DR. THOMAS CARLL SCHERMERHORN, M.D.

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This study looked at levels of a protein called glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) in cats with ongoing gut problems (chronic enteropathies) compared to healthy cats. The researchers found no significant difference in GLP-2 levels, with both groups showing similar values (0.53 ng/ml in healthy cats and 0.52 ng/ml in cats with gut issues). Additionally, after one month of treatment, the GLP-2 levels in the cats with gut problems did not change notably (0.43 ng/ml), indicating that GLP-2 is not a useful marker for these conditions in cats at this time. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians looking for reliable tests to diagnose and monitor gut issues in cats.

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This research paper examines the challenges of measuring a hormone called arginine vasopressin (AVP) in veterinary medicine and suggests that a different marker, called copeptin (CoP), could be a more reliable option. It found that CoP tests have been successful in humans for diagnosing conditions related to water regulation, and there is promising evidence that CoP could also be beneficial in dogs. This matters because better diagnostic tools can lead to more accurate treatments for pets suffering from conditions that cause excessive thirst and urination. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners by providing better ways to diagnose and manage certain health issues in dogs.

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This study focused on understanding what motivates dog and cat owners to participate in pet weight loss programs and how they make decisions regarding their pets' health. The researchers found that the majority of pet owners (53 respondents) were motivated by health concerns rather than appearance, and the most common decision-making style was rational thinking. This information is important because it can help veterinarians better support pet owners in weight loss programs by recognizing their motivations and decision-making preferences. Who this helps: Pet owners and veterinarians.

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This study examined the levels of two substances, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and copeptin, in dogs to see how they change under different conditions, like dehydration or after a water load. Researchers found that the AVP level increased significantly by about 110% after dehydration, while copeptin increased by 18%. This is important because it shows that measuring copeptin can reliably indicate AVP levels in healthy dogs, which could help in diagnosing and treating conditions related to fluid balance in veterinary medicine. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pet owners by providing a better way to assess hydration status in dogs.

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The study tested a new liquid medication called velagliflozin to treat diabetes in cats. It involved 252 cats, and the results showed that after 180 days of treatment, 81% of the cats had their blood sugar and other health markers back in normal ranges. This is important because it offers a new option for treating diabetic cats that might not tolerate insulin well. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians managing diabetes in cats.

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This study looked at how well two blood tests (HbA1c and fructosamine) can help determine if diabetic dogs are managing their condition properly. Out of 28 dogs studied, 50% were found to have good control of their diabetes, while 82% had acceptable control based on clinical assessments. The HbA1c test worked better than fructosamine in aligning with these assessments, making it a more reliable choice for monitoring diabetic dogs, although it should still be used with other tests for the best results. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners monitor and manage diabetes in their pets.

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This study looked at a less invasive way to take liver samples from dogs to measure gene expression, which is important for understanding how dogs respond to medications. Researchers found that the new method, fine needle aspiration (FNA), worked well but that certain genes were expressed differently depending on where the samples were taken from. For example, the level of one gene (CYP3A12) was higher in traditional biopsy samples, while the location of the sample also affected the expression of other genes. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pet owners by providing a safer option for testing liver function in dogs.

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This study looked at how well canine insulinoma cells, which are tumors that produce insulin, can be isolated and grown in a lab setting. Researchers found that these cells could live for up to 10 weeks and continue to produce and release insulin during that time. Notably, they observed that a specific protein called glucokinase was present in larger amounts in the tumor cells compared to normal pancreatic tissue, which might explain why these tumors release too much insulin. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners dealing with insulinoma in dogs.

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This study looked at how a specific blood test measure, called the mean cell volume difference (dMCV), can indicate high salt levels in the blood (hypertonicity) in diabetic dogs. Researchers found that 91% of the dogs with diabetes had high blood salt levels, and using a dMCV of 3 μm³ or more could predict hypertonicity with 79% accuracy. This matters because it helps veterinarians identify potentially harmful conditions in diabetic dogs before they become serious. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners of diabetic dogs.

