Starting your puppy off on the right paw - Smiling Blue Skies
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SPRING/summer 2018
COMPLIMENTARY
COPY
THE PET MAGAZINE OF THE ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE
Starting your puppy off on the right paw
pettrust.ca
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@OVCPETTRUST
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SPRING/summer 2018
Best friends
the pet magazine of the ontario veterinary college
What Pet Owners Need to Know About…
CANINE INFLUENZA
What Pet owners need to know about... 3 another flu virus to create a new flu strain that • If your dog has signs that could be consistent
Canine influenza
WHAT IS CANINE
From getting to know...Dr. Tom Gibson 4 INFLUENZA (H3N2)?
could affect both animals and people. with influenza (e.g. cough, nasal discharge,
fever, runny nose or eyes) and you are taking
the desk pawsitive beginnings: how to start 5 Canine influenza (H3N2), more commonly known ”Currently, the risk of the disease spreading to it to your veterinarian, make sure you call the
of our your puppy off on the right paw as dog flu, is an avian influenza virus (bird flu) that humans is very low,” Weese says. “Controlling the
spread through the dog population is what the
veterinary hospital first so that they can use
measures to prevent exposure of other dogs
Managing For the LOVE of lulu 8 spread to dogs in Asia in the mid 2000s and more
widely in some parts of the region, particularly veterinary community is most concerned with at the clinic (e.g. admitting your dog directly
Director the tale of minimally invasive surgery:
advancing care for rabbits
10 China and South Korea. It was introduced to the
United States in 2015, and has spread to multiple
at this point. If you suspect your dog has been in
contact with another dog that has been infected, it
to an exam room or isolation area).
Kim and harley • If your dog is sick and has been at a kennel,
parts of that country. The first known canine influ- is best to contact your veterinarian.”
passion for pets: ren’s pets gives 12 enza case in Canada was reported in early 2018, doggy daycare, puppy class or any other
Spring and summer are popular times of OVC Pet Trust continues to invest in projects back to companion animal health event, contact the owner or operator to let
the year for pet owners to welcome a new that are advancing animal health. From when two dogs who were imported from Asia to
animal into their home. Adding a new pet to investigating the brain activity in epileptic Life on ovc’s diagnostic imaging service 13 Essex County, Ontario, were diagnosed. HOW TO PROTECT them know.
your family can be an exciting, eventful and dogs, to using a novel virus as a vaccine to heal, boy: YOUR DOG FROM • If your dog is diagnosed with influenza or has
demanding time. Hard work and dedication
pays off and ideally your new pet will
treat cats with breast cancer, to measuring
disease markers of bone cancer in dogs with
How your pet may save your life one day
by Sharon Kirkey, National Post
16 Influenza in dogs has many similarities to influenza
in people. Most affected dogs develop typical flu- CANINE INFLUENZA signs consistent with influenza, it should be
kept away from other dogs for four weeks,
become a treasured part of your family and routine blood samples, our researchers are like signs such as coughing, fever and runny nose
grow to become a loving, loyal companion. at the forefront of veterinary medicine to the vital role of nutrients in my 21 or eyes. While most dogs (like most people with
• If your dog is sick, keep it away from other
dogs.
even if appears to be healthy before the end
of that period. Some dogs can continue to
In this issue of Best Friends you’ll find help the pets we love, live longer, healthier pet’s diet
human flu) recover uneventfully, a small percent- shed the flu virus for a couple of weeks after
valuable information about how to prepare
for pet ownership from our OVC expert Dr.
lives. Learn more about newly-funded
projects to enhance companion animal
decoding your pet’s body language 22 age of dogs can develop serious, and even fatal, • If you are out with your dog and see a sick they recover.
disease. As of Spring 2018, clusters of the outbreak dog, keep your dog away from it.
Jason Coe, who recently welcomed a new
puppy named Harley into his family. Be
health and well-being in Your Gifts at Work
on page 27.
ON THE FOREFRONT OF VETERINARY
MEDICINE: exploring regenerative
24 have been confirmed in Windsor-Essex, Muskoka • Canine influenza can infect cats, but the
and Northumberland County, with an estimated • If you have contact with a sick dog, wash incidence appears to be very low.
sure to read Dr. Coe’s recommendations on medicine to enhance animal and
informed pet ownership and the human- I am constantly inspired by all of the human health 200 Canadian dogs infected with the virus as of your hands, and ideally change your clothes,
animal bond if you’re looking to add a new creative and generous ways people give late March. before you touch your dog. • Vaccination is not a guarantee, but it can
puppy (page 6) or rabbit (page 10) into your back to OVC Pet Trust. We are so fortunate decreasing your pet’s risk of stroke 26 reduce the likelihood and severity of disease.
• Most dogs with influenza get over it on their Ask your veterinarian if vaccination is recom-
home in the near future. to have donors and supporters who
celebrate their love of animals in unique
investing in discovery
your gifts at work
27 DOES CANINE FLU own. As long as they are bright, alert, eating mended for your dog.
and don’t have yellowish nasal discharge,
This past fall, the National Post published
ways. No matter how you give back to OVC
Pet Trust, you are truly making a difference, Saying Goodbye...by dr. renee fleming 28 POSE A PUBLIC veterinarians typically do not provide any
a feature story based on health reporter
and I sincerely thank you for your support. HEALTH RISK? The odds specific treatments beyond cough suppres-
Sharon Kirkey’s time spent visiting OVC,
meeting and interviewing our veterinarians,
ovc pet trust launches new support
guide for pet owners preparing for
29 are pretty low, says Dr. Scott Weese, a researcher sants, if coughing is excessive.
our researchers and our clients. I hope the loss of a pet and veterinary specialist at the University of
Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. Weese’s
you’ll appreciate reading her article which
appeared on the front page of the national Colborne street pet hospital gives back 29 primary area of expertise is in infectious dis-
eases, with an emphasis on zoonotic diseases
newspaper last October. Heal Boy: How Your
Pet May Save Your Life One Day, is included
Kim Robinson Six Degrees of Separation 30 – those that can be transferred between ani-
Managing Director, OVC Pet Trust
as a special insert in this issue. It highlights
the importance and value of the life-saving
Ontario Veterinary College In memory: sully 31 mals and people. He has been the leading voice
University of Guelph in the veterinary community, with public health
and translational health benefits of what back cover agencies and in the news media on managing the
happens at OVC, and the critical role OVC Pet #PetTrustPals
Upcoming Events H3N2 canine influenza virus outbreak since it
Trust plays in supporting these initiatives. appeared for the first time in Canada.
