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Stem Cell Transplants For Incurable and Untreatable …

April 24th, 2019 6:51 am

BCRO fetal precursor cell transplantation, has been usedsuccessfully for 80+ years as treatment of many diseases

in documented over 5 millions of patients worldwide. Physicians can learn about it in a textbook by E. Michael Molnar, M.D.:Fetal Precursor Cell Transplantation, BCRO Fetal Precursor Cell Transplantation, published in 2014 by http://www.amazon.com On the same web site the general readership can find out all about it in the book by the same author: Treatment of Incurable and No Longer Treatable Diseases, published in January 2015, as well as in his autobiography: Diseases and Genocide are not Our Destiny. You can buy it as free reader download for PC as well as Kindle Book.

The syllabus on the use of BCRO fetal cell transplantation (BCRO FCT) and BCRO fetal brain cell transplantation as a treatment of incurable/ untreatable diseases of all organ systems (including that of central nervous system!):

1/ Genetic diseases: All of known ~4,500 genetic diseases all incurable/untreatable by current medicine (controlled by the Big Pharma) can be successfully treated by BCRO FCT!

Such a huge statement can be made despite that there is no sufficient proof of results of such treatment for many extremely, or very rare, genetic diseases. In my experience of 26 years, whenever I was asked to treat such patient, the result was a success (of various degree) in practically all of correctly(!) diagnosed patients.

However, it is mandatory that the BCRO FCT treatment be done as soon as the diagnosis is made, i.e. without any major delay. The later in life the patient gets the treatment, the lesser is the chance of success. This applies in particular to the diseases of central nervous system in children, where all BCRO FCT treatments must be completed before reaching the 4th year of life(!).

In 1994 I treated - by request of close friend/colleague and his wife - by BCRO FCT his 24 years old oligophrenic daughter, likewise very close to me. This colleague was a member of Board of Directors of IIBM in Moscow, so he knew that his daughter was way too old to get a positive result from FCT. I treated her twice. Both parents were convinced that their daughter, who is today 48 years old, was noticeably improved by FCTs.

In 2007 our well known Hong Kong colleague, professor of medical school in Vancouver, Canada, advised me about a local TV program, where a mother of 3 years old boy with CHARGE syndrome, a very rare genetic combination of anomalies, in particular deafness and blindness, was begging hospitals and physicians to help her son. I decided to give it a try for free although I did not know anything about CHARGE syndrome, except for the old adage (of mine): when there is nothing known about extremely rare genetic disease, there in nothing wrong with trying BCRO FCT, because it is so safe! After three FCTs about four months apart the success was exceptional, in particular the reversal of blindness and deafness. It was reported on the same Hong Kong local TV station.

Central nervous system is the sole system of the human body, the development of which is not completed until the end of 4th year of life, i.e. the diseases of central nervous system respond to the BCRO FCT very well until then, but the same cannot be expected later on.

Human being is the sole member of animal kingdom, completely unprepared to live independently up until one year of age, i.e. no Tarzan could survive alone in Nature during the first year of his life, without the nurturing of his mother, in this case the gorilla.

Our International Institute of Biological Medicine in Moscow, in existence from 1990 till 1997, carried out a clinical research in collaboration with a Russian Research Center of OB/GYN and Perinatology of RAMS, whereby all newborns with Apgar score 1 3, i.e. with miniscule capacity to survive and to develop as normal human beings, got CT scan of their brain at the age of 2 weeks (no MRI was available then) and if the classical radiological sign of peri-ventricular malacia was found, then at 6 weeks of life the first fetal brain cell transplantation of white matter of brain was carried out, even though no official neurological diagnosis could be obtained as yet. The same treatment was repeated in 4 months, and again in another 4 months, following which the clinical diagnosis was already possible to make, that explained the reason(s) for low Apgar score. Later on, after the age of 1 year, fetal cell transplants of other parts of the brain and other body organs were added, as needed.

If ethics of modern medicine demand a resuscitation of every newborn with a birth weight of 500 grams, and extraordinary intensive care to keep such newly born alive, then medicine and human society should also assure that such newborns get a chance to become more than just permanent wards of chronic care hospitals.

When facing a serious damage of brain, the earlier in life is BCRO FCT done, preferably immediately after the diagnosis is established, (even in utero!), the better will be the outcome, because BCRO FCT cannot repair scar tissue! At such an early age there is no need to transplant fetal brain cells directly into the brain (by intrathecal implantation), a standard implantation works well, because the homing, which delivers fetal cells of the brain where they belong, i.e. into the brain, even if implanted elsewhere in the body, for example under the skin, is most active(!) at that stage of human development.

In other words, in any case of brain damage caused by event in utero, or during birth, treatment by BCRO FCT should be carried out as soon as possible. Later on any such treatment is much less effective, and definitely so if done past the 4th year of life.

Once the child is diagnosed with a cerebral palsy after 4th year of life, BCRO FCT, or any other, will have a much diminished effect, if any. Parents of cerebral palsy children spend enormous amount of time and money seeking treatment at the time when it is already too late.

One such child born at Russian Research Center of Mother and Child of RAMS in Moscow, was diagnosed at the age of 9 months with a congenital deafness, but already at that age the hearing loss was diminished to 60%, thanks to fetal brain cell transplantation, as was done already at 6 weeks of life( !).

Such very early BCRO FCT treatments were exceptionally appeciated in cases, where the newborn was extremely wanted by the parents.

2/ Chromosomal diseases, such as Down syndrome, with an incidence of 1:500 of live births, the most common among chromosomal and genetic diseases, and its treatment by fetal cell transplantation, proved to the world that hopeless inborn childhood diseases can be helped by such treatment quite well. It was the tremendous work of Prof.Dr. Franz Schmid, of Germany, born in Czechoslovakia, as Sudeten-German, No.1 expert in cell therapy, until his death in 1997 (next after the official father of this treatment Prof.Dr. Paul Niehans).

Major West German statistics of 1950 1990s proved that fetal cell transplantation, following the rules described above under genetic diseases, did allow Down syndrome children to enter the regular German public schools, which are much more difficult, than the private ones, successfully finish 8 years course of studies, obtain a vocational education, which prepared them to get regular jobs, in at least 50% of instances.

Our IIBM in Moscow started its treatment with IIBM FCT in early December 1992 by starting with our first patient: 2 years old boy with Down syndrome (in honor of our Director Prof.Dr. F. Schmid). Right after, our first study was commenced, comparing two matched groups of Down syndrome patients, all 2 years old, one treated with FCT, and the second not treated. Of the second group 50 % of patients died within 8 months - before they reached the age of 3 years! This was the last comparative study ever for IIBM to do.

In 1993 came to us in Moscow a 4 years old girl from Puerto Rico, who was previously treated by German cell therapy by Prof.Dr. Schmid. Her father wanted to compare the results of our FCT with cell therapy. It happened that the patient was in Moscow at the same week as Mike Wallace of CBS 60 Minutes was doing his most valuable report about me and IIBM. Mike Wallace talked the father to let him to film his daughter: as usual he betrayed the trust of father, as he made fun of the patient and her father in his usual way.

The patient had very good result, so the family decided to have FCT No. 4 in 4 months.

When the patient was entering the school at the age of 6, the laws of Puerto Rico required the entrance exam by clinical psychologist. The father wrote me a letter, excited that the Ph.D. psychologist pronounced his daughter as normal and she entered the school for normal children. He added, that Mike Wallace better did not show his face ever in Puerto Rico, because he will learn how hospitable Puerto Ricans can be

The patient was lucky because her parents believed in FCT and started her treatment when she was 2 years old. These patients have only one real handicap, even after FCT: lack of abstract thinking, thus they will not become Albert Einsteins

There has been also a success in FCT treatment of Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Greig syndrome.

3/ Cerebral palsy has been successfully treated by BCRO FCT for years as long as treatment began prior to the age of 4 which was practically never!

With dyskinetic and ataxic CP children there is frequently a therapeutic success even if BCRO FCT is done even later, but not past the age of 10.

In hypotonic forms BCRO FCT treatment should be tried once, even if the patient is already past the age of 4, as there may be some therapeutic success, in which case additional treatment - every 4 months - should be done, as long there is appreciable positive result.

4/ Classical autism (Kanner autism, described in 1943) treatment by BCRO FCT was pioneered by myself, in 2007 in Hong Kong, where the colleague of mine, previously the professor of medical school in Vancouver, Canada, asked me to donate my time to give a consultation to the parents of a 9 years old boy with a classical autism. I was aware, that based on official teaching of all California physicians, the state in U.S. with the highest incidence of classical autism in the world, - where I was a practicing surgeon, I likewise was of the opinion, that classical autism is a psychiatric disease, and as such untreatable by FCT!

I met with parents of autistic boy, two highly educated young people, who devoted all their available time to learn everything that was known about autism. After their three hours long lecture, they convinced me that autism is not a psychiatric disease, and it is a result of measles-mumps-rubella vaccination, and thats why the incidence of classical autism was highest in California in the world, because 100% children there were vaccinated (and when they were not, they were not permitted to enter school) with MMR vaccine

I was willing to accept their explanation of mistake of official medicine, because I learned in my medical school in Czechoslovakia about an extensive research, done in Europe before WW2, about the mandatory vaccination against the measles of young men : the live attenuated vaccines were given to young men before drafted into the army, that measles gotten at the age of 18 20 caused large number of cases of encephalitis.

I saw their son, my first patient with classical autism ever, and it was a frightening sight: he almost destroyed the doctors office in 20 minutes despite being held by 3 bodyguards.

One month later I carried the BCRO FCT on their son, with help of 3 able bodied men and the father to hold him down. Two month later I saw the patient again. He was a completely different person, a calm, self-controlled, intelligent boy. He greeted me with polite handshake and kisses on both of my cheeks. The parents said that during two months post FCT he was upgraded two classes up in his private school. The school teaching staff spoke about a miracle. The parents did not tell anyone that their son had fetal cell transplantation.

I told immediately the organizers of my FCT scheduling to call back all parents of other autistic children, that I previously refused to treat, and inform them that I changed my opinion: now I do treat all classical autism patients with FCT. Every single patient with classical autism under age of 12 that received BCRO FCT lost all symptoms and signs of being autistic.

The therapeutic success has been 100% in all of 60 first patients treated. One problem remained: their education remained on the level of age, when they became autistic. It was mandatory to saturate the brains of all patients with all information, that they did not absorb while they were in autistic state.

