the issue - Morris Animal Foundation

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A
H E A L T H I E R
T O M O R R O W
IN THIS ISSUE
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Celebrating 20 Years of the Lamplighter Society
F O R
A N I M A L S®
11.1
IN THIS ISSUE
0 1 Vet visits add up
02 Hope for dogs suffering from
common health ailments
04Keeping kitty kidneys healthy
05 Pesky parasite proves problematic
06 Treating pain without inhibiting healing
07 Lamplighter Society celebrates 20 years
11 Photos with ‘catitude’ flow in
12 Your donations at work
14 In loving memory
16 New memorial cards
16 End-of-year thank you
17 Become a loyal friend
DEAR FRIEN DS,
OUR MISSION
Morris Animal Foundation
improves the health and
well-being of companion
animals and wildlife by
funding humane health
studies and disseminating
information about
these studies.
With 2011 already in full swing, we’re excited to share with you some of Morris
Animal Foundation’s ongoing work to advance animal health and provide a sneak peek
of what’s to come.
This issue of AnimalNews features studies addressing some of the most common
health problems in dogs, cats and horses—the ones that account for most veterinary
visits. We also honor the winners of our first-ever Happy Healthy Cat Photo Contest;
the winning photo of Marshmallow and Noodles by Brittany Carper of Seguin, Texas,
graces the cover.
This year, we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Lamplighter Society, a unique
group of animal lovers who are lighting the way for animal health by including
the Foundation in their estate plans. We thank the more than 550 members of the
Lamplighter Society for their dedication and forward thinking.
We expect 2011 to be another banner year for advancing animal health as the
Foundation manages about 300 active studies for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.
Soon, we will launch the largest research project in our Foundation’s history, which
will identify genetic, dietary and environmental risk factors for canine cancer. We
will also embark on new feline health research, using genetic tools developed through
a collaborative effort among academic, corporate, governmental and Foundationfunded scientists.
AnimalNews
Volume 11 Issue 1
February 2011
Stay tuned for more about these projects in future issues of AnimalNews. Also, consider
joining us for one of our K9 Cancer Walks this year—learn more about dates and
locations at www.K9CancerWalk.org. Thank you for your commitment to a healthier
tomorrow for animals.
Warm wishes,
AnimalNews is published four times a
year by Morris Animal Foundation.
10200 East Girard Avenue
Suite B430
Denver, Colorado 80231
303.790.2345, 800.243.2345
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Paul Raybould
Executive Vice President
Wayne Jensen, DVM, PhD, MBA
Chief Scientific Officer
P.S. Stay up to date on future health breakthroughs supported by Morris Animal
Foundation. Sign up for eNews at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Vet visits add up
BY HEIDI JETER
Many of us are going to great lengths, and expense, to keep
our four-legged family members healthy—and each year, we’re
willing to spend more. The American Pet Products Association
(APPA) estimates that pet owners in the United States spent
$47.7 billion in pet care in 2010 compared to $28.5 billion in
2001 and $17 billion in 1994. Clearly, we love our pets and want
the best for them.
While most of our spending goes toward food and supplies, a
hefty chunk goes toward veterinary bills. The APPA estimates
that U.S. pet owners spent nearly $12.8 billion on veterinary
care last year. That’s not surprising when you consider that the
average annual amount spent for routine visits is $225 for dogs
and $203 for cats. Surgical vet visits add up, too: dog owners
average $532 per year and cat owners average $278.
So what health issues are pet owners contending with? The
Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team analyzed
health data from more than 1.7 million dogs and 375,000 cats
in 2009 to identify the most common veterinary diagnoses.
Topping the list for dogs of any age were ear inflammation,
skin diseases, dental problems, parasites and gastrointestinal
problems. As dogs age, obesity, arthritis and skin tumors entered
the list. For cats, dental problems topped the list, but other
common diagnoses included conjunctivitis, parasites and upper
respiratory infections. Geriatric cats showed significant increases
in chronic renal failure, heart murmurs and hyperthyroidism.
Interestingly, the top reasons for veterinary visits don’t
necessarily match up with pet owners’ top health concerns.
When Morris Animal Foundation surveyed supporters in 1998
and again in 2004, cancer by far topped the list for dogs, and
urinary and kidney diseases most worried cat owners. For horses,
the top concern was colic, followed closely by laminitis.
The good news is that the Foundation is funding studies to
address the health concerns that keep pet owners up at night
and the ones that send us running to our veterinarian. In this
AnimalNews special report, we tell you more about how the
Foundation is addressing the top health issues and concerns
for pets.
Costly Chronic Diseases
As anyone who’s dealt with canine cancer or
feline diabetes knows, the costs of treating
a chronic disease add up quickly. A study at
Michigan State University tallied the annual
cost of chronic disease treatment at the
university’s veterinary teaching hospital.
The median annual cost for treating each of
the following chronic diseases in dogs:
Cancer
$2,447
Obesity with ruptured ACL
$2,367
Heart disease
$1,912
Chronic kidney disease
$1,823
Hypertension
$1,700
Osteoarthritis
$1,656
Pancreatitis
$1,422
Diabetes
$1,108
The median annual cost for treating the
following chronic diseases in cats:
Pancreatitis
$1,483
Hyperthyroidism
$1,401
Hypertension
$1,241
Chronic kidney disease
$1,065
Heart disease
$1,065
Cancer
$994
Diabetes
$860
Osteoarthritis
$286
Source: Veterinary Economics
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
1
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Hope for dogs suffering from
common health ailments
BY KEllE Y WEIR
One of the fascinating aspects about the studies Morris Animal
Foundation supports is how they address the ailments that affect
pets most. Although the Foundation often provides support
for research on the heavy hitters in the disease world, such as
cancer, kidney disease, heart disease and others, animal health
scientists also turn to the Foundation for funding to research less
devastating yet common health issues—the ones that account
for most veterinary visits.
