News at the Intersection of Veterinary and Human Medicine

Archives: Jan-Dec 2007 | Jan-Oct 2008

October, 2008

More time for transplants
When it comes to getting kidneys to organ transplant patients, the clock is always ticking. In an effort to buy more precious time, researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an organ transplant storage solution that preserves canine kidneys twice as long as current solutions, for six days as opposed to three. As human trials begin, the researchers, led by veterinarians Jonathan McAnulty and Christopher Murphy, say their efforts could boost the number of kidneys available for transplant in the U.S. and around the world.

Breathing a bit easier
They keep the human heart beating, and now pacemakers may also keep performance horses breathing. They may even be able to help humans who have laryngeal paralysis or difficulty speaking and swallowing due to thyroid surgery. Researchers, including a group from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, are developing a pacemaker for the equine larynx that can help stimulate damaged muscles and keep the airway open during strenuous exercise. They are hopeful that the pacemaker, once tried in horses, will eventually be able to help people.

Coming together to fight cancer
Similarities between a form of cancer found in dogs and another found in humans have helped forge a unique partnership between veterinary and medical doctors who are dedicated to fighting the disease in both species. Oregon researchers Stuart Helfand, DVM, and Brian Druker, M.D., are studying a cell line developed by Helfand from a German shepherd dog that died of hemangiosarcoma to see what drugs can be produced to treat the disease. Their research may ultimately lead to treatments for similar cancers found in humans, such as chronic myeloid leukemia.

Weighing in on genetic engineering
Recognizing that genetic engineering has opened many doors and has the potential to provide great benefit to humans, animals and society, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently praised the release of federal guidance on the use of genetically engineered animals in research and food production. The AVMA’s comments were issued in response to the announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that it has released draft guidance on the regulation of genetically engineered animals and is asking for comments from the public.