AnimalNEWS 12.1

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IN THIS ISSUE Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health 12.1 volume A HEALTHIER TOMORROW FOR ANIMALS ®

Transcript of AnimalNEWS 12.1

I N T H I S I S S U E Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

12.1volume

A H E A L T H I E R T O M O R R O W F O R A N I M A L S®

Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/morrisanimal.

AnimalNews Volume 12 Issue 1

February 2012

AnimalNews is published four times a

year by Morris Animal Foundation.

10200 East Girard Avenue Suite B430Denver, Colorado 80231TOLL-FREE 800.243.2345 P 303.790.2345www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

O U R M I S S I O N

Morris Animal Foundation improves the health and well-being of companion animals and wildlife by funding humane health studies and disseminating information about these studies.

01 Cool science is the wave of the future02 History’s largest dog study gets ready

for takeoff03 Cool cats deserve cool science04 Researcher puts safety first

in quest for vaccine05 Mapping a treatment for canine back pain06 Identifying patterns of movement07 The search for better antibiotics

for treating captive animals

08 Stopping the revolving shelter door09 Big heart, small practice10 Your donations at work12 Tackling the no. 1 killer of dogs12 Successful campaign improves

shelter cat health13 End-of-year thank you14 In loving memory16 Simple ways to leave your legacy

DEAR FRIENDS,

How cool were the crazy chemistry experiments you conducted in middle school? Turning sugar into long snakes of carbon. Putting Mentos candy into soda bottles to see the explosion. Building a volcano that erupted when you added vinegar to baking soda.

Science was cool back then. It still is, but sometimes it’s easy to forget that because real science tends to move at a slow pace, and we don’t receive instant gratification. At Morris Animal Foundation, we believe science and its power to affect the world are pretty awesome. It’s part of why we do what we do every day.

This issue of AnimalNews focuses on some of the really exciting scientific research the Foundation is funding to advance veterinary medicine. We tell you about the launch of our largest study ever, which looks into risk factors for canine cancer; the use of stem cells to treat feline kidney disease; a new ultrasound injection treatment that’s alleviating back pain in dogs; a program spearheaded by a veterinary student that helps keep animals from being returned to shelters and much more.

These studies have a definite cool factor—and they are a whole lot less messy than an erupting volcano model. What’s more, the research we fund, with your support, has the power to make a difference in the lives of animals. With our help, scientists worldwide are constantly looking at new ways to address disease and health in dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. I, for one, think that’s pretty remarkable. And on behalf of the Foundation and the animals we serve, I thank you for supporting our work.

Kind regards,

David Haworth, DVM, PhD President/CEO

P.S. Want more info about animal health advances? Sign up for eNews at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

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Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

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“We might even be able to change certain aspects of our genetic makeup.”

Genetic research for animals is on the same path. Current studies, many funded by Morris Animal Foundation, are at the point in their evolution where only specific genes can be examined and mapped one at a time. The goal is not only to map every gene but also to understand how each gene contributes to the larger genetic picture and, most importantly, how it affects health. In this way, human medicine and animal medicine are very similar.

“I have a deeply held belief that in the next 10 years we will have enough tools to usher in a new era of prognostic medicine in addition to diagnostic medicine,” Dr. Haworth says.

It is not just the genetic knowledge that’s important though. The ability to use advanced computers to store, manage and analyze all these data is just as important. There is good news there as well. The sheer computing power expected in the next 10 years should provide scientists with the ability to gather all the necessary data to map and manipulate genes.

“The most important part is what we do with all of that information, and we are getting to a stage where we have both the data and the ability to do something with it,” Dr. Haworth says. “The future of veterinary medicine is pretty cool, and Morris Animal Foundation has a big role to play in that future.” B

Cool science is the wave of the futureB Y K E l l E Y W E I r

foundation CEO talks about the next big thing

Advancing the cutting edge of veterinary medicine has been a Morris Animal Foundation priority since its inception in 1948. Today, that priority is no less important, which is why genetics has emerged as one of the most pressing areas of research that the Foundation funds. To date, the Foundation has funded more than 60 studies on genetics for a total of about $6.8 million.

“The study of genetics, today, is at the same stage as radiography was in 1945,” says Morris Animal Foundation president and CEO Dr. David Haworth. “It has the same potential to advance medicine in the future as radiographs did in the last half century.”

According to Dr. Haworth, the future of genetic testing will improve upon current technologies that generally peer only at small portions of genetic material. He expects that, within the next decade, scientists will be able to view the entire genome and will have a deep enough understanding to see all of the changes that take place as a disease develops. Not only that, but genetic testing will be affordable.

“We will be able to not only know what is wrong today but also to predict what will go wrong in the future,” he adds.

Genetic research will significantly change how we care for pets in the future.

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“This is truly the biggest scientific effort that Morris Animal Foundation has ever undertaken,” says Dr. David Haworth, Foundation president and CEO. “And the benefits for advancing animal health will be huge.”

He adds that just having the compilation of detailed health information for a big population of pets will lead to enormous insights into the lives and well-being of all dogs.

“We’re very excited to be in a position to coordinate a project of this magnitude for the veterinary profession, and we’re grateful that so many corporate and private parties have agreed with us about the value of this family of studies,” Dr. Haworth says.

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is expected to provide valuable information for identifying prevention strategies, methods for early diagnosis and new treatments for cancer and other diseases.

The study’s success depends on highly committed Golden Retriever owners who are willing to participate for the length of the study. This spring, Morris Animal Foundation will begin actively recruiting Golden Retriever owners who are older than 18 years and live in the contiguous United States. Dogs must be healthy, under 2 years old at the time of enrollment and have a three-generation pedigree.

Golden Retrievers were chosen because more than half of them die of cancer. Although this study involves only Golden Retrievers, the information collected will improve the health of all dog breeds.

“If this study is even close to as good as we think it could be, it will be the most important study conducted for veterinary medicine to this point,” says Dr. Haworth. B

Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

Most of us know that smoking increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and physical activity reduces the risk of both. What many may not know is that these scientific findings and many more all sprouted from a small project that began in 1948. The Framingham Heart Study recruited residents of Framingham, Mass., to observe them throughout their lives and identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study, which has since followed three generations of participants, is now recognized as perhaps the most influential study of all time for human medicine.

Morris Animal Foundation has embarked on a project that could have similar health implications for dogs. Through its recently launched Canine Lifetime Health Project, the Foundation will manage groundbreaking studies designed to learn how to better prevent and treat major diseases affecting dogs.