For dogs in the United States, some of the top concerns are
associated with skin conditions and the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract, and both health issues have been topics of recent studies
supported by Foundation funding. These problems may cause
symptoms such as “hot spots” or notable skin infections,
excessive itching, vomiting or diarrhea.
an easy pill to swallow
to diagnose GI disorders
Many animal lovers have been there before: it’s late at night
and they are cleaning up yet another mess on the carpet. Dog
owners may think the dog is doing this on purpose, but vomiting
and diarrhea are common among dogs and often associated with
altered gastrointestinal motility, which is difficult to diagnose.
Dr. Pedro Boscan and his team from Colorado State University
recently began studying a novel, noninvasive, wireless sensor
capsule developed to easily evaluate gastrointestinal motility
disorders in a home environment. Researchers hope to test more
than 70 healthy dogs to find out more about gastric emptying,
small and large bowel transit time and other patterns.
Dr. Boscan hopes the results will establish for the first time
the normal gastrointestinal transit parameters for dogs of
You can help
Consider a gift to advance canine health today at
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
2
different sizes in a nonstressful home environment. Once
normal gastrointestinal transit parameters are determined, the
information and technology could help veterinarians better
diagnose gastrointestinal problems while dogs are at home rather
than at the clinic—ultimately cutting costs and discomfort to
the patient and, likely, the owner.
scratching the eternal itch
Another common reason for veterinary visits is the dog with the
never-ending itch. According to the Banfield Applied Research
and Knowledge Team, which analyzed health data from more
than 1.7 million dogs in 2009, dermatitis—inflammation that
causes itching—is one of the top 10 diagnoses in dogs of all
ages. Over the years, Morris Animal Foundation has funded a
number of studies to address common skin allergies and issues.
For example, a study at North Carolina State University looked
at whether hydroxyzine, one of the drugs most commonly used
to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, provides an antihistamine
effect and, if so, what the appropriate dose is for dogs. Atopic
dermatitis is the second most common allergic skin disease
in dogs, and antihistamines are among the most commonly
prescribed treatments, but their effects haven’t been validated
in dogs. Researchers successfully determined that hydroxyzine
produces an antihistamine effect and that dogs should receive a
twice-daily dose, rather than the previously standard prescription
of three times a day.
Most recently, two of the
Foundation’s veterinary
student scholars studied
skin infections related
to bacteria or disease.
Katherine Doerr, a
student at the University
of Florida, looked at
Student Laura Eberlein identified
genes linked to chronic skin infections
in dogs.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
© Suzanne Shaff Photography
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
atopic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is chronic and usually
worsens with age. Affected dogs develop recurrent skin and ear
infections that decrease their quality of life. Humans with atopic
dermatitis exhibit defective permeability of the skin, which
increases their risk for sensitization to allergens. Doerr studied
the skin barrier in beagles, a breed particularly prone to atopic
dermatitis, to determine whether these dogs experience a similar
condition. If the skin-barrier function proves to play a key role
in atopic dermatitis, the information could be used to develop
future treatments that prevent allergic sensitization in dogs.
Doerr compared diseased and healthy canine skin cells at very
high magnification and detected structural differences between
the two samples. She learned that atopic dermatitis causes
cellular changes that are more pronounced with secondary
inflammation. By knowing the structural differences between
the diseased and healthy skin cells, it is hoped that new
therapies can be developed to reduce the severity of the
disease in affected dogs.
Laura Eberlein, who will finish veterinary school this year
at the University of Tennessee, studied canine bacterial skin
infections caused by Staphylococcus. Determining the best way to
treat skin infections has become increasingly difficult because
many infections are now resistant to antibiotics. Her research
focused on genomic DNA sequencing of Staphylococcus to better
understand why bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and to
establish a beginning point to reverse this problem. Eberlein was
able to sequence large portions of the genome and found several
genes responsible for resistance and other regions that shed
light on how resistance is spread between individual bacteria.
Her research is a ray of hope for owners with dogs affected by
persistent and chronic skin infections.
Studies like these will help veterinarians better manage chronic
conditions in dogs, increasing their quality of life and keeping
them healthy.
Learning to better manage chronic diseases will keep our canine
companions smiling.
Veterinary Visit Trivia
Recently released information from the
American Pet Products Association’s National
Pet Owners Survey shows the following:
• Vaccinations continue to be the leading service
obtained from a veterinarian.
• Surgeriesondogshaveincreased25percent
during the past decade.
• Dentalcarefordogs,especiallyteeth-cleaning
services,hasalsoincreased(to15percent).
• Smalldogsseetheirveterinarianmoreoften
than medium-sized and large dogs.
• Mostdogs(aboutthree-quarters)arespayed
or neutered.
• Therehasbeenasignificantincreasein
the percentage of dogs considered obese.
Therefore,moredogsareonspecialdiets
than previously reported.
• Obesityaffectsdogsofallsizes,butmediumsized and large dogs tend to be most affected.