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Researchers studied blood samples from diabetic dogs to understand how a specific measurement, called the mean cell volume difference (dMCV), relates to the level of salts in their blood. They found that higher dMCV values were linked to higher levels of blood salts, indicating dehydration or other issues—exactly how this relationship plays out helps in assessing the health of diabetic dogs. Understanding this connection matters because it can lead to better monitoring and treatment for these pets. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners caring for diabetic dogs.

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This study looked at how two different eye medications, prednisolone acetate and diclofenac sodium, affect dogs with cataracts who also have well-controlled diabetes. Researchers found that after 28 days of treatment, there were no significant differences in diabetes regulation among the dogs using either medication. Specifically, the average diabetes marker levels were quite similar in both groups, indicating that neither medication had a distinct advantage for managing diabetes in these dogs. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners managing diabetes in dogs with cataracts.

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This study looked at cancer in dogs' noses by analyzing tissue samples from sixteen dogs with nasal tumors and five normal samples. The researchers found that a protein called VEGFR2 was present in all tumor samples, while other proteins like PDGFR-α and EGFR1 were found in most tumors, with EGFR1 showing activity in 10 out of 16 tumors. These findings suggest that the drug toceranib phosphate may work differently than expected and indicate that targeting EGFR1 could be a promising new approach for treating nasal cancer in dogs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners dealing with nasal cancer in dogs.

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This research looked at how hyperthyroidism affects kidney function in older cats, as many of these cats have both conditions at the same time. The findings highlight that treating hyperthyroidism can influence kidney health, underlining the need for careful management. Understanding this connection is crucial because it helps veterinarians provide better care for these cats and optimize their overall health outcomes. Who this helps: Pet owners and veterinarians caring for older cats with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

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This study looked at how well the osmolality (a measure of the concentration of substances in liquids) holds up in frozen blood and urine samples from dogs over time. It found that the osmolality remained stable for at least 7 days, but after that, there were significant drops: it was lower by 14, 30, and 90 days compared to the initial measurement. For urine, samples stored at -20°C had slightly lower osmolality than those stored at -80°C, which could matter for research accuracy but not for individual patient care. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and researchers studying dog health.

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This study looked at how certain substances, called ketoacids and lactate, affect red blood cells (RBCs) from around 40 dogs. The researchers found that while ketoacids generally helped protect the RBCs from damage due to changes in fluid balance, this effect was mostly because of the sodium and lithium ions they contain, not the ketoacids themselves. In contrast, lactate showed both protective properties and changes in cell size, demonstrating it can affect RBCs more effectively than ketoacids. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and pet owners by improving understanding of how certain treatments can affect dog blood cells.

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This study looked at whether mean corpuscular volume difference (dMCV) could be used to identify high salt levels in the blood (hypertonicity) in dogs when they were deprived of water for 24 hours. Researchers found that while serum osmolality and body weight changed significantly, the dMCV measure didn't change much over the time period, although there was a strong link between dMCV and serum osmolality levels. Specifically, a dMCV of 5 fL or higher perfectly identified hypertonicity in dogs with serum osmolality levels of 310 mOsM or more. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners by providing a new way to monitor hydration status in dogs.

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This study looked at a lab measurement called the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in dogs to see if it could help identify high levels of salts in their blood, known as hypertonicity. Researchers found that a difference in MCV values greater than 2.96 femtoliters (fl) was effective at predicting hypertonicity, achieving a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 71%. This is important because it can help veterinarians better diagnose and treat dogs with this condition, which can cause serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners.

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This study focused on a specific enzyme called glucokinase (GK) found in cats, which plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and is important for understanding diabetes. Researchers sequenced the gene for feline GK, finding that it has 1,398 building blocks and a protein made up of 465 parts, mostly resembling that of humans, but with some unique changes. This matters because understanding feline GK could lead to better treatments for diabetes in both cats and humans. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners managing diabetes in cats.

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This paper looks at feline hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats where the thyroid gland is overactive. It reviews how this condition develops, how it appears in cats, and the changes it causes in their health, along with the tests and treatments available. The findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and offer various treatment options that can improve the quality of life for affected cats. Who this helps: Cat owners and veterinarians.

