From pets to people: canine eyedrop study offers insights for human eye care
A promising new discovery from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that cross-linked hyaluronic acid (XHA) significantly enhances the retention and concentration of topical antibiotics in the tear film of dogs. Compared to traditional formulations using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the XHA-based eyedrops maintained higher drug levels for longer durations. This innovation not only suggests improved treatment outcomes for veterinary patients – it also carries meaningful implications for human medicine.
Dogs could help predict valley fever spread in humans
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist soils and becomes airborne during drought. Its spores are easily inhaled, leading to infection. Climate change is creating the perfect conditions for it in the Western United States, with increasing heavy rains followed by prolonged drought. A new study by University of California, Davis, researchers shows that dogs, who are also susceptible to the disease, can help us understand its spread.
AI Breakthrough Lets Horses 'Talk' to Vets: The Revolutionary System Detects Hidden Health Issues
Researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge the communication gap between horses and humans. By combining 3D motion capture technology with machine learning, a new modeling system offers veterinarians a powerful visual tool for interpreting equine body language—a key to detecting both physical and behavioral problems.
High-Intensity Zones in Dogs with Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Insights from MRI and Histopathological Findings
Diagnosing and managing lumbosacral pain in dogs remains a clinical challenge, necessitating comprehensive diagnostic approaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in identifying structural abnormalities associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This retrospective study explores the presence of high-intensity zones (HIZ) in the dorsal annulus fibrosus (AF) of the lumbosacral region in dogs, correlating MRI findings with histopathological features.
Microplastics detected in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy
In a small study of eight cats at early stages of pregnancy, researchers detected 19 different kinds of microplastic particles in fetuses from two cats and in the placentas of three cats. Ilaria Ferraboschi of the University of Parma, Italy, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS One on April 2, 2025.
Scent-sational advancement in canine research!
A pioneering study investigating the brain activity of dogs during scent detection has unveiled crucial insights into their remarkable olfactory capabilities. Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed an optical sensor capable of remote sensing dogs’ brain activity in three key regions— the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and amygdala— that play a critical role in how dogs distinguish between different smells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a compact, non-invasive device capable of interpreting and translating a dog’s olfactory perceptions for human understanding.