One BCRO FCT treatment was sufficient in all patients.

Up until 12 years of age subcutaneous implantation of BCRO FCT has been used. - Over the age of 12 intrathecal implantation of BCRO FCT (via lumbar puncture) must be carried out, due to the closure of hemato-encephalic barrier, that usually becomes complete by the age of 12.

Classical autism is caused in all patients by MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Since in the State of California the MMR vaccination is mandatory and enforced by law ( the child is not allowed to enter the school with the legal consequences for the parents) the incidence of classical autism is 1:100!

A few years ago an artificial (and illogical) classification of autism spectrum disorders was made, which bears no relationship to reality. There are no autism spectrum disorders known in Nature.

BCRO FCT cannot be used to treat autism spectrum disorders, only classical autism patients as defined by Dr. Kanner.

5/ Aging disease has been at all times the most common reason for fetal cell transplantation therapy for 80+ years. According to the West German statistics of 1950 1990, of 5 million patients, who received such therapy in that country, about 4 million claimed that aging was the main reason for seeking such therapy, although many of them suffered from a variety of other medical conditions as well (besides menopause in women and impotence in men). FYI, 250.000 Americans travelled to West Germany or Switzerland for cell therapy, primarily for treatment of aging disease.

German patients considered their zellentherapie successful in 90% cases and desired a repetitive treatment at regular intervals. According to BundesGesundheitsAmt report one aging man received such therapy 27 years in a row (German method of preparing zelltherapeutica, which is less sophisticated than that of BCRO FCT, required once a year treatment).

With fast growing incidence of dementia, most commonly diagnosed as Alzheimers disease, the frequent component of aging disease is becoming the treatment of dementia by intrathecal BCRO fetal brain cells implantation via lumbar puncture, with exceptionally good results, even in the most advanced stage 4 of Alzheimers disease patients.

With BCRO FCT it is recommended that the treatment of aging be repeated every 3 years.

After the end of WW2 the post of West German Chancellor was offered to Konrad Adenauer, then 73 years old. To take the responsibility of leading the country completely destroyed by WW2 at that age was considered a super-human task. Yet the Chancellor Adenauer kept that job until he was 94, for 21 years(!) It was a common knowledge of all Germans, that he religiously set aside one week a year for his cell therapy treatment.

Charlie Chaplin married at the age of 57 a woman 30 years younger. He bought right away a villa next door to Prof.Dr. Niehans, the father of zellentherapie, to make sure that he would receive fetal cell transplantation every year. After the birth of child No. 8 Madame Chaplin paid a visit to their neighbor to beg him to stop giving her husband those cells because she is already tired. Charlie Chaplin finished his last film King in Hong Kong at the age of 84, in his usual way: he wrote the script, directed the movie, composed the music and played the main role.

Many kings and presidents of countries, famous personalities, etc., received such treatment between 1931 to this date. The partial list is available.

In 1985 the First Lady Nancy Reagan decided that her husband, President Reagan, must get the cell therapy. He just lived through Hinckleys assassination attempt plus was found to have a precancerous condition of colon. He was the oldest U.S. President to date. So she was absolutely right when she tried to help her husband by getting for him the very well known treatment, that worked. The ban by U.S. FDA of cell therapy since 1956 was not stopping her! Invited German physicians carried it out at Walter Reed Army General Hospital in Washington, D.C. That treatment helped President Reagan to successfully finish his two terms!

I learned about it during the annual meeting of selective German Society of Cell Therapy, that I was the only U.S. member of. My friend Prof.Dr. Schmid was a President.

In 1977 we became neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Reagan. Their house was of mile from ours. They lived there for 30 years. Riviera was a very friendly, closed community: our neighbors gave a welcoming big party for us and they all to make us feel welcome. My wife was introduced to Mrs. Reagan by her best friend to this date, who was our neighbor. Her husband was a chief of Department of Surgery in nearby St. Johns Hospital, the best private hospital in L.A. then, where I had surgical privileges. I shared my chiropractor with past twice governor of California and future U.S. President. In honor of this relationship I broke my rule (that I made after the departure from communist Czechoslovakia) to never become politically engaged anywhere and joined the Republican Party. I still keep many honors - in memory of President Reagan and his First Lady. He was the only U.S. President that I really liked.

I started to take FCT every 3 years when I was 47. My last treatment was combined with fetal brain cell transplantation on 12/12/2016.

The goal of medicine should be not only to find out why aging disease takes place, but also discover therapy to preserve the vitality of aging organism for as many years to come as possible, perhaps until the limit of our life, which is allegedly 120 years.

Vitality measures an ability of ones organism to realize all vital functions in physical, mental and spiritual spheres. It is an optimal performance of capacities existing in an individual. The best time to start such treatment is at the age of 40.

6/Diabetes mellitus type 1 with complications:

Every patient with diabetes mellitus type 1, or juvenile diabetes mellitus, will with a guarantee - develop complications typical for this disease over the next 10 years, such as diabetic retinopathy, the most common reason for blindness (in U.S.), diabetic nephropathy, leading cause of kidney failure, requiring hemo-dialysis and eventually kidney transplantation, diabetic poly-neuropathy, causing in 90% of such patients untreatable pain in lower extremities, diabetic lower extremity arterial disease, with gangrene of legs, requiring amputation, brittle diabetes in children, which is a very serious condition(!) of fast development of diabetic complications, complications of pregnancy in diabetics, such as fetal death, and female infertility. In all such patients BCRO FCT is the sole(!) treatment for such problems, that works uniformly well every time.

USSR was the first country in the world that discovered that human FCT is the sole treatment of complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus in late 1970s, by Prof.Dr. Shumakov and his team at Research Institute of Transplantology and Artificial Organs of USSR Ministry of Health in Moscow, which led to the development of BCRO (animal) fetal cell transplantation in 1997.

In early 1993 our IIBM began to receive requests for FCT treatment from abroad. The first South Korean patient was a young music composer, author of anthem for Seoul Olympic Games, who suffered from a very advanced type 1 diabetes mellitus with serious complications. He was treated with FCT: he became insulin-independent(!), which means that he did not have to take any insulin for 5 months(!), and his health improved tremendously. He let to know about it the entire nation of South Koreans. Soon VIPs of that country were coming in drones to Moscow for FCT.

In 2007 in Peoples Republic of China, after several visits to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suchow, with all day long lectures about BCRO FCT, I was invited to Beijing by the famous four star general T.Y., that was the No.2 man behind Marshall Yap as No. 1, (Marshall Yap was the No. 5 in the hierarchy, after the Chairman Mao), of the team given the task - by the Politburo of the Communist Party of China - to take care of worst problem that country ever had, the coup of the first wife of Mao Ze Dong with the gang of four, which almost destroyed that country. General T.Y. was the one who found Mr. Deng Xiaoping in the concentration camp, where he was kept locked up by the gang of four, and was instrumental in installing him as a leader and architect of new China, as we know it today.

Subsequently General T.Y. decided to get involved in the organization of BCRO fetal cell transplantation project in China.

He suffered from advanced untreatable disease (I dont have his permission to disclose his diagnosis). Before his FCT he requested a permission to get such treatment from the first secretary of Communist Party of China - in writing. Only after he was given such permission - in writing I received a green light for his BCRO FCT. It was done in improvised operating room of five star hotel, big enough for about 50+ guests, invited by him to observe his BCRO FCT, with two TV cameras to record it. I was assisted by four senior surgical nurses. This was the first BCRO FCT I did in China. - After that all remaining patients were from the same group.

My private medical consultations in China were done usually in front of audience of up to 100 people. I was told that the visitors consisted mostly of family members. I did up to 10 consultations at the time, of different family members. Son of General T.Y., who lived in California, U.S. citizen, was my translator and keeper of patients medical records.

One problem I had was that only Chinese was spoken. In the rest of the countries - on all five continents - I was able to understand the patients partially, though enough, to be able to establish the usual physician - patient relationship: my translator could not cope with the volume of information so that I could not get into the real relationship (meeting of minds) with the patients as I was accustomed.

That was the first time in my life where I had the opportunity to get the first hand information about the life of ruling class.

The second patient was a four star general, who was until his retirement 2 years ago, the chief of secret service of China for 22 years. He spoke Russian too so that I could speak to him without a translator. Prior to taking this post he had to be found hidden in one of the concentration camps, courtesy of gang of four and their leader: wife of Mao. He suffered from the medical problem, which could not be helped by FCT, but he wanted to give it a try anyway. The next patient was his wife.

And there were many others from the ruling class of China.

I learned interesting facts about Mao Ze Dong and the Chinese history, modern and past, which I did not learn in school even though I lived until May 1, 1969, in the communist Czechoslovakia.

IIBM was invited in 1993 by Sansum Medical Research Foundation, Santa Barbara, California, for cooperation and a treatment of patients with incurable/untreatable diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, and with Los Gatos Hospital. In U.S.A. we treated altogether 55 patients. There was a wide publicity in Los Angeles Times of this. (Read my https::/bio-cellular-research.com, Chapter I: Definition and Basics, part 3: History, under the heading: Bio-Cellular Research Organization, for details.)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic complications(!) has been an indication for BCRO FCT, but the success is limited only(!) to cases of non-obese diabetics.

BCRO FCT has been a mandatory(!) treatment for children with brittle diabetes. It has to be done in a hurry, to prevent the much faster development of the usual diabetic complications. The pioneering work was done in USSR in 1980s in Kiev.

7/ Other endocrine diseases:

Pituitary nanismus was the first disease successfully treated in 35 children by animal fetal cell transplantation, already 100 years ago, by Prof.Dr. Niehans.

Various forms of hypothalamic syndromes have been treated successfully by FCT, such as Sheehan syndrome, anorexia neurosa, bulimia, morbid obesity, intractable diabetes insipidus.

Diseases of adrenal cortex, such as adreno-cortical insufficiency, Addisons disease, exhaustion of adrenal cortex by over-treatment of variety of diseases by cortisone, excessive use of cortisone in treatment of variety of diseases, without real indication, all these require timely BCRO FCT treatment.

Male infertility is the cause of infertility of a couple in 50% of instances(!). There is a successful treatment of this condition, the entire protocol is based on BCRO FCT, that could be carried out in most modern infertility clinic.