• Overall,thenumberofdogstakentotheir
veterinarian for routine physical exams remains
at a strong level, yielding healthier dogs.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
3
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Keeping kitty kidneys healthy
B Y A m y E ttin g er
research looks at early detection
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common diseases in
older cats, and it is consistently the top health concern among
Morris Animal Foundation’s cat health supporters. Feline
kidney problems are diagnosed with blood and urine tests, but
most standard tests aren’t very sensitive. By the time these tests
are able to detect disease, the sick cat has usually lost about
70 percent of its kidney function, making effective treatment
difficult. The iohexol clearance test is a more accurate method,
but it is invasive, time consuming and costly.
With Foundation funding, scientists at two research institutions
are looking at new ways to diagnose the disease.
Researchers at Massey University in New Zealand are studying
whether a simple urine test measuring the levels of certain
naturally occurring chemical compounds can accurately diagnose
early renal disease. In a small sample of 10 cats, they found that
this measurement appeared to correlate well with renal status as
determined by the iohexol clearance test, according to Dr. Kay
Rutherfurd-Markwick, a senior researcher.
The scientists plan to continue the research to determine
whether the measurement of urinary metabolites can diagnose
renal disease before clinical signs are apparent. They also hope to
study whether dietary intervention, a common way of managing
the disease, actually helps cats with chronic renal disease.
“Until there is a cheap, specific and reliable test that can detect
kidney disease earlier, we will not know if early intervention,
such as certain changes to the diet, slows or even prevents the
otherwise inevitable progression into kidney failure,” says Dr.
Rutherfurd-Markwick.
Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
are investigating another new tool that will help to identify early
kidney disease in cats.
“We need an easier way to measure the health of the kidneys,”
says Dr. Mieke Baan, clinical instructor at the School of
Veterinary Medicine at UW–Madison.
The researchers are measuring the ability of the kidneys
to remove a natural marker, inulin, from the bloodstream.
Their goal is to find a new, dependable and safe protocol for
diagnosing kidney problems with just two blood samples.
This method can then be used to identify cats at risk for renal
problems following hyperthyroidism treatment. Older cats
often suffer from hyperthyroidism, a condition that can be
treated with medication, surgery or radioactive-iodine therapy.
Unfortunately, many cats suffer from decreased kidney function
after treatment.
“It’s important for owners to know whether a cat has underlying
kidney dysfunction before it is treated for hyperthyroidism,” says
Dr. Baan.
These two studies could help to significantly improve the health
and quality of life of older cats who suffer from this difficult-todiagnose problem.
Scientists are looking at new ways to diagnose feline
kidney disease.
4
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Pesky parasite proves problematic
B Y K AT E J O R D A N
feline research could prevent
chronic diarrhea
As many cat lovers know, diarrhea can be a common occurrence
for their furry companions. Feline diarrhea has many possible
causes, but thanks to Dr. Jody Gookin, an assistant professor
at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary
Medicine, today we know that large-bowel diarrhea is typically
the result of the Tritrichomonas foetus parasite. The discovery
grew from Dr. Gookin’s attempts to solve one cat’s ongoing
health issue.
“A cat had a very unusual parasite, and we wondered, ‘Could this
parasite be responsible for the cat’s diarrhea?’” says Dr. Gookin.
“This question has turned into more than 10 years of research on
the T. foetus agent!”
Significantly more common in young, purebred cats from
shelters and catteries, T. foetus can cause chronic diarrhea lasting
up to two years, and some cats are infected for life. A major
problem in treating this health problem has been the lack of safe,
effective medicine. The current protocol is to let the diarrhea
run its course or to use a 5-nitroimidazole drug (ronidazole,
metronidazole or tinidazole), but these drugs have been
ineffective or toxic to cats.
In a current Morris Animal Foundation–funded study, Dr.
Gookin is examining how the T. foetus pathogen causes
diarrhea. She is also screening certain drugs that may help
prevent infection. She is working closely with Dr. Katie Tolbert,
a clinical investigator at North Carolina State, to develop a
complicated cell-culture model in which to study the parasite.
By growing feline intestinal cells in the model, treating them
with T. foetus and then studying how the parasite adheres to
the cells, the researchers can test whether a drug will block
that pathogen’s attachment and therefore reduce the incidence
of diarrhea.
“I feel so fortunate that the Foundation supports quality
veterinary research for companion animals and wildlife,” says
Dr. Gookin, “because without them, it just wouldn’t happen.”
Morris Animal Foundation is thankful for pioneers like Dr.
Gookin. Not only will her research on T. foetus benefit felines
suffering from diarrhea but her team’s development of a cellculture model may also establish a standard by which other
feline gastrointestinal diseases will one day be studied—and
eventually cured.
You can help
T. foetus can cause chronic diarrhea lasting up to two years.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
When you donate to cat health, we’ll use
your gift to find preventions and treatments
for feline diseases. Please give today at
www.Research4Cats.org.
5
Special Report: Tackling Top Diseases in Pets
Treating pain without inhibiting healing
BY AMY ETTINGER
new drug offers new hope
for colic patients
As a loving horse owner, Maria Matlaga knows how traumatic
a diagnosis of colic can be. Four years ago her gelding, Flash,
spent three days in the intensive care unit fighting for his life. “It’s horrible; it’s overwhelming,” says Matlaga. “You wonder,
‘What caused this? What did I do wrong?’”
Thankfully, Flash survived, and Matlaga now carefully
monitors his diet, wets his hay and listens to his belly every
time she feeds him.
Despite advances in medical treatment, colic is still one of
the leading causes of death in horses. Animals afflicted with
severe colic experience abdominal pain and damage of the
gastrointestinal tract, typically due to interruption of blood flow.
