One Health Movement News / One Health Topics 'in' the News

"Researchers say they have discovered a rare, severe form of pulmonary hypertension in dogs. Up until this point, it had only been classified as a human lung disease.

The study, which recently appeared in the journal Veterinary Pathology, involved researchers from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the University of London’s Royal Veterinary College.

“Our research is the first to document the existence of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, or PVOD, in dogs,” said Kurt Williams, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP, the lead author of the study and associate professor of pathology and diagnostic investigation in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “PVOD is considered one of the most severe forms of pulmonary hypertension.”

"FRIDAY, May 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Walking the dog may be a health boon for older Americans, new research suggests.

Dog walking helps cut back on excess weight and the overall need to visit a physician while raising overall moderate and vigorous exercise levels among the over-60 set, investigators found.

And the strong emotional bonds formed between owner and pet offer social benefits, encouraging increased contact with other pet owners."

Excerpt: "Several dogs in Flint have tested positive for lead during three recent screenings by Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Daniel Langlois, assistant professor with MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, said 14 of more than 170 dogs tested showed lead in their blood during the free screenings being primarily funded through gift funds.

Of those 14 dogs, Langlois said 10 showed levels suggestive of recent or low-level exposure to lead -- 25-45 part per billion -- while four tested positive above the reportable limit of 50 ppb and reported to the state."

This study, published by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) a One Health Commission sponsor, was the first to explore the long-term effects of acquiring a pet dog for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. They found a reduction in parental stress in a number of domains.

Excerpt: "Dogs often copy the facial expressions of others, according to a new study that suggests dogs, like humans and other primates, show a phenomenon known as "emotional contagion.  Emotional contagion, which is a basic building block of empathy, is when an individual instantaneously shares the same emotional state of another. Its existence was never fully proven in dogs until now." 

"A pet dog may protect your child from childhood anxiety, according to research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Link to original CDC article: Pet Dogs and Children’s Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention?

Multiple studies show that the activity a dog needs to thrive — fresh air, regular walks, and consistent connection — improves the vitality of BOTH the dog and the human.