A young ophthalmologist, that was made by Prof.Dr. Fedorov a liason between the world famous Fedorov Eye Institute in Moscow and IIBM, was infertile. He asked me to be the first male to be able to father a child, despite the total lack of sperm. Along with Infertility Center of IIBMs minority partner, the huge Russian Center for Care of Mother and Child of RAMS, we developed the therapeutic method for male infertility. The young eye specialist was the first infertile male to have the son of his own. There were two more such lucky men in Moscow.

At IIBM we developed a technique, which could be used for infertile males. It required services of an infertility clinic. After a complete evaluation of the male patient the FCT was carried out. After a month the patients ejaculate must be collected every week for 4 weeks, and inspected for normal, mobile spermatozoa. If any are found, they have to be concentrated and saved by freezing. When a sufficient quantity of mobile spermatozoa is accumulated, an artificial insemination is carried out. These steps are repeated, if necessary.

As a male is usually not happy with the idea that the child of record would not be really his, before electing a sperm of the donor to be used for in-vitro-fertilization, a trial of above method is worthwhile.

Premature menopause has reached epidemic proportions in the modern world, full of young women that are overzealous in their competition with men, many with 36 known venereal diseases transmitted by unprotected sex.

One third of 170 such patients received hormonal therapy, which was unsuccessful, while the second third of patients got repeated (!) BCRO FCT treatment with dramatic improvement of all pertinent hormonal levels, and the last third received placebo only. Such therapeutic protocol was developed by International Institute of Biological Medicine in Moscow in 1993/4.

Untreatable endometriosis, and uterine myomas, can be successfully handled, without hysterectomy or more aggressive surgical procedures (in case of myomas), by BCRO FCT.

A 42 years old Chinese businesswoman wanted a first child, but was not getting pregnant. Her gynecologist found a huge myoma in her uterus, which most likely was the cause of her infertility. Then she heard from me, that BCRO FCT usually shrinks myomas. She received FCT, got pregnant soon thereafter, married the father of her baby and became a happy mother of little boy.

Intractable chronic prostatitis with impotence has been successfully treated with by fetal cell transplantation and demanded loudly by wives of Soviet Navy men, loudly complaining to commanding admiral of the fleet about sexual non-performance of their husbands.

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Stem Cell Therapy – Regenerative Health Centers of Florida

April 24th, 2019 6:48 am

Leading Stem Cell Therapy in Florida

The human body is built to heal itself. If youve experienced an injury or other chronic condition that has left you with pain, you have options. Stem cell therapy repairs damaged tissue in your body to restore your health. You can finally live a life free from pain!

While there are many sources of stem cells, Regenerative Health Centers of Florida uses cells harvested from umbilical cords. These cells are grown into specialized cells to help with muscle, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and more. Specialized stem cells are injected into problem areas through a quick procedure. The stem cells then grow and repair within the affected area, delivering lasting results.

You dont have to live with chronic pain. Stem cells are a successful and safe way to treat a variety of conditions and injuries. Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Lampe and Dr. Jana Lampe, Regenerative Health Centers of Florida has helped people relieve their pain and heal injuries!

Using a quick and proven process, stem cell therapy delivers results that heal your body permanently. Contact the specialists at Regenerative Health Centers of Florida today to explore if this treatment is right for you.

Nobody should have to live their life with pain. If youre suffering from chronic pain or injuries,stem cell therapymight be the right treatment for you. We focus on the patient experience at every step of the way at Regenerative Centers of Florida. We know how frustrating it is to try treatment and medication with no success. You just want something that actually works for you.

We offer next generation healthcare. We offer long-term pain relief without relying on harsh surgery or a lifetime of medication. Regenerative therapy is natural, and it uses your bodys own healing powers to solve even complex pain problems.

Stem cell therapy is risk-free with no reported negative side effects. Not only is the treatment fast and painless, but youll be on your way to lasting relief in just a few weeks. The results of stem cell therapy last a lifetime since they heal your body from the inside out. That means no more complicated procedures, and no more living your life with pain. This is the treatment youve been waiting for! See our services below to explore the best option for you.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells treat a number of injuries and conditions. Stem cells are unspecialized cells which divide to repair and replace damaged tissue, cartilage, ligaments, and even nerves. They grow into only what is needed, meaning your body can regrow healthy tissue naturally. Stem cell therapy is a quick procedure with practically zero recovery time!Click here to learn more about stem cell therapy.

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Stem Cell Therapy New York | Stem Cell Treatment …

April 24th, 2019 6:48 am

Stem cell therapy uses a patients own stem cells to treat minor to moderate conditions formally where surgery would be the primary option. Stem cell therapy is an alternative to surgery through an office based procedure. Through advanced technology stem cell therapy is now a quick and easy alternative to surgery.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Regenerative Growth FactorsStem cells have high natural growth factors that promote healing. These growth factors also naturally decrease inflammation.

Patients stem cells are obtained from their pelvic (hip) bone. The practitioner then concentrates the stem cells over 10 fold in a special centrifuge.

This office based procedure takes 30 minutes. Patients can leave at the conclusion of the procedure.

A local anesthetic is used. This results in minimal discomfort.

There have been numerous clinical studies that show significant and lasting reduction in pain for a variety of injuries. Common injuries include early to advanced arthritis, knee and shoulder pain.

Multiple clinical studies have shown that when effective, the results last many years.

Yes see the article section

85% of patients experience a benefited result from treatment

Most patients feel no improvement for at least 3 weeks and possible 6-8 weeks. Once you feel improvement, you will notice continued improvement expanding over 6 months.

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Gene therapy might be a cure for "bubble boy disease …

April 23rd, 2019 3:49 am

They were born without a working germ-fighting system, every infection a threat to their lives. Now eight babies with "bubble boy disease" have had it fixed by a gene therapy made from one of the immune system's worst enemies HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Astudyout Wednesday details how scientists turned this enemy virus into a savior, altering it so it couldn't cause disease and then using it to deliver a gene the boys lacked.

"This therapy has cured the patients," although it will take more time to see if it's a permanent fix, said Dr. Ewelina Mamcarz, one of the study leaders at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

Omarion Jordan, who turns 1 later this month, had the therapy in December to treat severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, or SCID.

"For a long time we didn't know what was wrong with him. He just kept getting these infections," said his mother, Kristin Simpson. Learning that he had SCID "was just heartbreaking ... I didn't know what was going to happen to him."

Omarion now has a normal immune system. "He's like a normal, healthy baby," Simpson said. "I think it's amazing."

Study results were published by the New England Journal of Medicine. The treatment was pioneered by a St. Jude doctor who recently died, Brian Sorrentino.

SCID is caused by a genetic flaw that keeps the bone marrow from making effective versions of blood cells that comprise the immune system. It affects 1 in 200,000 newborns, almost exclusively males. Without treatment, it often kills in the first year or two of life.

"A simple infection like the common cold could be fatal," Mamcarz said.

The nickname "bubble boy disease" comes from a famous case in the 1970s a Texas boy who lived for 12 years in a protective plastic bubble to isolate him from germs. A bone marrow transplant from a genetically matched sibling can cure SCID, but most people lack a suitable donor. Transplants also are medically risky the Texas boy died after one.

Doctors think gene therapy could be a solution. It involves removing some of a patient's blood cells, using the modified HIV to insert the missing gene, and returning the cells through an IV. Before getting their cells back, patients are given a drug to destroy some of their marrow so the modified cells have more room to grow.

When doctors first tried it 20 years ago, the treatment had unintended effects on other genes, and some patients later developed leukemia. The new therapy has safeguards to lower that risk.

A small study of older children suggested it was safe. The new study tried it in infants, and doctors are reporting on the first eight who were treated at St. Jude and at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco.

Within a few months, normal levels of healthy immune system cells developed in seven boys. The eighth needed a second dose of gene therapy but now is well, too. Six to 24 months after treatment, all eight are making all the cell types needed to fight infections, and some have successfully received vaccines to further boost their immunity to disease.

No serious or lasting side effects occurred.

Omarion is the 10th boy treated in the study, which is ongoing. It's sponsored by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the Assisi Foundation of Memphis and the federal government.

"So far it really looks good," but patients will have to be studied to see if the results last, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which helped develop the treatment. "To me, this looks promising."

Rights to it have been licensed by St. Jude to Mustang Bio. Doctors say they have no estimate on what it might cost if it does become an approved treatment.

A similar technique harnessing a modified version of HIV is also being studied as a possible cure for sickle cell anemia, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports. In a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health, nine adults with sickle cell anemia have undergone the gene therapy. So far, all are responding well.

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Advance Stem Cell Therapy in India | Stem Cell Treatment …

April 23rd, 2019 3:48 am

Plan your Stem Cell Therapy in India with Tour2India4Health Consultants

Stem cell therapy in India is performed by highly skilled and qualified doctors and surgeons in India. Our hospitals have state-of-art equipment that increase success rate of stem cell treatment in India. Tour2India4Health is a medical value provider that offers access to the stem cell therapy best hospitals in India for patients from any corner of the world. We offer low cost stem cell therapy at the best hospitals in India.

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into specific cell types. The two defining characteristics of a stem cell are perpetual self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into a specialized adult cell type.

Serving as a sort of repair system, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells for as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each "daughter" cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

There are three classes of stem cells i.e totipotent, pluripotent and multipotent (also known as unipotent).

Many different terms are used to describe various types of stem cells, often based on where in the body or what stage in development they come from. You may have heard the following terms:

Adult Stem Cells or Tissue-specific Stem Cells: Adult stem cells are tissue-specific, meaning they are found in a given tissue in our bodies and generate the mature cell types within that particular tissue or organ. It is not clear whether all organs, such as the heart, contain stem cells. The term adult stem cells is often used very broadly and may include fetal and cord blood stem cells.

Fetal Stem Cells: As their name suggests, fetal stem cells are taken from the fetus. The developing baby is referred to as a fetus from approximately 10 weeks of gestation. Most tissues in a fetus contain stem cells that drive the rapid growth and development of the organs. Like adult stem cells, fetal stem cells are generally tissue-specific, and generate the mature cell types within the particular tissue or organ in which they are found.

Cord Blood Stem Cells: At birth the blood in the umbilical cord is rich in blood-forming stem cells. The applications of cord blood are similar to those of adult bone marrow and are currently used to treat diseases and conditions of the blood or to restore the blood system after treatment for specific cancers. Like the stem cells in adult bone marrow, cord blood stem cells are tissue-specific.