The first study under the Canine Lifetime Health Project umbrella will focus on identifying the genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for cancer and other diseases in Golden Retrievers. Projected to last 10 to 14 years and enroll up to 3,000 dogs, the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will be the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of dogs.

History’s largest dog study gets ready for takeoffB Y H E I d I J E T E r

How do you get involved?

All dogs are welcome to participate in the Canine Lifetime Health Project. Register at www.CanineLifetimeHealth.org.

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Being as cool as they are, cats deserve their fair share when it comes to health research. Morris Animal Foundation is funding scientists from across the globe who are using cutting-edge technologies to change the way veterinarians diagnose and treat cats. These new studies are really something to “purr” about.

new therapy stems from cells

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) severely damages the kidneys in cats and progresses to death if left untreated. The earlier CKD is diagnosed, the more likely that treatment will succeed. Too often, though, CKD is not detected until it’s in advanced stages.

In a study funded by Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Steven Dow, of Colorado State University, is evaluating the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem-cell therapy to treat cats with CKD. This therapy has been successful in reversing and stabilizing kidney function in rodents with renal disease. Dr. Dow hopes the same is true for cats suffering from CKD. If these studies generate positive data, the results will have a significant impact on the development of new ways to manage feline CKD.

all ears for new research

American Curl and Scottish Fold cat breeds are identifiable by their unique ears. American Curls have ears that curl toward the back of their heads, and Scottish Folds have ears that fold forward. Two independent gene mutations appear to be responsible for the folded ear trait. This may explain why American Curls experience simple malformed ear cartilage, which doesn’t negatively affect the breed, but Scottish Folds suffer from painful bone malformations and crippling arthritis that could be associated with the folded ear mutation.

Dr. Bianca Hasse, of the University of Sydney in Australia, is analyzing the genetics of both breeds in hopes that she will successfully identify the genes and chromosomal regions responsible for the breeds’ folded ears. Her study is funded through the Cat Health Network, which includes Morris Animal Foundation, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Winn Feline Foundation and the American

Veterinary Medical Foundation. Success in this study could lead to a greater understanding of cartilage physiology, therefore improving the health of the Scottish Fold breed. What’s more, the study may provide new information about the much broader problem of feline osteoarthritis.

prevention on the horizon

Cytauxzoonosisis is a life-threatening disease in domestic cats caused by the Cytauxzoon felis parasite, which is transmitted by ticks. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate for infected cats is a devastating 97 percent. Even with the best available treatment, about 40 percent of cats infected with C. felis will die.

Researchers believe a vaccination is the only practical control strategy—and one may be on the way. Led by Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, scientists at North Carolina State University are conducting a Foundation-funded study to help identify which genes are the best vaccine candidates.

This project takes the first crucial step toward the development of a vaccine against cytauxzoonosis. B

Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

Cool cats deserve cool scienceB Y A l l I S o N T o N I N I

The genetic trait that makes Scottish Folds’ ears so unique may also be linked to health issues.

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When it comes to testing possible vaccines for deadly foal pneumonia, Dr. Stephen A. Hines, of Washington State University, makes animal safety his first priority.

Dr. Hines’s commitment to humane research is evident in his recent Morris Animal Foundation–funded study, which explores effective immunization strategies against Rhodococcus equi.

“Our strategy has been to minimize the suffering of animals by using noninvasive methods to first study and define the mechanisms of protective immunity,” says Dr. Hines.

R. equi is a soil-based bacterial organism that is found in areas where lots of grazing animals live. Infected animals spread R. equi through their feces. Once on the ground, the bacterial organism thrives and multiplies. Hot, dry and dusty conditions allow R. equi to become airborne. Once inhaled, the bacterial organism can easily lead to rhodococcal pneumonia, a primary cause of death in foals.

During a foal’s first few months, it receives antibodies to R. equi from its mother’s milk. As it grows, a foal gradually develops its own antibodies and, more importantly, its own cellular immune response. Unfortunately, many young foals are exposed to the bacterial organism before their immunity is strong, and the result can be a serious threat to their health. The severity of the disease is one of the reasons Dr. Hines chose to research a potential vaccine.

“Rhodococcal pneumonia is such a complicated and devastating disease. We need to know more about it, so we can learn how to prevent it,” says Dr. Hines.

Although development of an effective vaccine would significantly improve prevention, Dr. Hines emphasizes that scientists must have strong evidence that a vaccine is likely to work before it is tested on live foals.

In his most recent Foundation-funded study, Dr. Hines specifically tested the use of hyperimmune plasma containing R. equi antibodies using blood cells from newborn foals and immune adult horses. Dr. Hines’s study confirmed that the use

of plasma has positive effects in the prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia and that it can decrease the cell damage caused by an R. equi infection. Dr. Hines is excited to build on this study’s successful conclusions.

“The next big barrier is figuring out how we should immunize newborn foals,” says Dr. Hines. “The oral route might be the key, so we will use these developments to explore an oral vaccine immunization.” B

Researcher puts safety first in quest for vaccineB Y A l l I S o N T o N I N I

Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

Cool new studies for horses

•Scientists from Oklahoma State University are evaluating the rate at which miniature horses metabolize an antibiotic in hopes of determining the proper dosing amounts.

•Researchers from Michigan State University are studying nutrient absorption in horses with Cushing’s disease, which could help them design better nutritional strategies and improve the health and welfare of aging horses.

•Scientists from Cornell University are looking at genes and molecules associated with equine herpesvirus to improve understanding of infection and develop new approaches for control and treatment methods.

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Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

Cool new studies for dogs

•Scientists from the University of Guelph in Canada will explore stem-cell therapies to find out if these novel treatments will work for treating dogs with painful osteoarthritis.

• Investigators from Colorado State University will look at a specific antibody’s effectiveness in treating lymphoma and its potential for treating other cancers.

•Researchers from the University of Minnesota will evaluate specific genes that may make certain breeds more susceptible to the urinary stones that affect many small breeds. The goal is to develop a genetic screening test.

For some of us, back pain is the bane of our existence. It turns out we are in good company—with dogs. Our four-legged friends are not immune to back pain either.

While some dogs, like Dachshunds, seem to be prone to chronic back problems because of their body type, others experience back pain associated with their jobs. Working dogs used for such strenuous tasks as bomb detection, tracking, herding and police work have a higher incidence of back injuries than the usual pet. Back problems in pets most often occur in older animals; however, in working dogs, back problems frequently occur in young or middle-aged animals, leading to early retirement.

