Should I Neuter My Dog? The Shocking Risks Of Neutering Early

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHSkgiztpqFu0DDnSguae3YNQpO9jLea1jlxaaPrgdMj18MXnaD9pVY__4DAlFIm7OwutHnAv5jHpQuc24OFoJLo8syFBPApfmr5DYAtuCqk2ZnEcuV3s7ZK-wWac6xb6hBJbFboSURKe/s1600/perro-callejero-25761284295635BD3k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHSkgiztpqFu0DDnSguae3YNQpO9jLea1jlxaaPrgdMj18MXnaD9pVY__4DAlFIm7OwutHnAv5jHpQuc24OFoJLo8syFBPApfmr5DYAtuCqk2ZnEcuV3s7ZK-wWac6xb6hBJbFboSURKe/s320/perro-callejero-25761284295635BD3k.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intact male dogs tend to live longer healthier lives<br />Image: Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Images of frightened, discarded cats and dogs in shelters tug at our hearts and serve to encourage the public to embrace the spaying and neutering of pets as a way to reduce the unwanted pet population. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The burgeoning population of abandoned cats and dogs has increased in tough economic times. A growing trend in the animal welfare and rescue community has been to spay and neuter cats and dogs prior to releasing their charges to their new adoptive families.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the case of young kittens and puppies, some of the more zealous of these organizations have begun spaying and neutering puppies as early as 6 -8 weeks of age.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Research regarding the long term benefits and risks that such early intervention may have on the physical development of the adult dog is many years away. However we can look to existing research for the effects on the health of dogs spayed or neutered prior to one year of age.  The surprising results of these studies inform the advisability of altering male dogs as well as the age that spay or neuter may be appropriate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2007, Laura J. Sanborn, M.S. published a study, “Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs.”  This study reviewed much of the existing veterinary medical literature, over 50 peer-reviewed articles, in an attempt to access the health impacts of spaying and neutering dogs, and to aid veterinary care providers and pet owners in making more informed decisions regarding the advisability of spay / neuter as well as appropriate timing in the dog’s development for surgery. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Health Benefits and Risks of Neutered Male Dogs</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veterinarians regularly tout the health benefits associated with neutering male puppies.  Reduction of prostate cancer is frequently cited as a benefit, additionally prevention of testicular cancer is also cited as an important consideration in the long term health of the dog.  While neutering will eliminate the risk of dying from testicular cancer, the risk of developing this cancer and dying from it, for an intact dog, is less than one percent. And while prostate cancer in humans is linked to testosterone, studies show that in canines it appears to have an opposite effect on them than it does on humans.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Benefits of neutering</b> found in a review of the medical studies included moderate reduction in the likelihood of males developing:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">perianal fistulas</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">non-cancerous prostate disorders</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and possibly a reduction in the risk of developing diabetes</span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the benefits associated with neutering males in this study appear minimal, the increased risk of developing several cancers, obesity, orthopedic disorders and adverse reactions to vaccinations is substantial. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Risks: Neutered Male Dogs vs. Intact Males:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neutered males are 1.6 times more likely to develop <a href="http://themodernbark.blogspot.com/2013/05/4-promising-studies-early-detection-and.html" target="_blank">Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma</a> than their intact counter parts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are twice as likely to develop Urinary Tract Cancer than intact males</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are four times more likely to develop Prostate Cancer than intact males.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience a 27% increase in adverse reactions to vaccinations over their intact counterparts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if neutering is done prior to 1 year of age, it substantially increases the risk of the more common cancer <a href="http://themodernbark.blogspot.com/2013/04/osteosarcoma-in-dogs-diagnosis.html" target="_blank">Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)</a>. </span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additionally, neutered dogs are 4 times more likely to be obese than their intact counterparts, in fact neutering triples the risks of hypothyroidism, which causes weight gain, lethargy and hair loss.