Embryonic Stem Cells: Embryonic stem cells are derived from very early embryos and can in theory give rise to all cell types in the body. While these cells are already helping us better understand diseases and hold enormous promise for future therapies, there are currently no treatments using embryonic stem cells accepted by the medical community.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPS cells): In 2006, scientists discovered how to reprogram cells with a specialized function (for example, skin cells) in the laboratory, so that they behave like an embryonic stem cell. These cells, called induced pluripotent cells or IPS cells, are created by inducing the specialized cells to express genes that are normally made in embryonic stem cells and that control how the cell functions.

Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst: the fertilized egg, called the zygote, divides and forms two cells; each of these cells divides again, and so on. Soon there is a hollow ball of about 150 cells called the blastocyst that contains two types of cells, the trophoblast and the inner cell mass. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell mass.

Stem cells can also be found in small numbers in various tissues in the fetal and adult body. For example, blood stem cells are found in the bone marrow that give rise to all specialized blood cell types. Such tissue-specific stem cells have not yet been identified in all vital organs, and in some tissues like the brain, although stem cells exist, they are not very active, and thus do not readily respond to cell injury or damage.

Stem cells can also be obtained from other sources, for example, the umbilical cord of a newborn baby is a source of blood stem cells. Recently, scientists have also discovered the existence of cells in baby teeth and in amniotic fluid that may also have the potential to form multiple cell types. Research on these cells is at a very early stage.

Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat certain diseases. Stem cells are obtained from the patients own blood bone marrow, fat and umbilical cord tissue or blood. They are progenitor cells that lead to creation of new cells and are thus called as generative cells as well.

The biological task of stem cells is to repair and regenerate damaged cells. Stem cell therapy exploits this function by administering these cells systematically and in high concentrations directly into the damaged tissue, where they advance its self-healing. The process that lies behind this mechanism is largely unknown, but it is assumed that stem cells discharge certain substances which activate the diseased tissue. It is also conceivable that single damaged somatic cells, e.g. single neurocytes in the spinal cord or endothelium cells in vessels, are replaced by stem cells. Most scientists agree that stem cell research has great life-saving potential and could revolutionize the study and treatment of diseases and injuries.

Stem cell therapy is useful in certain degenerative diseases like

If stem cell therapy is an option, a detailed treatment plan is prepared depending on the type of treatment necessary. Once the patient has consented to the treatment plan, an appointment is scheduled for bone marrow extraction. Please note that this is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, so it is important that patients do not take any blood-thinning medication in the ten days prior to the appointment. It is necessary for each patient to consult their own doctor before discontinuing this type of medication.

The treatment procedure include:

Bone Marrow Extraction: Bone marrow is extracted from the hip bone by the physicians. This procedure normally takes around 30 minutes. First, local anesthetic is administered to the area of skin where the puncture will be made. Then, a thin needle is used to extract around 150-200 ml of bone marrow. The injection of local anesthetic can be slightly painful, but the patient usually does not feel the extraction of bone marrow.

Isolation, Analysis and Concentration of the Stem Cells in the Laboratory: The quality and quantity of the stem cells contained in the collected bone marrow are tested at the laboratory. First, the stem cells are isolated. Then a chromatographical procedure is used to separate them from the red and white blood corpuscles and plasma. The sample is tested under sterile conditions so that the stem cells, which will be administered to the patient, are not contaminated with viruses, bacteria or fungi. Each sample is also tested for the presence of viral markers such as HIV, hepatitis B and C and cytomegalia. The cleaned stem cells are counted and viability checks are made. If there are enough viable stem cells, i.e. more than two million CD34+ cells with over 80 percent viability, the stem cell concentrate is approved for patient administration.

Stem Cell Implantation: The method of stem cell implantation depends on the patient's condition. There are four different ways of administering stem cells:

Intravenous administration:

It is important to understand that while stem cell therapy can help alleviate symptoms in many patients and slow or even reverse degenerative processes, it does not work in all cases. Based on additional information, patient's current health situation and/or unforeseen health risks, the medical staff can always, in the interest of the individual patient, propose another kind of stem cell transplantation or in exceptional situations cancel the treatment.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation involves transferring the stem cells from a healthy person (the donor) to your body after high-intensity chemotherapy or radiation. It is helpful in treating patients with high risk of relapse or who didnt respond to the prior treatment. Allogeneic stem cell transplant cost in India is comparatively less when contrasted with alternate nations.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Patients own blood-forming stem cells are collected and then it is treated with high doses of chemotherapy. The high-dose treatment kills the cancer cells. They are used to replace stem cells that have been damaged by high doses of chemotherapy, used to treat the patient's underlying disease.

The side effects of stem cell therapy differ from person to person. Listed below are the side effects of stem cell therapy :

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, all is considered to be experimental, with the exception of bone marrow transplants. However, the guidelines that were put into place in 2007 are largely non-enforceable. Regardless, stem cell therapy is legalized in India. Umbilical cord and adult stem cell treatment are considered permissible. Embryonic stem cell therapy and research is restricted.

There is about a 60% to 80% overall success rate in the use of stem cell therapy in both India and around the world. However, success rates vary depending on the disease being treated, the institute conducting the procedures, and the condition of the patient. In order to receive complete information you will have to contact the medical institutes and ask specific questions concerning the patient's condition.

Mrs. Selina Naidoo with her Son from Malaysia

Tour2India4Health has proved to be a blessing in disguise for me. A medical tourism company with everything at par with our expectations has given me the most satisfactory and relieving experience of my life. I went to them for my sons surgery who was suffering from a serious illness and stem cell therapy was the only choice I had. Trust it was heart wrenching to leave my son under any hands on the operation table. Nevertheless, courageously I had to because thats what I was here for and thats what could get my son a new and healthy life. Sitting at a corner outside the operation theatre was taking my heartbeats away with every second. Finally, the surgery was over and I was there in front of the doctor with closed eyes. He declared that the surgery was successful and my son is fine but needs some extra care and some cautious post operative measures for recovery. All through our stay in the hospital, everything went on brilliantly and after my son recovered completely, I came back to my home country. Even after that for many months, I received regular calls to verify and virtually monitor the health of my child. Now, its been 5 years and when I see my child today it feels as if no surgery was ever done on him. Thanks to the doctor who treated him and to the entire team of nurses and travel professionals who displayed extra warmth and care. Thanks is just a small word to say as a mother of a child.

India is the most preferable destination for patients who are looking for low cost stem cell therapy. Indian doctors and healthcare professionals are renowned world over for their skills with many of them holding high positions in leading hospitals in US, UK and other countries around the world. There are significant numbers of highly skilled experts in India, including many who have relocated to India after having worked in the top hospitals across the world.

The Cost of stem cell treatment in India are generally about a tenth of the costs in US and are significantly cheaper compared with even other medical travel destinations like Thailand

*The price for the Stem Cell Therapy is an average collected from the 15 best corporate hospitals and 10 Top Stem Cell Experts of India.

*The final prices offered to the patients is based on their medical reports and is dependent on the current medical condition of the patient, type of room, type of therapy, hospital brand and the surgeon's expertise.

We have worked out special packages of the Stem Cell Therapy for our Indian and International patients. You can send us your medical reports to avail the benefits of these special packages.

You would be provided with 3 TOP RECOMMENDED SURGEONS / HOSPITALS FOR YOUR STEM CELL THERAPY in India.

There are many reasons for India becoming a popular medical tourism spot is the low cost stem cell treatment in the area. When in contrast to the first world countries like, US and UK, medical care in India costs as much as 60-90% lesser, that makes it a great option for the citizens of those countries to opt for stem cell treatment in India because of availability of quality healthcare in India, affordable prices strategic connectivity, food, zero language barrier and many other reasons.

The maximum number of patients for stem cell therapy comes from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, USA, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh.

Cities where top and world renowned Stem Cell Therapy hospitals and clinics situated are :

We have PAN-India level tie ups with TOP Hospitals for Stem Cell Therapy across 15+ major cities in India. We can provide you with multiple top hospitals & best surgeons recommendations for Stem Cell Therapy in India.

India has now been recognized as one of the leaders in medical field of research and treatment. Tour2India4Health Group was established with an aim of providing best medical services to its patients and since then has been working hard in maintaining itself as one of the most professional healthcare tourism providers in India. With a number of world-renowned medical facilities affiliated, we have the resources to offer you the finest medical treatment in India, and help your speedy recovery. Tour2India4Health Group has always believed and practiced providing its patients best surgery and treatment procedure giving a second chance to live a more better and normal life. Our team serves the clientele most comfortable and convenient measures of healthcare services thus, making your medical tour to India very fruitful experience.

Our facilitation:

We has been operating patients from all major countries like USA, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, and Kuwait etc. We have network of selected medical centers, surgeons and physicians around various cities in India, who qualify our assessment criteria to ensure that our core values of Safety, Excellence and Trust are maintained in all our services.

Below are the downloadable links that will help you to plan your medical trip to India in a more organized and better way. Attached word and pdf files gives information that will help you to know India more and make your trip to India easy and memorable one.

Best Stem Cell Therapy in India, Cost of Stem Cell Therapy in India, Stem Cell Therapy Best Hospitals in India, Success Rate of Stem Cell Treatment in India, Stem Cell Therapy Treatment Cost in India, Allogeneic Stem cell Transplant Cost in India, autologous Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India, Stem Cell Therapy in India, Low Cost Stem Cell Therapy India, Stem Cell Benefits in India, Top Stem Cell Centers in India, Best Doctors for Stem Cell Therapy in India, List of Best Stem Cell Treatment Clinics in India, Allogeneic stem cell transplantation, Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India, Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India

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Longevity | UNH Human Resources

April 23rd, 2019 3:47 am

Definition

Longevity is an extra pay increment awarded to Hourly-Paid staff (Operating Staff) with a current hire dateprior to July 1, 2011,to recognize length of service to the University System. Longevity payments are not treated as benefits eligible, but are taken into account when computing the regular rate for overtime purposes to conform with FLSA regulations.

Longevity increments for Operating Staff are as follows:

For purposes of longevity only, a year of service will be equal to a calendar year of employment, i.e., 12 consecutive months from date of hire equals one calendar year. If an employee held a flex-year appointment of 50% for 10 years, the total years of service for longevity purposes would be 10 years.

The longevity increment, awarded each pay period, is calculated by multiplying the base pay for that pay period by the longevity percentage. Longevity is not included in vacation or earned time payout on termination.

Length of employment will start from the first day of status employment of at least 50% time for employees with a current hire date prior to July 1, 2011.

Longevity increments shall be effective on the staff member's anniversary date of employment.