BEST fRIENDS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR BY ovc pET tRUST tAKE OUR minute Human infections with H3N2 canine
influenza have not been identified.
READER SURVEY Weese says the bigger concern
OVC Pet Trust, founded in 1986 at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University for your chance to from a public health point
of Guelph, is Canada’s first charitable fund dedicated to the health and well-being win a $250 REN’S PETS gift card
of companion animals. The Ontario Veterinary College is a leader in veterinary of view is the threat of
healthcare, learning and discovery for the health of all species, including our own. GENEROUSLY donated by Ren’s Pets. the virus combining with
wE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK. LET US KNOW WHAT
To learn more or to make a donation visit www.pettrust.ca YOU THINK OF THIS ISSUE OF BEST fRIENDS:
University of Guelph Charitable Registration #: 10816 1829 RR 0001
WWW.PETTRUST.CA/SURVEY 3
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
has been associated with a higher than normal
infection rate. The reasons why are unknown
but it may be a result of the reduced soft tissue
coverage in the area where surgery is per-
formed. Our work on surgical site infections is
intended to find a way to decrease the chance
of infection in TPLO, and other surgical patients
as well. Another area of interest of mine is
rehabilitation and our pets’ post-operative
recovery. I have recently become a Diplomate
of the American College of Rehabilitation and
Sports Medicine and hope to pursue additional
research in this area.
What impact does OVC Pet Trust
funding have on your research?
I have been very fortunate to be involved in
many projects that have been supported by OVC
Pet Trust. Simply put, OVC Pet Trust is the life-
Small Animal Surgeon and Associate Professor line for the work we do here at OVC. If our work
Department of Clinical Studies can have an impact on day-to-day cases that
Ontario Veterinary College general veterinary practitioners see and treat, it
University of Guelph makes it more meaningful for us as researchers
and for the profession of veterinary medicine as
Why surgery? I chose a career in materials can become infected and form
a whole. Support from OVC Pet Trust positions
surgery for the challenge and the creativity. a biofilm, or a slime-like product, that
You can do the same surgical procedure resists treatment by many of our first-line us to be at the forefront of veterinary medicine
hundreds of times and you never really antibiotics. We are looking at the possibility and education and continue to be a centre of
know what you may be faced with in the of using a gel containing antibiotics and veterinary excellence in the world.
operating room. That’s the thing that enzymes to prevent surgical site infections
terrifies me the most about surgery, but that may result from our use of surgical Tell us something about yourself
it’s also the most exciting. We get to fix implants. Some antibiotics that are most
effective against resistant bacteria can cause
that might surprise your
pets; it’s very rewarding. I love seeing
students, interns and residents get inspired damage to the kidneys. We are exploring colleagues. Twelve years ago I became
by surgery. I was once a resident myself the possibility of a local gel therapy that interested in cycling. In 2010, I rode my bike
and second-guessed my skills; to watch could be an option to proactively prevent an across Canada to raise funds for the Coast to
our students learn, grow and progress is so
much fun. Surgery can also be exhausting –
infection without having widespread side
effects throughout a pet’s body.
Coast Against Cancer Foundation, a national
charity devoted to fighting childhood cancer.
Starting your puppy off on the right paw
physically, mentally and emotionally – and At the University of Guelph, our team has raised
it can be devastating when, despite our best How could patients benefit almost $250,000 for the organization via The
efforts, we don’t always win and we don’t from your surgical site infec- Inside Ride, an indoor cycling challenge and
always have the outcomes we would wish
for all of our patients. tion research? Tibial-plateau-level- fundraising event dedicated to raise money New research shows early socialization is believed to be critical to the
ing osteotomy (TPLO), a surgical procedure in support of children with cancer and their
families.
healthy development of puppies. Socializing puppies is most important
to repair the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL),
What projects are you cur- is the most common joint injury in dogs between the ages of four and 16 weeks, and involves helping a new pet
rently working on? Right now I’m around the world. CCL is similar to an ante- Do you share your home with any become comfortable in their new environment by introducing them to
examining a novel drug delivery system for rior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or common pets? My family has a Boston Terrier x
patients with postoperative infections along knee injury in humans, except in dogs this
French Bulldog named Poppy, and a new addi-
many different types of people, spaces and places, pets, noises, sights,
with a team of OVC experts. Implant-as- disease is a degenerative process and not
an athletic injury. About sixty per cent of
tion, a Standard Poodle puppy named Henry. sounds and smells in a positive and controlled way.
sociated bone and joint infections occur
when bacteria adheres to the plates and dogs that sustain a CCL rupture in one hind My wife (OVC Internal Medicine Specialist Dr.
screws that we place in a pet’s body. These leg, will rupture the other. TPLO surgery Shauna Blois) and I also have six-year-old twin
(human) boys.
4 5
Why is early puppy “The ‘puppy year’ can be both an exciting and challenging
time for owners while puppies adjust to their new lives,”
Advice from the experts New pet checklist
socialization important? says Coe. “Family veterinarians are an important resource
If you have a new puppy or if you are con- Before deciding to get a new pet, it would
Early puppy socialization is believed to be critical to the sidering a new four-legged addition to your be beneficial to consider a variety of factors
for pet owners and can provide valuable information on home, OVC experts recommend considering the including:
healthy development of puppies. Socializing puppies is what activities are considered positive for puppy socializa-
most important between the ages of four and 16 weeks, following:
tion, discuss timing and troubleshoot individual behaviour
and involves helping a new pet become comfortable in issues. They can help develop a positive reward-based
Your lifestyle
their new environment by introducing them to many training program and also answer questions about intro-
• It’s important to remember that puppies Time available to
have an optimal socialization period, The Neurology Service at the OVC
different types of people, spaces and places, pets, noises, ducing a new puppy to children or other pets.” dedicate to your new pet
sights, sounds and smells in a positive and controlled way. during which it is imperative your new Health Sciences Centre specializes in
pet has positive exposure to new people, Species differences providing advanced and emergency care
Poor puppy socialization can result in fear and sometimes
There are many steps pet owners can take to start their animals, experiences and locations. This Your current pet to companion animals. The team sees
new puppy off on the right paw. socialization period ranges from the first Your new pet
aggressive behaviour in dogs. Behaviour problems are a and treats a wide range of disease and
leading cause of breakdown in the human-animal bond, four to 16 weeks of a puppy’s life. Cost of pet ownership conditions in pets including epilepsy,
the relationship and positive connection between pets Are you thinking of welcoming spinal pain, weakness, gait changes,
and their owners. It is estimated up to 50 per cent of a new puppy into your home? • Positive exposure to different kinds of muscle and nerve disorders and a variety
If you are contemplating adding a puppy to your home, it new experiences prepares puppies for the Dr. Jason Coe is an OVC Pet Trust-funded researcher. To of congenital and degenerative nervous
owners say behaviour issues are the main reason for sur- learn more about how to prepare for pet ownership,
rendering or giving up their pet to either friends, families is important to understand what you are looking for and development of future social relationships visit www.beforeyougetapet.com. system diseases.