The commonly used pain management drug for colic, flunixin
meglumine, can cause problems in a horse’s gastrointestinal
and renal systems that may even lead to further complications,
says Dr. John Marshall, a former equine researcher at North
Carolina State University who was the recipient of a Morris
Animal Foundation fellowship training award. He is currently
a faculty equine surgeon at the University of Glasgow in the
United Kingdom, where he continues to collaborate on research
projects with North Carolina State University.
“In horses that suffer from colic, which can injure the intestine,
drugs that are commonly used to treat pain inhibit the healing
of the intestine,” says Dr. Marshall.
With Foundation funding, Dr. Marshall and other researchers
at North Carolina State University studied a new medicine,
robenacoxib, that may provide pain relief for horses with colic,
without the negative side effects associated with currently used
pain relievers. Robenacoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug, is part of a new drug class, coxibs, that researchers are
studying for their effects on pain relief and inflammation
during recovery from colic. At labeled dosages, robenacoxib
targets pain-causing enzymes while sparing the protective
actions of other enzymes.
“The study showed that, in contrast to traditional pain relievers,
robenacoxib did not prevent the recovery of the intestine
following injury,” says Dr. Marshall.
Currently, robenacoxib is only available in Europe, and it is
only prescribed for cats and dogs. Dr. Marshall says he hopes
that the study will lead to the introduction of the drug for
horses worldwide.
Colleague and mentor Dr. Anthony Blikslager, professor of
surgery and gastroenterology at the Equine Health Program
at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary
Medicine, says he is hopeful that coxibs will lead to better
outcomes for horses with colic.
“Morris Animal Foundation has been able to provide funding
that has proven that we really need to take a close look at this
new drug class of coxibs,” says Dr. Blikslager.
© Thomas Stevens
The next step in the research is to determine the safest and
most effective doses of coxib drugs for postsurgical treatment
of horses with colic. Clinical trials are also being planned to
see how well coxibs perform as pain relievers and to see if they
increase survival of horses with severe colic.
6
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION
20
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Pictured on these pages are our Lamplighters
and the pets they love. Although each
Lamplighter story is unique, they all include
a love for animals and a lasting commitment
to ensuring them a healthier tomorrow.
A Message from Betty
I’ve had many roles
in my life, but one
of my favorites is my
recurring role, since
1971, as a Morris Animal
Foundation trustee. Over
the years, we’ve funded
many studies that have
advanced the health and
welfare of dogs, cats,
horses, llamas and wildlife.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I
am a Lamplighter. The Lamplighter Society is a
wonderful group of people because, through our
planned giving, our love of animals is ongoing—
from now until forever. By including Morris Animal
Foundation in my will, I’ll be helping to create a
healthier tomorrow for animals even after I’m gone.
I am so pleased that more than 550 of my fellow
animal lovers have become Lamplighters over the
years. I thank each and every one of you, and I am
honored to share with you in celebrating the 20th
anniversary of the Lamplighter Society.
Becoming a Lamplighter is very simple, and
there are many options. If you aren’t already a
Lamplighter, I hope you will consider joining us.
Together, we’re ensuring a healthier tomorrow
for animals.
The History of
the Lamplighter
Society
Throughout the years, many donors
have made gifts to Morris Animal
Foundation through their estates.
However, it wasn’t until 20 years ago
that the Lamplighter Society was
officially established to recognize the
generosity of these donors during
their lifetimes.
The name “Lamplighter” was chosen because it symbolizes a deep
commitment to “lighting the way” for the future of animal health.
In the days before electric streetlights, many towns employed a
lamplighter. Every evening, the lamplighter carried a lantern through
the town, lighting each street lamp and illuminating the path forward.
Many lamplighters also served as night watchmen, keeping their
towns safe from harm.
In a similar manner, Morris Animal Foundation’s modern-day
Lamplighters protect the future of our mission through planned
giving. By demonstrating their commitment to the future of animal
health, they illuminate the path and lead the way for other donors to
do the same.
When the Lamplighter Society was established in 1991, it had fewer
than 100 members. Today, we proudly celebrate its 20th anniversary
and recognize more than 550 members.
Are you a Lamplighter? Please let us know, so that we can
express our appreciation. We will never publish your name without
your permission.
What’s Your Legacy?
The gift you pledge today is critically important to the animals of tomorrow. If you’d like to make a
gift that will benefit animal health for generations to come, please consider a planned gift to Morris
Animal Foundation.
A planned gift can be made through a will or living trust, life insurance policy, retirement account, charitable
gift annuity or charitable trust. A planned gift may provide an immediate tax deduction, capital gains tax
avoidance or deferral and tax savings for your heirs. Many planned gifts also provide guaranteed income for
life. All planned gifts qualify you for membership in our honorary Lamplighter Society.
To talk with someone about the Lamplighter Society, please contact
Stacie Kelly at 800.243.2345 or [email protected]
Photos with ‘catitude’ flow in
Who knew so many cats were awaiting their chance at stardom? We received more than 1,000 photos of happy, healthy cats in
response to our Happy Healthy Cat Photo Contest. The contest was our way of celebrating the second anniversary of the Happy
Healthy Cat Campaign, an initiative developed to give cats longer, healthier lives. Thank you to the cat lovers who entered and to
contest sponsor Sergeant’s Pet Care Products.
Finalists were judged by Morris Animal Foundation trustee Betty White. The winning photo of Marshmallow and Noodles is
featured on the cover of this issue of AnimalNews. The category winners are shown below.
happy healthy cat
my favorite human
my favorite K9
Two peas in a pod!
