Dog Cancer Answers Dog Podcast Network

Host James Jacobson sits down with Dr. Jules Benson to discuss the latest innovation in dog health care, the Pet Health Zone. A frequent guest and valued contributor, Dr. Benson shares how this new tool leverages vast amounts of data from Nationwide, the largest pet health insurance company in the U.S., to provide dog owners with valuable insights into their pets' health risks.
They explore the benefits of this tool, how it simplifies complex medical information, and the role of pet health insurance in enhancing care for our furry friends.
Key Topics Covered:

Explanation of how the tool uses data from millions of pet insurance claims.

How the tool provides dog owners with health risk insights.

Use of generative AI to make medical information accessible and easy to understand.

The role of language and jargon-free content in enhancing understanding.

Discussion on the role of pet health insurance in managing dog health care costs.

Comparison of pet insurance adoption rates between the UK and the US.

Insights into the benefits of early insurance adoption and its impact on premium costs.

How generative AI was used in developing the Pet Health Zone.

The contribution of data scientists and veterinarians in creating the tool.

Future implications of AI in veterinary medicine and health care.

Insights into health risks and care costs based on the data provided by the tool.

The potential for regional cost adjustments and longer-term cost predictions.

The ongoing evolution of telemedicine and its benefits for pet owners.


Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:           
Dr. Jules Benson’s episode about how the size of your dog may predict how likely they are to get cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7NcW6WOvRg
Dr. Jules Benson’s episode about which breeds of dogs are most likely to get cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhoMFuLJagI 
Related Links:
Visit The Pet Health Zone to learn more about your dog's health risks.
Read the White Papers from Nationwide.
Learn more about pet health insurance options with Nationwide.
Visit DogCancer.com for tons of information about dog cancer.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:34 - Meet Dr. Jules Benson of Nationwide Pet Health Insurance
02:26 - Introducing the Pet Health Zone
03:45 - Using AI to Make Pet Health Data Understandable
05:01 - Personalized Health Insights for Your Pet with the Pet Health Zone
06:35 - Importance of Jargon-Free Communication
07:46 - Breed-Specific Health Insights
09:30 - Estimating Health Care Costs
12:14 - How to Use Pet Insurance Effectively
15:19 - Comparing Pet Insurance in the US and UK
16:29 - Why More Americans Are Considering Pet Insurance
17:30 - How Telehealth and Teleconsulting Are Changing Pet Care
19:49 - Leveraging AI and Technology for Better Pet Health Care
22:00 - One Health and Translational Medicine: Connecting Human and Pet Health for Better Outcomes
24:00 - Extending Your Pet's Lifespan
25:45 - Closing Remarks and Medical Disclaimer
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Get to know Jules Benson: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/jules-benson-bvsc-mrcvs/ 
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
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Inspired by Heather’s listener question about using radiation therapy to treat transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs, Dr. Megan Duffy, a veterinary oncologist, shares her expert insights on when radiation is recommended, how it complements other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, and the importance of effective communication with your veterinary oncologist.
Key Topics Discussed:

Dr. Megan Duffy’s insights on the use of radiation therapy in treating TCC.

The role of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in managing bladder tumors in dogs.

Factors influencing the recommendation of radiation therapy.

Tips for communicating effectively with your veterinary oncologist.

The importance of understanding each component of your dog’s treatment plan.

Join our Facebook support group at https://dogcancer.com/support
Notable Quotes:

"Recommending radiation on top of surgery tells me that there may be something about that local situation that isn’t completely gone with surgery." - Dr. Megan Duffy

"It’s worth asking the oncologist, ‘What about my individual dog makes radiation a recommendation?’" - Dr. Megan Duffy

"I think it’s fun when people are this involved in their pet’s care." - Dr. Megan Duffy

Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:           
Learn about transitional cell carcinoma from Dr. Demian Dressler:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5prSL7yn82E
Here’s another listener calling about whether their veterinarian has a good plan for TCCL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCGJc_UvEXE
We worry about bladder cancer a lot. Here’s some advice from Dr. Nancy Reese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhUcJyme52Y
Related Links:
An amazing overview article about transitional cell carcinoma in Dogs on DogCancer.com:
https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/bladder-cancer-in-dogs-including-transitional-cell-carcinoma/
Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction from Molly Jacobson
02:00 - Listener question from Heather about radiation therapy for TCC
03:58 - Dr. Megan Duffy’s explains the role of surgery, chemo, and radiation in TCC treatment
05:11 - Discussing the importance of surgical margins and local control
06:02 - When radiation therapy is typically used
07:07 – Why radiation might be or might not be recommended in individual cases
07:24 – Coaching on conversations with veterinary oncologists
08:58 – Why Dr. Duffy welcomes proactive clients
10:51 – Appreciation for DogCancer.com team
11:15 - Closing Remarks and Reminder to Share Your Own Story!
11:39 - Outro and Disclaimer
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Get to know Dr. Megan Duffy: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/megan-duffy-dvm-acvim-oncology/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Jacobson, editor-in-chief of DogCancer.com, uses story to explore the emotional and practical aspects of dealing dog cancer. She tells YOUR dog cancer story right alongside YOUR DOG’s cancer story ... along the way offering insights into how to navigate your journey with more grace and empathy, while focusing on life quality and the deep connection you share with your dog.
Don’t miss the story at the end about the pediatric oncologist who extended his dog’s life using drive-through cheeseburgers!
Visit https://www.DogCancer.com for better information today so you have no regrets tomorrow.
The Dog Cancer Survival Guide by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger: https://dogcancerbook.com/
Tell your own dog cancer story! https://www.DogCancer.com/ask
Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support
Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:           
If you are worried you are at the end of life, this dog cancer tip on euthanasia and letting your dog go might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUXM_jMgkdI
You are way more important than anything else when it comes to treating dog cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTIV5q-lJ3A
Thinking you want to try something other than McDonald’s cheeseburgers with your dog? Here are the best and worst foods for dog cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgObIOhEMg
Chapters:
00:00: Two different cancer stories: "Your Dog Cancer Story" and "Your Dog's Cancer Story"
01:00: “Your dog has cancer” ... your story and your dog’s story
03:12: Looking for a miracle cure ... your story and your dog’s cancer story
06:44: Discovering you have a pack ... realizing you and your dog are one of millions and not alone.
09:29: Making decisions ... Armed with information and supported by others, you begin to treat.
11:10: Getting pushback ... how to stand your ground when others question your decisions.
12:34: Focusing on life quality ... you realize that every day you can make your dog’s best day yet.
14:02: Together again – finally!!! ... Your dog cancer story and your dog's cancer story merge as the bond strengthens and you find joy even amid illness.
15:30: Inspiration from a pediatric oncologist ... A touching story of a pediatric oncologist who made McDonald’s cheeseburgers a daily treat for his dog offers insight into prioritizing joy and connection.
17:04 - Cherish Every Moment ... Molly’s perspective on how dog cancer makes us better humans.
22:45 - Medical Disclaimer
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Get to know Molly Jacobson: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/molly-jacobson/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
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Today we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on veterinary medicine, focusing mainly on cancer research and treatment. Our guest, Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation, shares her insights on how AI is changing the game in diagnosing and managing diseases in dogs.
What You'll Learn:

How the Morris Animal Foundation has been pioneering veterinary research since 2008.

Insights into the groundbreaking Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and its implications for cancer research.

The role of AI in detecting and researching cancers in dogs, including lymphoma.

New initiatives and advancements in AI that could lead to early detection and more effective treatments for canine cancers.

The interdisciplinary approach to veterinary research, involving experts from fields not traditionally associated with veterinary science.

The future potential of AI in regular veterinary practices and its benefits for pet health and welfare.


Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support
Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:           
Morris Animal Foundation with Janet Kane-Patterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEvFhsC_TyY
Pollution and Dog Cancer with Dr. Lauren Trepanier (funded by Morris Animal Foundation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlsa6Rrr-8s
A wonderful “true tail” from a Golden Retriever Lifetime Study participant, Indy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDOvg8R9Ack
Related Links:
Visit the Morris Animal Foundation website: Morris Animal Foundation
Learn more about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Overview of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine and its impact on dog cancer.
00:51 - James Jacobson greets Dr. Kelly Diehl of the Morris Animal Foundation and the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
01:54 - How artificial intelligence is used in veterinary medicine.
06:51 - Cross-Disciplinary Research: grants and research from non-veterinary sources.
09:08 - AI's Role in Cancer Detection: using radiology and blood work to detect patterns.
12:18 - International Collaboration: how veterinary practices in different countries use AI to track diseases and identify patterns.
14:11 - Big Data and Cancer Research: Dr. Diehl’s insights into how big data is being used to find cancer risk factors.
24:14 - Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: its progress and the challenges involved in a long-term study.
27:41 - Funding and Scientific Integrity: how funding sources impacts research, plus the importance of scientific integrity and independence.
29:14 - Collaboration in Veterinary Research: the collegial nature of the veterinary research community.
33:07 - The Selection Process for Grants: the challenges in selecting and funding worthy grants, given the limited budget and high demand.
36:08 - Tangible Outcomes for Dog Cancer Research: how the Morris Animal Foundation has benefited dog owners dealing with cancer.
39:24 - Revisiting Past Research with AI: the potential for using AI to re-evaluate past research and find new insights in existing data.
46:25 - Crystal Ball: Dr. Diehl shares her perspective on the future of AI in veterinary medicine and how it might influence cancer treatment in dogs.
48:39 - Closing Remarks and Medical Disclaimer
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Get to know Dr. Kelly Diehl: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/kelly-diehl-dvm/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
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Inspired by a question from listener Mariana Diaz regarding her Pomeranian, Joya, who is battling lymphoma, this episode explores the potential of T-cell infusions as a follow-up treatment to the CHOP chemotherapy protocol.
Join us as we consult with veterinary oncologist Dr. Megan Duffy to uncover the science, the practicality, and the future of T-cell infusions in canine cancer treatment.
Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support
Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:           
Learn about dog lymphoma from Dr. Demian Dressler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNbQ4mNx938
Did you know dogs can get bone marrow transplant for lymphoma? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49DaJWBuOMM
More from Dr. Megan Duffy about new treatments in this in-depth look at Laverdia for dogs with lymphoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Didq5brhso
Related Links:
An amazing overview article about Lymphoma in Dogs on DogCancer.com: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/lymphoma-in-dogs/
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to T-Cell Infusions for dogs with lymphoma
01:00 - Share Your Story and Ask Your Question
02:00 – Preview T-Cell Infusion Validity and the Practical Challenges of T-Cell Infusions
05:00 - Mariana's Question on T-Cell Infusion for Joya the Pomeranian Fighting Lymphoma with the CHOP Protocol
06:00 – T-Cell Infusion for B-Cell Lymphoma vs. T-Cell Lymphoma with Veterinary Oncologist Dr. Megan Duffy
07:00 - Concerns and Recommendations When Considering T-Cell Infusion Therapy
08:00 – The Experimental Nature and Research on T-Cell Harvesting
09:00 - Blood Volume Needed and T-Cell Infusion Process Explained
10:00 - Future of T-Cell Infusion in Veterinary Medicine
11:00 - Closing Remarks and Reminder to Share Your Own Story!
12:00 - Outro and Disclaimer
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Get to know Dr. Megan Duffy: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/megan-duffy-dvm-acvim-oncology/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ELIAS Animal Health CEO Tammie Wahaus returns to Dog Cancer Answers to talk about the company’s immunotherapy for dogs with osteosarcoma, which recently cleared an important milestone on the way to market.
ELIAS hopes their treatment will be accepted and used as a safe and appropriate alternative to chemotherapy in dogs with osteosarcoma. Instead of using chemotherapy to control metastasis, ELIAS uses the dog’s tumor to create a series of vaccines. Once the dog has the vaccinations, their immune system cells are harvested, taken back to the ELIAS labs, and spun up into an “army of angry killer T-cells” that are ready to murder that specific tumor!
It's truly personalized medicine, and it’s the first of its kind in animals OR people. Join us as we follow ELIAS progress on the way to market.
Listen to the first interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGIvyktfXlY
ELIAS Animal Health’s website: https://eliasanimalhealth.com/
Join our Facebook support group at https://dogcancer.com/support
Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show!
Related Videos:           
Tammie Wahaus’s first interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGIvyktfXlY
Dr. Susan Ettinger, AKA Dr. Sue Cancer Vet, on HER2/NEU immunotherapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEbcZVLoNeY
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: ELIAS Animal Health's Alternative to Chemotherapy for Dog Osteosarcoma
02:05 – Personalized Cancer Treatment for Dogs on the Horizon?
04:06 - Regulatory Landscape: Navigating the USDA Process
05:43 - Clinical Trial Results: Promising Alternatives to Traditional Chemotherapy
08:30 - Comparison with Chemotherapy: Effectiveness and Safety Insights
10:56 - Future Look: Will Carboplatin Continue to Be Standard of Care for Osteosarcoma?
12:45 - Safety Concerns: Cytokine Release Syndrome from Immunotherapy
19:30 – New Targets: Combining Immunotherapies, Adding Chemotherapy
20:02 – Metastatic Osteosarcoma: Adding a Checkpoint Inhibitor
22:08 – Experimental Use: Veterinarian Experience with Using ELIAS Under the Experimental License
26:15 – Human Vs. Animal Regulatory Approvals: What the FDA and USDA Do
28:41 - Human Application: Potential Implications for One Health Initiatives
33:40 - What Happens Next: Label to USDA Licensed Product and Commercial Launch
34:28 - Conclusion: Looking Forward to a Brighter Future in Canine Oncology
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Get to know Tammie Wahaus: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/tammie-wahaus/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices