Learn about Dr. Mason's clinical trial for testing the first vaccine for canine osteosarcoma.

From Cats to Kids: How One Veterinary Study Translates Hope to Children

“This is,” said Charles H. Vite, DVM, PhD, “a rare and stunning story.” It is a story of creativity, collaboration and the promise of hope. For children and their families, a diagnosis of Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is devastating. Recent results of a collaborative study involving Penn Vet offer real possibilities for treatment in multiple species suffering from this rare genetic disease.

NPC starts with the accumulation of excessive amounts of cholesterol within the liver and brain. In people, where it affects primarily young children, there are only about 500 cases diagnosed worldwide.  Early diagnosis is difficult, often initially mistaken for learning or intellectual disability or delayed development. It has been referred to as a childhood Alzheimer-like disease. Its results, however, are universally heartbreaking. A seemingly healthy child will experience progressive impairment of motor and intellectual function, and life expectancy is almost always under 20 years.

Read more about Dr. Vite's Niemann-Pick study here »

Abraham's Story

When he was born, “Abraham” had a myriad of serious medical issues, issues that began even before delivery. His dam was struggling with a bout of laminitis, and her pregnancy was deemed high-risk. She was admitted to the Graham French Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at New Bolton Center where she delivered a full-term male foal on April 11, 2012. “He was,” remembers Jon Palmer VMD, DACVIM, “probably one of the most critical foals we had last season.” Dr. Palmer is Director of Perinatal/Neonatal Programs, Chief of Neonatal Intensive Care Service and an associate professor at Penn Vet.

“Abraham had us waiting eagerly for his arrival,” said internal medicine resident Michelle Abraham BSc, BVM, “and having slept nearby the mare for many nights, we were as prepared as we could have been for his arrival. It was apparent immediately during his birth that this foal would need a lot of assistance and would have many challenges ahead.”

The veterinarians were correct. The 108-pound foal needed intensive care right from birth.

Read the rest of Abraham's story here »