Improved methods for early detection and treatment of lower back pain could help minimize premature retirement for these dogs. Treatments previously developed for humans and horses

Mapping a treatment for canine back painB Y K E l l E Y W E I r

may hold promise. Ultrasound-guided injection of anti-inflammatory medication into the sacroiliac joints (the joints connecting the pelvis to the spine) is an established method for relieving lower back pain in human and equine athletes, but this method, and specifically the best placement of the needle, needs to be assessed in dogs.

With funding from Morris Animal Foundation, researchers from Virginia Tech set out to map the sacroiliac joints and locate the best points for needle entry so that dogs could be treated using ultrasound-guided injections.

“We found that placing a needle into the entrance to the joint using ultrasound guidance was not difficult,” says lead investigator Dr. Jeryl Jones. “However, advancing the needle to the target depth was challenging in some dogs.”

Dr. Jones’s team developed a detailed atlas describing the normal anatomy of the canine sacroiliac joint and surrounding structures and will post it on the Internet for use by veterinarians, students and researchers worldwide.

Additional studies are needed to further test the safety and effectiveness of this promising new technique, but this type of treatment could go a long way toward alleviating pain in pet dogs and keeping working dogs on the job. B

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Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

fellow works to prevent parasite outbreaks that kill sea otters

By all accounts, southern sea otters have had a tough road. Their silky coats were once a hot commodity, and the commercial harvesting of these endearing animals began in 1786 and resulted in their near extinction by 1911. Since then, major efforts have been made to bring the species back from the brink, but infectious diseases are a constant threat to the population, especially for those who reside near freshwater runoffs.

A particularly deadly foe is Sarcocystis neurona, a parasite that causes fatal neurologic disease in marine mammals. One outbreak in April 2004 killed nearly 2 percent of the entire southern sea otter population. The parasite spreads through infectious particles that are shed by opossums on land and are then transported to the sea, but how these particles flow from land to sea is not known.

Recently, Morris Animal Foundation–funded fellow Jered Wendte, from Oklahoma State University, and Dr. Michael Grigg’s laboratory team at the National Institutes of Health, identified disease-causing strains of S. neurona and determined the process that makes them deadly as they move through the environment.

“We have identified that only two strain types of S. neurona, one circulating near Monterey Bay, the other near Morro Bay, California, have been responsible for the majority of disease in marine mammals,” says Wendte. “This information will help us decide which strains of the parasite should be the subject of future studies and which are the most relevant targets for treatment development efforts.”

Wendte also discovered how the parasite can cause large outbreaks. His data suggest that a single strain can be amplified to high levels by host opossums living near the coast, a process called “selfing.” Selfing is a process by which a single organism can differentiate into both male and female forms and reproduce itself.

The opossums shed the parasite in their feces, which then contaminate the marine environment through land-to-sea runoff and eventually infect a large number of sea otters and cause a disease outbreak.

“This study marks the first time selfing has been documented in nature for S. neurona,” says Wendte. “Since our data indicate that selfing in the opossum was responsible for causing an S. neurona outbreak in 2004, we suggest that taking steps to limit infection of opossums or prevent opossum feces contamination of waterways will go a long way toward preventing disease in sea otters.” B

Identifying patterns of movementB Y K E l l E Y W E I r

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New research shows how a nasty parasite travels from opossums to southern sea otters, where it causes severe neurological disease in the silky creatures.

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The search for better antibiotics for treating captive animalsB Y A l l I S o N T o N I N I

What do African lions, American alligators, Amur tigers and grizzly bears all have in common? Besides being a bit toothy, all are wild animals that often need medication when they are housed in captivity. And with a roster that exotic, administering medication is no easy task for veterinarians. Animal caretakers are constantly searching for effective and durable treatments for animals in captivity.

To help them in their quest, researchers used Morris Animal Foundation funding to test cefovecin, a promising antibiotic that is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections in companion animals. The drug (which is commercially sold as Convenia) is known for its long- acting duration in certain species. After just one injection, cefovecin stays in the bloodstream of dogs and cats for as long as two weeks. Cefovecin’s durability is theorized to be, in part, directly correlated to a species’ protein-binding level; the higher the species’ protein-binding level, the longer the duration of cefovecin in the bloodstream and the better it will work.

Dr. Bonnie Raphael and Dr. Marc Valitutto, both of the Wildlife Conservation Society, recently completed a study that tested the protein-binding levels of cefovecin in different species.

“We’re always looking for long-lasting antibiotics, so we don’t have to handle animals as often,” says lead investigator Dr. Raphael.

Their aim was primarily to find out which species had high protein-binding levels and, therefore, would benefit from a further pharmacokinetic study with cefovecin.

Pharmacokinetics is the process of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted in the body. A full pharmacokinetic study on cefovecin in individual species would provide an accurate evaluation of how the drug should be effectively administered to a specific species.

“Since we can’t test every different antibiotic in every different animal, we’re trying to find out which species would benefit most from an individual pharmacokinetic study,” she says.

The study findings supported the researchers’ hypothesis that high protein binding is an indicator for cefovecin’s long-lasting properties. Both researchers concluded that all avian and reptile species showed poor protein-binding levels and should not be considered for further testing. Several species, including animals of the order Carnivora (e.g., large cats, bears, raccoons), hoofstock (e.g., okapi, deer), marine mammals and swine, showed high protein-binding levels and therefore should be considered for additional pharmacokinetic studies.

Because of cefovecin’s complexity, the researchers are confident that their efforts are a step in the right direction for the accurate use of the antibiotic.

“Knowing the protein-binding level gets us a lot closer to what we’re trying for,” says Dr. Raphael. “We’re saving a lot of research time.”

And when asked how they handle giving an antibiotic to a grizzly bear?

“With some difficulty,” Dr. Raphael replies with a laugh. B

Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

one vet student’s mission to slow shelter return rates

When Western University of Health Sciences veterinary student Rochelle Prudic started providing veterinary-based training to the staff at a local shelter, she never thought her work would have nearly as much impact on the humans she was training as it did on the animals she was helping. But after immersing herself in the shelter life, it didn’t take long for her to see the connection.

In one instance, Prudic recalls the energy of a beaming shelter employee who put her newfound skills to use. Just days after her training, the employee noticed a dog’s dangerously pale mucous membranes and promptly reported it to medical staff, potentially saving the dog’s life.

“I could tell that it had ignited a spark in her to be able to have such an important role in that dog’s well-being,” Prudic remembers.

project A.D.O.P.T.

This training was part of the Animals Dependent on People Training (A.D.O.P.T.) Initiative, a research project devised

by Prudic and partially funded through Morris Animal Foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholars program. The project is Prudic’s solution to the problem that 20 percent of the surrendered dogs in the United States are return cases. This is an especially troubling statistic when paired with estimates that 4 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year.