Staff members will not have their longevity affected by absences due to illness, accident or leaves of absence. Exceptions to this is when an accident is incurred at a staff member's secondary employment outside the University System.

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MS Patients Flock to Russia for Stem Cell Therapy …

April 23rd, 2019 3:45 am

People from all around the world are flocking to Moscow, Russia, for innovative stem cell therapies for MS. Multiple sclerosis is a crippling disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is an autoimmune disease that is unpredictable and affects different people in different ways. Clinical management and pharmacotherapy can help relieve symptoms and delay the progression of MS. However, there is no drug that can completely cure the disease.

Forty-one-year-old Chantelle Baker from Melbourne was diagnosed with MS in 2016. The disease quickly progressed and six months later, Ms. Baker had several dozen lesions in her brain. The family is raising money to travel to Russia with the hope that the doctors there will be able to stop her multiple sclerosis from progressing. Traditional treatments available in Australia have failed to control the disease.

Maxine Parker, Chantelles sister, is helping the family raise the more than $150,000 needed to travel to Russia and receive the groundbreaking treatment there. The family wants to give it their all and not live with the regret that they didnt do everything they possibly could. Chantelle has two young daughters and is fearful the disease will progress to the point that she will not remember her children in a few years time.

Another Australian, Nikki Tatum, received hematopoietic stem cell therapy at a leading clinic Moscow. In a video message to Chantelle Baker, Nikki wished her luck and talked about the excellent care she received overseas.

Thirty-seven-year-old Donna Agnew from Auckland, New Zealand, was diagnosed with MS months after her first child was born. Donna has been battling dizziness, nausea, and crippling headaches ever since. She hopes to travel to Moscow to receive groundbreaking stem cell treatment to control her disease. She worries that the disease will impact her cognitive abilities to the point that she will be unable to care for her child. The travel to Russia and the hematopoietic stem cell therapy she hopes to receive will cost more than $100,000. The family is running an online campaign to help raise funds for Donnas treatment. Donna has chosen to travel overseas after doctors in New Zealand indicated there was not much they could offer in terms of treatment to control her almost daily attacks. Stem cell treatments for MS are considered low-risk, but they do carry some risk. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the hundreds of thousands of dollars the patients spend will control the disease. Many patients are showing good results, but some fail to respond to the therapy. The results of large-scale clinical trials are awaited to more completely understand whether stem cell therapy for MS is safe and effective.

References:

1. Multiple Sclerosis2. Melbourne woman travelling to Russia3. Stem cell treatment gives sick Auckland mum hope

Contributor at Regenerative Medicine Now

Mira Swave, M.D. is a specialist in the field of Regenerative Medicine.

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Weekend reads: reversing death of pig brain cells, brain …

April 22nd, 2019 4:48 am

Untreated pig brain at left shows lots of death and few neurons (green) hours after death, but the image on the right shows a brain connected to a system called BrainEx that Yale researchers report kept more neurons alive. Source.Stefano G. Daniele and Zvonimir Vrselja, Sestan Laboratory, Yale School of MedicineUntreated pig brain at left shows lots of death and few neurons (green) hours after death, but the image on the right shows a brain connected to a system called BrainEx that Yale researchers report kept more neurons alive. Source.Stefano G. Daniele and Zvonimir Vrselja, Sestan Laboratory, Yale School of Medicine

Its been a cool week for stem cell and other associated kinds of research. In this post I have a series of links to a variety of interesting developments and papers.

Gene therapy cures bubble boy infants. William Wan over at the WaPo on this good news. Nope, this wasnt done with CRISPR, but rather with a viral transgene approach (not TALENs as I mistakenly had originally written here).

The pigs were dead. But four hours later, scientists restored cellular functions in their brains.This reminds me of a post I did on a biotech claiming oddly to reverse death ofhuman brain cells at least in part with a laser. In this new report, Yale researchers have a system called BrainEx that purportedly keeps brain cells alive for hours. Note in the image at left that the untreated brain is 8 hours post-death while the image of treated brain is only four hours after death. Still, it seems like a striking difference, but I cant help but feel a bit skeptical about how much meaning this report really has. Well see.

Researchers discover crucial link between brain and gut stem cells. The gut is very tied to overall health in many ways and was also recently found to be a novel reservoir of hematopoietic stem cells in people too.

To protect stem cells, plants have diverse genetic backup plans. Yes, plants have stem cells and they arent just made by nature to go into sketchy anti-aging cremes.

Kind of a first-person piece in the NYT, The Lifesaving Power in Stem Cells on cord blood by Susan Gubar. It has this in your face kind of subtitle in reference to stem cell clinics, Liars and thieves should not be allowed to detract from legitimate scientific research that has made umbilical cord blood mystic in its regenerative powers.

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Blindness – askjan.org

April 21st, 2019 9:51 am

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is committed to providing focused education for absence management professionals. From face-to-face conferences to helpful tools and resources, we give you what you need to reduce costs, minimize lost work time, and increase staff productivity.

Presenters:

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is committed to providing focused education for absence management professionals. From face-to-face conferences to helpful tools and resources, we give you what you need to reduce costs, minimize lost work time, and increase staff productivity.

Presenters:

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is committed to providing focused education for absence management professionals. From face-to-face conferences to helpful tools and resources, we give you what you need to reduce costs, minimize lost work time, and increase staff productivity.

Presenters:

The National APSE Conference is the only national conference focused solely on the advancement of Employment First. The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) National Conference brings together more than 1,000 community leaders, businesses, and individuals with disabilities from across the country and around the world to network and discuss state-of-the-art strategies to ensure equitable employment for all citizens with disabilities.

The National APSE Conference is the only national conference focused solely on the advancement of Employment First. The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) National Conference brings together more than 1,000 community leaders, businesses, and individuals with disabilities from across the country and around the world to network and discuss state-of-the-art strategies to ensure equitable employment for all citizens with disabilities.

The EXCEL Training Conference is sponsored by the EEOC's Training Institute. In its 21st year, EXCEL is the premier national training conference for federal and private sector EEO managers, supervisors, practitioners, HR professionals, attorneys and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) specialists. Private and public sector employees will gain invaluable knowledge for making those tough HR decisions!

Presenters:

The EXCEL Training Conference is sponsored by the EEOC's Training Institute. In its 21st year, EXCEL is the premier national training conference for federal and private sector EEO managers, supervisors, practitioners, HR professionals, attorneys and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) specialists. Private and public sector employees will gain invaluable knowledge for making those tough HR decisions!

Presenters:

The EXCEL Training Conference is sponsored by the EEOC's Training Institute. In its 21st year, EXCEL is the premier national training conference for federal and private sector EEO managers, supervisors, practitioners, HR professionals, attorneys and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) specialists. Private and public sector employees will gain invaluable knowledge for making those tough HR decisions!

Presenters:

The EXCEL Training Conference is sponsored by the EEOC's Training Institute. In its 21st year, EXCEL is the premier national training conference for federal and private sector EEO managers, supervisors, practitioners, HR professionals, attorneys and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) specialists. Private and public sector employees will gain invaluable knowledge for making those tough HR decisions!

Presenters:

The 2018 ILG National Conference held in Anaheim California is the premier meeting ground in 2018 for employers involved and interested in OFCCP compliance and EEOC issues. The 2018 ILG National Conference convenes industry experts, HR, compensation, legal and talent acquisition professionals to discuss the latest issues and information impacting affirmative action and equal opportunity employment and diversity and inclusion.

Presenters:

Slides - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Handout - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive Workplaces

The 2018 ILG National Conference held in Anaheim California is the premier meeting ground in 2018 for employers involved and interested in OFCCP compliance and EEOC issues. The 2018 ILG National Conference convenes industry experts, HR, compensation, legal and talent acquisition professionals to discuss the latest issues and information impacting affirmative action and equal opportunity employment and diversity and inclusion.

Presenters:

Slides - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Handout - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive Workplaces

At the 2018 DMEC Annual Conference, youll connect with 700+ like-minded absence, disability, and return-to-work professionals who are looking to tackle strategic workforce issues facing their organizations.And with 40+ sessions and events, you will:Gain insights from those on the front line, giving you expert knowledge on how to address the complex leave and disability issues you are facing in your organization.Share ideas with peers and executive thought leaders from across the country.Take back proven strategies, actionable ideas, and tested program models to assist with the development of cost-saving programs in your company."

At the 2018 DMEC Annual Conference, youll connect with 700+ like-minded absence, disability, and return-to-work professionals who are looking to tackle strategic workforce issues facing their organizations.And with 40+ sessions and events, you will:Gain insights from those on the front line, giving you expert knowledge on how to address the complex leave and disability issues you are facing in your organization.Share ideas with peers and executive thought leaders from across the country.Take back proven strategies, actionable ideas, and tested program models to assist with the development of cost-saving programs in your company."

At the 2018 DMEC Annual Conference, youll connect with 700+ like-minded absence, disability, and return-to-work professionals who are looking to tackle strategic workforce issues facing their organizations.And with 40+ sessions and events, you will:Gain insights from those on the front line, giving you expert knowledge on how to address the complex leave and disability issues you are facing in your organization.Share ideas with peers and executive thought leaders from across the country.Take back proven strategies, actionable ideas, and tested program models to assist with the development of cost-saving programs in your company."

At the 2018 DMEC Annual Conference, youll connect with 700+ like-minded absence, disability, and return-to-work professionals who are looking to tackle strategic workforce issues facing their organizations.And with 40+ sessions and events, you will:Gain insights from those on the front line, giving you expert knowledge on how to address the complex leave and disability issues you are facing in your organization.Share ideas with peers and executive thought leaders from across the country.Take back proven strategies, actionable ideas, and tested program models to assist with the development of cost-saving programs in your company."

At the 2018 DMEC Annual Conference, youll connect with 700+ like-minded absence, disability, and return-to-work professionals who are looking to tackle strategic workforce issues facing their organizations.And with 40+ sessions and events, you will:Gain insights from those on the front line, giving you expert knowledge on how to address the complex leave and disability issues you are facing in your organization.Share ideas with peers and executive thought leaders from across the country.Take back proven strategies, actionable ideas, and tested program models to assist with the development of cost-saving programs in your company."

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Blindness - askjan.org

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Androgenetic alopecia – Genetics Home Reference – NIH

April 21st, 2019 9:50 am

A variety of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in causing androgenetic alopecia. Although researchers are studying risk factors that may contribute to this condition, most of these factors remain unknown. Researchers have determined that this form of hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Androgens are important for normal male sexual development before birth and during puberty. Androgens also have other important functions in both males and females, such as regulating hair growth and sex drive.