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This study looks at a unique medical condition in a 5-year-old dachshund that had immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a serious blood disorder where the dog's immune system attacks its own red blood cells. The dog experienced symptoms like dark urine and loss of appetite, and tests revealed a high number of certain blood cells in its abdomen, indicating an unusual process of blood cell production happening outside the bone marrow. This finding is significant because it helps better understand how similar conditions might occur in dogs and can guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and dog owners dealing with similar blood disorders in pets.

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This research looked at how carnivores, like dolphins and domestic cats, process nutrients differently from non-carnivorous animals and what that means for diabetes. It found that while healthy carnivores lack certain pathways associated with diabetes—like the glucokinase (GCK) pathway—these animals can still show signs of insulin resistance that are linked to diabetes in humans. Understanding these differences is important because it may help researchers find new ways to treat or prevent diabetes in people. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those at risk of diabetes.

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This study looked at a quick blood test that measures a heart-related protein, cardiac troponin I, in dogs to see if it can help tell the difference between breathing issues caused by heart problems versus other causes. They found that normal dogs had low levels of this protein, while dogs with heart-related breathing problems had much higher levels, with an average of 1.74 ng/mL, compared to 0.14 ng/mL in dogs with breathing issues not caused by heart problems. While the test can identify heart problems with some accuracy—78% sensitivity when levels are above 1.5 ng/mL—it can't be relied on alone for diagnosis due to low overall accuracy. Who this helps: This research helps veterinarians diagnose respiratory distress in dogs.

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This study looked at a 5.5-year-old female ferret that had several health issues, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and tumors in the pancreas and adrenal gland. Despite treatment, her condition continued to worsen, leading to her euthanasia. This case is significant because it is the first reported instance of a ferret having diabetes, pancreatitis, a pancreatic tumor, and adrenal disease at the same time, highlighting a complex situation that can be difficult to manage in veterinary medicine. Who this helps: This information benefits veterinarians and pet owners of ferrets.

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This study looked at a glucose monitoring system used on healthy dogs while they were under anesthesia for surgery. The researchers found that the continuous glucose monitor often gave readings that were off by more than 20% compared to standard blood tests, hitting this mark in nearly 43% of cases, and it identified low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) much more often than the blood tests did. This matters because it questions the reliability of the monitoring system during surgery when accurate glucose levels are crucial for the dogs' safety. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners ensuring the health and safety of dogs during surgery.

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This study looked at how different types of multiple-choice questions used during veterinary lectures kept students engaged. Out of 324 veterinary students, those who answered knowledge-based and discussion questions reported being most attentive, while polling questions had similar attention levels to lectures without questions. The results showed that these interactive questions not only helped maintain student interest but also made the classroom atmosphere more dynamic, even though some questions took longer to prepare. Who this helps: This helps veterinary students and their instructors by improving engagement and learning during lectures.

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This study looked at why cats have low levels of glucokinase (GK), an enzyme that helps their livers manage sugar levels. The researchers found that cats do not produce a protein called glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP), which normally controls GK activity. This missing protein likely contributes to the low GK activity in cats' livers, highlighting the cat as an important model for understanding how glucose metabolism works. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and researchers studying feline health and metabolism.

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This study examined how a specific enzyme called ketohexokinase (KHK) functions in cats, particularly focusing on its expression in different tissues, especially the liver. Researchers found that KHK mRNA and protein are present in the liver, pancreas, spleen, and muscle of cats, but not in the lungs. This discovery is important because it helps clarify how cats metabolize fructose, a type of sugar, and confirms that their liver processes fructose similarly to other animals. Who this helps: This information benefits veterinarians and cat owners by improving understanding of feline nutrition and metabolism.