Prudic’s initial research revealed that return rates at the pilot shelter were largely due to owners’ inability to address their pet’s behavioral, financial or physical needs. This was found to be particularly true in first-time owners. As a response, the A.D.O.P.T. Initiative included shelter personnel training on such topics as emergency management, behavioral factors and potential toxins found in the home environment. Staff could then pass that information on to people adopting pets.

Essentially, the A.D.O.P.T. Initiative aims to halt the revolving door that was, and still is, putting perfectly good animals back at risk of being euthanized.

bridging the gap

Prudic’s training program worked well in the pilot shelter, but she realized her initial goal to create a nationally distributable shelter resource wasn’t feasible. Instead, she found the strength of her program was in tailoring the training to specific shelters.

“It was evident to me that a one-size-fits-all module will never be completely effective or well accepted by every shelter,” she says.

Prudic is now putting together a program that would have veterinary students complete the training and then work directly with their local shelter community. Participating shelters would then become A.D.O.P.T. certified.

Using this model, Prudic emphasizes the significance of bridging the gap between veterinary medicine and adoption facilities.

“There isn’t much difference between the passion that drives veterinary students and the passion that drives shelter staff,” she notes. “The only differences are in the approach.” B

Stopping the revolving shelter doorB Y A l E x J I m E N E z

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Special Report: Cool Science Advances Animal Health

Big heart, small practiceB Y A l E x J I m E N E z

Mark Twain once said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Twain wasn’t just talking about dogs, of course, but the description sure is a fitting one for pet owners looking for a veterinary practice to fit their needs.

Any veterinary practice—be it large or small—can offer the best of everything: a personalized touch, state-of-the-art facilities and advanced care. That means owners can find what they are looking for and what they feel fits their pets needs.

Katy Trail Animal Hospital is one of those little dogs that brings a lot of fight. Although considered small, the Dallas-based animal hospital boasts the advanced treatment facilities found in large specialty hospitals, and the staff’s forward-thinking philosophy toward animal health is exemplified by their support of Morris Animal Foundation and by their attention to feline health.

Founding veterinarian Dr. Colleen Murray wants Katy Trail’s furry friends, particularly cats, to benefit from a comforting environment. The clinic makes special accommodations to keep these pets stress free.

In each exam room, the tables have wall cubbies for feline patients to get comfortable before or after the exam. For extended boarding, cats stay in what are more like pods than cages, with individual sleeping, feeding and bathroom compartments. Before each cat’s arrival, the cages are sprayed with pheromones specifically designed for stress relief. To top it off, the cats get to listen to classical music.

“Dr. Murray designed this hospital with kitties in mind,” observes administrative assistant Debbie Bumbard.

Thus, it was only fitting that, as one of the first veterinary practices to co-sponsor a Morris Animal Foundation–funded study, Katy Trail chose to sponsor a groundbreaking University of California–Davis study that is investigating how shelter housing affects the most common and costly feline diseases.

The research has even led to a new cage design that is beginning to be implemented in shelters across the world. Not surprisingly, the new cages are not much different from those at Katy Trail.

All in all, Katy Trail Animal Hospital is a great example of how a small practice can provide outstanding care on a local level while also expanding its mission beyond it walls and helping to make a difference in animal health all over the world. Morris Animal Foundation is proud to have Katy Trail as one of its first co-sponsoring clinics. B

Send your own cards

You can send your own memorial cards. Visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/memorial-gifts.Katy Trail Animal Hospital is known for its attention to cats,

in part because the clinic owner has a love of Maine Coons.

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You can help

Are you passionate about a certain breed or species of animal? Put your passion to work with a study sponsorship. When you sponsor a study, you can follow the successes and challenges the scientists encounter. Learn more at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/sponsorship.

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Your donations truly make a difference in the lives of animals worldwide. At any given time, Morris Animal Foundation manages about 300 active studies. Here’s a look at some recent successes made possible through your support.

Your donations at work

for horses

toxins may not lead to laminitisDr. Michel Vandenplas University of Georgia

Laminitis is a painful disease that often leads to death in affected horses. Understanding the conditions that lead to laminitis and the genetic processes that occur in the body as the disease develops could help researchers create new prevention and treatment strategies.

In this study, researchers from the University of Georgia monitored 19 genes whose activity has been shown to be modified in horses with laminitis. The activity of these genes was monitored in horses with high levels of bacterial toxin in their blood, a condition previously thought to result in laminitis.

The investigators found that high levels of bacterial toxin did not result in changes in activity of the 19 genes associated with development of laminitis, which suggests that this condition, although harmful in other ways, does not necessarily lead to laminitis. Understanding the causes and the specific genetic mechanisms of this disease will help scientists develop more targeted treatments and prevention strategies.

study shows genetic ability to repair DNA linked to predisposition to cancerDr. Douglas H. Thamm Colorado State University

Cancer is the no. 1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2, and an estimated 60 percent of Golden Retrievers die of cancer. Research in human medicine is beginning to indicate that an individual’s ability to repair DNA correlates with his or her susceptibility to cancer.

The results of this study, funded by Morris Animal Foundation, confirmed that Golden Retrievers with lymphoma have higher levels of DNA damage than healthy Golden Retrievers or healthy mixed-breed dogs. These results suggest that inherited deficiencies in the ability to repair DNA may contribute to the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers. The information gained from this study may help scientists develop prevention strategies for canine cancer.

for dogs

study shows drug combination is safeDr. Katrina Mealey Washington State University

Drug interactions are a significant cause of death in human patients, but problems caused by drug interactions in dogs have received little attention. Understanding more about potentially harmful drug interactions is a critical component of preventive medicine. In particular, the potential for interaction between two drugs commonly given to dogs— spinosad, a popular monthly flea preventive, and ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug—has caused concern in the veterinary community.

With Morris Animal Foundation funding, investigators found strong evidence that there is not a harmful interaction between these two drugs. Further, they determined that some properties of spinosad make it unlikely to have harmful interactions with other drugs. These results provide greater assurance that the use of this drug combination is safe.

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Research in progress

study works to improve diagnoses of lymphoma in catsLeukemia is a serious and often fatal feline disease. Lymphocytic leukemia in cats is a form of cancer in which abnormal white blood cells circulate in the blood and infiltrate the bone marrow. In many species, knowing the type of white blood cell, or lymphocyte, causing the cancer helps to predict the severity of disease, but veterinarians have very little information about the types of lymphocytic leukemia that occur in cats.