Hair growth begins under the skin in structures called follicles. Each strand of hair normally grows for 2 to 6 years, goes into a resting phase for several months, and then falls out. The cycle starts over when the follicle begins growing a new hair. Increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner strands of hair. Additionally, there is a delay in the growth of new hair to replace strands that are shed.

Although researchers suspect that several genes play a role in androgenetic alopecia, variations in only one gene, AR, have been confirmed in scientific studies. The AR gene provides instructions for making a protein called an androgen receptor. Androgen receptors allow the body to respond appropriately to dihydrotestosterone and other androgens. Studies suggest that variations in the AR gene lead to increased activity of androgen receptors in hair follicles. It remains unclear, however, how these genetic changes increase the risk of hair loss in men and women with androgenetic alopecia.

Researchers continue to investigate the connection between androgenetic alopecia and other medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease and prostate cancer in men and polycystic ovary syndrome in women. They believe that some of these disorders may be associated with elevated androgen levels, which may help explain why they tend to occur with androgen-related hair loss. Other hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors that have not been identified also may be involved.

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Is your dog at risk for degenerative myelopathy? | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

Skye is a 10-year-old German shepherd whose DNA was tested for degenerative myelopathy (DM) after she stumbled and fell as she walked down the steps outside her homean early warning sign of the disease. Soon after, Skyes family noticed that her back legs were wobbly and slipping out from under her on a regular basis. Her familys fears were confirmed when Skyes DM test results indicated she was at the highest risk level for developing the disease.

What is degenerative myelopathy?A progressive disease of the spinal cord that leaves once-healthy dogs paralyzed and ends their lives prematurely, DM is similar to ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) in humans. It begins in the spine, when the outer coating (myelin) dies off and stops protecting the inner white matter that sends messages from the brain to control movement of a dogs legs.

DM is seen most often in German shepherd dogs between the ages of 8 and 10. Recently, the disease has been identified in several other breeds, including American Eskimo, Bernese mountain, borzoi, boxer, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chesapeake Bay retriever, golden retriever, Great Pyrenees, Kerry blue terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, French poodle, pug, Rhodesian ridgeback, Shetland sheepdog, soft-coated wheaten terrier, and wirehaired fox terrier.

Some early warning signs of DM include:

As DM progresses, the signs become more pronounced:

Drs. Joan Coates and Gary Johnson and associates at the University of Missouri along with Drs. Kirsten Lindblad-Toh and Claire Wade at the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard have identified the mutated gene responsible for degenerative myelopathy. They found that dogs with two copies of the mutation are at greatest risk of developing the disease.

The team of researchers also developed a DNA test that dog owners can administer at home and mail in for results. The test returns one of three possible results: normal, at risk, or carrier. The home DNA testing kit can be ordered through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Skye has been lucky; her disease has progressed slowly, and her family has been able to take care of her needs 24 hours per day. Now, 2 years after that first fall, Skyes hind legs are completely paralyzed, she is incontinent, and shes having trouble sitting up on her own. She has gone from using a dog wheelchair and keeping her body strong by swimming regularly to enjoying daily walks in a dog stroller. Despite her handicap, Skyes family says she is still happy and full of lifeand theyre happy to give her the care and love she needs.

Photos of Skye courtesy of Dorri Modic.

Sharon Seltzer is an animal writer who founded Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog, a website for owners of dogs with neurological and mobility disorders.

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Is your dog at risk for degenerative myelopathy? | AAHA

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Fluid Therapy Guidelines | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

5 things you need to know about the AAHA/AAFP Fluid Therapy Guidelines

We all know how important water is to living beingswithout it, we couldnt survive. Water in our cells helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, transports oxygen and nutrients (as well as waste), lubricates joints, energizes muscles, and basically keeps our organs functioning.

Thats why fluid therapy is such an important part of veterinary medicine. If an animal is dehydrated due to illnessor needs a boost during surgeryveterinary teams can administer fluids to help them stabilize. The AAHA/AAFP fluid therapy guidelines thoroughly prepare animal hospitals to best administer these life-saving fluids and customize treatment to the needs of each individual dog or cat.

Here are the top five things to know:

Lift your pets lip and run your fingers along his gums. If he is well-hydrated, his gums will be slippery and moist to the touch. If your finger sticks to the gums because they are dry or tacky, then he is dehydrated and you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Gently pinch your pets skin between his shoulder blades or at the top of his head between his ears. If he is well-hydrated, once you let go of the skin, it will quickly flatten out back to normal. If he is dehydrated, the skin will remain tented for a second or two. Seek veterinary care if this is the case.

Look at your pets eyes. His eyeballs should be slightly jutting out of his eye sockets. With severe dehydration, the tissue and fat behind the eyeball shrinks and the eye sinks deep into the sockets. You guessed it: Call your veterinarian if you suspect dehydration.

What to ask your veterinarian about fluid therapy:

Related articles:Heatstroke and your petKeep it cool for pets on warm daysSix things to consider when choosing a new veterinarianWhy theres no substitute for advice from your own veterinarianCommunication 101: Get the most out of your vet visit

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Fluid Therapy Guidelines | AAHA

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Laser therapy: A promising trend in veterinary medicine | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

Mindy Tehan, RVT, gives laser therapy treatmentsto a patient at Animal Care Unlimited. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Melia.

Denver resident, Sue Kohut, was alarmed when her Great Dane puppy, Beauxmont, became lethargic and developed swollen legs that were hot to the touch. At just five months old, the pup was diagnosed with hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), a painful bone disease that can occur in fast-growing large and giant breeds.

It can be cripplingin certain cases, a puppy would have to be euthanized, Kohut said. I had this big puppy who was in so much pain. I was like, Just fix him!

Fortunately, Kohuts veterinarian developed a treatment protocol that included laser therapy. Unlike surgical lasers that cut through tissue, therapy lasersor cold lasersstimulate the bodys cells to promote healing and alleviate pain.

I literally noticed an improvement after his first treatment, Kohut said. He was less lethargic and seemed like he was in less pain.

After three or four laser therapy treatments, Beauxmonts condition was completely resolved. Two years later, Beauxmont, who is also deaf and blind in one eye, is a loving pet who is simultaneously graceful and goofy.

Beauxmont is just one of a growing number of pets who have benefitted from laser therapy, particularly over the last decade as the technology has evolved. Jamie Bobulsky, DVM and medical director at AAHA-accredited Animal Care Unlimited in Columbus, Ohio, said the practice invested in a therapy laser in 2010 and has since seen some remarkable results. In fact, the hospital now includes laser therapy in treatment plans for everything from surgery to arthritis to ear infections.

Laser [therapy] causes many physiological and biochemical processes to occur, Bobulsky said. It stimulates the release of endorphins, causes vasodilation, and promotes lymphatic flow, which brings more blood to the area and flushes out inflammatory mediators and swelling, and accelerates tissue repair by increasing the rate of cell division and activating cells needed for repair. I explain this to clients as bringing in the good cells and taking out the bad ones.

Bobulsky said laser therapy is a valuable pain management tool, particularly for older dogs with arthritis who are starting to lose the use of their back legs, or those with compromised livers that prevent them from being able to take pain medication. It is a great option for cats as well, since there are fewer pain control options considered safe for them.

Therapy lasers are also useful in treating exotic animals that may not take medication easily, Bobulsky said. In addition to dogs and cats, her team has performed laser therapy treatments on birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ducks, sugar gliders, and wildlife, including owls, hawks, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, and turtles.

There was a cockatiel named Beaker that suffered an unknown injury to the base of his tail and plucked out all of the surrounding feathers. After several laser treatments and some pain medication, he healed beautifully and all of his feathers grew back, she said. We have also used laser therapy on raptors with a condition called bumblefootsores on the bottoms of their feet. This is notoriously difficult to correct and sometimes requires medications and bandaging. They heal more quickly when we use the laser.

Software on many therapy lasers helps calibrate the proper dosage for each animal and length of each session by prompting the veterinary team to enter the pets weight, skin color, and hair coat length, as well as the medical issue and area to be treated.

Therapy lasers emit a pleasant warming sensation and most patients seem to relax and enjoy their sessions, she said. Typically, multiple sessions are most effective, so the practice offers special packages to achieve the best results.

Though the laser cost about $25,000, Bobulsky said it has been a good investment. She expects the technology to continue to evolve so the machines become more affordable, allowing more veterinarians to offer the modality to their clients.

Bobulsky absolutely suggests pet owners try laser therapy for their pet if their veterinarian recommends it.

It is noninvasive and can be very beneficial, she said.

Freelance journalist Jen Reeder loves writing about lasers of any kind because she grew up watching "Star Wars" and "Battlestar Galactica."

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What a wellness plan can do for your pet (and your …

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

What is a pet wellness plan?A wellness plan offers a way to prepay for pet health care services. Different than insurance, a wellness plan often requires a pet owner to sign a contract for a particular time period, usually 12 months. The pet owner then pays a monthly fee and receives a set of services that may include exams, laboratory tests, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, nail trims, deworming, heartworm testing, dental care, and others. Participants in pet wellness plans also often receive discounts on additional veterinary services. Several plans may be available based upon the type of pet you have and how old he or she is. There may also be different tiers or levels depending on the services bundled into the plan. For example, a puppy plan that includes spay/neuter, microchipping, and other services may be more expensive than an adult dog plan that doesnt include these one-time services. In addition to the monthly fee, there is often a sign-up fee or one-time membership fee, which is paid up front.

How can a wellness plan help your pet?A wellness plan makes it easier for you to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you suspect a problem without worrying about the cost of the office visit or exam. Getting your pet to the veterinarian early means a diagnosis can be made earlier and treatment can begin earlierboth of which are potential life savers. Preventing health care problems or addressing them early gives your pet the best chance for a long and healthy life.

How will a wellness plan assist you in paying for veterinary care?Being able to budget for the cost of veterinary care is one of the many benefits of pet wellness plans. Rather than facing a large veterinary bill after your pets annual exam, vaccinations, or other health care services, a wellness plan allows you to pay for your pets care in manageable, monthly payments.

Will a wellness plan save you money?Preventing an illness is much easier and less expensive than treating it. A wellness plan allows and encourages pet owners to seek medical care for their pets when needed, rather than putting it off for financial reasons. Wellness plans offer more veterinary visits and services and can save you several hundred dollars each year because of the discounted services.