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This study looked at a type of tumor called insulinoma in cats, which causes them to produce too much insulin. Researchers found that these tumors not only produce insulin but also other hormones like somatostatin, and showed unusual gene activity that suggests the tumor cells might react differently to sugar levels compared to normal pancreatic cells. Specifically, a gene called glucokinase was found to be much more active in the tumor, over 20 times higher than in healthy pancreas tissue, indicating a different way these tumor cells respond to glucose. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and pet owners by improving understanding of insulinomas in cats, leading to better diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study focused on developing a method to grow valvular interstitial cells (VICs) from the heart valves of dogs in a lab setting. Researchers successfully isolated these cells from the mitral valve and were able to keep them alive for up to eight cell divisions while confirming that they had the characteristics typical of VICs. This work is important because it allows for the study of heart valve issues in dogs, potentially aiding in understanding and treating chronic heart valve disease in pets. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and researchers working to improve treatments for dogs with heart valve diseases.

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The study focused on a puppy that grew unusually fast and became much larger than typical for its breed. Researchers found that the puppy had higher levels of leptin, a hormone linked to body weight regulation, but did not confirm a specific disorder. Despite its size, the puppy was otherwise healthy. Who this helps: Pet owners and veterinarians.

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This study looked at ten dogs with a serious condition called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) to see how they fared after having their spleens removed (splenectomy). The results showed that 9 out of the 10 dogs survived for at least 30 days after the surgery, with four of those dogs not needing any immunosuppressive medications. Additionally, the dogs had better blood counts and required fewer blood transfusions after the surgery compared to before. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners and veterinarians working with dogs suffering from IMHA.

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This study focuses on a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever that developed a serious condition called hypothyroid crisis due to a common antibiotic treatment. After receiving high doses of a sulfonamide drug for 10 days, the dog showed symptoms like weakness and depression, but treatment with a thyroid hormone quickly fixed these issues. This is important because it shows that this type of antibiotic can cause dangerous thyroid problems in dogs, highlighting the need for pet owners and veterinarians to recognize and address these effects early on. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners manage medication side effects effectively.

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This study looked at the genetic code of a key enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase, in cats, and how it compares to similar enzymes in other mammals. The researchers found that the feline version has 2,261 building blocks of DNA and produces a protein made of 357 amino acids. Their findings, which show a high similarity (73-95%) to related proteins in other species, help explain the unique way cats process sugars in their liver, which can impact their health and nutrition. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners better understand feline liver function and metabolic health.

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This study looked at nine cases of feline dysautonomia, a serious condition affecting the nervous system of cats, in the Midwestern United States. The research found that this condition is rare in the US but seems to be more common in certain areas, specifically Missouri and Kansas. Understanding where and how often this condition occurs helps veterinarians recognize and take better care of cats suffering from it since there are no effective treatments available. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and cat owners in the affected regions.

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This study looked at specific proteins in the blood and joint fluid of dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) to understand the disease better. They found that the level of a protein called MMP-1 was higher in the joint fluid of OA dogs (0.62) compared to healthy dogs (0.42), while MMP-1 levels in their blood were lower (0.74 compared to 0.87). Another protein, TIMP-2, was found in lower amounts in the joint fluid of OA dogs (46.2) compared to healthy dogs (122.0), indicating a significant change in how their bodies are responding to the disease. This research helps in identifying early signs of osteoarthritis in dogs, which could lead to better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners manage osteoarthritis in dogs more effectively.

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The researchers developed a new way to remove nasal polyps from a cat that was having trouble breathing. They used an endoscope, a tube with a camera, inserted through the cat's stomach to reach the nasal area, which allowed them to easily remove multiple polyps. This new method resulted in less overall trauma and a smoother recovery for the cat compared to traditional techniques. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians treating cats with respiratory issues.

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This study looked at specific proteins called KATP channels in the pancreas of dogs, focusing on both healthy tissues and insulin-secreting tumors known as insulinomas. Researchers found that both normal canine pancreas and the tumors expressed the KATP channel subunits necessary for insulin regulation, with no mutations detected in the tumors. This finding matters because it shows that the way these channels work in dogs is similar to those in humans and other animals, which may help develop better treatments for diabetes in dogs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners managing diabetes and insulinomas in dogs.

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This study looked at using a diluted form of formalin to treat a diabetic dog with severe bleeding from inflammation of the bladder, a condition called hemorrhagic cystitis. The treatment was successful, meaning the dog's condition improved significantly after the formalin was used. This is important because it offers a potential solution for serious bladder issues in dogs that don’t respond to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians treating dogs with severe bladder problems.