Funded by Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Paul Avery and his team of researchers from Colorado State University are using techniques and tools currently used for diagnosing leukemia in humans to analyze cats with elevated lymphocyte counts. They hope to determine whether the increase in lymphocyte numbers is due to inflammation or to leukemia. They will then use the information to determine the prognosis associated with the various forms of the disease.

The team has completed patient enrollment and has recruited nearly double the number of subjects they hoped for. The results of this study will lead to more accurate diagnoses in cats with elevated lymphocyte counts, allowing for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of lymphocytic leukemia.

for llamas/alpacas

study shows high prevalence of anemia-causing parasiteDr. Alessandra Pellegrini-Masini University of Georgia

Mycoplasma haemolamae is a bacterium that attaches to red blood cells and causes anemia in South American camelids. A recently developed blood test for diagnosing infection indicates that some infected animals do not show clinical signs of anemia.

Researchers from the University of Georgia used Morris Animal Foundation funding to study the prevalence of M. haemolamae infection within the camelid population in the southeastern United States. The data indicate that about 27 percent of the sample population tested positive for M. haemolamae. Of the 20 farms that were visited, nearly all had at least one infected animal.

Researchers determined that the rate of infection was higher in males than in females and higher in animals younger than six years. They also discovered a significant presence of preclinical anemia, indicating that more aggressive screening and treatment of animals that appear healthy on a physical exam may be warranted. Identification of the prevalence and risk factors of M. haemolamae will provide veterinarians and breeders with screening tools for better diagnosis and treatment.

for wildlife

study identifies nutritional needs of anteaters Dr. Robert Backus University of Missouri

Giant anteaters, indigenous to Central and South America, are a threatened

species—and in some regions are considered endangered or extinct. Captive breeding programs are critical to the survival of these animals, but little is known about the anteater’s nutritional needs, and thus it is often difficult or impossible to feed them a natural diet in captivity.

Captive anteaters can suffer from heart failure, possibly because their diets are deficient in the amino acid taurine. With Morris Animal Foundation funding, researchers discovered that moderate dietary supplementation of the amino acid methionine, which helps the body make taurine, meets the taurine needs of anteaters. The study also tested a noninvasive method of collecting urine samples, which will allow caregivers to accurately and safely measure taurine levels to ensure that the nutritional needs of these animals are met.

gene bank established for tapirsDr. Budhan Pukazhenthi Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Baird’s tapir is threatened with extinction in its natural habitat, which ranges from southern Mexico to Colombia. Panama contains the highest density of Baird’s tapirs in the wild, but the size of the population is not known, and the captive population is currently not self-sustaining. Little information exists on the fundamental biology of this charismatic species, and that hampers efforts to manage them better.

Researchers used Foundation funding to develop the first sperm-freezing technologies for tapirs and used the samples to establish a gene bank. They also tested a noninvasive, fecal hormone-monitoring technique to characterize reproductive cycles. This information will help scientists develop assisted reproductive techniques for better management of captive populations.

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Successful campaign improves shelter cat health

Cats are the most popular pet in the United States, yet many end up in animal shelters. Your support of the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign helped us put $1 million toward research to improve the lives of cats in shelters. That’s in addition to our regular feline health study funding. Through the campaign, our Helping Shelters Help Cats initiative has funded five studies to improve the lives of cats in shelters.

Researchers at the Ohio State University are finding that improving existing housing for shelter cats may keep cats healthier and more adoptable, and they are also developing a behavioral training video for shelter workers. In similar findings, researchers at the University of California–Davis have learned that cage designs that separate sleeping, eating

and bathroom areas can help reduce stress and illness. At the University of Queensland, researchers are using behavioral interventions to ease stress in shelter cats and reduce infectious disease.

Scientists at Cornell University are using Foundation funding to develop a test that will look at specific genes to see if cats are predisposed to feline infectious peritonitis, a common disease seen in animal shelters. Finally, Foundation funding has allowed Colorado State University researchers to evaluate new treatments for upper respiratory tract disease, which is a common reason for euthanasia in shelters. These Foundation-funded studies would not have been possible without your support. B

Cancer remains the no. 1 killer of dogs over the age of 2, and supporters from around the country are doing their part to tackle this deadly disease. Since 2009, more than 5,000 dog lovers from around the nation have participated in a Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk and helped raise more than $512,000 for canine cancer research. Last year alone, the K9 Cancer Walk program raised more than $245,000 with five walks.

“This is a cause that holds a special place in many dog lovers’ hearts,” says Tish Czachor, canine cancer events manager. “Morris Animal Foundation uses the walk proceeds to fund research that will give dogs longer, healthier, cancer-free lives.”

In 2012, Morris Animal Foundation is funding 39 canine cancer studies, including those that look at how bone cancer spreads, how to stop chemoresistant cancer cells and how to evaluate drugs to treat hemangiosarcoma. B

Tackling the no. 1 killer of dogsB Y T I N A m . m A r T I N E z

Get involved

Organizing your own K9 Cancer Walk to benefit Morris Animal Foundation is a wonderful way to honor dogs who are fighting cancer, memorialize dogs who lost their battle with cancer and take action to raise much needed funds for canine cancer research. For more information on how to host a K9 Cancer Walk in your area, contact Kate O’Brien at [email protected].

Morris Animal Foundation would like to say a special thank you to the following corporate, foundation and breed club partners who supported the Foundation’s mission to advance animal health with gifts of $10,000 or more in 2011.

End-of-year thank you

Abbott Animal HealthAlpaca Research FoundationAmerican Association of Equine

Practitioners FoundationAmerican Association of Feline

PractitionersAmerican Chinese Crested ClubAmerican German Shepherd Dog

Charitable Foundation Inc.American Spaniel Club

FoundationAmerican Veterinary Medical

FoundationArabian Horse FoundationArkansas Veterinary Medical

FoundationASPCA®Aura McConnell Foundation Inc.Australian Shepherd Health &

Genetics Institute Inc.Baltimore County Kennel

Club Inc.Batchelor FoundationBernese Mountain Dog Club

of AmericaBinns of WilliamsburgBloomingdale’s Inc.Blue Buffalo Foundation for

Cancer ResearchBoehringer Ingelheim

Vetmedica Inc.Canine Health Events & Southern

Berkshire Golden RetrieverCentral Colorado Quarter

Horse AssociationCharles & Mildred Schnurmacher

Foundation

Chase Health Advance Financing Options

Chow Chow Club Inc.Chuck Latham Associates Inc.Clumber Spaniel Health

FoundationCoastal Pet Products Inc.Colorado Horse Development

AuthorityCondon Family FoundationCourtney Babcock Borntraeger

FoundationCoypu FoundationDelaware County Kennel ClubEl Pomar’s Hambrick FundElton John Charitable FundEvidence-Based Veterinary

Medical AssociationFiduciary Trust CompanyFJC/Karen HeineFlat-Coated Retriever FoundationFred C. & Katherine B. Andersen

FoundationFt. Worth/Tarrant County Animal

FoundationGeorge Sydney & Phyllis

Redmond Miller TrustGolden Retriever FoundationGreater Appalachian Llama &

Alpaca AssociationGREYlongGumbo FoundationHadley & Marion Stuart

FoundationHigashi Family FoundationHill’s Pet Nutrition Inc.