Brittany Carper
Carper, Seguin, Texas
Nose nuzzles
Lauren Parry, Riverton, N.J.
Ms. Beanz and her BFF Bodhi
Jane Kirkland
Kirkland, Downingtown, Pa.
finalists
Downloadable cats!
View the photo contest entries and download
wallpaper of the winners at www.Research4Cats.org.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
11
Your donations at work
Your donations truly make a difference in the lives of animals worldwide. At
any given time, Morris Animal Foundation manages about 300 active studies
and about 70 veterinary student scholar projects. Here’s a look at some recent
successes made possible through your support.
for cats
improved diagnosis and
treatment of conjunctivitis
Dr. Michael Lappin
Colorado State University
Chronic infection with feline herpesvirus-1
(FHV-1) is common in cats, and FHV-1
is thought to be the most common cause
of conjunctivitis. With Morris Animal
Foundation funding, scientists from
Colorado State University demonstrated
that the antiviral drug cidofovir is
nonirritating and effective against FHV-1.
In addition, these researchers found that
both FHV-1 and Mycoplasma bacteria are
common causes of conjunctivitis. Treatment
for Mycoplasma with topical antibiotics is
less expensive, however, so this treatment
should be attempted prior to using the more
expensive cidofovir. The results of this study
will also help veterinarians determine if the
cause of conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial, so
that the optimal drug can be administered
and relieve the discomfort more quickly.
insight into feline
injection-site tumors
Dr. Marlene Hauck
North Carolina State University
Although the prevalence of injection-site
sarcoma in cats is low, the mortality rate
is high. Fewer than half of the cats that
develop such tumors survive long term.
Researchers used microarray technology
12
to measure thousands of genes in healthy,
reactive and cancerous feline tissues and
to identify variances in gene expression
between cancerous and healthy tissues.
They identified clear differences in the
gene-expression signatures of lymph nodes,
injection-site granulomas, injection-site
sarcomas and muscle.
Understanding these differences will not
only help scientists understand what
causes malignancies to develop but will
also lead to new targets for early detection
and treatment of these fatal tumors.
for dogs
potential to detect kidney
disease earlier in dogs
Dr. Mary Nabity
Texas A&M University
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a
common cause of illness and death in dogs.
Unfortunately, it can only be diagnosed
in the advanced stages of the disease,
which makes treatment difficult. The most
commonly used biomarker for declining
kidney function is increased concentrations
of creatinine in the blood, but levels
typically don’t rise until relatively late in
the disease process.
With Morris Animal Foundation funding,
researchers at Texas A&M University
investigated whether other proteins can
serve as urinary biomarkers to signal the
early onset of progressive CKD. They
identified different amounts of proteins
and protein fragments in the urine of dogs
with subclinical disease (before an increase
in serum creatinine was observed) and
compared the levels of the proteins with
those found in dogs with early clinical
disease—when creatinine is mildly elevated.
The findings will help to determine which
urinary proteins are most promising for
early detection and for monitoring the
progression of CKD in dogs.
This study also provided researchers with
a unique opportunity to evaluate urinary
proteins over the entire course of CKD in
a single patient, which has led to a better
understanding of how certain urinary
proteins behave during the progression of
CKD in dogs.
detecting and managing
respiratory infections in
shelter dogs
Dr. Cynda Crawford
University of Florida
Canine influenza virus (CIV), a rapidly
emerging threat to all dogs, is particularly
harmful to dogs in shelters or kennels.
With Foundation funding, scientists at the
University of Florida studied the prevalence
of influenza virus infection in 34 shelters
across six states. They also studied CIV’s
relationship with other respiratory diseases,
using a new diagnostic test that rapidly
identifies the presence of seven different
respiratory viruses.
You can help
Every gift you make, no matter how large or small, helps Morris Animal
Foundation create a healthier tomorrow for animals. Help all animals
or specify the species you wish to help. Simply return your gift in the
enclosed envelope or visit us at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
The animals will thank you.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Photo courtesy of NOAA
Results showed that viruses, not bacteria,
cause most respiratory infections in shelter
dogs. Canine distemper virus, canine
respiratory coronavirus and CIV are the
most prevalent viruses, and dogs infected
with these viruses are often infected with
other viruses, such as canine herpesvirus.
This new test allows for earlier detection
during acute phases of respiratory infection
so that shelters can respond more rapidly
and minimize the spread of infection. The
knowledge gained from this study can be
used to develop more effective management
strategies to control respiratory infections of
dogs in shelters.
for horses
new approaches for
treating inflammation
Dr. Samuel Jones
North Carolina State University
Inflammation is associated with many
serious diseases in horses, including
laminitis, arthritis, pneumonia and colic.
Currently used anti-inflammatory drugs
reduce inflammation but often cause adverse
side effects. Equine veterinarians need new
drugs to treat patients with inflammatory
diseases and to help these animals survive
with fewer long-term complications.
Researchers from North Carolina State
University investigated whether drugs
that block a certain enzyme reduce the
production of mediators that regulate
inflammation. They learned that drugs that
inhibit this enzyme may offer an exciting
new approach for treating inflammatory
diseases in horses.
Photo courtesy of Washington State University
particularly at risk. Scientists also discovered
that whales infected with one of the
protozoa are thinner and have poorer body
condition than whales that are not infected.
