Researchers have found that pure bred dogs are ideal for mapping genes that cause diseases, which may help scientists understand the molecular basis for both canine and human diseases.  Almost two years ago, researchers at the Broad Institute decoded the genome of the domestic dog and they created a catalog of about 2.5 million specific genetic differences across breeds.  Due to the selective breeding of dogs over the past two centuries, scientists uncovered a genomic structure about 100 times larger than those found in the human genome. This will provide a shortcut that will allow researchers to investigate canine disease by using a few hundred animals to characterize diseases, compared to thousands of subjects that are required to study similar diseases in humans.  If you want to learn more about the work of the Broad Institute and perhaps help with their research efforts, visit dogDNA.org.

Karlsson et al. (2007) “Efficient mapping of mendelian traits in dogs through genome-wide association.” Nature Genetics DOI:10.1038/ng.2007.10

Hillbertz et al. (2007) “Duplication of FGF3, FGF4, FGF19, and ORAOV1 causes hair ridge and predisposition to dermoid sinus in Ridgeback dogs.” Nature Genetics DOI: 10.1038/ng.2007.4

It appears what a feline sees and what a feline does affects his or her memory in different ways.  Researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton studied how feline memory works.  They conducted two obstacle tests.  In the first set of tests, researchers placed obstacles in front of cats.  When the cats’ front legs cleared the obstacles, they were distracted with food.  Then the obstacles were placed in front of the cats again.  In the second set of tests, the cats were stopped just before their front legs cleared the obstacles.  Interestingly, the cats that stepped over the obstacles with their forelegs, remembered to clear their hind legs even when distracted for up to 10 minutes.  However, when the forelegs did not step over the obstacles, memory of the obstacles was quickly lost.  Although it is not clear how these tests relate to humans, they may play a role in how we navigate objects in the dark.  You may have noticed that when you move through a cluttered lighted room that when you turn the light off, you still have the ability to avoid objects even though you cannot see them. 

McVea and Pearson (2007) "Stepping of the forelegs over obstacles establishes long-lasting memories in walking cats." Current Biology, 21 August, R621-623.

The colorful cranberry is truly a health-promoting fruit for humans and our companion animals.  Research conducted over the last several years has validated what Native Americans knew all along about this remarkable berry.  The cranberry is rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, important antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system.  Additionally, this berry contains nutrients called proanthocyanidins, which also support a healthy immune system and contribute to a healthy urinary system.  The amazing cranberry is a little fruit that packs a big nutritional punch.



The antioxidants and plant sterols in Immune & Body Support for Cats help maintain a healthy immune system and natural defenses.  This unique formula provides a broad spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbs and whole food concentrates (like stabilized rice bran and herring meal) to supplement a healthy diet and maintain optimal health. It also has L-Carnitine, and glucosamine … nutritients necessary for healthy joints.  And best of all, Immune & Body Support has a delicious liver flavor that even finicky cats love!

 

Every day, your body removes and replaces small amounts of calcium from your bones.  This process is called remodeling.  In fact, most of an adult skeleton is replaced about every 10 years.  However, if your body removes more calcium than it replaces, then your bones will become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking.  Your skeleton is a mineral storehouse for calcium and phosphorus.  If these nutrients are in short supply, the regulating hormones take them out of the bone and send them to other systems of the body, weakening the bone. Learn more