or shelters. what your expectations are of your new pet. Research has and helps to prevent fear in new and
shown that the success of a human-companion animal unknown situations. One service in particular the Neurology
A recent study from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) relationship is influenced by whether an owner’s expecta- team provides is hearing tests, or brain-
found puppies who attended puppy classes at less than tions can be met by the dog and whether the needs and • Puppy classes provide an excellent oppor- stem auditory evoked response (BAER)
20-weeks of age were less likely to develop negative lifestyle of the owner and personality of the dog match. tunity for owner education and puppy testing. BAER testing is used to diagnosis
behaviour patterns or fear responses to normal events Owner expectations can relate to the time and effort socialization and a great way to avoid deafness in pets. Registered Veterinary
such as noises like thunderstorms and vacuum cleaners, required in caring for your dog (walks, training, veteri- serious pet behavioural problems. Technician (RVT) Jennifer Collins is in
and every day experiences like being placed in a dog crate. nary visits), the role of the dog in the household (friend, charge of administering the hearing
protector) and the annual cost of owning a dog. Therefore, test and normally sees up to 165 dogs
“One of the main recommendations for pet owners as a before choosing a new dog, it is beneficial to think about per year.
result of our study is to take the opportunity to discuss your schedule, your household members, living situation
all aspects of puppyhood with your family veterinarian – and the type of personality you would like your new dog Puppies are given this test between six
they are uniquely positioned to help,” says Dr. Jason Coe, to have. and eight weeks of age, once their hear-
one of the study’s authors. ing is fully developed. Testing puppies
for deafness is important because early
identification allows owners to provide
targeted training, improving comfort
and safety for their dog, and allows them
to be equipped with more information
about how to interact with and help
their dog navigate their world. Hearing
tests are also available for older pets that
may develop a loss of hearing as they
age. When deafness is not an inherited
or age related problem, loss of hearing
may also be an indicator of other health
issues, such as a brain tumour, infection
or trauma.
Dogs can be diagnosed with deafness in
both or just one of their ears. Dogs who
are deaf can live a normal life by using
their other senses, such as smell and
sight, which are heightened. Dogs with
hearing loss are best matched with an
Nancy Warner’s seven English Setter puppies, shown here, visited the Neurology Service at the Ontario Veterinary owner who is home more often and can
College in February for brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing, an evaluation of the auditory pathway as
sound is translated from the eardrum to the brainstem. provide a fenced backyard and dedicated
time to training.
6 7
For the Love
of LULU
It’s easy to see the love and affection Julia Clubb and Tony and his team. Prior to surgery, Lulu had a CT scan that
Soares have for their nine-year-old dog, Lulu. showed not only the enlarged anal sac, but 11 enlarged
abdominal lymph nodes as well. The cancer had already
Lulu and Tony start most days with a 10-kilometer run in spread throughout Lulu’s body. An anal sac removal
their Toronto neighbourhood. The active, apricot Standard was performed followed by the removal of all abnormal
Poodle enjoys swimming, visiting her local dog park and lymph nodes. The goal of this surgery is to get rid of as
spending time outdoors at their cottage. “There isn’t a much cancer as possible by removing the diseased anal “It truly is amazing how this technology can help pets,” says
squirrel in our neighbourhood that is safe,” Julia laughs. sac tumor and abnormal lymph nodes. Julia. “All of our friends at the dog park have heard about it
“Lulu has a sweet personality and always makes us laugh. from us because they knew what Lulu was going through.
There is nothing better than when you find a tennis ball Two weeks later, Lulu began chemotherapy to help We are so thankful and have seen the benefits of minimally
at the park that isn’t yours – that’s our Lulu.” manage her disease, as anal sac cancer has a high chance invasive surgery first hand.”
of reoccurring.
In June 2017 while visiting their family veterinarian, Dr. The couple was so impressed with Lulu’s recovery that they
Lindsay Paterson at Rosedale Moore Park Veterinary “Dr. Singh was not only caring for Lulu, but he also cared are holding an event at their home this spring to promote
Clinic, a small lump was found during Lulu’s annual for us and what we were going through,” Julia reflects. the work of OVC Pet Trust and support advancing the clinical
wellness exam. Lulu was immediately referred to the “The fear of the unknown as a pet owner in these research area of MIS at OVC.
Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), where she was diag- circumstances can be overwhelming. During a time when
nosed with metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma, a type we needed support, he went above and beyond, commu- It’s been a tough haul, but the fight isn’t over yet. Lulu will
of cancer. “We were totally devastated when we received nicating with us regularly. He helped alleviate our fears, continue to return to OVC’s Animal Cancer Centre every
the news,” says Julia. kept us up-to-date and formed a plan about how we necessary as in the case of more traditional open surger- three months for monitoring, where her family meets with
would proceed and navigate our dog’s diagnosis.” ies. In general, MIS is associated with less pain, a shorter Internal Medicine Veterinary Specialist Dr. Danielle Richard-
Lulu’s diagnosis, anal sac cancer, is a highly-aggressive hospital stay and fewer complications in both humans and son to talk about Lulu’s health. Julia and Tony are apprecia-
local cancer that can spread quickly through the lymph At a follow-up visit in late August, a CT scan found that animals. While MIS is often preferred for these reasons, it tive Dr. Richardson has been a special part of Lulu’s medical
node system. Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune Lulu had an enlarged lymph node in her chest. Singh was may not always be an option depending on the patient’s journey, helping to navigate their dog’s post-operative care
system and when dogs are healthy, they help to fight successfully able to use a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) illness or disease. Lulu’s owners noticed a drastic difference to continue the battle against her cancer.
