Did you know that a portion of every Caring Pathways appointment goes to the Morris Animal Foundation? The Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. This year we have committed to sponsoring two Morris Animal Foundation studies.
Reducing Pain and Slow Progression of Arthritis in Feline Patients
The first study is being conducted at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with the goal to reduce pain and slow progression of arthritis in feline patients. Arthritis is a progressive and painful disease that involves the inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints.
Did you know arthritis is present in a majority of cats over 12 years old? Many feline patients often go undiagnosed and untreated as they are masters of masking pain and illness. Supporting new ways to provide comfort and slow progression of painful diseases is paramount to our mission of providing peace and comfort in the final chapter of a pet’s life.
Slowing Progression of Disease in Dogs with Subaortic Stenosis
The second study we chose to sponsor is based out of the University of California Davis College of Veterinary Medicine and is aimed at slowing damaging changes to the heart in dogs diagnosed with subaortic stenosis. Subaortic stenosis is a hereditary narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart which causes increased stress and workload of the heart. Over time, this leads to heart failure and can cause sudden death.
Dogs are born with this condition so their lives are often cut far too short. To date, there are no proven medical interventions that can alter the lifespan of dogs with this terrible disease. We chose to sponsor this study because we wanted to support new and innovative ways to prolong a good quality of life in patients born with debilitating conditions.
At Caring Pathways, we are committed to supporting families and their aging or terminally ill pets through online quality of life consults and in-home palliative and hospice care. Part of this commitment extends to supporting our veterinary colleagues who are tirelessly working to learn more about diseases that impact the quality and duration of life for our beloved pets.