investigator called and conducted a follow-up on each the dog.
The incidence of bloat (GDV) was calculated for each breed.
Risk factors were compared to dog measurements and questionnaire responses to determine any correlation.  Results: Continue reading Breed related risks for bloat
Gastropexy
Finding on use of gastropexy for dog owners:
In a study of 1,920 dogs at risk the following recommendations can be made regarding prophylaxis for bloat:
1 – with prophylactic gastropexy; after an episode of bloat, gastropexy decreased GDV recurrence by 95%. We would consider it to be just as effective as a preventive measure on dogs at risk for GDV (ie; all deep- chested dogs, dogs with first degree relatives with GDV) You should go to a veterinary surgeon to perform the surgery as many vets do this procedure regularly. Also these dogs should be sterilized to prevent passing on bloat risk to their progeny.
2 -Add Simethicone to each feeding (adult human dose)
I believe if the risk of GDV developing in a dog’s lifetime is high, then it is appropriate for owners and veterinarians to consider performing a prophylactic gastropexy (a surgical procedure to prevent the stomach from rotating) in order to prevent a first episode of GDV from occurring. However, I would not recommend that prophylactic gastropexy be done unless the dog were surgically neutered, so as not to increase the pool of dogs in a breed that are prone to develop GDV. Persons considering prophylactic gastropexy for their dog should discuss the procedure with their veterinarian and with owners of dogs that have had this procedure.
To find a veterinarian in your state who performs this surgery I would search for : Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon (your state). Unfortunately, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons does not at this time have a complete listing of Certified surgeons by state.