This was the first study of right whales that
succeeded in assessing whether biotoxins
and protozoa affect the health of whales,
and the results may help improve recovery
efforts for the right whale.
for wildlife
study identifies effects of
environmental factors on
whale health
Dr. Rosalind Rolland
New England Aquarium
North Atlantic right whales are one of the
most critically endangered whale species in
the world; there are only 400 in existence.
Three decades of field research, using
photo identification of individual whales,
has shown that impaired reproduction is
contributing to this species’ lack of recovery.
With Foundation funding, scientists from
the New England Aquarium examined
whether exposure to marine biotoxins
(known as red tides) and infection
with two types of protozoa affect these
critically endangered animals. Preliminary
results show that all segments of the
whale population are being exposed to
biotoxins and protozoan infections but
that reproductively active females may be
lessening stress in
captive pygmy rabbits
Dr. Janine Brown
Smithsonian’s National
Zoological Park
The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit
population, which was listed as federally
endangered in 2003, is believed to be extinct
in the wild. An intense breeding program is
under way to facilitate reintroduction, but
in captivity, pygmy rabbits are plagued with
low reproductive success and high mortality
rates. Chronic stress because of inadequate
housing may be responsible for some of the
observed problems.
Researchers at the National Zoological
Park compared types of pens used for
housing captive rabbits and found that
rabbits housed in pens with no soil had
elevated stress levels. Moving females
from non–soil-enriched pens to identical
pens half filled with soil significantly
decreased stress hormone concentrations
in the rabbits. This study can serve as a
model for studying the impact of various
factors, such as environment or husbandry
practices, on the health and welfare of an
endangered species.
Stay up to date
Follow all the health breakthroughs supported by Morris Animal
Foundation. Sign up for eNews at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
13
In loving memory
At Morris Animal Foundation we know how difficult
it is to lose a special pet. Pets are part of our families,
and this section honors the amazing animals that
have touched their families’ lives.
The pets in this section were honored through
qualifying donations made between September 16,
2010, and December 15, 2010. These gifts will be used
to improve animal health by funding research that can
help protect, treat and cure the animals of the future.
Gifts of $200 or more per pet qualify a special pet
to be listed in the “In loving memory” section of
AnimalNews. Please send a photo for consideration
with your donation. For donations of $500 or more,
a brass plate engraved with your pet’s name will
also be added to our Pet Memorial Wall.
For more information, please contact us at
800.243.2345 or [email protected].
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www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Abbey & Yote
Gymmy (7)
Rizzo (16)
D O NO R : Sally Rau McIntosh
FA M I LY : Sarah McIntosh
DONOR : Sally Hoskins
FAM I LY : Josh Stevens-Stein
DONOR: MaryAnne Rasmussen
FAMILY : Michael Rasmussen
Beloved Companions
Beloved Unforgettable Cat
Beloved Cat
Annie
Honcho (8)
Rocket
D O NO R : Ann Campbell
FA M I LY : Susan & Larry Stogner
DONOR : Judith W. Ditfurth
FAM I LY : Judith W. Ditfurth
DONOR: Shirley Hanson
FAMILY : Shirley Hanson
Beloved Boxer
Beloved Dog
Beloved Whippet
Auggie (1)
Jasper
Rocky
D O NO R : Elizabeth & Jack Haynie
FA M I LY : Elizabeth & Jack Haynie
DONOR : Todd Reubold & Veronika Torarp
FAM I LY : Todd Reubold & Veronika Torarp
DONOR: Cindy Barnhill
FAMILY : Lea McKibben
Beloved Dog
Beloved Dog
Beloved Pet
Auggie
Jenna
Rose
D O NO R : James Haynie
FA M I LY : Elizabeth & Jack Haynie
DONOR : Elsie Jocz
FAM I LY : Mary Linda Yeakey
DONOR: Sally Rau McIntosh
FAMILY : Marian & Neal Yasuda
Beloved Dog
Beloved Standard Poodle
Beloved Greyhound
Blossom
Jeremy (9)
Sigmund (17)
D O NO R : Mary Jo Scholand
FA M I LY : Mary Jo Scholand
DONOR : Judith W. Ditfurth
FAM I LY : Judith W. Ditfurth
DONOR: Barb Shontz
FAMILY : Sue, Gary & Eric Hughes
Beloved Pet
Beloved Bulldog
Beloved Family Member
Boomer (2)
Kaput (10)
Spuds
D O NO R : Richard Leonard & Bernard Landou
FA M I LY : Pamela & Arnold Loeb
DONOR : Carolyn Hallam
FAM I LY : Carolyn Hallam
DONOR: Jack & Cathy Cascio
FAMILY : Jack & Cathy Cascio
Beloved Pet
Beloved Cat
Beloved Cat
Brigham
Mikey
Thor (18)
D O NO R : Margaret A. Young
FA M I LY : Margaret A. Young
DONOR : Jennifer deHaan
FAM I LY : Jennifer deHaan
DONOR: Linda & Skip Flaherty
FAMILY : Linda & Skip Flaherty
Beloved Friend
Beloved Dog
Beloved Greyhound
Bucky
Montana (11)
Timmy (19)
D O NO R : George Prasinos
FA M I LY : Mark & Linda Burgess
