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Veterinary Medicine

Dogs born in the summertime more likely to suffer heart disease
Summer_Dogs

Dogs born in the summertime more likely to suffer heart disease

Dog days of summer: a study out of the Perelman School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine has found a correlation between canine health and birth season.

Penn Today Staff

Stem cell signaling drives mammary gland development and, possibly, breast cancer
Chakrabarti.mammary gland.2018

A Penn-led team identified Dll1, a signaling molecule as a marker of mammary gland stem cells, and one that plays a vital role in normal development of the mammary tissue. Above, a cross-section of a mouse mammary gland. (Image: Sushil Kumar and Rumela Chakrabarti)

Stem cell signaling drives mammary gland development and, possibly, breast cancer

A connection between mammary stem cells and macrophages, a type of immune cell, is crucial for mammary gland development, and may also figure into the biology of breast cancer.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Protecting Police Dogs from Fentanyl

Protecting Police Dogs from Fentanyl

Cynthia Otto of the School of Veterinary Medicine described the hazards police dogs face when exposed to dangerous substances. Otto said that working dogs are actually at fairly low risk for a fentanyl overdose, thanks to a lower rate of sensitivity and quick recovery from exposure.

Veterinary experts work to stay ahead of equine doping
Horse treadmill.2018

Using New Bolton Center's high-speed horse treadmill and other specialized equipment, the Equine Pharmacology Research Laboratory has been testing the effects of certain drugs in highly fit animals.

Veterinary experts work to stay ahead of equine doping

As in human sports, unscrupulous practices occasionally make their way into horse racing. Researchers and veterinarians at the School of Veterinary Medicine are keeping an eye on illicit drug use, evaluating samples, and designing tests to maintain the integrity of the sport and keep the competitors safe.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Innovative vaccine offers canine cancer patients a shot at a longer, happier life
Mason, Nicola

Nicola Mason

Innovative vaccine offers canine cancer patients a shot at a longer, happier life

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer to affect dogs. It is a painful and aggressive disease. Affecting more than 10,000 dogs annually, predominantly larger breeds, it kills more than 85 percent within two years. 

Katherine Unger Baillie

A Competitive Team Sport. For Your Dog.

A Competitive Team Sport. For Your Dog.

James Serpell and Cynthia Otto of the School of Veterinary Medicine shared their experiences with Flyball, a competitive sport for dogs. Serpell said that regularly exercising pets benefits owners too, “because when your dog is home he or she will be calmer or less of a nuisance.”

How working dogs are sniffing out cancer
Essler-WorkingDogCenter

How working dogs are sniffing out cancer

A Center for Public Health Initiatives seminar showcased the collaborative research at Penn and the Monell Chemical Senses Center that is working to detect early stage ovarian cancer.

Lauren Hertzler