infection and disease. When dogs are sick, the system can technique to remove the lymph node with a procedure in her recovery after MIS compared to her earlier surgery in
work like a freeway, allowing disease to move and spread called thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopy involves several tiny June, which had been a traditional open procedure. “It means everything to us that OVC helped our dog,” Julia
quickly, to all parts of the body. Unfortunately, Julia and incisions into the chest to insert a camera and surgical and Tony both agree. “Lulu means the world to us. We are
Tony learned this was the case with their sweet Lulu. tools to remove a mass, or in this case a lymph node. “Lulu improved so much more quickly following the MIS so thankful OVC was there to support us during one of the
Upon arrival at OVC, Dr. Tony Mutsaers evaluated Lulu Minimally invasive surgery means just that – a surgery procedure in her chest. She came home the next day, and most devastating times in our life. It’s difficult to put into
at the Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer and that is the minimal or causes the least amount of intru- you’d never know she’d had surgery. She was able to return words how grateful we are OVC was there when our family
recommended surgical consultation with Dr. Ameet Singh siveness to the body, because large incisions are not to her every day activities much sooner,” Tony remembers. needed it most.”
In 2017, Dr. Ameet Singh was named as one of 15 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Founding Fellows in Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Singh has obtained
additional training and experience in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) beyond the ACVS surgery residency training and devotes a major portion of his professional effort to the
prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients undergoing MIS therapies and to research in the field of MIS.
8 9
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
The TALE of Is a Pet Rabbit a
Good Fit for You?
Minimally Invasive Surgery Pet owners’ knowledge of pet care has been scientifically
Advancing care for pet rabbits shown to affect the human-animal relationship and the
welfare of companion animals. Before welcoming a pet rabbit
into your home, it is important to make an informed decision
Rabbits are the third most owned pet in Beaufrère, health trends indicate there can and understand the demands of rabbit ownership and the
North America, after dogs and cats. Rabbits be serious risks if rabbits are left unspayed. type of care they require over their lifetime.
have become a popular pet for many rea- “Cancer of the uterus can be a very common • Rabbits require a lot of care. Their cages need to be
sons. They have a friendly nature, they can disease in female rabbits,” says Beaufrère. cleaned daily, they need to be fed at least twice daily
adapt easily to living in smaller spaces like “If they are not spayed there is up to a 70 and they require exercise and mental stimulation.
apartments or condominiums and, since per cent chance they can develop this type
most are indoor pets, they don’t necessarily of cancer over their lifetime.” • Rabbits are most active in the morning and evening
need to spend time outside of the home. hours.
Since rabbits are much smaller than other • Many rabbits do not like to be picked up. Rabbits have
Avian and exotic care is a special interest species, minimally invasive surgical options delicate bones compared to their muscle mass. Owners
within veterinary medicine. Veterinarians could prove to have its benefits. “Rabbits should practice careful handling to avoid bone fractures.
who work in this area must understand have a very different anatomy when If not held securely, rabbits can violently kick and break
the anatomy and health needs of a wide compared to dogs and cats. The goal of our their back.
range of animals, many of which are not study is to determine if MIS spay procedures • A pet rabbit is a long-term commitment. They have a life
native to North America. From birds and would be a better option for our rabbit span of approximately 9-10 years; some may live up to 12
reptiles, such as turtles, lizards and snakes, patients,” says Beaufrère. years of age.
to companion mammals such as rabbits,
ferrets and guinea pigs, avian and exotic Beaufrère stresses the importance of size • Rabbits are prey animals. Owners must be very cautious
specialists at the Ontario Veterinary College when performing surgery on smaller pets.
if they are considering introducing a rabbit into a new
(OVC) provide diagnostic, emergency and “An incision that would be considered tiny
home with other pets. If a dog or cat scratches or
advanced care for all sorts of species. in a much larger animal is actually a very
bites a rabbit, it can lead to serious trauma. Ask your
veterinarian for more information.
big incision for smaller animals, such as
With rabbit ownership on the rise, they are rabbits,” adding that the ability to provide
now one of the most seen pets on the OVC minimally-invasive options for these
Avian and Exotics Service – making up 30 patients could decrease the size of surgical
to 40 per cent of the services’ total patients. incisions by 50 to 60 per cent. It is for this
“Rabbits are very social animals. They reason that Beaufrère and his team are
generally enjoy interacting with people and specifically looking at the use of miniature
form close bonds with their owners,” says MIS equipment that is currently used in
Dr. Hugues Beaufrère, OVC’s Chief of Avian surgery for young children.
and Exotics Service.
“At the end of the day, we hope to gain
Dr. Beaufrère, along with OVC Avian and knowledge by determining the safest, most
Exotics specialist-in-training Dr. Claudia effective method for rabbit spay surgery,
Kabakchiev and small animal surgeon Dr. reduce patient health risks and provide the
Ameet Singh, is currently investigating the best evidence-based options for veteri-
safety and benefits of minimally invasive narians and the growing number of rabbit
surgery (MIS) to spay rabbits. According to owners out there.”
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is common in human medi-
cine, and more recently, in the veterinary world. MIS involves
tiny incisions with scopes for doctors to see inside the body
and remove organs, perform biopsies and other procedures.
It is an alternative to traditional surgeries that involve making
a large opening in the body; since the incision in MIS is very
Camera
small, patients are usually able to recover faster and experi-
ence less pain when compared to “open” procedures.
three-week-old bunny patients’ first health check at ovc with registered Veterinary Technician, Sarah.
Left to right: Burrito, pumpkin, russell, bandit, bunbun and pip.
10 MIS photo courtesy of Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons. 11
dogs in the office:
bryce and pivot are Part of ren’s head
office employee pet program.
