Photodynamic Therapy and Photothermal Coagulation for Selective Treatment of
Cancer and other Pathologic Conditions
This project encompasses the use of laser energy for photothermal and photochemical
(photodynamic therapy) treatment of tumors and other conditions such as prolapse
of intervertebral discs. It is a collaborative effort involving physicists,
physicians, and veterinarians to study new and novel treatments of conditions
and laser applications in both humans and animals.
Sponsor: Presbyterian Health Foundation
PIs: Kenneth E. Bartels, Michael Lucroy
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center: John R. Houck
College of Veterinary Medicine Sarkeys Biomedical Laser Laboratory
Since the establishment of the Biomedical Laser Laboratory within the College
of Veterinary Medicine, research to establish protocols for clinical applications
in veterinary medicine has been a primary objective. In addition, the use of
laboratory models has resulted in transfer of technology to both industry and
human medicine. Work will continue concentrating on the clinical applications
of biomedical lasers coupled with collaborative research protocols involving
basic scientists (engineers, physicists) and clinicians.
Sponsor: Sarkeys Foundation, McCasland Foundation, Mercy Works Foundation,
and the Kerr Foundation
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Kenneth E. Bartels
Evaluation of CO2 Laser Ablation and Traditional Scalpel Technique for Excision
of Elongated Soft Palates in Brachycephalic Dogs
The purpose of this project, performed in conjunction with the Sarkey’s
Surgical Laboratory, was to compare techniques for elongated soft palate resection
in a group of experimental brachycephalic dogs. Elongated soft palate is a potentially
life-threatening condition in brachycephalic dogs, and surgery to resect the
excessive tissue often is necessary to relieve clinical signs. Traditional surgery
with sharp dissection may lead to complications such as laryngeal swelling and
hemorrhage. An alternative method using a CO2 laser to resect the palate was
significantly faster and resulted in less hemorrhage. Inflammatory response
and rate of healing was similar to the traditional technique. Further studies
are indicated to evaluate the technique and its effects on airway resistance
in clinically affected patients.
Sponsor: Presbyterian Health Foundation
PIs: Ellen B. Davidson, Michael S. Davis, Gregory A. Campbell, Kenneth
E. Bartels, Tiffany Healey
Evaluation of Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy in the Dog
The most common surgeries in small animal veterinary practice are ovariohysterectomies
and castrations. The traditional ovariohysterectomy has potential perioperative
and postoperative complications related to open abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic
surgery, a minimally invasive technique, may reduce the incidence of complications.
This study compares surgical and anesthesia time, intraoperative and postoperative
incidence and severity of complications, and ease of technique between open
abdominal and laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. The availability of laparoscopic
surgery expands the array of surgical options for the veterinary surgeon.
Sponsor: Onux Medical Inc.
PI: Ellen Davidson
Efficacy of Hagenia abyssinica (Koso) - Anthelmintic Plant for Nematode Control
in Alpine Wether Goats
Conventional methods to control internal parasites include anthelmintic drenching,
pasture spelling, crop rotation, and integrated grazing systems using stock
with low internal parasite susceptibility. Anthelmintic use, by far the least
complex of control options, is currently the preferred method for internal parasite
management. Unfortunately, after many years of heavy reliance on anthelmintics
for internal parasite control, parasite resistance has emerged. Anthelmintic
resistance has been documented across the world, including Africa, Asia, and
North America. Anthelmintic resistance of internal parasite populations exists
for all current drug families including benzimidazole, levamisole, invermectin,
and tomorantel. In some studies, internal parasite populations have multiple
resistances. To avoid anthelmintic resistance, goat producers must reduce reliance
on anthelmintics and seek alternative, sustainable methods for internal nematode
control.
Medicinal plants such as Hagenia abyssinica (Kosso) and Glinus lotoides (Hirta)
contain substances with nematocidal activity. The ability to control nematode
infestation in humans through use of plants with anthelmintic properties has
been recognized and is widely used in countries such as Ethiopia. However, potential
use of these plants as anthelmintics and optimal dosing regimes for ruminants
have yet to be identified. Furthermore, possible negative effects of anthelmintic
plants on ruminant metabolism, independent of influences on nematodes, have
not been studied.
Medicinal plants with anthelmintic properties are widely distributed and traditionally
used particularly in developing countries, but their efficacy at least in ruminant
animals is not yet determined. The type of nematodes susceptible to the activities
of this natural product needs to be determined. Medicinal plants with proven
anthelmintic activity will provide an alternative method of controlling parasites.