DONOR : Joann, Nicole & Michelle Kazdin
FAM I LY : Jane diDonato
DONOR: Pamela Troutman
FAMILY : Pat & Paul Troutman
Beloved Pet
Beloved Pet
Beloved Cat
Buster (3)
Morgan (12)
Truman (20)
D O NO R : Carolyn Smith, Kevin & Dawn Horst
FA M I LY : Kevin & Dawn Horst
DONOR : Monica F. Steidele
FAM I LY : Monica, Jackson Blue & Josiah
DONOR: The Truman Collar website
FAMILY : Debby & Terry Fitch
Beloved Cat
Beloved Cat
Beloved Friend & Companion
Candi & Heather
Patches
Tucker
D O NO R : Carol S. Martin
FA M I LY : Carol S. Martin
DONOR : Susan Hill
FAM I LY : Bill Davis
DONOR: Katharine Irwin
FAMILY : Katharine Irwin
Beloved Dogs
Beloved Dog
Beloved Miniature Schnauzer
Carlos (4)
Petunia (13)
Turk
D O NO R : Dianne Howe
FA M I LY : Dianne & John Howe
DONOR : Judith W. Ditfurth
FAM I LY : Judith W. Ditfurth
DONOR: Ron McAlister
FAMILY : Ron McAlister
Beloved Llama
Beloved Bulldog
Beloved Pet
Constance (5)
Pippen
Wiley (21)
D O NO R : Anne Ruddy & Nancy Bertino
FA M I LY : Tamara & Jim Fogelquist
DONOR : Judith W. Ditfurth
FAM I LY : Christine Davis
DONOR: Brenda Heaster & Keith Ritter
FAMILY : The Heaster, Ritter, Robb, O’Bryan,
Beloved Bull Mastiff
Beloved Kitty
Dolly (6)
Portia (14)
D O NO R : Patricia Mulvihill
FA M I LY : Patricia Mulvihill
DONOR : Gwen Mazoujian, MD
FAM I LY : Darrow & Gwen Haagensen
Beloved Friend & Companion
Beloved Cat
Dragon
Pug & Dot (15)
D O NO R : Clara Yau
FA M I LY : Clara Yau
DONOR : Donald & Doris Clopper
FAM I LY : Aki, Beth, Tetsuki & Kimiko Morita
Beloved Dog
Beloved Cats
Guy
Remy
D O NO R : Catherine Watts
FA M I LY : Debra Dennis
DONOR : Dianne Franco
FAM I LY : Nigel Wilkinson
Beloved Cat
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Beloved Beagle
and Dickson Families
Willow
Beloved Dog
DONOR: H. Arvid Johnson
FAMILY : Susan Penland
Yaki
Beloved Blue Point Siamese
DONOR: Jeffrey Jens & Ann Boisclair
FAMILY : Jeffrey Jens & Ann Boisclair
Beloved Dog
15
end-of-year thank you
Morris Animal Foundation couldn’t fulfill its mission of
improving animal health without the help of many animal
lovers. We would like to say a special thank you to the following
corporate, foundation and breed club partners who supported
the Foundation’s mission to advance animal health with gifts of
$10,000 or more last year.
new memorial cards offer hope,
advance animal health
Few times are as difficult as when one loses a cherished
pet. Morris Animal Foundation’s exclusive sympathy cards
celebrate the life of a pet who has died and help you send your
condolences in a caring, meaningful way.
Proceeds from card sales help us fund research to protect, treat
and cure animals worldwide.
When you make a donation of $10 or more to Morris Animal
Foundation in memory of a pet, you choose which card will
announce your gift. You can customize the card with your name,
the name of the pet and the family’s name.
cards designs include:
• A traditional sympathy card that has space for the pet’s photo
• A unique watercolor image that includes a horse, a dog, a cat
and a bird that allows you to choose a special quote
• A touching watercolor celebrating the bond between human
and horse
Send a sympathy card
To send a customized memorial card, visit
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/sympathy-cards
16
Abbott Animal Health
Alpaca Research Foundation
American Animal Hospital
Association Foundation
American Association of Equine
Practitioners Foundation
American German Shepherd Dog
Charitable Foundation
American Spaniel Club Foundation
Australian Shepherd Health &
Genetics Institute Inc.
Batchelor Foundation Inc.
Bernese Mountain Dog Club
of America
Blue Buffalo Co.
Blue Buffalo Foundation for
Cancer Research
Brand Licensing Team
Chase Health Advance
Chuck Latham & Associates
Coastal Pet Products
Community Foundation of
Western Nevada
The Coypu Foundation
Cru Vin Dogs Wine Group
Down Under Horsemanship
Elton John Charitable Fund
Eukanuba
Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation
Fred C. and Katherine B.
Andersen Foundation
Ft. Worth/Tarrant County
Animal Foundation
George Sydney and Phyllis
Redmond Miller Trust
Golden Retriever Foundation
Greater Appalachian Llama &
Alpaca Association
GREYlong
Hadley and Marion
Stuart Foundation
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust
Jerry Leigh Apparel
Joy to the World Collectibles
Kirkpatrick Foundation Inc.
Laura J. Niles Foundation Inc.
Llama Association of
North America
LuckyPet Inc.
Maddie’s Fund
Mars
Mary H. Storer Foundation
Merial
Miller Group Charitable Trust
Newfoundland Club of America
North Star Foundation
Oklahoma City
Community Foundation
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The Orvis Company
Paul Mitchell Schools
Petco
Petfinder.com Foundation
Pets Best Insurance
PetSmart Charities
Pfizer Animal Health
Pug Dog Club of America
Rex & Nelle Jackson Foundation
Ruth & Vernon Taylor Foundation
Samoyed Club of America Research
and Education Foundation
The Seeing Eye Inc.