It wouldn’t come as that much of a surprise that Locally, Ren’s works with humane societies “Pets are our family members,” says Arsenault,
you’d be greeted by a couple of friendly “woofs” within the communities in which they operate. who has three dogs and two cats of his own at
when you walk into the head office of Ren’s Pets They also strive to support organizations that home. “That belief is at the core of our business.
in Guelph. Life-size letters on the wall above value the bond between pets and the people We know our customers consider their pets to be
reception welcome guests to headquarters: that care for them. When they opened their an important part of their family and only want
“Passionate about pets and the people they fifteenth store in 2017, Ren’s partnered with Don the best for them.”
own,” which not only serves as the company’s Cherry to exclusively sell a line of beef liver dog
corporate mission, but also embodies the way of treats in honour of fallen Canadian soldier, Cor- Arsenault believes OVC is the premier location for
life for employees and customers alike. poral Nathan Cirrillo, who was an avid pet lover discovery and treatment for companion animals
and was killed in the line of duty at Parliament in Canada and beyond. “If you are a pet owner,
When President Scott Arsenault started with Hill in 2014. All proceeds from the sale of the you know the high level of care a pet will receive Animals of all shapes and sizes are The service is located deep within dedicated to advanced clinical
the company seven years ago, there were three dog treats support the training of rescue dogs when someone says they are taking them to the referred to the Ontario Veterinary the hospital and offers a variety of education and research. Monica’s DVSc
Ren’s stores. The premier pet retailer has grown University of Guelph (U of G),” Arsenault says. College (OVC) every day for specialized specialized medical imaging proce- position is one of several special-
to operate 16 stores across Ontario, with plans to care. Some are sent for advanced dures including digital radiography ist-in-training roles funded by OVC Pet
open seven more this year and expand nationally “Even if your pet hasn’t been referred to OVC for tests which can involve state-of- (X-rays), ultrasound, fluoroscopy (real- Trust. The intensive training program
the-art diagnostic imaging from time X-ray), CT scan and magnetic will equip her with the knowledge
across Canada in the coming years. advanced or emergency care directly, the U of
highly-trained veterinary health care resonance imaging (MRI). On average and experience she needs to become a
G will somehow have an influence on your pet’s professionals. the team sees 40 patients per day, board-certified veterinary radiologist.
d “Everyone who works at Ren’s makes a difference life. Whether it be the advanced care for animals both large and small animals, and
in the lives of pets – from accounting, to mar- that is available in their hospitals, treatment The field of Diagnostic Imaging, some- each day is different. Diagnostic imag- Monica spends the majority of her
keting, to the front lines. Each employee plays a options that may not be available today but times known as Radiology, involves ing is the most visual of all medical time performing ultrasound examina-
role in the big picture of our business,” Arsenault will be tomorrow because of the innovative a series of different tests that take specialties, and veterinary radiolo- tions and interpreting X-ray, CT and
says. discoveries of their researchers, or the training images of various parts of the body. gists are specially trained to evaluate MRI images, and using these images
and education provided to their graduates Essentially, it is the science that uses and interpret images to diagnose to deliver diagnoses and make recom-
r A couple of years ago Ren’s head office adopted (the family veterinarians that work in our local various medical imaging techniques disease in all types of animals. Their mendations on next steps in patient
a pet policy, where employees are allowed to communities), your pet probably has been or will to diagnose and sometimes also treat skills and training allow them to often care plans. Monica is also dedicated to
bring their dog to work with them. While there as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service be positively affected by OVC during its lifetime,” diseases within the body, from chronic find a needle in a haystack, and their her primary research project which is
are guidelines, morale has increased and job companions for military veterans and first Arsenault says. “It may not be today; it may not conditions like respiratory or kidney expertise and knowledge is critical in evaluating the presence and effective-
diseases to cancer. creating care plans for patients. ness of radiation safety training for
performance has remained intact and perhaps responders in Canada. be tomorrow. If you have a pet, they will most
student veterinarians and veterinary
even improved. “Everyone is so much happier. likely be touched by the work that’s being done Early diagnosis of disease in pets Our writer went behind-the-scenes health providers in general practice.
When you walk by purchasing and see Pivot the Giving back to companion animal health and at Guelph. How can you not support it?” saves lives. Without diagnosis, there with Diagnostic Imaging resident It is Monica’s hope that her work will
Border Collie, you have to stop and smile and say well-being is another important goal for the can be no treatment and no potential and specialist-in-training, Dr. Monica lead to the development of new and
hi,” Arsenault says. company. This past August, Ren’s celebrated Arsenault acknowledges $15,000 was a good cure. For this reason, OVC’s Diagnostic Jensen, for a glimpse into the black mandatory safety training guidelines
National Dog Day by raising funds at their store start for their first year of corporate support. “We Imaging (DI) Service is a critical hub and white world of radiology. for the use of X-rays in practice, as well
When it comes to giving back, Ren’s focuses on locations across Ontario for OVC Pet Trust, the play in the land of great at Ren’s. Our goal is to for all services within the OVC Health as ensuring OVC is training student
the pet owner community, confidently standing company’s national charity of choice. The event give up to $250,000 annually,” he smiles. Sciences Centre and an important Monica is a senior resident in the veterinarians to be leaders in radia-
behind and passionately endorsing products raised $15,000, funds that will go towards referral resource for primary care Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) tion safety in the workforce.
and services aimed at improving healthy pet advancing pet health through research, teaching Visit your local Ren’s Pets store on this year’s National veterinary hospitals across the prov- program, a post-professional degree
Dog Day (August 26, 2018) to support OVC Pet Trust. ince and beyond.
lifestyles. and care at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Continues on next page.
12 13
of JD’s throat,
esophagus and
9:55 AM Monica is paged by a Reg- science and art. It is about listening, observing,
seeing, interpreting, communicating and sharing
messenger; they’re the deliverers of both good and
bad news. The passion Monica has for her job is very
istered Veterinary Technician (RVT) on her
stomach to try to information across many areas of expertise to help obvious. “Most pet owners that visit OVC wouldn’t
service. The team is ready for her to perform an
find a cause for JD’s our patients get the best care possible and on to the know my name or who I am. This is still an adjust-
ultrasound on a Newfoundland dog. In order
history of vomiting road to recovery.” ment for me as I loved the relationships I developed
to run the test with as little stress as possible
at home. The with people and their pets when I worked directly
process will involve
for her patient, the dog is sedated before her
arrival. General anesthesia is common for certain
11:26 AM Brain scans from a patient in MRI with them in private practice,” Monica shares.
three stages: taking land into Monica’s queue as a horse patient named “Instead, I look at and interpret images of almost
advanced imaging procedures that may demand Casper from the Large Animal Hospital is prepared
X-ray images while every single patient that walks through the door
more time and require patients to remain for a sacraliliac (SI) joint injection which is used to
JD swallows liquid and for that short amount of time, they become my
perfectly still, such as CT and MRI. When Monica treat SI joint disease and pain. In horses this con-
barium, taking patient. Seeing these patients treated and overcome
arrives the RVT has already started the test dition quite literally means a pain in the rump. The
images after he their obstacles based on our imaging findings, the
along with two DVM students who are on their veterinarians on his care team hope this steroid ther-
eats canned wet hard work of other veterinarians working on their
DI rotation. Monica takes over the procedure apy will help reduce their patient’s pain and inflam-
food mixed with case and the commitment of their owners is one
and receives a patient history from the RVT. mation. Monica performs the ultrasound-guided
barium, and taking of the most rewarding feelings I’ve experienced
She probes the patient to take a closer look and procedure with Dr. Nykamp’s supervision.
images after he working in this field.”
capture the images she will need to analyze.
eats liquid barium
mixed with kibble.
