[This article, while addressing NK cells in humans, is applicable to canines as well.] The so-called natural killer (NK) cells are cells of the innate immune system that recognize and eliminate infected cells or cancer cells. During a virus infection, NK cells also keep the body’s own immune cells such as the T cells at bay in order to avoid excessive killing of intact...

By Colleen Killingsworth MADISON, Wis. – Stephanie Herfel might not have caught her ovarian cancer in time if not for her husky, Sierra. And not just the first time — Sierra alerted Herfel to the re-occurrence of her cancer four times. Each time, Sierra found Herfel’s cancer before her doctors did. Herfel started noticing inexplicable symptoms around January of 2013 after moving from California...

By WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. Says Dr. Louise Murray, ASPCA Director of Medicine, “During the winter,...

When the temperatures drop, dogs need special care to stay healthy, safe, and warm. Whether your pup spends lots of time outdoors or goes out for a couple of quick walks, he needs your help to avoid cold-weather health hazards. Keep a few basic tips in mind this winter. Watch out on walks: Snow and ice can take a toll on your dog’s paws....

[We’ve posted similar articles before, but the information is worth repeating.] Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that lawn chemicals can cause canine cancer, and if so, how can I protect my dog? – Bill W., Ithaca, NY Unfortunately, the answer may very well be yes. A 2012 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Environmental Research, found that exposure to certain lawn care products, such...

Scientists are calling for all good girls and boys. This week researchers debuted a new project that is called “citizen science project.” The project is going to include around 10,000 furry friends. And the study is to understand aging both in humans and in dogs. Scientists are asking dog owners across the United States to volunteer their dogs to participate in this research. This...

By Dr. Fayez Assad From The Tribune-Democrat Being a small animal veterinarian for almost two decades has taught me a lot of things. Of course, I have had my share of surgeries – from routine spays and castrations (although nothing is ever routine) to complicated splenectomies and exploratories that didn’t always have a guaranteed happy ending. I have treated patients using a variety of medications as there...

New studies reveal that oestrogen has a much deeper impact on canine mammary cancer than first thought and goes some way to enlightening us on why aggressive cancers are more likely to develop in dogs that were spayed when they were very young. Scientists at the Penn Vet University investigated the associations and explored the correlation between the hormonal aspects and other prognostic aspects...

From Yahoo Finance ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Breakthroughs in cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery for cats; the use of artificial intelligence to better detect advanced eye disease in dogs; new pharmaceutical options like CBD for pets; and even ways for the veterinary team to treat the traumatized turtle are among the topics that will be taught, discussed and demonstrated at the world’s...