Illinois Equine Industry Research & Promotion Board

International Elephant FoundationJeffers CatalogJoy To The World CollectiblesKirkpatrick Foundation Inc.Laura J. Niles Foundation Inc.Llama Association of

North AmericaLuckyPet Inc.Maddie’s FundMars PetCare U.S.Mary Lou Shannahan FoundationMerialMichael & Barbara Simpson

Charitable FoundationNewfoundland Club of America

Charitable TrustNewman’s Own FoundationNorth Star FoundationNovartis Animal Health U.S. Inc.Nutramax Laboratories Inc.Oklahoma City Community

FoundationOrthopedic Foundation

for AnimalsThe Orvis Company Inc.P&G PetCarePaul Mitchell SchoolsPETCO FoundationPetplanPets Best InsurancePetSafePetSmart CharitiesPfizer Animal Health

Portuguese Water Dog Foundation Inc.

Pug Dog Club of AmericaR. Harold Burton FoundationRainier Agility TeamRex & Nelle Jackson FoundationRichard & Margrit Lichter

FoundationRising Sun FoundationRiverbanks Zoo & GardenRuth & Vernon Taylor FoundationSam & Victoria Reed Family

FoundationSamoyed Club of America

Research & Education Foundation

Schering Plough Animal HealthSeeing Eye Inc.Sergeant’s Pet Care Products Inc.Sidney E. Frank FoundationSwanson Charitable FundToby’s FoundationUSA Equestrian TrustVCA Inc.Versatility in Poodles Inc.Virginia Horse Industry BoardWalt Disney Studios Home

EntertainmentWestie Foundation of

America Inc.William H. Donner

Foundation Inc.Winn Feline FoundationWisconsin State Horse Council

Equine Foundation IncYorkshire Terrier Club of America

Foundation

13www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

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At Morris Animal Foundation we know how difficult it is to lose a special pet. Pets are part of our families, and this section honors the amazing animals that have touched their families’ lives.

The pets in this section were honored through qualifying donations made between September 16, 2011, and December 15, 2011. These gifts will be used to improve animal health by funding research that can help protect, treat and cure the animals of the future.

Gifts of $200 or more per pet qualify a special pet to be listed in the “In loving memory” section of AnimalNews. Please send a photo for consideration with your donation. For donations of $500 or more, a brass plate engraved with your pet’s name will also be added to our Pet Memorial Wall.

For more information, visit the “Support Animal Health” section on our website and click on “Memorial Gifts.”

In loving memory

15www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

Alfred (1)Beloved Maine Coon CatDONOR: Thomas & Peggy BarberFAMILY: Charles Barber & Sierra Netz

Angel (2)Beloved Heart DogDONOR: GREYlongFAMILY: Greg & Sharon Loeser

Angus (3)Beloved Golden RetrieverDONOR: Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Wilson FAMILY: Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Wilson

AuggieBeloved DogDONOR: Elizabeth & Jack HaynieFAMILY: Elizabeth & Jack Haynie

Bailey (4)Beloved Dog & Best FriendDONOR: Mandy FarrarFAMILY: Mandy Farrar

Bashful (5)Beloved CatDONOR: Ronald KingFAMILY: Ronald & Karen King

Bonds & TaxesBeloved CatsDONOR: Judith Nelson & Eileen OgleFAMILY: Mike & Elaine Broida

Boo Mulvihill (6)Beloved Friend & CompanionDONOR: Patricia MulvihillFAMILY: Patricia Mulvihill

Boone (7)Beloved Therapy DogDONOR: Brigitte SchmidtFAMILY: Connie Fredman

BrewerBeloved Golden RetrieverDONOR: ds+f TeamFAMILY: Sherry Cushman & Don Schaaf

BridgerBeloved DogDONOR: Valley Veterinary ClinicFAMILY: Anderson Family

Callie & WinstonBeloved PetsDONOR: Lawrence NicklesFAMILY: Lawrence Nickles

Candi & HeatherBeloved Smooth ColliesDONOR: Carol S. MartinFAMILY: Carol S. Martin

CassieBeloved CatDONOR: Suzanne UnderwoodFAMILY: John & Brenda Muench

Chance (8)Beloved Close Friend & Treasured Family MemberDONOR: Laurie NortonFAMILY: Melissa Weber

Cherry (9)Beloved Faithful CompanionDONOR: Pam & Don Goss Fund for FriendsFAMILY: Donald & Pam Goss

CliffordBelovedDONOR: Nicole TanguyFAMILY: Nicole Tanguy

Cosmo (10)Beloved FriendDONOR: Linda & Paul SpanglerFAMILY: Linda & Paul Spangler

Darby & Gunner (11)Beloved PetsDONOR: Marion SatterthwaiteFAMILY: Marion Satterthwaite

Deion (12)Beloved PetDONOR: Lois Kietur & Owen UllmannFAMILY: Lois Kietur & Owen Ullmann

DragonBeloved St. BernardDONOR: Clara YauFAMILY: Clara Yau

DubyaBeloved Golden RetrieverDONOR: Major & Judy ParkFAMILY: Major & Judy Park

EmmaBeloved PetDONOR: Burns Egan Byrne, P.A.FAMILY: Thomas Byrne

George (13)Beloved PetDONOR: Nancy DickensonFAMILY: Nancy Dickenson

Gracie (14)Beloved CompanionDONOR: Gregory Parr & Edward HammondFAMILY: Gregory Parr & Edward Hammond

Grand FlightBeloved Dressage HorseDONOR: Ann & Peter AndersonFAMILY: Janice Niwa

Gwen (15)Beloved GreyhoundDONOR: Donna WhiteFAMILY: Jamie White

Holly (16)Beloved Golden RetrieverDONOR: Thomas & Ellen KomadinaFAMILY: Thomas & Ellen Komadina

