Micro update memo by Dr. H. (DVM) 

September 13, 2023
 

As part of the current permanent-birth-control study, six canines (street dogs) were captured and rescued over the last week, as the initial step in including them in our Pilot Pup program. 

 

Once they were rescued, they were all of course physically examined by the attending veterinarian and according to our Standard Operating Procedures  (SOP's). 

 

One of the dogs had minor bruises, which is common in the life of strays. Bruises were cleaned with antiseptic by Povidone 10% solution. 

 

Then as per our SOP's, blood samples were taken (by another DVM) for the first blood panel. 

 

After that, they were treated for external parasites (such as fleas) by Ivomec (Ivermectin, generic name); and Praferan (Pyarantel Pamoate, generic name) for internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. 

 

They were vaccinated with Biocan DHPPI+ LR Dog Vaccine, which gives them immunity against Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Leptospirosis, Infectious Laryngotracheitis and Rabies for 12 months.

 

As per our SOP's the panel of blood tests included tests such as:
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
LFT (Liver Function Test) and
RFT (Renal/Kidney Function Test).

 

I've been asked to elaborate a bit on these, as follows:

CBC tells us the dog's overall health, like dehydration, stress, malnutrition, anemia, infection or any toxicity. 

 

LFT tells us about the health of the liver and the amount of proteins and enzymes the liver makes. 

 

The liver is of importance for reasons such as: it the organ responsible for metabolism, immunity, detoxification, and vitamin storage, among other functions. Abnormal ranges tell us about liver damage, toxicity or decreased immunity. 

 

RFT tells us about the health of kidneys. This organ is responsible for filtering waste materials out of the blood as urine and regulating blood pressure and the levels of water, salts, and minerals in the body. Abnormal ranges tell us that kidneys are getting too much pressure for some reason, which may or may not be triggered by various factors, including active and/or inactive ingredients in our trial cookies. 

 

Any medicine/chemical/etc., once ingested, gets metabolized by the liver and enters into the bloodstream and, after showing its effects on the targeted site, leaves the body by getting filtered via the kidneys.

 

In general, per our SOP's and for a number of reasons we repeat the blood evaluation over time, typically in four stages.

 

Why four stages? Because in simple terms the current study calls for gradually increasing the dose amounts of various active and inactive ingredients, as part of our work to find the ideal formula for a cookie that will safely produce lifetime infertility -- in one dose, one cookie -- while all along the health of the Pilot Pup remains our top priority. 

 

At various intervals we repeat the blood tests to check for toxicity or irregularities to avoid any disturbance to the dog’s natural health.

 

We run the panel of blood tests in the following stages:

 

Stage 1: First blood testing is done soon after the rescue of the dogs, to check if they are in good health -- and it is important to know that at this point, the Pilot Pups are not fed a cookie -- they are not fed a trial cookie until we confirm they are in good health.

 

If the blood results are considered normal by the attending DVM, we proceed with feeding each Pilot Pup a single trial cookie formulation. 

 

If any of the blood results are abnormal, we do not feed the Pilot Pup a cookie and instead we of course treat and/or medicate the Pilot Pup according to the issues presented, and as advised by the attending veterinarian. We then give the Pilot Pup ten or more days to recuperate, depending on each Pup and what the attending veterinarian advises.

 

Stage 2: For any Pilot Pup who had an abnormal blood test when rescued, a blood test is performed before the Pup is fed any trial cookie -- to be certain that no problems remain. It is only after they "pass this second test" that we then proceed to feed the dog a single trial cookie formulation.

 

Stage 3: A blood test is performed for each animal 15 days after they have consumed the single trial cookie (to look for any abnormalities in the dog's health).

 

If any of the blood results are abnormal, we treat and/or medicate the Pilot Pup according to the issues presented, and as advised by the attending veterinarian. 

 

Stage 4: A blood test is performed before any surgery, to confirm that the animal is healthy enough for a spay or neuter surgery.

 

After the spay or neuter surgery, they are placed in calm and quiet surroundings, and traditional post-operative care is carried out. This includes things such as: administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for seven days, they are kept on a soft diet, and so on. 

 

Their bandages are changed every day. After seven days, sutures are removed and the incision site is carefully inspected. Ointments are applied to enhance the healing process.

 

- Dr. H., 9.13.23