patricianolson

So ... Basic question is "what are health and welfare implications across breeds and genders when neutering at different ages"? What does a general practitioner, shelter worker, guide dog school, etc., advise based on solid science? Here is another veterinary ethical issue >>> "How does our profession provide care to more and more pets owned by non-wealthy owners? Plus, what are the standards of care that are based on evidence? Quotes for routine dental cleanings now often over $1,000.

However ... veterinarians are advising clients on "best" time for neuter surgery. So what is the strategy to get prospective research launched so that we have something better than our best guess?

Another retrospective study >>> Reproductive capability is associated with life span and cause of death in companion animals. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0061082 These retrospective studies give us clues, but we need some well-designed prospective studies across gender, age and breeds. A basic veterinary question that has not been adequately answered.

In the U.S., neutering dogs is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. Why has the veterinary profession conducted so little prospective research to determine health benefits/risks for this surgery when performed at different ages? Considering also differences among breeds and gender. How does U.S. data differ from that in other countries?

IPFD Board Member Dr. Patricia Olson was the keynote speaker at the Inaugural One Health Program at Midwestern University on October 8, 2015 (Downer’s Grove, Illinois). Midwestern University also has one of the newest veterinary schools in the U.S. (Phoenix, Arizona). Physicians were paired with veterinarians to deliver lectures on obesity, pneumonia, osteochondritis dissecans and epilepsy. Dr. Olson’s lecture was on collaborative research, using the clues from animals to help advance both human and animal health/welfare. See the pdf of her thought-provoking talk here: PN Olson Midwestern University One Health Keynote 10012015.pdf

In the past few years some of my time has been spent developing a new medical research model that advances both animal and human health. In addition, I have been working with national humane groups and the pet industry to advance strategies for breeding healthy dogs. From time to time I will submit blog entries about some of the interesting work I come across. May 30, 2015 – Met with a donor in Minnesota who is funding collaborative research between medical and veterinary researchers to evaluate if there is a benefit of cannabis in controlling refractory epilepsy in children and dogs. University of Minnesota will be holding a conference on brain disorders in 2016, and this topic will be addressed. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Ned Patterson, University of Minnesota. June 8-9, 2015 – The Institute of Medicine (National Academies of Science) will be hosting a meeting to discuss the role of clinical studies for pets with naturally occurring tumors in translational cancer research. The goal is for drug development for humans, which might also be used to help dogs. Thus, the entire family (humans and animals) could benefit from the research strategies. Further information on the meeting can be found at : https://www.iom.edu/Activities/Disease/NCPF/2015-JUN-08.aspx

Meyers-Wallen has done a good job in attempting to advance canine health through her research - much of which also has applicability to humans. Since the era of personalized medicine is upon us, it seems like ascribing blame is not helpful. As genetic tests are now available to help breeders evaluate inbreeding and heritable disorders, perhaps we can experience a future where dog breeding becomes both a passion and process for improving heath. When I was the Director of Canine Health and Training at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. we knew that strategic breeding was key for producing excellent guide dogs. This included longevity for the dog/handler team (health) and a propensity for being an excellent working dog (behavior training). I am excited about global efforts of sharing information through IPFD. Patricia Olson