Honcho (17)Beloved DogDONOR: Judith W. DitfurthFAMILY: Judith W. Ditfurth

HopsBeloved DogDONOR: Jules Vogel & Jay KinnFAMILY: Jules Vogel & Jay Kinn

Isis (18)Beloved GreyhoundDONOR: Linda & Skip FlahertyFAMILY: Linda & Skip Flaherty

Jade (19)Beloved Best Friend, Companion & Most Incredible AussieDONOR: Karen QuallsFAMILY: Karen Qualls

Jeremy (20)Beloved BulldogDONOR: Judith W. DitfurthFAMILY: Judith W. Ditfurth

JillBeloved DonkeyDONOR: Donald & Pam GossFAMILY: Emily Elias

Jorge (21)Beloved Companion & Dear FriendDONOR: Kaete ElliottFAMILY: Rachel Kuschner

Kelly (22)Beloved FriendDONOR: Linda & Paul SpanglerFAMILY: Linda & Paul Spangler

Kitikat (23)Beloved CatDONOR: Dr. Larissa J. TaylorFAMILY: Dr. Larissa J. Taylor

Maggie (24)Beloved GreyhoundDONOR: Jo Ann Stephan & Nancy SingerFAMILY: Chris & Lori Haberman-Wilson

Mario (25)Beloved PetDONOR: Happy Tails Pet ServicesFAMILY: Don & Julie Morton

Mollie (26)Beloved Best Friend & Most Loyal CompanionDONOR: Michael & Christine LandryFAMILY: KT Torello & Linda Benedetti

Murphy (27)Beloved Friend, Lover of All CreaturesDONOR: GREYlongFAMILY: Lori & Chris Haberman-Wilson

Murray (28)Beloved FriendDONOR: Penny & Bill Carlson, Joanne Dickson, & Bryan Haag, DVMFAMILY: Bonnie White

Olivia (29)Beloved GreyhoundDONOR: Adele GuayFAMILY: Adele Guay

Paddy Paw (30)Beloved FriendDONOR: Linda & Paul SpanglerFAMILY: Linda & Paul Spangler

Patch (31)Beloved CompanionDONOR: Gregory Parr & Edward HammondFAMILY: Gregory Parr & Edward Hammond

PeachesBeloved PetDONOR: Diane NaegeleFAMILY: Kathy & David Jeal

Peachy Davis (32)Beloved Maine Coon CatDONOR: Sherry B. DavisFAMILY: Sherry B. Davis

PimpBeloved BoxerDONOR: Carol S. MartinFAMILY: Jerome & Michelle Travers

Porter (33)Beloved DogDONOR: Sarah MathesonFAMILY: Sarah & Sadie Matheson

Princess & SimbaBeloved PetsDONOR: Linda & James ZanettiFAMILY: Linda & James Zanetti

Ritzi (34)Beloved Friend & CompanionDONOR: Joel Pritkin & Bill JonesFAMILY: Cas Overton

Samantha (35)Beloved Best Friend & SweetheartDONOR: Angie SambucoFAMILY: Angie, Susie & Casey

SchnitzelBeloved GreyhoundDONOR: Stuart & Cindy StrattonFAMILY: Stuart & Cindy Stratton

Schnitzel (36)Beloved PetDONOR: W. Allen MillisFAMILY: Connie & Allen Millis

Shawnee (37)Beloved DogDONOR: Dale & Linda BarbeeFAMILY: Ashlynn & Cameron Hataway

Sophie (38)Beloved CompanionDONOR: Diane & Owen LynchFAMILY: Diane & Owen Lynch

StriderBeloved PetDONOR: Jonathan LongleyFAMILY: Jonathan Longley

SukiBeloved Siamese CatDONOR: Jeffrey Jens & Ann BoisclairFAMILY: Jeffrey Jens & Ann Boisclair

SunnyBeloved Golden RetrieverDONOR: Major & Judy ParkFAMILY: The Ellington Family

Tallulah (39)Beloved FriendDONOR: Linda & Paul SpanglerFAMILY: Linda & Paul Spangler

TessyBeloved PetDONOR: Penny & Bill CarlsonFAMILY: Johnny Lambert

Tobias (40)Beloved PetDONOR: JoAnn MarlinFAMILY: Donna & Paul Lahti

Trina (41)Beloved RottweilerDONOR: Ronald Yucas & John DeForgeFAMILY: Estella & Olavo Garcia and Ariuska & Phonzo Pearson

Truman (42)Beloved Friend & CompanionDONOR: The Truman Collar WebsiteFAMILY: Debby & Terry Fitch

TurkBeloved DogDONOR: Ron McAlister, DVMFAMILY: Ron McAlister, DVM

TylerBeloved PetDONOR: Katharine IrwinFAMILY: Katharine Irwin

Wiley (43)Beloved BeagleDONOR: Brenda Heaster & Keith RitterFAMILY: The Heaster, Ritter, Robb, & O’Bryan Families

Winkie (44)Beloved Calico ManxDONOR: Geof & Nancy GordonFAMILY: Lorraine Vasconcelles

Zoey (45)Beloved German Shorthaired PointerDONOR: Ronald Yucas & John DeForgeFAMILY: Cecelia & Michael Reed

consider beneficiary designations

Planned gifts are an important part of ensuring Morris Animal Foundation’s future ability to advance animal health. Although a will is the most common way to leave a charitable legacy, there are other simple options. Retirement plans, IRAs and life insurance policies are not controlled by the terms of your will, but instead use separate beneficiary designation forms to determine who receives these assets.

retirement plans and IRAs

If you want to help create a healthier tomorrow for animals, even after you are gone, consider a tax-wise gift from your retirement plan or IRA. Generally, retirement plan assets left to anyone other than a spouse will generate more taxable income to the beneficiary than any other asset in your estate. Thus, it is usually better to leave taxable assets, such as retirement accounts and IRAs, to tax-exempt charitable organizations such as Morris Animal Foundation and leave nontaxable assets to your loved ones. See the boxed example.

life insurance policies

Life insurance may also be an excellent tool for creating your charitable legacy. Perhaps you once purchased life insurance to provide security for loved ones, but now their needs have

changed and the life insurance is no longer necessary. Why not use the life insurance benefits to help advance our mission after your lifetime? You can designate Morris Animal Foundation as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your life insurance policy’s death benefit. You may choose whatever percent you desire, and it is revocable at any time.

completing your gift

Simply contact your retirement plan or IRA administrator, or your life insurance company or agent, to request a beneficiary designation form. Always keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

the importance of updating your designations

Beneficiary designations can be modified at any time to meet your changing needs without the formality associated with executing a will. Experts suggest reviewing them every two to three years in conjunction with your other estate plans.