Sponsor: USDA Scientific Cooperation Program
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Lionel J. Dawson
Effects of Level of Oral Administration of Glinus lotoides (Hirta) on Fecal
Egg Counts in Yearling Alpines
The domestic shortfall in goat production can be addressed by either increasing
the number of goats or improving production of the existing population. In regard
to the latter mode, internal and external parasites seriously limit both per
head productivity and the density at which goats can be raised on farms. In
ruminants, high internal nematode burdens suppress live weight gain, reproductive
efficiency, milk and wool production, and sometimes even result in death. In
the Australian and New Zealand sheep industries, the annual economic loss attributed
to nematodes is estimated at $400 and $270 million, respectively, despite an
anthelmintic expenditure of $50 million by Australian farmers. Similar estimates
are not readily available for the USA small ruminant industry, but it is believed
that economic losses are of similar magnitude.
Medicinal plants with anthelmintic properties are widely distributed and traditionally
used, particularly in developing countries, but their efficacy at least in ruminant
animals is not yet determined. The type of nematodes susceptible to the activities
of this natural product needs to be determined. Medicinal plants with proven
anthelmintic activity will provide an alternative method of controlling parasites.
Glinus lotoides (Hirta) contains substances with namatoidal activity. Work done
in humans through use of this plant is recognized.
Sponsor: USDA Scientific Cooperation Program
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Lionel J. Dawson
Preliminary Investigation of Suspected Immunodeficiency in Pallas’ Cats
(Otocolobus Manul) with Concurrent Toxoplasmosis and Herpesvirus Infections
The occurrence of multiple infectious diseases, such as Toxoplasma gondii and
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV), in Pallas’ cats (Otocolobus manul) from North
American Zoos has led to the presumption of an underlying immunodeficiency.
To evaluate the immune status of these cats, blood was collected to evaluate
antibodies by serum protein electrophoresis and to harvest peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC) for lymphocyte proliferation assays and cytokine analysis
by RT-qcPCR. The data collected from these Pallas’ cats was compared with
both FIV-infected and control domestic short-haired cats. This preliminary study
suggests an immunodeficiency in the Pallas’ cats that mimics Feline Immunodeficiency
Virus (FIV) infection. Similar to FIV-infected domestic cats, the Pallas’
cats in this study had decreased lymphoproliferation responses to mitogen and
a high interleukin-10 to interleukin-12 ratio when compared to healthy control
cats. Infection with FIV was suspected, but could not be confirmed by either
serology or by detection of reverse transcriptase activity from supernatants
of cultured Pallas’ cat PBMC. Further investigations are necessary to establish
a control group of non-affected Pallas’ cats for more reliable comparison
of the results and genetic analysis is needed to evaluate the possibility of
an inherited immunodeficiency.
Sponsor: Oklahoma City Zoo
PIs: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology: Jerry W. Ritchey
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: J. Hoover
Oklahoma City Zoo: C. J. Ketz Riley, M.T. Barrie
Bovine Respiratory Disease: Identification of Management Schemes that Decrease
Morbidity and Mortality and Increase Productivity in Beef Animals and the Development
of Early Disease Chute-side Diagnostic Tests
A comparison of the level of the colostral antibody transfer to the calf, immunization
protocols, trace element levels, and dam/calf disposition with BRD morbidity,
mortality, and productivity through the harvest phase. Development and evaluation
of an objective chute-side diagnostic test for early disease detection, enhancement
of treatment response, and decrease overall in antimicrobial usage.
Sponsor: The Noble Foundation
PIs: John G. Kirkpatrick, Robert A. Smith, D. L. Step, William R. DuBois
Department of Physiological Sciences: Michael S. Davis
Preemptive Analgesic Using Butorphanol and Etodolace in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy
Dr. Jeff Ko, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Department of
Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has published five original studies in the Journal
of American Veterinary Medical Association in the year of 2000. These five studies
involved the safety and efficacy of using sedative and a non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drug in dogs. Furthermore, Dr. Ko and his colleagues also evaluated the use
of a new human inhalant anesthetic, sevoflurane, and an injectable anesthetic
agent, propofol, for anesthesia induction in cats. The results of these studies
have been accepted to be presented at the annual scientific meeting of American
College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists this October in San Francisco. Dr. Ko
is currently conducting a preemptive analgesic study using an opioid and a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug combination for dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. The
results of the study will provide information to veterinary practitioners about
the best analgesic combinations for pet dogs undergoing surgery.
Sponsor: Fort Dodge Animal Health
PIs: Jeff Ko
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: R. Mandsager
Extraction Resistance of 2.7 mm Medio-lateral-Placed Cortical Screws Compared
with 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm Cranio-caudal-Placed Cortical Screws in Canine Cadaver
Radii
A comparison of extraction strength of 2.7 mm screws placed in a medio-lateral
(ML) plane was made with both 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm screws placed in a cranio-caudal
(CC) plane in canine cadaver radii. Medio-lateral screws were significantly
stronger than both 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm screws placed in a cranio-caudal plane.
