Long-term outcome of Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs with clinical signs associated with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia
- published in the Veterinary Record – October 25, 2012
The progression of clinical signs in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari-like Malformation and syringomyelia was examined. It was found that in three quarters of cases, the signs of pain progressed over the average of 39 months spent on study. In the remaining quarter of cases, the dogs were static or improved on the neuropathic pain medications. This model of neuropathic pain is a “One Medicine” comparative model where the disease manifestations for the cavaliers is very similar to human patients.

Comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters of creatinine and iohexol in 50 dogs with various degrees of renal function
- published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association – November 2012
This study was undertaken as part of a larger study looking at the difference in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that occurs with breed and body weight. This large study conducted in France was a successful collaboration between breeders of over 50 different breeds (>500 individuals animals). The variations in these co-variables can affect dynamic testing outcomes. Typically in practice, basal creatinine has been compared but the objective of this study was to compare  two markers dynamically i.e. through the pharmacokinetics and clearances of creatinine and iohexol. This then can be evaluated in the disease state to show that the relationship is constant in health and disease. This is in part a validation of both techniques and to show the validity of using the less expensive and more readily available (in practice) creatinine clearance test.

Prevalence of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibodies in serum of healthy Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers in the United Kingdom
- published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research – March 2012
This study was part of a successful collaboration with the UK Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Initiative and showed the value of working with caring breeders to look at preventative health screening. It focused on using a validated biomarker pANCA to screen a potentially affected population for protein losing disease (nephropathy and enteropathy). The objective was to estimate the prevalence of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibodies (pANCA) in the serum of healthy Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWTs) in the United Kingdom and to identify potential risk factors and heritability patterns associated with a positive result for pANCA. This study revealed a high prevalence of pANCA in the serum of a representative sample of healthy SCWTs in the United Kingdom and a significant association between positive results for pANCA and a diagnosis of PLE or PLN in a sibling.

Please contact your local veterinarian if you are interested in referral to the study, or for more information contact Companion Medicine.

This joint presentation brought together speakers from the National Cancer Institute, US National Institute of Health, The Australian National University, and the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Comparative Oncology focuses on the similarities between animals and people in the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and the aim of this symposium was to encourage discussion regarding the potential for increasing the cross over in research, enabling funding to benefit both people and animals.

We are delighted with the response we have received from Canberra pet owners. A big thank you to all the owners who have come in to see whether their special cat was suitable to come on study; we really appreciate your time and willingness to be involved!