10:24 AM Monica catches up on paper- 1:36 PM Monica’s afternoon is full with
Barium sulfate is scheduled appointments. Six dogs are here for
8:00 AM Monica’s day begins with an edible dye used for taking diagnostic images
work between patients. She regularly references
evidence-based academic papers and findings
ultrasounds this afternoon for various reasons,
DI rounds every morning. While rounds in in both human and animal health, and it works along with a guinea pig named Paddington who is
during her report-writing. She downloads a “I remember watching my uncle work with animals
other specialties at OVC include checking in on by coating the inside of the patient’s esophagus, experiencing diarrhea and stomach pain. A dog has
paper about heartburn in veterinary patients and and know he was making a difference in the lives of
patients, it’s a bit different on the Diagnostic stomach, or intestines. Since barium provides his spleen examined and Monica takes fine needle
includes it in an email with some other follow-up his patients who couldn’t speak for themselves, and I
Imaging service. Monica, along with first-year contrast, it allows these parts of the body to be samples for further testing. The cells she collects are
information to the intern in charge of JD’s case. was hooked,” she says. “I knew I wanted to make the
resident Dr. Alexandra Beaulieu and board-certi- seen more clearly on a CT scan or other X-ray placed on slides and sent to the University’s Animal
A new ultrasound is underway for a dog with same impact myself one day.”
fied veterinary radiologist Dr. Stephanie Nykamp examination. Health Laboratory for analysis.
abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. She
gather in the “reading room” for the rounds of
the day, with today’s focus being “retro rounds”. 9:29 AM Monica reports back to Dr. reviews the ultrasound with her students. “Our 11:15 AM Dr. Nykamp checks in with 2:43 PM While she is finishing up her
Nykamp with her diagnosis for JD: gastroesoph- ultrasound today isn’t showing any reason that her residents, discussing the day’s cases and paperwork for a patient, the Large Animal Hospital
The OVC Health Sciences Centre is a teaching
ageal reflux, or heartburn, which is common in would indicate why our patient appears to be in clarifying the medical language that should be requests an emergency consult on a pig named
hospital, and Dr. Nykamp is both a supervisor
both pets and people when the area between pain,” she says, curiously. “We can only rely on used in report-writing. She reminds her team that Oliver. The service veterinarian suspects rupture of
and an educator; she oversees, instructs and
the esophagus and stomach doesn’t close or what the images tell us. It’s frustrating when we continually asking questions is key and that while a component of the urinary tract and they look to
mentors the entire medical team on her service.
stay closed properly, allowing stomach contents can’t find a clear answer.” Some diseases can’t diagnostic imaging helps with more precise and Monica’s expertise for answers. Monica performs an
Monica pulls up a computed tomography (CT)
be detected with imaging techniques and are faster diagnosis it is not the same as determining the ultrasound on Oliver. Much of her job involves logic
scan of a cat with a thyroid tumour at her
reading station. Dr. Nykamp and Alexandra pull
only visible at the microscopic level. But Monica’s
findings are an important piece of the puzzle and
severity of the diseases that are being interpreted. and an understanding of the physiological processes 5:06 PM After Monica sees her last patient
their chairs over to join Monica. “Retro rounds is underlying what is happening in the body. She of the day, rounds with student veterinarians begin,
may still help the patient’s veterinarian when “Diagnostic imaging is a process of discovery; it lets uses the images she captures to tell a story. Monica which are led by Monica and Dr. Nykamp. One
our dedicated time to review cases together as
they review bloodwork and history to arrive at a us see what is really happening inside the body and consults with Dr. Nykamp and Oliver’s veterinarian to student presents two cases from the day and sum-
a team,” Monica explains. The first hour of the
diagnosis. findings often direct the care plan rather than solve recommend next steps. marizes case findings and patient history. Monica
day is spent examining historical patient scans,
the health issue,” Dr. Nykamp says. “It reminds us
discussing diagnoses and disease processes. Dr.
Nykamp prompts her residents with questions
11:00 AM Monica isn’t at her station that veterinary medicine is truly a collaborative 3:53 PM The day is jam-packed with
asks questions and helps fill in the gaps during the
student’s presentation. Dr. Nykamp reviews the
for more than five to 10 minutes at a time before
such as “What evidence supports your state- organized chaos. There are three more planned schedule for the next day with her team, revealing
she is on the move throughout the hospital
ment? What led you to that diagnosis? What’s ultrasound patients booked this afternoon. Monica they’ll have an alpaca in for a CT scan.
again. Radiology in veterinary medicine is more
next for our patient?” to encourage discussion carefully obtains images of each organ in the abdo-
and debate. In a teaching environment this time
than just sitting in a dark room reading images;
Monica is constantly out and about, conducting
men and records the measurements in her report. 5:30 PM Rounds are over and Monica is
is very valuable. It focuses on building interpre- done for the day. “Some shifts are longer than
tive skills and reinforces the importance of life-
diagnostics in pets, consulting with her team
and delivering her reports back to each service
4:03 PM Monica is responsible for providing others, depending on our case load and the number
long learning within the veterinary profession. mentorship to her junior resident. Alexandra asks of emergencies that present over the course of
so they can then discuss treatment options with Monica a question about a bearded dragon patient’s the day,” she says. The OVC Health Sciences Centre
Critical evalution and follow-through allows
to move into the esophagus. JD also has an pet owners. With every passing minute, she has anatomy while she examines his CT scan. Collabo- is open 24/7. Monica isn’t on call tonight, but
the team to ensure that they are practicing the
esophageal motility disorder, a condition where to stay on her toes and at the top of her game. ration happens at all levels of learning and practice tomorrow it will all begin again. “I love the diversity
highest quality of veterinary medicine by using
fluid and food don’t move down the esophagus Working well under pressure and attention to within veterinary medicine. of the imaging options we can offer at OVC and the
each and every case as a learning opportunity.
properly. Her findings are sent to the intern on detail are definite requirements of the job. wide range of animals I get to work with. It’s not
9:06 AM Monica’s first patient of the the Internal Medicine service JD arrived on to It is clear Monica is a pet lover; she has
wanted to be a veterinarian since the age
4:24 PM Members of the surgical team enter every field in medicine that you can go from treating
day arrives, a Pug named JD, who is here for a share with his owner and to develop next steps into the reading room to ask Monica and her fellow a horse to a guinea pig to a kitten in the same day,”
in his care. of five. Monica’s uncle is a veterinarian and resident Alexandra about one of their patient’s CT she says. “I feel so fortunate to contribute to truly
real-time X-ray procedure called an esophagram.
she used to visit his clinic as a child. scans. It’s Monica’s job to provide insight, guidance making a difference for people and their pets.”