Does your veterinarian offer a wellness plan?Pet wellness plans are beginning to appear in veterinary hospitals across the country. Some hospitals have had them for years. Ask your veterinarian if he or she offers prepaid wellness plans to help keep your pet (and your wallet) healthy.

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The many benefits of pets in the workplace | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

This summer, U.S. pet owners will celebrate Take Your Pet to Work Week, which wraps up with Take Your Dog to Work Day on June 22. This is a great opportunity for animal lovers to bring their dogs and cats to the office, and for employers to see the benefits of pets in the workplaceand in fact, those benefits are prompting a growing number of businesses to be pet-friendly all year long.

According to Chris Meiering, director of innovation at Zukes, a natural pet treat company located in Durango, Colorado, an average day at the office includes 25 staff members and 10 dogs, though sometimes there are more than 20 dogs on the companys campus at one time.

Having them by our side makes us happy, lowers our stress levels, and creates an environment that is comfortable, open, and flexible, he said. Some offices have water cooler conversations; we have dog playtime conversations. Their presence really builds camaraderie in the office.

Meiering said the dogs also remind employees to take breaks throughout the day.

They may need a walk, but really, we need one too! Its not uncommon for a lunch at Zukes to include a romp alongside the stream or a hike through the mountains, and a midday stretch can easily turn into a game of fetch among the trees, he said. This time with our dogs rejuvenates us and makes us more productive.

In addition, Meiering said the pet-friendly policy has led to staff retention over the past 20 years.

Life is better with the love of a dog, and if a tail-wagging friend is with you at the office, the same holds true for work, he said.

Tips for a dog-friendly workplace

Chris Meiering, director of innovation at Zukes, offers these tips for a successful dog-friendly workplace:

Weve been dog-friendly for over 20 years, so its an easy, natural environment for us, but from time to time, there will be problems, such as a dog that is consistently disruptive or aggressive, or an older dog with bladder issues. The best way to handle issues is to talk about them, Meiering said. Work together to find a solution thats best for the workplace and the dog.

Scientific studies have also confirmed the benefits of pets in the workplace. For example, a 2012 study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found employees who brought their dogs to work had reduced stress throughout the day compared to colleagues without pets.

Studies have demonstrated that pets in the workplace contribute to stress reduction, as well as employee teamwork and satisfaction. Employees who can bring their pets to work are also more productive, said Steven Feldman, executive director of the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation in Washington, D.C. Employees feel supported and have a better perception of their employers if they can bring their pets to work. They are also more likely to collaborate and work better in teams because pets help forge social connections.

Humans arent the only ones benefitting from pet-friendly policies, either. In 2004, researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that humans who petted a dog for 1530 minutes during a study experienced approximately a 10 percent drop in blood pressure, while the dogs blood pressure dropped as soon as the humans began petting them. A day at the office also provides more stimulation for a dog than a day spent home alone in a crate or the backyard.

In addition, Feldman says the trend will increase the positive impact pet ownership has on U.S. health care costs.

We know that pets reduce stress, alleviate depression, improve heart health, and reduce obesity. We also know that pet owners visit the doctor less often than non-pet owners. In fact, pet ownership saves the U.S. healthcare system $11.7 billion every year, he said. Once we calculate the improved workplace productivity, the benefits will be even higher.

Feldman said companies considering a pet-friendly workplace should first develop common-sense policies for pets.

For example, pets must be current on their vaccinations, be on flea and tick prevention, and be well-trained. Veterinarians play a key role in partnering with pet owners so that their pets are ready for the office, he said. If having a happy, motivated workforce that works together is important, companies should strongly consider written pets-at-work policies.

Award-winning freelance journalist Jen Reeder considers herself extremely fortunate to work at home with her Labrador retriever mix, Rio.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Sturm

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Kidney transplants for cats: A viable option | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

As too many cat lovers know, kidney disease is very common in felines, particularly as they age. The kidneys are responsible for many key bodily functions, from regulating blood pressure to removing toxins from the bloodstream. Unlike acute kidney failure, which occurs when a cat ingests something toxic, like antifreeze, lilies, or human anti-inflammatory medication, chronic kidney failure is irreversiblefunctioning kidney tissue is replaced by scar tissue, resulting in a loss of kidney function over time.

Treatment options can be daunting, particularly if the disease is advanced. Your veterinarian may recommend dialysis or other methods of keeping your cat comfortable. But theres another alternative to consider: kidney transplantation.

Success rates have been high for the few dedicated veterinary surgeons who perform feline renal transplants in the U.S. While most cats live an average of three years post-transplant, Lillian Aronson, VMD, BS, CACVS, founder and coordinator of the Feline Renal Transplant Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, had one feline patient live an additional 13 years with his transplanted kidney.

For the right cat, it can be an excellent treatment option, said Aronson, who has performed over 150 feline kidney transplants. Ninety-three percent of our patients have left the hospital. Approximately 70 percent are alive and doing well at one year [post-transplant].

One of the things that makes kidney transplants a viable option for cats is the relative ease in finding a donor match.

Most cats have the same blood typeAand unlike dogs, they dont need to be related to be considered compatible.

Additionally, cats, like people, can live normal, healthy lives with just one kidney. In fact, Aronsons team conducted a study of 99 feline kidney donors from the program and found most had no associated long-term effects from kidney donation.

There is one caveat, however: If your cat needs a kidney transplant and a potential donor is found from an animal shelter or elsewhere, you must adopt the donor cat regardless of the outcome of the surgery, an ethical practice supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Fortunately, Aronson said thats typically not an issue. Most owners are so grateful to the donor cat for helping save the life of their pet, they happily welcome a new addition into their home.

People get very attached, very quickly, Aronson said. Its really nice to see.

Feline renal transplants require a great amount of commitment, and whether youre ready to adopt a donor cat isnt the only thing to keep in mind. An uncomplicated surgery can cost anywhere from $15,000$18,000, plus $60$100 a month for anti-rejection medications and other drugs. While some pet insurance companies will help cover the cost of feline kidney transplant surgery and associated treatments, it is important to read your policy carefully and be mindful of any pre-existing conditions before scheduling the procedure.

After surgery, the recipient cat will need to have frequent veterinary exams to make sure the new kidney is working and to monitor potential complications. You will also need to give immunosuppressive medications at the same time every day to prevent your cats body from rejecting the new kidney.

While pursuing a kidney transplant for your cat is not a decision to be made lightly, some owners say its worthwhile despite the high level of commitment involved.

New York archeologist Andre Gonciar said he is glad he and his wife, Laure, decided to pursue a kidney transplant for their beloved cat, Oki, who was a sick, abandoned kitten when Gonciar rescued him years ago. Aronson performed Okis kidney transplant on May 18, 2015, removing a kidney from a donor cat named Cherry.

Now Oki and Cherry have celebrated their first transplantiversary and are both doing great. Cherry is settling into life in the Gonciar household, and Oki is a happy bubble of a cat, according to Gonciar.

There is no doubt in my mind that we have done the right thing, he said. Some sacrifices had to be made and caring for Oki forced quite a few changes in our lifestyle, getting it on a rather strict schedule. But at the end of the day, he falls asleep purring in my arms and we are all happy.

Award-winning pet writer Jen Reeder was thrilled to be able to donate her left kidney to her husband in 2012.

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6 most common canine cancers | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

Learning your dog has cancer is a frightening experience, but according to the National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF), it is a diagnosis one out of every three dogs will receive during their lifetime. The good news is, about half of all canine cancers are treatable if they are caught early and several promising research studies are currently being conducted to help find a cure.

Cancer comes in many forms, including carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia, and can occur at any age in both mixed breeds and purebreds. Listed below are the most common types of cancer affecting dogs and the signs to look for at home.

Lymphoma: Lymphoma occurs in cells in the lymph nodes or bone marrow and is most commonly diagnosed in dogs between the ages of 6 and 9 years old. Lymphoma affects the dogs immune system and can spread rapidly if left untreated. It is classified in five progressive stages and treatment options vary depending on the stage. The first sign of lymphoma is typically a painless, swollen lymph node in the neck or behind the knees.

Hemangiosarcoma: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the blood vessels. It is more common in dogs than any other species. Hemangiosarcoma is commonly diagnosed in the spleen, liver, and heart, but can travel to any organ or occur just under the skin. Because there are no distinct early warning signs for hemangiosarcoma, many dogs are not diagnosed until the disease has reached its advanced stages. It is often seen in German shepherd dogs, golden retrievers, and other large breeds.

Early warning signs of cancer:

Abnormal swelling

A sore that does not heal

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Bleeding or discharge from anyopening on the body

Unpleasant or unusual odor

Difficulty eating or swallowing

Loss of energy

Ongoing lameness or stiffness

Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

*Information from the National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF)

Mast cell tumors: Mast cell tumors are an extremely common form of cancer in older dogs and mixed breeds, as well as boxers, Boston terriers, Labrador retrievers, beagles, and schnauzers. Mast cells are found in the skin and other tissues, like the intestines or respiratory tract. They contain large amounts of histamines and enzymes that protect the body, but when tumors develop, that protection turns against the immune system. The first sign of a mast cell tumor is usually a lesion on the skin. Some mast cell tumors can also be uncomfortable and cause agitation.

Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be found in the nail beds, footpads, and eyes, but the vast majority of melanoma tumors start in the mouth or around the lips. Melanoma tumors are highly aggressive, growing deep into the skin to invade vital organs. The first sign of melanoma might appear as a swollen paw, an eye that drains, or a sore in or near the mouth.

Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is cancer of the bone. Approximately 85 percent of osteosarcoma tumors are malignant, and grow very quickly. Osteosarcoma commonly affects large breeds between the ages of 4 and 7 years old, including Great Danes, Irish setters, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, German shepherd dogs, and golden retrievers. While osteosarcoma can occur in any bone, it most commonly affects the limbs. Initial signs of osteosarcoma may include swelling and lameness.

Mammary cancer: According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), mammary tumors are more common in female dogs that are either not spayed or were spayed after 2 years of age. About 50 percent of all mammary tumors are malignant and have metastasized, or spread to other areas of the body, by the time they are surgically removed. Signs of mammary cancer are often overlooked because the tumors appear as a small nodule on or around the dogs nipple; however, this type of cancer can also present itself as a painful tumor around the nipple.

