Seventh Son Brewing Co. in Columbus, Ohio, faced an unusual challenge when Horatio, fondly known as the “Assistant Manager Cat,” was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma. Rather than taking a conventional approach, the brewery initiated a unique effort to support both Horatio’s treatment and feline health research.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched, with half of the proceeds designated for Horatio’s medical care and the remaining half split between the UC Davis Feline Cancer Research Fund and an Ohio-based organization dedicated to funding veterinary care to save pets’ lives.
Managed by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Companion Animal Health, the Feline Cancer Research Fund is committed to advancing knowledge and treatments for feline diseases. Dr. Michael Kent, the center’s director, emphasized the importance of disseminating research findings to benefit all.
“This gift to benefit cat cancer research will be put to use to help us better tackle this disease that is the number one killer of cats,” stated Dr. Kent. He highlighted the urgent need for improved diagnostics and treatments, citing research indicating that over 35% of cats succumb to cancer.
Several ongoing studies supported by the research fund are shedding light on critical aspects of feline cancer treatment:
A study examining longevity and mortality in cats, involving analysis of 3,100 cats, revealed cancer as the leading cause of death, emphasizing the significance of understanding demographic and environmental factors.
Preliminary findings from a study on feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) suggest potential treatment avenues targeting abnormal immune cells, mirroring recent advancements in human cancer therapies.
Another study focuses on predicting early treatment failure in feline nasal lymphoma (feNL) treated with radiation therapy, aiming to improve prognostication and identify better treatment methods for poor responders.
Additionally, a pharmacokinetic analysis of vinblastine in tumor-bearing cats seeks to enhance dosing precision and predict patient outcomes, potentially improving efficacy and safety in feline cancer therapy.
Seventh Son’s initiative not only aims to support Horatio but also contributes to vital research that could benefit countless feline companions facing similar health challenges. Through collaboration and innovation, efforts like these offer hope for better outcomes in feline cancer treatment and care.