During the procedure Monica will take images
14 and answers to move forward. The DI team is the 15
HEAL, BOY
By February, a biopsy came back cancer: have relevant models that can be stud- pathogens that might trigger mutant
aggressive multicentric lymphoma. ied so much cheaper than human trials.” cells that morph into cancer. Dogs are
For Bosco’s owners, the grim diagnosis There’s also a risk that any adverse genetically diverse, just like humans,
was devastating. “He couldn’t possibly event that might be species-specific and have intact immune systems. Com-
leave us, because we had fallen so — “on rare occasions,” he says, “cats panion animals also develop tumours
deeply in love with him,” Lynda remem- don’t behave like people” — would naturally and spontaneously, the same
how your pet may save your life one day bers thinking. slow down progress on human drug
development.
way we do. Some shared tumours –
osteosarcoma, or bone cancers, mucosal
On their vet’s advice, they turned to melanoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
by Sharon Kirkey, National Post the Ontario Veterinary College’s Mona So labs continue to use mice — not bladder cancer – can be so functionally
Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer. sweet, mixed breed family dogs — for identical it’s hard to know “dog” from
Bosco was immediately scheduled for research. Withrow says there’s still a role “human” when looking at a biopsy.
25 rounds of chemo at the facility, part for rodent research. But, will our sensi-
of the University of Guelph. The family tivities to household pets hold us back Given the leap between mice and
also agreed to enroll their mixed-breed from helping them, and ourselves? humans, the thinking now is, “maybe
rescue in several clinical trials, including there’s a better stepping stone,” says
one exploring whether a special molec- The thing is, when researchers suc- Brian Lichty, of McMaster University’s
ular test can predict early enough how ceeded in mapping the first full genome Immunology Research Centre, who is
well dogs with advanced lymphoma are of a dog in 2005 – Tasha, a female Boxer collaborating with Ontario Veterinary
responding to their chemo, so they can – they discovered humans share more College (OVC) researchers testing a
be switched to a more effective drug if of their ancestral DNA with dogs than breast cancer vaccine in cats.
needed. with mice.
The cardiovascular systems of dogs
All this might sound extreme. The In fact, studies suggest that 85 per cent and people are also remarkably
price tag for canine cancer treatments of drugs that appear promising when similar, veterinarians say. Canine dilated
— surgery, chemotherapy, radiation tested on the lowly lab rodent fail cardiomyopathy, a deadly disease that
and potentially another surgery if the spectacularly when moved into humans. causes the heart to weaken, dilate and
cancer rebounds — can run $10,000 to Of those that make it to Phase III — the swell like a balloon near bursting can
$20,000. But Bosco’s treatment could final and priciest pre-licensing phase lead to congestive heart failure. DCM is
save not only his life, it may save yours. — only half are ever approved. Cancer the second most common form of heart
Lymphoma in dogs is strikingly similar to drugs are the ones most likely to flop. disease in dogs – and the third most
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in people; the common in humans.
results of Bosco’s clinical trial could lead “Crucial genetic, molecular, immuno-
to better therapies for cancer in humans. logic and cellular differences between Yet dogs age and die five to eight times
humans and mice prevent animal faster than humans, meaning the out-
It’s just one of the diseases our pets may models from serving as effective means comes to studies testing new therapies
help us treat. Vets are collaborating with to seek for a cancer cure,” McMaster can be known that much sooner, and at
researchers in human medicine to study University researchers wrote in 2014 in far less cost.
the genetics of a fatal heart disorder the American Journal of Translational
shared by dogs and humans. They’re Medicine about the limits of animal All this may give some animal lovers
working on epilepsy, and stem cell models “to mimic the extremely com- pause. “We understand why people
therapy for spinal cord injuries.
GUELPH, ON – There are none of the usual padded chairs and IV poles in the
chemo room, just black gym mats on the floor and doggy treats at the ready. “To me, it’s one medicine. It always
has been,” writes veterinarian
Eight-year-old Bosco is lying on his side, a catheter inserted into a hind leg. Stephen Withrow on the website
for the Flint Animal Cancer Center,
His handlers, wearing protective masks and gowns, are on the floor with
one of the world’s largest, which
bosco receives him. One gently holds him down while the other checks to make sure the he founded at Colorado State
chemotherapy catheter is well inside the vein, so that the toxic chemo doesn’t spill into the University. “One medicine. One cancer. plex process of human carcinogenesis, may have this visceral and immediate
at the Ontario surrounding tissue. “I’m in,” she says, then injects a syringe filled with the One cure.” physiology and progression.” Dogs and reaction (to comparative medicine),”
veterinary College.
cancer drug doxorubicin. Bosco’s owners, Alex Magditsch and Lynda McCa- humans, on the other hand, co-evolved. says Dr. Alka Chanda, chief of laboratory
rthy, first noticed a fatty lump on the dog’s left side at Christmas, and soon But selling this to funding agencies and We live in the same homes, not sterile case management for PETA. In June,
industry has been difficult, he says, cages, we breathe the same air and are PETA supporters, wearing cat masks and
after that, another small mass on his lower jaw. Their vet then discovered “convincing big drug companies that we exposed to the same pollutants and crammed into cages, protested outside
enlarged lymph nodes in his groin and neck. Continues on next page. 17
16 Material republished with the express permission of: National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
the New Jersey headquarters of three drug companies the second, James orders “happy juice,” human child neurology at Sick Kids. ventricle, to become dilated and baggy. The
that do business with a contract testing lab PETA has a quick-acting, but also quick-reversing Now she’s giving back. Working with the heart muscle becomes weak and flabby and
accused of violating animal cruelty laws. sedative. “She’s conscious,” James says, as mobile backpack on Rhodesian ridgebacks, struggles to pump blood around the body.