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This study looked at pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in cats, a serious condition where blood clots travel to the lungs, affecting 17 cats over 24 years, which is a very low occurrence rate of 0.06%. Affected cats were mostly young or old and had other serious health issues, such as cancer or severe anemia. The findings highlight that PTE can occur in cats of any age and often goes unnoticed until it's too late, suggesting that veterinarians should be more alert to the signs of PTE in cats, just like they are in dogs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and cat owners by raising awareness of PTE in cats.

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This study looked at how insulin is released from cells in the pancreas when glucose levels rise. Researchers found that the release happens in two phases: a quick first phase, where about 100 granules are released from a pool of about 13,000 every 3 seconds, followed by a slower second phase that prepares more granules for later release. This understanding is important because it shows that there are likely multiple pools of insulin granules, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like diabetes if we can find ways to enhance these release processes. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes.

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This study investigated magnesium levels in 57 cats admitted to the Cornell University intensive care unit. The researchers found that 26% of the cats had abnormal magnesium levels when they were first evaluated, and 23% developed issues after admission. Cats with abnormal magnesium levels had longer hospital stays (5 days compared to 4 days) and lower survival rates (54% compared to 77%). This is important because it indicates that monitoring and managing magnesium levels can influence the health outcomes of sick cats. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pet owners.

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This study looked at how norepinephrine (NE), a substance that reduces insulin secretion, affects calcium levels in pancreatic cells called HIT-T15. The researchers found that in non-oscillating cells, NE simply lowered calcium levels, while in oscillating cells, it not only lowered the calcium but also made the calcium levels fluctuate less frequently and less intensely. This is important because understanding how NE impacts these cells helps in figuring out how to manage insulin secretion, which is vital for blood sugar control. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions like diabetes by providing insights for better treatments.

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The study focused on a 13-year-old cat that had symptoms like fever, lack of appetite, and skin problems. Tests showed that the cat had a rare blood condition called cryoglobulinemia and also had multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting blood cells. This matters because it highlights how serious illnesses can occur together in pets, helping to inform veterinarians about similar cases. Who this helps: This information benefits veterinarians and cat owners dealing with similar health issues.

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This study looked at a lab test, called the serum albumin-effusion albumin (SA-EA) gradient, to see how well it could help understand why dogs have fluid buildup in their abdomens. The researchers examined 49 dogs and found that 88% of those with liver disease had a high SA-EA gradient, compared to 58% with other health issues. This is important because it shows that many dogs with liver problems have similar signs of fluid buildup, which can help vets make better decisions about how to treat them. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners understand and manage abdominal fluid buildup in dogs more effectively.

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This study looked at how a molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) affects insulin release in rat pancreatic cells when glucose is present. Researchers found that cAMP boosts insulin secretion without raising calcium levels, meaning it works through a different pathway than glucose does. Specifically, they discovered that this enhancement occurs even when calcium is not available, showing cAMP’s significant role in how insulin is released. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with diabetes by improving understanding of insulin secretion mechanisms.

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This study looked at how a protein called calbindin-D(28k) affects calcium levels and insulin release in the pancreas. Researchers found that in mice without this protein, calcium levels were 3.5 times higher when the pancreas was stimulated, leading to increased insulin release. In laboratory cell lines, insulin release was reduced by 45-80% when calbindin was present, showing that this protein helps manage how much insulin is released based on calcium levels. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with diabetes, as it may lead to better ways to control insulin release for managing blood sugar levels.

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This study looked at a case of a dog with a rare type of internal bleeding called retroperitoneal hemorrhage, which was marked by two unusual signs: dark red urine and a specific discoloration around the belly button. The dog, a neutered male Shetland sheepdog, was also experiencing an abdominal mass and pain. The doctors discovered a large hematoma during surgery, and they suspect it may have been caused by a ruptured tumor, given the dog's high blood pressure. Who this helps: This information helps veterinarians identify and treat similar cases in dogs.