With regard to screw purchase and holding strength, medial placement of a 2.7
mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) is a viable alternative to cranial placement
of a 3.5 DCP for treatment of mid-diaphyseal to distal radial fractures in dogs.
Sponsor: Synthes, Ltd.
PIs: Lorraine L. Linn
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources: Gerald H. Brusewitz
College of Mathematics and Statistics: Mark E. Payton
Laser Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer in Man and Animals
The major cause of treatment failure in human and veterinary cancer patients
is tumor invasion and metastasis. The inability of local therapy (surgery, radiation,
and photodynamic therapy) to eradicate a metastatic cancer presents a challenge
in the therapy of residual or micrometastatic disease. Because of its local
therapy limitations, chromophore-enhanced selective photothermal laser treatment
has been augmented with a superimposed laser-induced systemic photobiological
reaction, laser immunotherapy. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing
laser immunotherapy as an adjunctive therapy for the control of prostatic carcinoma
and melanoma in the human, and vaccine induced sarcoma in the cat.
Sponsor: Puterbaugh Foundation
PIs: Michael Lucroy, Ellen Davidson, Kenneth E. Bartels
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology: Jerry Ritchey
University of Central Oklahoma: Wei R. Chen
Wound Healing of Oklahoma: Robert Nordquist
Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Urinary Bladder Cancer
One of every four deaths in the United States is a result of cancer. Both people
and dogs affected with aggressive cancer of the urinary bladder have a poor
prognosis, in spite of aggressive treatment. Because of the similarity between
canine and human bladder cancer, dogs are an excellent model to study promising
new cancer treatments. This study will investigate the effectiveness of photodynamic
therapy, also known as light activated chemotherapy, in treating dogs diagnosed
with spontaneous urinary bladder cancer. Photodynamic therapy may prove useful
for both canine and human bladder cancer patients.
Sponsor: The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation,
San Antonio, TX
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Michael D. Lucroy
Thoracolumbar and Cervical Type 1 Intervertebral Disk Disease in the Dog:
a Retrospective Study of Recurrence Rates Following Medical and Surgical Therapy
This study will retrospectively evaluate the factors associated with recurrence
of back pain and paralysis due to intervertebral disk disease in dogs treated
medically and via traditional and laser surgical methods. This information will
allow surgeons to determine the true risks associated with disk disease and
the appropriateness of various interventional therapies.
Sponsor: Sarkey’s Foundation and Presbyterian Health Foundation
Survey Of Small Animal Surgical
Skills And Practice In Oklahoma
This study seeks to determine the needs of the veterinary profession in Oklahoma
regarding small animal surgery. Veterinarians in practice have been asked to
rate competency levels expected of new graduate veterinarians for various surgical
procedures. Analysis of the data will determine what areas of the curriculum
should be modified.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine - Associate Dean for Academics
and Department Head, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
Feasibility Of Endoscopic-assisted Carbon Dioxide Laser Ablation Of Polymethylmethacrylate
from The Femoral Canal During Revision Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty
This study seeks to determine the methodology for safe and effective removal
of bone cement from the femur during second (revision) total hip replacement
using the CO2 laser. Current methods have several disadvantages. This is one
of several lock-step studies needed to determine the overall safety and efficacy
of laser removal of bone cement.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine - Research Advisory Council.
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
Elution Characteristics of Ceftiofur from Polymethylmethacrylate
This study examines several physical parameters associated with the use of antibiotic-laden
bone cement. This technique is commonly employed clinically for joint replacement
surgery and treatment of bone infections in humans and animals.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine - Research Advisory Council.
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
Evaluation of Full Weight-bearing Versus Partial Weight-bearing to Determine
the Correct Angles for Canine Arthrodesis
This study is aimed at determining the proper angles for fusion of various joints
in the limbs of dogs. Current clinical recommendations for using specific angles
for all dogs are likely in error because of the wide range of body sizes and
shapes in dogs.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine - Associate Dean for Research
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
The Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Ligament Healing, Soft Tissue
Bony Ingrowth, and Articular Cartilage Defect Healing in a Dog Model
The study will evaluate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field energy on
the healing rate and quality of various tissue around the knee, including ligament,
tendon, and cartilage. Improved healing of these structures, commonly injured
in people and dogs, would facilitate post-surgical rehabilitation and shorten
recovery times.
Sponsor: Orthofix, Inc.
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Mark C. Rochat
Markers of Oxidative Stress in Shipped Cattle
Routine management of cattle in the United States includes transporting the
animals to available economical resources, such as feed supplies, in the different
production cycles. Transported cattle are susceptible to respiratory disease,
commonly called shipping fever. If a marker of oxidative stress can be identified
early in the disease process, early intervention may improve the animal's health
and provide an economical return for the producer and veterinarian. The objective
of this study was to test the hypothesis that typical shipping and handling
of young cattle causes an increase in markers of oxidative stress.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: D. L. Step