Experimental canine cancer drug could help humans, too University of Illinois chemist Paul Hergenrother developed an anti-cancer drug, PAC-1, that has shown promise for treatment of cancer in dogs at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Veterinary oncologist and trial coordinator Tim Fan says the drug was evaluated in dogs who had advanced blood or bone cancers that had metastasized to lung tissue. The drug works by triggering cell death, and researchers plan to evaluate its use for treatment of brain cancer in humans. The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana, Ill.) (8/6) Scientists document case of human-to-human H7N9 transmission Scientists have reported the first known case of apparent person-to-person direct transmission of H7N9 avian influenza. The virus, identified earlier this year, has infected more than 130 people and killed 43 of them. A 32-year-old woman apparently contracted the virus while caring for her ill father, who was likely exposed at a poultry market. Both died of organ failure associated with the infection. However, 43 other people who had direct contact with the pair did not become infected. CNN (8/7), National Public Radio/Shots blog (8/6), Voice of America (8/6) Timber rattlers provide tick, disease control, study finds While feeding on small rodents and other mammals, a single timber rattlesnake removes an estimated 2,500-4,500 ticks from their habitat every year, according to a recent study. Many of those ticks ingested by the snakes could be carrying Lyme disease, a serious zoonotic infection that is on the rise in the U.S., leading the researchers to conclude that the snakes are an important natural mechanism for protecting humans from Lyme disease. The timber rattler is considered threatened in five states and endangered in six. ScienceDaily (8/6) Other News  | We're here, even when times are rough. Disability insurance from AVMA GHLIT can help replace your income when you can't work due to illness or injury. Click here for more information. | | Smoking also bad for pets' health Exposure to secondhand smoke puts pets' lives at risk much as it threatens children, according to veterinary oncologist Heather Wilson-Robles, who recommends ways smokers can help protect pets. Dr. Wilson-Robles says quitting is the best remedy, but owners can also consider smoking outside, washing their hands and possibly changing clothes after smoking. Animal exposure occurs through inhalation and direct contact, as smoke and tar accumulate on pets' fur. Cats, who regularly groom their coats, are of particular concern because they can ingest the toxins while doing so. MedicalDaily.com (8/5) Veterinary care for jet-set pets Veterinarian Cindy Bressler has started a new company called JetSetVets that keeps traveling pets in good health. Dr. Bressler or her colleague, veterinarian Patrick Mahaney, accompany the pet and owner on private flights and provide whatever health care is necessary for the animal during travel. One memorable case for Dr. Bressler involved a dog that was near giving birth. Dr. Bressler accompanied the animal on several cross-country flights, only to have the dog deliver on the ground in New York. The company has partnered with a charter air travel firm. Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)/The Associated Press (8/7) Other News  | An Invitation for SmartBrief Readers
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 | Ore. dogs at risk as owners leave them in cars In just one day, animal rescue workers and police in the Portland, Ore., area responded to seven cases of dogs left in hot cars, prompting officials to remind owners to keep pets safe from the heat. AVMA statistics show that the temperature inside a car can increase by 19 degrees in ten minutes and 43 degrees in an hour, noted Multnomah County spokesman Hank Stern. The Oregonian (Portland) (8/6)  | [Your Business] as a Service: Developing Your Subscription Business Strategy
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 | Video: Puppy socialization We all appreciate the joy and companionship that a well-behaved dog brings to our lives. What we don't always appreciate is that there are many different factors that can determine whether or not a puppy grows into that wonderful lifelong companion. In this AVMA video, Dr. Christopher Pachel explains the ins and outs of puppy socialization. Watch the video. |  | Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be." -- Elizabeth Gilbert, American author | | | The news summaries appearing in Animal Health SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The AVMA is not responsible for the content of sites that are external to the AVMA. Linking to a website does not constitute an endorsement by the AVMA of the site or the information presented on the site. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at avma@smartbrief.com. | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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