Study Provides Early Detection for Canine Heroes

		IAMS PROVIDING FREE MRI SERVICES TO SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS Ivey and her handler Nancy Hachmeister worked in recovery efforts at the World Trade Center disaster site following the Sept. 11 attacks. (PRNewsFoto)[AS] VIENNA, VA USA

		IAMS PROVIDING FREE MRI SERVICES TO SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS Ivey, a search and rescue dog from Utah, undergoes an MRI at the Iams Pet Imaging Center to study the effects of inhaling 9/11 disaster site debris. (PRNewsFoto)[AS] VIENNA, VA USA

9/11 Search and Rescue Dogs Travel to Washington, D.C., to Receive MRIs May Offer Insights for Human Health VIENNA, Va., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Search and rescue dogs are trained and relied upon to find survivors of devastating events, such as the Okalahoma City bombing and the Columbia space shuttle recovery. Most notably, these dogs were a critical part of the search and rescue efforts during the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031125/CLTU027-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031125/CLTU027-b ) When doing this important job, the rescue dogs put themselves at risk, and The Iams Company is helping find out just how much risk. The results could have implications for human health, too. This week, The Iams Company is continuing its commitment to provide free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services to 24 search and rescue dogs participating in some of our nation's worst tragedies. On Tuesday, several of these dogs will receive their second annual scans at the Iams Pet Imaging Center, a state-of-the-art MRI facility in the Washington, D.C., area dedicated solely to pets. The research study, conducted in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, will determine if the 9/11 rescue dogs exposed to high levels of carcinogens develop cancer at higher rates than dogs not participating in the Sept. 11 rescue efforts. Why Search and Rescue Dogs Unlike their handlers, who wear masks and other gear to protect them from possible dangerous toxins in the air, rescue dogs work disaster sites for hours and days with no such protection. "These dogs are often the unsung heroes of search and rescue efforts. For them to continue to do their jobs effectively, they need to stay healthy," said Nancy Hachmeister, handler of Ivey, and member of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs, Inc. "This study is important, not only to provide the best care to these dogs, but to learn how to protect them in the future. It is up to us to take care of them." The Unique Value of MRI Cancer is the focus of the research project because of the potential exposure by the dogs to dangerous carcinogens. The state-of-the-art MRI at the Iams Pet Imaging Center enables researchers to have a detailed look at the dogs to detect early signs of cancer. In particular, they are looking at the dog's nasal passages, where the dogs are most susceptible to cancer. Scientists will use the results of this study to determine whether a percentage of dogs that develop the disease is higher among search and rescue dog that were exposed to cancer causing elements, which could offer unique insight into early detection among humans. "This research project is another step in the way Iams is helping to enhance the way veterinarians can practice medicine," said Dr. Dan Carey, Director of Technical Services with the Iams Company. The Dogs Under Study The five-year study is monitoring the health of dogs that participated in a variety of well-known search and rescue efforts. In addition to the Sept. 11 events, some of the dogs also participated in the Oklahoma City bombing and the Columbia space shuttle recovery, which occurred April 19, 1995, and Oct. 23, 2003, respectively. In all, 24 dogs from around the country are participating in the study and will be scanned once a year at the Iams Pet Imaging Center in Vienna, Va. Iams Opens Second MRI Center: Making MRI More Readily Available This week, The Iams Company announced an agreement to build the second Iams Pet Imaging Center on the campus of North Carolina State University (NCSU). The new center will help change the way veterinary students at the NCSU Veterinary School are taught to diagnose disease, in addition to being a valuable diagnostic tool for area veterinarians. About MRI MRI is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses magnetic energy and radio waves to create detailed images of tissue. With this technology, veterinarians now can more accurately determine the cause and location of diseases in pets and treat them more efficiently and effectively. MRI identifies conditions such as cancer and orthopedic injuries without invasive exploratory surgery that can sometimes be required. About the Iams Pet Imaging Center The Iams Pet Imaging Center is the most technologically advanced MRI center available dedicated to superior veterinary diagnostic care. The center houses state-of-the art equipment with technical expertise provided by ProScan, a world leader in the development of MRI technology. To learn more about The Iams Pet Imaging Center, you can also visit Iams on the Web at http://www.iamsco.com , http://www.iams.com , or http://www.eukanuba.com or call 1-866-4PETMRI. About The Iams Company For more than 50 years, The Iams Company has been living its mission of enhancing the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. Through its Iams Partners for Health and Iams Pet Imaging Center, The Iams Company is working with veterinarians to improve the quality of life for dogs and cats. To learn more about Eukanuba(R) and Iams(R) Dog and Cat Foods, the Eukanuba Veterinary Diets(TM) line of canine and feline prescription diets, or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at 1-800-863-4267. You can also visit Iams on the Web at http://www.iamsco.com , http://www.iams.com , or http://www.eukanuba.com .