CURRENT RESEARCH

Chordomas in Ferrets

Chordomas are a common musculoskeletal tumor of the ferret. Most appear at the distal end of the tail, and surgical excision is curative. A brief description is available at: http://www.afip.org/ferrets/chordoma.cfml

What many people may not know is that chordomas are seen in humans as well, but have a serious impact on human health. Tumors are slow growing, highly invasive and do not respond well to chemotherapy following surgery. Many appear in sites not surgically accessible, for example the base of the skull.

Physician Simone Summer, MD is currently investigating these tumors in humans and is studying genetic markers in ferrets and potential therpeutic strategies with possible benefit for both species. She is requesting practitioners send case material to her at:

Simone Sommer, MD, MPH
1-336-324-6167
allwayswel@aol.com

Urinary Tract Calculi in Pet Guinea Pigs

Oxbow Pet Products has sponsored a study to investigate risk factors and mineral composition of urinary tract calculi in pet guinea pigs with the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This multi-institutional case-control study will compare epidemiological factors, including dietary history, associated with incidence of stone formation in these animals.

Stones that have been surgically removed from 100 patients will be analyzed to determine mineral composition via optical crystallography and, if necessary, infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Urine samples will also be assessed in guinea pigs with stones,and from 100 control animals without stones. A urinalysis performed at the institution of origin coupled with a urine sample via cystocentesis shipped overnight for urine culture (free of charge) and stone analysis with stone culture (also provided free of charge for all calculi subjects) and completion of a questionnaire will fulfill the criteria necessary to include these guinea pigs as study subjects. Frequencies of age, sex, body weight,reproductive status, infection, previous medical history, and otherparameters determined from the detailed questionnaire accompanying each sample submission will be calculated for each study group to assess the impact of various risk factors in stone formation.

For further information please contact:

Michelle Hawkins VMD Dipl. ABVP (Avian Practice)
Assistant Professor
Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Service
2108 Tupper Hall
University of CA, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
530.752.1393 (ph)
mghawkins@ucdavis.edu