Promising canine cancer research

Yale School of Medicine has developed a new vaccine that may help dogs with cancer. They have teamed up with the Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk, Connecticut for a clinical trial to test the vaccine on real cancer patients. The vaccine is injected into a dog with the goal of producing antibodies to fight cancer. Yale University tested this vaccine in the laboratory and found it was successful at targeting and shrinking malignant tumors. Now they hope to create the same results with dogs battling the disease.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is also performing a clinical trial to help dogs with lymphoma. They are reformulating the way the popular cancer drug, doxorubicin, is administered. Doxorubicin is widely used to treat cancer, but the medication can affect a dogs heart. UC Davis has developed a method to turn the drug into tiny particles and administer it by infusion. The goal is to have the medication flow directly to the tumor and lessen the chance of damaging other organs.

Both studies are in need of patients for the clinical trials.

Sharon Seltzer is a freelance writer and founder of Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog, a website for owners of dogs with paralysis and other mobility disorders. Shes a pet mom to two dogs and two semi-feral cats.

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Pet vaccinations 101: What you need to know | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

Vaccines have become an emotional issue among pet owners. And, while the science of pet vaccines is always a work in progress, there are some undeniable facts.

No medical development has had a greater impact on the prevention of diseases and general health of people and animals than the development of vaccines against various diseases, says Michael Paul, DVM, past president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and frequent vaccine task force advisor.

Animal vaccines help to control disease, many of which can affect people. At the top of the list is rabies. On WGN radio, Cook County Administrator of Rabies Control Donna Alexander, DVM said, Make no mistake, rabies does occur in the United States. We have a wildlife reservoir of rabies. The only reasonand I do mean the only reasonwe dont see it in [people] in this country is because we have laws mandating vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 55,000 people around the world die from rabies each yearthats approximately one death every 10 minutes. In the U.S., one to three people succumb to rabies each year.

Another disease controlled by vaccination is canine parvovirus. The disease emerged in the 1970s, and for some time veterinarians were powerless to stop it; dogs with parvovirus often died, and they still can. Today, however, the canine parvovirus barely occurs in some places. Its not because the virus has done a disappearing act; its because enough dogs are vaccinated to provide community protection, or herd immunity.

Where populations are less protected against the canine parvovirus, such as shelter populations, the virus appears and often spreads among those individuals not vaccinated.

So, vaccinations do what theyre supposed to do. But can there be too much of a good thing? Are we vaccinating our pets too often? This is a topic often discussed, and while theres some disagreement within the ranks, veterinarians do agree that just because a vaccine is available doesnt mean that all pets should receive it.

Factors that affect vaccine protocolsAccording to the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines, whether a vaccine is suggested or not is dependent on the following factors:

Also, to lessen the possibility of adverse reactions or side effects, its often suggested that not all vaccines are given during the same veterinary visit.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinateSometimes choosing whether or not to vaccinate is easy. For rabies, its the law. Sometimes, however, those decisions arent so black and white.

During the recent canine influenza epidemic in Chicago, veterinarians werent all in agreement about supporting vaccination with the dog flu vaccine. Thats because the current vaccine was created for a flu strain called H3N8, and may not be effective against the strain of dog flu that infiltrated the Chicago area, called H3N2. Anecdotal evidence indicated the vaccine did offer some protection against the newer flu strain, and because the old flu strain still existed most veterinarians did recommend the vaccine for social dogs.

Far less was known 20 years ago about how often to immunize our pets and when to booster. Today we know more, but theres still much to learn. Organizations like AAHA, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and others have created guidelines based on current scientific and medical knowledge, which veterinarians can consult when making health care recommendations for their patients.

Another tool to help determine which vaccinations are appropriate for a particular pet is a titer, although this tool is somewhat controversial. A titer is a laboratory test that measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood that could defend against a particular disease. For example, instead of receiving a vaccine against the canine parvovirus, the dog could be titered. If the dogs titers are at a specific level, the veterinarian may deem no vaccine is necessary. Titering is not a perfect tool, however, and titers arent available for all vaccinations. Many veterinarians dont believe titering is an effective way to ensure a pets ability to fight off certain diseasesthey believe vaccinating the pet is the safest and most effective way to prevent disease.

At the end of the day, my hope is that pet owners develop a trusting relationship with their veterinarian, says Paul. Discussing each immunization is serious business, and you should review with your veterinarian whats right for your individual pet.

Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior consultant, author of a syndicated newspaper column (Tribune Content Agency), and the host of two national radio shows, including Steve Dales Pet World on WGN radio in Chicago, Ill.

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Pets and chemotherapy: Side effects to prepare for | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy treatment is often offered as a possible treatment option. The thought of putting a pet through chemotherapy can be frightening for some pet owners, though, particularly those who may have seen family or friends suffer through the side effects of chemo, or even experienced those side effects themselves. Dogs and cats, however, usually fare much better than their human counterparts when undergoing chemotherapy and dealing with the side effects of treatment.

Your veterinarian will advise you of specific side effects associated with the drugs theyre using to treat your pets cancer. While it is important to be aware of these possible side effects, it is also wise to watch your pet closely for any other signs that something is awry. Fever is a sign of infection and should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian immediately. Also watch for signs of lethargy or changes in appetite. Remember: No one knows your pet better than you, so if you think something is wrong, tell your veterinarian.

The three most common side effects of chemotherapy are bone marrow suppression, alopecia, and gastrointestinal upset.

Bone marrow suppressionChemotherapy drugs attack cells in the body that are rapidly dividing and producing, which is precisely what cancer cells typically do. There are good cells in the body, however, which also rapidly divide. White blood cells, produced in the bone marrow, are an example of these. Red blood cells can also become suppressed during chemotherapy, causing anemia in the animal.

Your veterinarian will check your pets white blood cell count through regular blood tests to determine how the chemotherapy is affecting the bone marrow. If the level of white blood cells is low, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection introduced by opportunistic bacteria, which are normally kept in check by the white blood cells.

AlopeciaWhile alopecia, or hair loss, is a common side effect of chemotherapy in humans, it is not all that common in animals. Certain breeds are more likely to experience hair loss, and they are usually breeds with continuously growing hair, such as poodles, Portuguese water dogs, shih tzu, and Maltese. These breeds may expect to see a general thinning of the hair coat, rather than a total loss of hair.

Hair may also be slow to regrow in areas that have been shaved. If your pet is receiving chemotherapy via injection into a blood vessel, your veterinarian will need to shave a spot to place an IV catheter to give the injection.

The coat usually grows back after the course of chemotherapy is completed, however, like humans who receive chemotherapy, the hair that regrows is sometimes a different color or texture than it was before chemotherapy. This may or may not change back over time.

Cats, and sometimes dogs, can also lose their whiskers during chemotherapy treatments. Like the hair coat, the whiskers may grow back after chemo looking different than they previously did.

Gastrointestinal upsetLike blood cells in the bone marrow, the gastrointestinal tract (throat, stomach, and intestines) is also made of rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy drugs are unable to discern these good cells from the bad cancer cells and will attack them. If the good gastrointestinal cells are seeing more than their fair share of attack from the chemo drugs, your veterinarian may adjust the dose of the chemo to balance the effect on your pet.

Vomiting and diarrhea may be seen 1-3 days post-chemotherapy treatment. Duration is usually short term, and your veterinarian may prescribe medications to ease these side effects. You might also want to adjust your pets diet during this time; a bland diet may be easier on your pets tender tummy. Boiled chicken and rice are often go-to options to try when your pets regular food doesnt seem to be sitting well.

If you notice signs of gastrointestinal upset, be sure to notify your veterinarian: she may want to treat the side effects if they warrant it.

Are the side effects worth it?The main goal of veterinary cancer treatment is to maintain quality of life. Although pets may experience some side effects of treatment, those symptoms are typically milder than symptoms that humans experience, and many pets go into remission after just a few doses of chemotherapy.

If your veterinarian recommends chemotherapy for your pet, be sure to discuss all the ramifications thoroughly. While your pet may experience some unpleasant side effects, the hope is that all those bad cancer cells will be wiped out by the chemotherapy drugs, and your pet will go on to live a happy life.

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The truth about dental anesthesia | AAHA

April 21st, 2019 9:49 am

Ive never seen such a look of betrayal as was in Tomkins eyes when he came home from the veterinary hospital. Traumatized by the poking, prodding, bright lights, and sharp tools, he cowered in his corner, refusing even his favorite treats. It took days before he finally showed his sparkly new grin, and I knew I could never subject him to a nonanesthetic dental cleaning again.

The 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats clearly state cleaning a companion animals teeth without general anesthesia is considered unacceptable and below the standard of care. This means the pain and stress a pet faces during a nonanesthetic dental cleaning are so great that to subject your pet to this type of procedure when safer, more comfortable methods are available is considered cruel. Thankfully, the use of anesthesia and a personalized pain control plan can mitigate many of the risks associated with nonanesthetic procedures.

Pets rely on their owners to provide for their needs. When dogs and cats undergo a nonanesthetic dental cleaning, they can often be overwhelmed by the bright lights, loud equipment, and strange people restraining them. This can place your pet under significant stress and even cause lasting trauma. Anesthetized dental procedures allow your pet to rest comfortably while the veterinary team performs a thorough exam and cleaning without the risk of injury to himself or others.

Anesthesia also allows your veterinarian to properly evaluate your pets teeth. Did you know that 60 percent of a dog or cats tooth is hidden beneath the gum line? Dental X-rays obtained while the pet is under anesthesia allow the veterinarian to fully examine each tooth and identify problems that cannot be seen with the naked eyeand additional treatment can often be provided on the spot.

So, what should you expect when your pet undergoes general anesthesia? First, your veterinarian will want to examine your pet and perform a blood test to ensure there are no health issues prior to the procedure. Based on the results and your pets medical history, your veterinarian will create a customized plan and anesthetic protocol for your pet.

Most pets recover from anesthesia quickly. According to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), many patients are fully recoveredmeaning they are awake and standingjust 1520 minutes after the procedure is completed. Anesthetized dental cleanings are also an outpatient procedure, so your pet can go home with you the same day.

Just like humans, pets are at risk for cavities, periodontal disease, and broken teethall of which are sources of significant pain. By taking your dog or cat in for an anesthetized dental procedure in which the veterinary team can thoroughly examine and clean all their teeth safely, you ensure a healthy, happy future for your pet.

Chris Nichols is a freelance writer living in Michigan with her cranky cat and elderly dog.

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