PIG PANCREAS TRANSPLANT EFFECTIVE FOR TREATMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES.

Chinese researchers have successfully used pigs' pancreas in transplant operations on three type-1 diabetes patients, a significant achievement in the treatment of the disease. The three operations occurred between July 2013 and February 2016 at the Third Xiangya Hospital affiliated to Central South University in Hunan Province. One patient's use of insulin has been reduced by 80.5 percent, while for the other two it was reduced by 57 percent and 56 percent, according to Wang Wei, a professor with the hospital. The transplant program was conducted in partnership with researchers from University of Sydney, Australia. The medium-term results were reliable, according to a review of the program, organized by the Hunan provincial health authorities. The research is expected to help solve the shortage of organs for transplants Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/article/2000198467/pig-pancreas-transplant-proved-effective-treatment-for-type-1-diabetes

DIABETES IN DOGS.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the cells of the body cannot metabolize the glucose from the blood this results in rise in blood sugar levels. This condition results either because of lack of insulin or an inability of the cells to effectively utilize it. Diabetes usually begins in middle age and it is more common in females dogs than male dogs of certain breeds like puli,while in cats the male and female of all breeds are equally at risk. Diabetes mellitus in dogs is characterized by a high level of glucose in the blood. The level of glucose in the blood and its absorption by cells are regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. If there isn't enough insulin, or if the cells can't use it effectively, then glucose levels in the blood increase, resulting in diabetes The signs develop overtime and these include drinking a lot of water, urinating more often than usual, an increased appetite, and weight loss. Delayed healing in cases of skin infections , where sores or skin infections that take a long time to heal or are resistant to treatment. Diabetes is usually diagnosed by measuring increased levels of glucose in the blood. If the level of glucose in the blood is high enough, it will lace the urine and can be detected . Mild cases of diabetes can sometimes be managed by diet, exercise, and weight control. Most cases of diabetes require insulin injections to keep the level of blood glucose in the normal range. Managing a dog with diabetes requires a commitment by owner and to stick to the same routine every day. Feed a fixed amount of a balanced diet, divided into equal morning and evening portions, treats and other snacks should not be given because they will interfere with the proper regulation of your pet's glucose level. Exercise also needs to be consistent to maintain a particular weight. There will be the need to check your dog's urine glucose on a daily basis and to return regularly for a blood glucose test. Once a routine / Pattern is established and the dog is used to it, checking a urine glucose level, keeping meals and exercise consistent, and administering insulin takes very little time. Dogs with diabetes,if properly managed can still live productive lives. If diabetes is not treated, metabolic byproducts of fat breakdown referred to as ketones will build up in the blood, leading to fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting. When ketones accumulate in the body, the dog's breath will be foul .This odor is one of the pointers that your dog has a metabolic disorder.

Researchers seek cure for deadly laminitis hoof disease in horses.

team of ponies has been helping Australian researchers search for the cause and cure for the costly, common and incurable equine disease, laminitis.The disease is the second-biggest killer of horses, a painful and potentially deadly hoof condition that affects thousands of horses a year.The groundbreaking research triggered a joint multi-million-dollar project by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the University of Queensland, Melbourne University and Charles Sturt University in New South Wales.The science has returned positive results and researchers said a preventative treatment could be within reach. The cause of the disease was hotly debated,until 5 years ago when high insulin levels are to blame. Professor Sillence has headed the team that has proved that in most cases, high insulin levels are to blame.He said in horses prone to laminitis, or founder as it is more commonly known, sweet feed was shown to trigger toxic levels of the hormone.The most common form of laminitis that affects ponies and horses that are on rich pasture, is certainly down to excess levels of insulin in the blood - it's like human diabetes," he said. Professor Sillence said genetic predisposition, over-feeding and a lack of exercise also played a part. "The difference is the horses' pancreas never fails and pumps out massive amounts of insulin until it causes this devastating result, which is when the hooves start to come apart from the legs," he said. Case study; Horse owner Errol Maudsley said he always suspected his daughter's pony, Coco, might have been prone to founder because of his round stature.He said they had always managed him accordingly."We lock him up and restrict how much he eats, but after all the rain he caught us out and he actually foundered - it's just access to so much feed," he said. In Coco's case, it was caught early and treated, but Mr Maudsley said management would be ongoing."Forever - now that we know he's prone - we'll have to watch him all the time," he said. read more here;http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-14/researchers-hope-to-find-cure-to-laminitis-disease-in-horses/6471000