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Authors' Corner
It's Still Us!
BY John Clifton & Josee Clerens

Well, our newsletter has a new name and a new look, but we're still the same people! Since last year when John started research for his new book, Stop the Shots!, our interests have broadened to encompass other animal health issues, and we thought our newsletter should expand to reflect that. So, welcome dog and cat caretakers and all animal lovers who want the best of health for their wonderful pets! (And who doesn't?)

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   The news about dichloroacetate (see lead story) amazed us, both in its incredible promise and in the way the story is being generally ignored. It seems too good to be true, and more research has to be done, but, well -- wow.

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      If you missed John on the recent Internet radio show Paws and Effect with Rachel Resk, you can still listen to the "podcast" (Mp3) version by clicking here.

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   Our dog Sparky, 12 years old and in his 7th year of remission from lymphoma remains active and lively. He was recently diagnosed with Cushing's disease, but seems to be doing well on his medication. Cushing's, as you may know, is caused by a (usually) benign tumor in the pituitary (Sparky's case) or in the adrenal glands. The result is high levels of cortisol in the body, causing various symptoms (excessive drinking and urination, panting, extended belly, etc.)  

   The excess of hormones is being treated with medication that inhibits the adrenals from producing them. It's a balancing act to get the dosage just right, involving frequent tests to check on the amount of cortisol being produced and regulating the medication accordingly. "Sparky fights back" once again -- he's a trooper!

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John at the Dog Writers Association of America annual book signing 

   John recently participated in the annual book signing sponsored by the Dog Writers Association of America in conjunction with the Westminster dog show at New York's Madison Square Garden.  He met a lot of breeders and handlers who saw his poster for Stop the Shots! and began discussing pet vaccinations with him. It was surprising how many don't vaccinate their dogs (at least after the puppy shots).

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