Animal Oncology - Perlman Chair

June and Alvin Perlman

Approximately half of all deaths of dogs and cats over 10 years of age are related to cancer. After their own beloved pet was stricken with the disease and successfully treated at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), Alvin and June Perlman established the Alvin S. and June Perlman Chair in Animal Oncology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Funds from this endowment support the Veterinary Medical Center's Animal Cancer Center.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the hard work of faculty and staff, the College is steadily developing the Animal Cancer Center.

Serving more patients
The Animal Cancer Center treated more than 4,400 new and ongoing cases in 2003, up significantly from the previous year. The Center was able to accommodate this increased demand by doubling its staff -- adding another oncology technician, two radiation technicians, and a veterinarian.

Recruiting new expertise
The College is steadily building the human resources necessary to serve our clients and support our education and research mission, and was fortunate to recruit Dr. Elizabeth McNiel, an oncologist trained at Colorado State University. An expert in spontaneous tumors, Dr. McNiel conducts significant NIH-sponsored research in addition to her clinical duties. She recently became board certified in radiation oncology, a tremendous accomplishment in an area we are striving to build. Dr. Brian Husbands, who was the Colleges first oncology resident in several years, finished his training in July 2004.

The College is beginning the process of filling the Perlman Chair in Animal Oncology, made possible by a $1 million gift from Alvin and June Perlman and the gifts of many other individuals. The College is deeply indebted to the Perlmans, who are making it possible for the University of Minnesota to become nationally recognized in comparative oncology.

Conducting world-class research
The College upgraded its ability to conduct oncology research by filling the newly created position of oncology research coordinator. Lori Heath, who began her duties in July 2002, works with three research technicians to provide consistent, effective management of our essential research enterprise.

Animal Cancer Center research projects will benefit both humans and animals with cancer. Examples of current NIH-funded research projects include identifying the genetic cause of gastric cancer in chow dogs and identifying the genetic susceptibility of cats to vaccine-induced sarcomas. Additionally, we are conducting research funded by Fort Dodge to identify possible carcinogenic substances in feline viral vaccine and working with oncologists at Abbott Northwestern Hospital to develop a new diagnostic test for cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we are especially proud of our work in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Cancer Center to study the effects of second-hand smoke on dogs.

Supporting grieving families
The Veterinary Medical Center has established a new Client Support Service to counsel families and the veterinary professionals who care for ill animals. The new service is headed by Jeannine Moga, M.S.W., who previously served as a social work intern at the VMC in cooperation with the School of Social Work. A Companion Animal Loss Support Group has been established, a new social work intern is on board, and the College is teaching veterinary students to meet the emotional needs of pet-owning families.

Planning for our future
Finally, we have begun a strategic planning process to further define the role of oncology in the Veterinary Medical Center and to develop a powerful brand identity to market and communicate the value of our services. The Veterinary Medical Center plan, coupled with the brand identity project, will enhance our ability to serve larger numbers of families and their pets.

See the Donor Q & A interview with Alvin and June Perlman in the Spring 2004 issue of Profiles.