the team resumes attaching the electrodes James and an international team from Can- In dogs, like people, it causes coughing and
But while her organization is categorically opposed to to Vallie’s scalp, cheekbones and the base of ada, Germany and Finland have discovered difficulty breathing from fluid retention.
experimenting on dogs and cats in labs, these animals her ears. “She just doesn’t care.” a new gene mutation in dogs that may
are not being used as “test tubes with tails.” help better diagnose and treat myoclonic Recently, O’Sullivan collaborated with
These electrodes will feed brain wave data epilepsy, one of the most common forms of researchers at the University of Washington,
In the past, Withrow said in an interview with the wirelessly to a camera and laptop. James epilepsy in children and adults. The disease providing heart muscle samples from dogs
Post, if a dog had cancer the most a vet could offer has created an EEG backpack worn by the causes rapid, jerk-like movements of the that have died of DCM. The Washington
was cortisone, palliative care of some kind, and a one dogs, modified from those worn by children, face, limbs or muscles, like the sudden team has identified a molecule involved in
or two month shot at survival. that allows the veterinary neurologist and spasms that jolt us awake at night. muscle contraction. In heart cells from dogs
professor in the OVC’s clinical studies depart- with DCM, it restored normal function. The
“The increase in the pet animal-human bond raised ment to monitor a dog’s epilepsy while it is same molecule improved muscle function in
pets almost to the level of children,” however, moving, even chasing a ball across a field, human cells.
Withrow says. People wanted — and those who had instead of trying to diagnose epilepsy with
the wherewithal to pay hefty sums for it — whatever the dog heavily sedated or under anesthesia For all this progress, though, it’s compar-
it took to keep their pets alive. “And so we raised the – which can abolish the very behaviours, the ative oncology that holds out the most
bar.” twitches or seizures, she’s trying to catch. hope. Despite hundreds of billions of dollars
of research worldwide, cancer still ranks
Today, he says, “when I do these major surgeries — Epilepsy is five times more common in dogs among humanity’s most lethal killers.
brain cancer, lung removal — I need critical care than in people and affects many types of
for these patients to survive, so chest drains and breeds. The classic seizure for a dog is a “These people who are looking for break-
pain management, antibiotics, blood transfusion, generalized tonic clonic seizure. But dogs, throughs aren’t interested in whether the
anesthesia. All the supportive stuff came along at the like humans, also suffer absence seizures, breakthrough comes from a dog or a zebra
same time.” where they blank out briefly, or partial fish,” Dr. Larry Glickman, professor emeritus
seizures, “where you might have a little at Purdue University said in a PBS documen-
Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for twitch, similar to the twitch you might get in tary on comparative oncology released last
the American Cancer Society, says dogs with cancer an eyelid when you get tired and stressed,” year. “Just give us something we can work
are treated as compassionately, maybe “sometimes James explains. It can be difficult to with that will help speed up the process of
even nicer” than people. “Nobody is taking a dog and distinguish these seizures — like the Boxer drug development, which is so long and
putting him in a kennel in a room somewhere, never James once treated who would shake his expensive.”
to be seen again, and experimenting on them,” he head vigorously from side to side — from a
says. “These are pets that are getting genuine care.” behavioural issue, like an obsessive-compul- The OVC in Guelph is among the leaders in
sive disorder. Dr. Lynne O’Sullivan is also part of critical animal-to-human medicine and the only
His own dog, an 11-year-old golden retriever, died discoveries in “translational” medicine international member of a U.S. National
of cancer last year, only weeks before he spoke at Working with her predecessor, Dr. Roberto bridging humans and man’s best friend. Cancer Institute consortium of comparative
a U.S. National Academy of Medicine workshop on Poma, James decided to see whether they The day we visit, the veterinary cardiologist oncology trials. The Mona Campbell Cancer
comparative oncology. could record animals awake. “And we did is performing an ECG on Maddie, a three- Centre for Animal Cancer, which opened its
that with a little Chihuahua who wore the year old golden retriever and service dog doors five years ago this month, is where
“Has she been out to pee? I sound like such a mom.” cables when he was confined to a baby crib.” for people with anxiety and panic attacks. most clinical trials take place. There are
Maddie has had a heart murmur since vets, pain specialists, anesthesiologists,
Dr. Fiona James bends down to stroke Vallie, a His nose twitches turned out to be absence puppyhood. O’Sullivan is checking for leaky technicians, interns; a human-sized linear
“Shorkie,” or Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix. Vallie has been seizures, the first time such seizures were valves, turbulent blood flow or congenital accelerator, chemo and oncology wards, and
having seizure-like episodes for more than a year. She recorded in a dog. After their paper was disease. Maddie is panting heavily, a sign a tumour tissue bank with 18,000 samples.
sometimes goes limp, like a noodle, other times rigid published, in 2010, James wondered, she’s nervous.
and dazed. “You can call her name, but you can tell “Maybe we can go one step further. Maybe The college offers advanced cancer surgery
she’s not with it,” her owner, Cheryl Parker, says. we can cut the cable.” “You can relax Maddie, you don’t have to — among other feats, Dr. Michelle Oblak
work right now,” O’Sullivan says softly in the is removing tumours burrowed deep into
Today, Vallie is lying on a blanket, James, her residents She looked to the Hospital for Sick Children darkened room as she moves the transducer the brain cavity and rebuilding skulls with
and students huddled in a circle around her, their in Toronto, working with researchers in around the dog’s chest. titanium mesh instead of hoping muscle
heads nearly touching. “There’s no personal space in pediatric epileptology. She got a grant, and skin grows a flap over the missing scalp.
neuro,” James quips as she inserts the first of 15 elec- and started recording brain activity in dogs O’Sullivan is an expert on dilated cardiomy- Vets are also testing treatments for the
trode needles into Vallie’s scalp, just beneath the skin. suspected of having epilepsy. “They taught opathy, or DCM, a disease that causes the same bone cancer that killed Terry Fox, and
two-year-old baby is carried me a lot,” James says of her collaborators in heart’s main pumping chamber, the left immune therapy for melanoma.
When the dog flinches with the first poke, then in for her radiation treatment at OVC.
18 Continues on next page. 19
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