Independent advisers should always be consulted before you make a charitable gift with tax or other financial implications. B

Compare the Tax Consequences$100,000 IRA left to an Individual vs. Morris Animal Foundation

IRA Beneficiary Individual Morris Animal Foundation

Value of IRA at death $100,000 $100,000

Federal income taxes* – $35,000 – $0

Net amount to beneficiary $65,000 $100,000

*Assumes a 35 percent marginal income tax bracket

Example: Doris has named Morris Animal Foundation as the sole beneficiary of her $100,000 IRA. When Doris dies, the Foundation will receive the entire $100,000 to help us fulfill our mission. By comparison, if Doris were to leave the IRA to her sister, her sister will owe a sizable amount of income tax and receive only $65,000.

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Simple ways to leave your legacy

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B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S

officersMark J. Carter, Chair (Evergreen, CO) Stanley M. Teeter, Vice Chair (Topeka, KS)Roger H. Bohart, Treasurer (Boulder, CO) Amy Hunkeler, Corporate Secretary (Lee’s Summit, MO)Deborah Davenport, Scientific Liaison (Lecompton, KS)

board membersPrema Arasu (Pullman, WA) Jim Dickie (Boulder, CO) Robin A. Downing (Windsor, CO) Susan Giovengo (Mason, OH) James A. Kutsch Jr. (Morristown, NJ) Hugh B. Lewis (Vancouver, WA) Lon D. Lewis (Topeka, KS) Patrick O. Long (Corvallis, OR) Bette M. Morris (Topeka, KS) David R. Morris (Shawnee, KS)Judith Needham (Hunt Valley, MD)Janice Peterson (Ocean Park, WA) Dominic Travis (St. Paul, MN) Cheryl A. Wagner (Roswell, GA)Betty White (Los Angeles, CA)

presidents emeritiTom SullivanBetty White

trustees emeritiEve AndersonPatty BarnardG. Marvin BeemanErik BergishagenLewis BermanR. Anthony ChamberlinMrs. Robert V. Clark Jr.Robert DettermanSue Ane Langdon EmrekLester Fisher

PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN TO ASK PET HEALTH QUESTIONS.

Our staff is unable to provide veterinary medical advice. The opinions of study investigators may not necessarily be those of your companion animal’s veterinarian.

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization and is tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Service regulation 501(c)(3). Our audited financial statement and state registration information are available upon request.Materials, including photographs and artwork, in this publication may be reprinted only with the permission of

You can make a big impact on animal health by giving small monthly gifts. Gifts of any amount add up quickly. Morris Animal Foundation is happy to offer automatic monthly billing, which allows you to set aside a regular monthly gift—as low as $10 a month—that offers animals the opportunity for longer, healthier lives. Choose the dollar amount and Morris Animal Foundation will bill your credit card each month. Just visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/monthly-giving today.

Morris Animal Foundation. Please write or call to receive financial information or permission to reprint materials:Morris Animal Foundation, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Suite B430, Denver, Colorado 80231, or call us at 800.243.2345.

To remove your name from Morris Animal Foundation’s mailing list, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call us at 800.243.2345.

©2012 Morris Animal Foundation. All rights reserved.

PLEASE USE THE ENVELOPE INSERTED IN THIS ISSUE TO PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION AND TO ALERT US OF DUPLICATE MAILINGS. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US SAVE POSTAGE COSTS.

Monthly gifts add up

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S T A F F

executiveDavid Haworth, President/CEO Wayne A. Jensen, Chief Scientif ic Off icerDan Reed, Executive Development Off icerJohn Taylor, Chief Operating Off icer

animalnews editorHeidi Jeter, Director of Communications

animalnews contributorsAlex Jimenez Allison ToniniKelley Weir

For a full listing of Morris Animal Foundation staff, please visit the About Us section at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

H O U R S & C O N T A C T I N F O

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time

TOLL-FREE 800.243.2345 P 303.790.2345 E [email protected]

10200 East Girard Avenue Suite B430Denver, Colorado 80231www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

www.facebook.com/morrisanimal

twitter.com/morris_animal

S P O N S O R SThank you to the generous animal lovers who sponsored studies featured in this issue at a level ranging from $3,000 per year to the full cost of the project:

Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research

Hadley & Marion Stuart Foundation

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Mars Petcare

Merial

The Morris Family

Petco

Pfizer Animal Health

VCA/AntechMorris Animal Foundation has received the highest charity rating.

Alpaca Research Foundation Inc.

Anonymous (2)Arabian Horse Association

of ArizonaBichon Frise Club

of AmericaBlue Buffalo Foundation

for Cancer ResearchAnn CampbellSandy & Scott CampbellRobert & Ginger DettermanEdna B. EllingsonGerminder & AssociatesGolden Retriever FoundationHadley & Marion Stuart

FoundationDr. & Mrs. Martin V. HaspelKaty Trail Animal HospitalKenneth A. Scott

Charitable TrustKirkpatrick Foundation Inc.Arlene & Ron Klein

Dr. & Mrs. Lon D. LewisMaddie’s FundDr. Douglas & Kathryn

MillerAnn B. MooreOrthopedic Foundation

for Animals Petfinder.com FoundationPetSmart CharitiesPfizer Animal HealthPrecious Cat Inc.Pug Dog Club of AmericaRex & Nelle Jackson

FoundationJanet SwansonThe Treehouse Fund Neil & Sylvia Van Sloun,

the Van Sloun FoundationWaltham FoundationMark Weinrott & Lauren

Bouton Rebecca & Dean M. Willard

C A N I N E L I F E T I M E H E A L T H P R O j E C T

sponsors

Murray FowlerRichard GebhardtAlan Kalter Arlene KleinDaniel Marsh Jr.Dayle MarshDennis Murphy Peter RhulenKen RosenthalMary Silkworth

10200 East Girard Avenue Suite B430Denver, Colorado 80231

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

***PAID***MORRIS ANIMAL

FOUNDATION

Please use the envelope inserted in this issue to provide updated information and to alert us of duplicate mailings. Thank you for helping us save postage costs.

Lend a hand to make animals’ lives better.Morris Animal Foundation has been funding studies that advance animal health and welfare for companion animals, horses and wildlife since 1948. Your gift goes a long way toward helping animals enjoy longer, healthier lives. Please donate today to help us get a better hold on health.