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps due to being overweight, neutered dogs also experience a higher risk of developing orthopedic disorders and are at greater risk for progressive geriatric cognitive impairment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weighing the benefits against the increased health risks associated with neutering male dogs, it appears from this study that the risks far outweigh the benefits, with one major exception. Unilateral and bilateral cryptorchism, or undescended testicles,when not neutered, results in a 13 times greater chance of developing testicular cancer.  While prognosis for treatment of testicular cancer is good, a 90% cure rate, it is advisable to neuter these dogs.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TZvAsJfKdqxLy_iFr9XgTFChtSKAV7QHmHlZlAf1K8SgUmS8GEDIrg7Gcs798ow9DYV1Z_UdreaGdcI34XFYbjWWvUxojnUjHzuZFxvv5wzp-82NKsW7_ORoaeu1t6w0pKOPCmpWt2tv/s1600/fire-hydrant-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TZvAsJfKdqxLy_iFr9XgTFChtSKAV7QHmHlZlAf1K8SgUmS8GEDIrg7Gcs798ow9DYV1Z_UdreaGdcI34XFYbjWWvUxojnUjHzuZFxvv5wzp-82NKsW7_ORoaeu1t6w0pKOPCmpWt2tv/s200/fire-hydrant-2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marking behavior normally occurs when </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there are intact females in the home</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marking Indoors</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many owners wish to eliminate the tendency of male dogs to mark territory, by neutering males before they reach sexual maturity.  In fact males neutered around 6 months of age frequently never learn to “hike” their legs, and eliminate in the same manner as puppies and female dogs do. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, with proper training, males will learn not to mark or hike their legs indoors.  It is only when males are exposed to intact females and their estrus cycle, that the male marking behavior becomes a challenge inside the home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aggression Reduction</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reason cited for neutering males is to reduce or eliminate aggressive behavior. Intact dogs are not welcome at dog parks and for good reason.  A pair of intact males presented with an intact female in estrus will likely result in a display of aggression between the males. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dominant males will want to assert themselves, and the cost to your dog's health and your wallet are not worth the risk.  If you are keeping an intact male dog, respect the rules of dog parks and most municipal and county laws. Keep your dog on leash or confined at all times. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Lifespan Intact vs. Neutered Males</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a recent study at University of Georgia, researchers examined records of over 40,000 dogs to determine whether intact males or neutered males live longer.  While they too found that neutered males tend to die of certain cancers at a higher rate than their intact counterparts, overall the neutered dogs had, on average, a longer lifespan.  The study showed that intact males and females tended to die more frequently of infectious disease at an earlier age than the spayed and neutered dogs in the study.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It should be noted that the dogs in this study were from teaching hospitals, and the results might be different in private veterinary practices.  It is not known whether the intact males and females were pets or strays and what level of care they had received prior to admission.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPKAF7bZVAwDERdT2TkoD7ZrVfciTOfo_BjcuhPQIjDFfdrrHVb-nF8P3WbwQVybPdaRFD5Fb-lYjQ2eoNirgOsxKYNLYUIWqu4WBmU_6PWoylQ3a9Xn4Wgm_1XDhzfoebcui5O4gd_ZS/s1600/lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPKAF7bZVAwDERdT2TkoD7ZrVfciTOfo_BjcuhPQIjDFfdrrHVb-nF8P3WbwQVybPdaRFD5Fb-lYjQ2eoNirgOsxKYNLYUIWqu4WBmU_6PWoylQ3a9Xn4Wgm_1XDhzfoebcui5O4gd_ZS/s320/lab.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=31959&picture=dog" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should We Neuter Our Dog?</span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a breed that is predisposed to developing certain cancers such as osteosarcoma,<a href="http://themodernbark.blogspot.com/2013/05/4-promising-studies-early-detection-and.html" target="_blank"> lymphoma or hemangiosarcomo,</a> and you have a well fenced yard, you may want to leave your male intact.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The research clearly shows that the earlier that you spay or neuter your pet, they greater the risk is of developing one of the aforementioned cancers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, recent research also suggests that neutered males live longer than intact males. If you opt for neutering, we suggest that you wait until your dog’s first birthday to alter him.  While many vets advocate neutering at 6 months, it appears that hormones from the reproductive system are aiding in the development of the dog’s autoimmune system. Allowing him to reach sexual maturity will give him the advantage that these hormones provide, and hopefully extend his lifespan as well as the quality of his final years.</span></div><script type="text/javascript"><!-- amazon_ad_tag = "bungonews-20"; amazon_ad_width = "300"; amazon_ad_height = "250";//--></script><script src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/s/ads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