Sergeant’s Pet Care Products
Skippy Frank Translational
Medicine Fund
Topeka Community Foundation
Neil & Sylvia Van Sloun,
the Van Sloun Foundation
Walt Disney
ZuPreem Premium
Nutritional Products
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
Become a
loyal friend
By becoming a loyal friend and enrolling in automatic monthly giving, you provide
Morris Animal Foundation with ongoing, sustainable support for the programs that
create a healthier tomorrow for animals.
Monthly gifts : • Are convenient
and effective
• Are tax deductible
• Make it easy to budget your
charitable giving
• Can be easily managed
Visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/monthly-giving to enroll today.
STAFF
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SPONSORS
executive
officers
Thank you to the generous animal lovers who
sponsored studies featured in this issue at a level
ranging from $3,000 per year to the full cost of
the project:
Paul Raybould, Executive Vice President
Wayne A. Jensen, Chief Scientif ic Off icer
John Taylor, Chief Operating Off icer
Debby Altendorf, Executive Secretary
Mark J. Carter, Chair (Evergreen, CO)
Roger H. Bohart, Treasurer (Boulder, CO)
board members
administrative services
Carol Baptiste, Database Administrator
Karen Boster, Donations Analyst
Serena Everett, Meetings & Operations Manager
Dan Liphardt, Technology & Accounting Specialist
Darcy Nelson, Donations Analyst
Marie Scherer, Accounting Manager
development
Tilman Adair, Director of Development
Letitia Czachor, Canine Cancer Events Manager
Megan Hampton, Development Manager
Stacie Kelly, Director of Planned Giving
Susan Kohut, Development Manager
Brenda Lopez, Donor Relations Manager
Christy Oakes, Donor Relations Associate
Dan Reed, Director of Corporate Partnerships
Rebecca Richman, Administrative Assistant
Thomas Stevens, Veterinary Outreach Manager
Jean Vore, Study Sponsorship Associate
MK Wohlenhaus, Volunteer & Events Coordinator
marketing & communications
Jenny Herren, Online Manager
Heidi Jeter, Director of Marketing & Communications
Tina Martinez, Marketing & Media Relations Manager
Kelley Weir, Content Manager
scientific programs & advancement
Allen Byrne, Communications & Special
Projects Coordinator
Cherie Cassel, Senior Grants Specialist
Nancy Clark, Study Participants Manager
Kristen House, Grants Specialist
Tobie McPhail, Director of Scientif ic
April Altman (Fort Worth, TX)
Prema Arasu (Pullman, WA)
Deborah Davenport (Lecompton, KS)
Jim Dickie (Boulder, CO)
Robin A. Downing (Windsor, CO)
Susan Giovengo (Mason, OH)
Amy Hunkeler (Lee’s Summit, MO)
Arlene Klein (Sarasota, FL)
James A. Kutsch Jr. (Morristown, NJ)
Hugh B. Lewis (Vancouver, WA)
Lon D. Lewis (Topeka, KS)
Patrick O. Long (Corvallis, OR)
Betty White Ludden (Los Angeles, CA)
Bette M. Morris (Topeka, KS)
David R. Morris (Shawnee, KS)
Janice Peterson (Ocean Park, WA)
Richard J. Swanson (Denver, CO)
Melanie Smith Taylor (Memphis, TN)
Stanley M. Teeter (Topeka, KS)
Dominic Travis (St. Paul, MN)
Cheryl A. Wagner (Roswell, GA)
Dean M. Willard (Pebble Beach, CA)
Printed on recycled paper
with soy-based inks.
American Humane Association
American Veterinary Medical Foundation
Ann B. Moore
Anonymous
Batchelor Foundation Inc.
Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research
Central Colorado Quarter Horse Association Inc.
Cheyenne Pet Clinic
Deborah J. Davenport & Martin Drey
Jim & Wendy Dickie
Fort Worth/Tarrant County Animal Foundation
Judge Martha Geer
Mrs. Sara Grover
Hal & Marty Hendershot
Kirkpatrick Foundation
Pfizer Animal Health
Portuguese Water Dog Foundation Inc.
Rising Sun Foundation
Samoyed Club of America Education and Research
Foundation Inc.
Neil & Sylvia Van Sloun, the Van Sloun Foundation
ZuPreem®
HOURS & CONTACT INFO
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time
TOLL-FREE
800.243.2345
P
303.790.2345
E [email protected]
www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
www.facebook.com/morrisanimal
twitter.com/morris_animal
Programs & Advancements
Please use the envelope inserted in this issue to
provide updated information and to alert us
of duplicate mailings. Thank you for helping
us save postage costs.
American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals
PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN
TO ASK PET HEALTH QUESTIONS.
Our staff is unable to provide veterinary medical advice.
The opinions of study investigators may not necessarily be
those of your companion animal’s veterinarian.
Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization
and is tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Service
regulation 501(c)(3). Our audited financial statement and
state registration information are available upon request.
Materials, including photographs and artwork, in this
publication may be reprinted only with the permission of
Morris Animal Foundation. Please write or call to receive
financial information or permission to reprint materials:
Morris Animal Foundation, 10200 E. Girard Ave, Suite B430,
Denver, Colorado 80231, or call us at 800.243.2345.
To remove your name from Morris Animal Foundation’s
mailing list, send an e-mail to
[email protected]
or call us at 800.243.2345.
©2011 Morris Animal Foundation. All rights reserved.
17
10200 East Girard Avenue
Suite B430
Denver, Colorado 80231
NONPROFIT ORG.
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MORRIS ANIMAL
FOUNDATION
Please use the envelope inserted in this issue to provide updated information and to alert us of duplicate mailings. Thank you for helping us save postage costs.