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Laminitis insights show promise for the future
Microscopic image of fluorescently labeled lamellae in a horse hoof

The equine disease laminitis results in harm to the lamellae (above), folded tissue that support the connection between hoof and bone. A new study delves into the genetics of laminitis, with implications for its diagnosis and treatment. (Image: Galantino-Homer Laminitis Laboratory at Penn Vet New Bolton Center) 

 

Laminitis insights show promise for the future

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and University Florida partnered on the work, which may lead to new blood tests or even treatments for the disease, which often leads to euthanasia in horses.

Hannah Kleckner

The inner lives of cats: what our feline friends really think about hugs, happiness and humans
The Guardian

The inner lives of cats: what our feline friends really think about hugs, happiness and humans

Carlo Siracusa of the School of Veterinary Medicine said cats are capable of bonding with people, contrary to claims that they’re merely using their owners for food and shelter. “Humans hug and kiss. Dogs become very excited and jump around. Cats don’t do anything like that. They are much more elegant,” he said. “They approach us. They bump their heads. Then they have some contact with us and walk away.”

Why don’t we have a COVID vaccine for pets?
The New York Times

Why don’t we have a COVID vaccine for pets?

Elizabeth Lennon of the School of Veterinary Medicine spoke about the need for COVID-19 vaccines for animals. Lennon said that, fortunately, “to date, there hasn’t been any documented cases of dogs or cats spreading the virus to people.”

A hub for zoonotic disease research
Cryptosporidium A Penn Vet-led team was the first to sequence, study, and manipulate a naturally occurring mouse Cryptosporidium, a parasite responsible for life-threatening illness in people, as well as livestock, pets, and wildlife worldwide. (Image: Muthugapatti Kandasamy, Adam Sateriale, and Boris Striepen)

A hub for zoonotic disease research

The new Institute for Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, launched by the School of Veterinary Medicine, leans on Penn’s strengths in immunology and infectious disease to prepare for emerging threats to animal and human health.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Some dogs exhibit signs of ADHD, just like humans
Salon.com

Some dogs exhibit signs of ADHD, just like humans

James Serpell of the School of Veterinary Medicine said he errs on the side of caution when it comes to treating dogs’ mental health issues with pharmaceuticals. "Don't use these drugs on animals unless it's really necessary in order to calm the animal down and prevent the worst symptoms of anxiety,” he said, “and try to think of it as a short-term thing, something that you would do for a while until you find a more satisfactory way of coping with the problem through behavior modification and things like that."

Novel gene therapy platform speeds search for ways to cure blindness
diagram of gene therapy for the eye showing injection into vitreous

Novel gene therapy platform speeds search for ways to cure blindness

A newly developed single-cell RNA sequencing technique enables researchers to quickly identify an optimal vector for delivering therapeutic genetic material to treat vision disorders, and perhaps other genetic conditions.

Katherine Unger Baillie

9/11, 20 years later
ground zero from liberty state park

Tribute in Light, an annual display near the site of Ground Zero, commemorates the Sept. 11 attacks. (Homepage image: Scott Spitzer)

9/11, 20 years later

Experts across the University share their thoughts on how 9/11 transformed their field, their research, and the world.
Forging healthy bonds with canine companions
Smiling person kneels with dog along riverbank

Forging healthy bonds with canine companions

School of Veterinary Medicine postdoc Lauren Powell’s research illuminates how the personalities of both dogs and their owners influence the pairs’ ability to overcome behavioral challenges.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Tracking the earliest steps in parasite infection
Microscopic view of Cryptosporidium parasites

Tracking the earliest steps in parasite infection

The parasite Cryptosporidium, a leading global cause of diarrheal diseases in children, injects host cells with a cocktail of proteins. Using powerful video microscopy, School of Veterinary Medicine researchers tracked the process in real time.

Katherine Unger Baillie