4 Promising Studies: Early Detection and Treatment Options for Canine Hemangiosarcoma

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVosnCi37_zLvwICFPaliIpAR73vdVVP-Hhvf-O2c5Xmzzqlu_RZ98uwodGno43sTr2blk37i8LPCU0WkMCQCp1N2dI0UpNftukMnq7rb1SS-xfqy5HA1-qK3MbfzW4BuD8POrrtSNsJm/s1600/golden-retriever-dog-1364426710r9x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVosnCi37_zLvwICFPaliIpAR73vdVVP-Hhvf-O2c5Xmzzqlu_RZ98uwodGno43sTr2blk37i8LPCU0WkMCQCp1N2dI0UpNftukMnq7rb1SS-xfqy5HA1-qK3MbfzW4BuD8POrrtSNsJm/s320/golden-retriever-dog-1364426710r9x.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=35696&picture=golden-retriever-dog" target="_blank">Courtesy of Public Domain Images</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer found almost exclusively in dogs. A relatively common canine cancer (6-8% of all canine cancers) it is estimated that 2 million of 73 million dogs currently alive in the United States will develop the disease and die from it.<br /><br />At this time, it is considered incurable, as it remains symptomless until the advanced stages of the disease.  The current standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, have proven to extend the life to the affected dog a mere median of 180 days with surgery alone, and an additionally 180 days with chemotherapy added to surgical intervention.<br /><br />In the wake of these poor treatment outcomes, research has focused on<a href="http://themodernbark.blogspot.com/2013/03/15-warning-signs-of-cancer-in-dogs.html" target="_blank"> early detection </a>of the disease as well as a new, very promising alternative medicine approach.<br /><br /></div><h3>Hemangiosarcoma</h3><div class="MsoNormal">Hemangiosarcoma is an indolent cancer, meaning it initially develops very slowly, asymptomatically and painlessly.  The most common primary sites of the disease are the spleen, right atrium of the heart and the tissue beneath the skin.  In the later stages of the disease, the cancer aggressively metastasizes to the lungs, liver and intestines.   While dogs of any age and breed may be susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, it occurs more commonly in dogs beyond middle age, and has a higher incidence in breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs and Skye Terriers, suggesting a genetic component is involved.<br /><br /></div><h3>The Canine Genome</h3><div class="MsoNormal">The completion of the Canine Genome Project has spurred research into the genetic components of a wide variety of physical ailments believed to have heritable factors. Researchers at Modiano Lab at the University of Minnesota have taken an interest in the genetic components contributing to hemangiosarcoma.   Three of the more promising approaches involve mapping the risk alleles associated with the disease, determining the genetic, breed-specific abnormalities of the tumors themselves and developing a blood test for early detection of cancer cells via flow cytology.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first project, developed in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Breen, focused on the possibility of breed specific abnormalities that may be detectable in tumors arising in dogs of different breeds. The initial results were promising; the data showed that tumors from dogs of one specific breed are functionally and genetically more similar to each other than they are to tumors from dogs of other breeds. This information demonstrates that heritable risk factors contribute to the development of canine cancer. More importantly, these results are the first step toward developing prevention and treatment strategies that address the specific causes underlying the biology of canine hemangiosarcoma.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The second project of great promise, developed in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has begun the process of mapping the risk alleles for the development of both Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma in the following target breeds:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJhMAFPqipxzL7E3EEZzwAjSxDJTzRRkIBUhuFBxZCgmG62IG79ypQJmPqbOi1hnzJgMT9PZ1BU5MwnR5xUkizZkZ02nDB-gQM_sTZhCrKn_qO2xyt-l8qTl0Y0fK0urtBp6r_CXtKsMu/s1600/Turkey+Tail+Fungus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJhMAFPqipxzL7E3EEZzwAjSxDJTzRRkIBUhuFBxZCgmG62IG79ypQJmPqbOi1hnzJgMT9PZ1BU5MwnR5xUkizZkZ02nDB-gQM_sTZhCrKn_qO2xyt-l8qTl0Y0fK0urtBp6r_CXtKsMu/s1600/Turkey+Tail+Fungus.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Tail Fungus - Penn State's Magic Mushrooms see below<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Courtesy of Wallwork Family Pages</span><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Source:<a href="http://www.wallwork.me.uk/backgrounds.html" style="color: #551a8b; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.wallwork.me.uk/backgrounds.html</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Australian Shepherd</li><li>Bernese Mountain Dog</li><li>Border Collie</li><li>Boxer</li><li>Briard</li><li>Bullmastiff</li><li>Cocker Spaniel</li><li>Flat-coated Retriever</li><li>German Shepherd Dog</li><li>Golden Retriever</li><li>Greyhound</li><li>Irish Setter</li><li>Keeshond</li><li>Labrador Retriever</li><li>Mastiff</li><li>Poodle</li><li>Portuguese Water Dog</li><li>Rottweiler</li><li>Vizsla</li><li>Saluki</li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal">Researchers are currently seeking samples for this research in the form of blood samples and tumor samples with associated pedigree information.  Samples from mixed breeds and other breeds are welcome from both healthy (aged) dogs and affected dogs.  To learn more about how to contribute to the project visit the <a href="http://www.modianolab.org/studyInfo/studyInfo_index.shtm" target="_blank">Modiano Labs website</a>.<br /><br /></div><h3>Early Cancer Detection: Flow Cytometry</h3><div class="MsoNormal">Once we have a genetic test that can forewarn us of a genetic predisposition to developing specific cancers, we will want to be able to detect the disease at an early stage of its development, well before it becomes symptomatic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As cancer tumors grow, they shed cells into the blood stream.  However, the tumor cells are shed so infrequently that they cannot be detected in routine blood tests. Enter the technology called flow cytometry. Here cells are “tagged” with fluorescent molecules that identify their lineage of origin, they are then run through an instrument (the flow cytometer) that combines optics and fluidics information through a software capable of analyzing hundreds of thousands of cells in a matter of minutes.<br /><br />Researchers have employed this technology, and have successfully shown proof of principle for this test. Idexx Laboratories has licensed the technology from the University of Colorado, although the ultimate affordability of employing this technology in local veterinary practices tests remains to be seen.  Another issue with this technology, is that it does not tell us where the site of origin of the tumor is. Early treatment will therefore need to be able to treat the disease independent of the site of origin.<br /><br /></div><h3>The Biggest Breakthrough In Hemangiosarcoma Cancer Treatment: Penn State’s Magic Mushrooms</h3><div class="MsoNormal">In a Penn State study funded by Chinese Medicine Holding LTD. and released in September 2012, dogs with hemangiosarcoma were treated with a compound derived from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, resulting in the longest survival times ever reported for dogs with the disease. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, known commonly as the Yunzhi mushroom, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. A compound within the mushroom, polysaccharopeptide, or PSP, is believed to have immune-boosting properties. Over the past two decades, studies have indicated that PSP may also have a tumor-fighting effect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Penn State researchers studied dogs with naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma to see what effects, the Yunzhi mushroom would have on their patients. Fifteen dogs that had been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma participated in the trial. Divided into three groups of five, each group received a different dose — 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day — of <b><a href="http://www.imyunityfordogs.com/order-now.html#!/~/product/id=18691546" target="_blank">I’m-Yunity</a></b>, a formulation of PSP which is also readily available over the Internet. The dog owners were instructed to give their dog a capsule of I’m-Yunity, daily. The owners brought their dogs to Penn’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital for follow-up visits on a monthly basis for blood sample testings and ultrasounds to determine the extent that tumors had developed or spread in the dogs’ bodies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">“We were shocked,” Cimino Brown said of Penn State. “Prior to this, the longest reported median survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen that underwent no further treatment was 86 days. We had dogs that lived beyond a year with nothing other than this mushroom as treatment.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only had the dog’s survival times increased with the use of PSP, but unlike chemotherapy, there were no reported side effects.  Dogs receiving the highest dosage, 100 mg/day, had the longest median survival time, however the difference in survival times between dosages was not statistically significant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While not inexpensive, this treatment is certainly more affordable than chemotherapy.  Those on tight budgets, may consider using this supplement at the lower dosage without fear of significantly impacting survival rates.  However, it should be noted that while the PSP, I’m Yunity, extends life and improves quality of life, it has not been shown to be a cure for hemangiosarcoma.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Penn State researchers are preparing to pursue further trials of I’m-Yunity in dogs with hemangiosarcoma to confirm and refine their results. One upcoming trial will compare I’m-Yunity to a placebo for those owners who choose not to pursue chemotherapy for their pet; the other will compare the compound with the current standard-of-care, chemotherapy.<br /><br /><h4>Here are some options for Organic Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract </h4> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CDAHGHA&asins=B00CDAHGHA&linkId=PXXVBRHALUJ4UTUA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B009EV6762&asins=B009EV6762&linkId=7BPU4X7KTGGQWIJH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000I4DHXK&asins=B000I4DHXK&linkId=3632AZP2VJQY62JH&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />The liquid form may be easier to administer.  The capsules are 500mg, so you would need to open the capsule and shake out 1/4 of the mushroom extract. For larger dogs (80 lbs and up) you may want to give them one third of a capsule or approximately 165mg.<br /><br />We will keep you posted as more information comes in from the ongoing Penn State Research.<br /><br />For information on Canine Osteosarcoma please <a href="http://themodernbark.blogspot.com/2013/04/osteosarcoma-in-dogs-diagnosis.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>

UGA Researchers' Findings: Canine Parainfluenza Virus leads to Breakthroughs in Human Vaccines

<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Mighty dogs to the rescue. Once again, our canine companions are assisting in providing invaluable medical advances to mankind.  Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect early stages of cancer as well as super bug infections in patients with hospital acquired infections. Now comes another gift from Man's Best Friend!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that a virus commonly found in dogs, the parainfluenza virus (PIV5), could serve as the foundation for the next great breakthrough in human vaccine development. </span><span style="line-height: 15px;">PIV5, which does not cause disease in humans</span><span style="line-height: 15px;">, contributes to upper respiratory infections in dogs, and therefore is  targeted in many canine vaccines.  As the virus does not affect humans, researchers turned their eyes towards it as a potential delivery mechanism for human </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">vaccines against</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"> diseases that have previously alluded  development.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Science has successfully used viruses to create vaccines in the past, although for some perilous pathogens it has been difficult develop an effective vaccine.  Such pathogens include most notably HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. The researchers at UGA have found that by placing antigens from other viruses or parasites inside PIV5, it effectively becomes a delivery vehicle that exposes the human immune system to specific pathogens, which in turn allows our immune systems to create the antibodies that protect against future infection.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 15px;">Said Biao He, Professor of Infectious Disease at UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine and lead researcher,  "We can use this virus as a vector for all kinds of pathogens that are difficult to vaccinate against.  We have developed a very strong H5N1 flu vaccine with this technique, but we are also working on vaccines for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria."</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>This technique ensures full exposure to the vaccine, and is much safer, as it does not require the use of attenuated, or weakened, pathogens. Using this approach, an HIV vaccine delivered by PIV5 would contain only those parts of the HIV virus necessary to create immunity, making it impossible to contract the disease from the vaccine.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is estimated that 34 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus, with 3.3 million of them under the age of 15.  The leading cause of death for people living with HIV is tuberculosis.  These exciting findings bring new hope to areas of the world lacking the educational resources to help combat the spread of these diseases.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />To learn more about the study click here to visit <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127111350.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily.com's article.</a></span><script type="text/javascript"><!-- amazon_ad_tag = "bungonews-20"; amazon_ad_width = "300"; amazon_ad_height = "250";//--></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/s/ads.js"></script>