Our Mission

Provide important canine cancer incidence and prevalence data to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions via the first national Canine Cancer Registry and Cancer Care Index because protecting dogs from cancer begins with knowing its impact by breed, type, age, gender, and location. The data may also provide insights to help better understand cancer in humans.

Jaguar Health Canine Cancer: Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (Canine Health and ReGistry Exchange)

Designed to be an interactive, easy to use public-facing dashboard with open access for clinical practitioners and academia to all canine cancer medical record data, the Jaguar Health Canine Cancer: Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (Canine Health And ReGistry Exchange) is co-sponsored by Jaguar Animal Health, TogoRun, and Ivee, and began with a retrospective review of more than 35,900 anonymous canine patient records uploaded into a secure customized database and more than 830 confirmed cancer diagnoses. The database will continue to grow as veterinary clinics and pet owners upload medical records of dogs with cancer, which are de-identified and anonymous, at no cost to the clinic or pet owner.

 

All data is protected following General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines to ensure participant information privacy. Data will be used for research purposes only.

Gallup Survey of
Dog Owners

The interactive dashboard will also include data from the first nationwide Gallup survey of pet owners addressing their experience with canine cancer.

 

Conducted in March 2022, the Gallup survey estimated the prevalence – the percent of U.S. dogs with cancer in 2021 – was 3.4 percent, less than the approximately 5 percent prevalence in humans that year. However, the survey also found that the incidence – the percent of U.S. dogs newly diagnosed with cancer in 2021 – was 2.8 percent, which is approximately five times the 0.57 percent incidence of newly diagnosed cancer in humans that year. This finding is startling since researchers have assumed that canine cancer rates mirror human cancer rates.

“We established Take C.H.A.R.G.E. to fill a major research gap among the veterinary community and dog owners in the United States because, until now, there has been no nationally based dog owner survey or registry focused on canine cancer,” said Jaguar Health founder, president and CEO Lisa Conte. “The information from Take C.H.A.R.G.E. will provide the first ever national representation of the incidence and prevalence of canine cancer and will help inform decisions that advance the quality of life of both dogs with cancer and their owners. The data may also provide insights to help better understand cancer in humans.”

Other key findings from the Gallup
survey include:

More than 8 in 10 dog owners favored the creation of a canine cancer registry to better understand the disease and advance treatments

The 10 most represented breeds in the survey were: 1) Labrador, 2) Chihuahua, 3) Pitbull, 4) Golden Retriever, 5) German Shepherd, 6) Yorkshire, 7) Dachshund, 8) Boxer, 9) Beagle, and 10) Shih Tzu

68 percent decided not to treat their dog for cancer due to the age of their dog (54 percent), treatment cost (39 percent), and treatment side effects (38 percent)

Across all dog owners, the vast majority (92 percent) said they did not have pet insurance at the time of diagnosis

While a high proportion of dog owners (46 percent) ‘strongly agreed’ that their dog received high quality cancer care, they were less likely to report feeling satisfied with the information they received.

Dealing with canine cancer has a major impact on dog owners’ well-being, including depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, and missing work or other obligations

Dog owners’ ability to manage their dog’s side effects from cancer treatment, such as pain, urinary incontinence, and diarrhea, is the best predictor of key well-being outcomes of the dog owner

Knowledge about cancer treatment side effects was low: 92 percent of dog owners with no canine cancer experience and 65 percent of those with canine cancer experience said they knew little or nothing about side effects

Canine Cancer Care Index

In addition to assessing canine cancer incidence and prevalence, Gallup used data from the survey to calculate a Canine Cancer Care Index that reflects three dimensions related to canine cancer care: knowledge, quality of care, and canine comfort. Ranging from 0 (the worst possible score) to 100 (the best possible score), the Index will help assess whether canine cancer care experiences are improving, worsening, or staying the same for dog owners and their dogs over time. Gallup determined that the 2021 Canine Cancer Care Index is 80.5 or a B-, indicating a clear need for improvement.

“Protecting dogs from cancer begins with knowing its impact by breed, type, age, gender, and location,” said Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Scientific Advisory Board co-chair Dr. Terry Fossum, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS. “The U.S. has lagged behind other countries where there are multiple canine health registries and there have been several attempts by other groups to establish a U.S. registry without success. We have to do better for our dogs and we believe Take C.H.A.R.G.E. finally will give us the tools we need to advance canine cancer care.”

Scientific Advisory Board

Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) – SAB, Co-chair

Dr. Craig A. Clifford serves as Director of Blue Pearl Science and is a Medical Oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Malvern, PA. Previously, he was Director of Clinical Studies, Medical Oncologist, Hope Veterinary Specialists, Malvern, PA and Director of Clinical Research at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital.

Read More

Dr. Clifford received his DVM from Mississippi State University in 1999 and subsequently completed his internship in small animal medicine & surgery and his residency in oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. He has been a fellowship examiner for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientist, a member of the ACVIM residency training and credentials committee, a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society Executive Board & Founder of the VCS Residency Review Session at the annual meeting, a consultant to the Veterinary Information Network, Animal Clinical Investigations Network, Novartis Animal Health, Pfizer, Oasmia Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pet Medicus Laboratories, and AB Science.

 

A Co-Founder of the Northeastern Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group, Dr. Clifford is the author and/or co-author of multiple publications.

Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – SAB, Co-chair

Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon with 35 years of experience as a clinical surgeon, researcher, academic administrator, and entrepreneur. Experience in clinical trial design, naturally occurring animal disease, drug and device development, animal health, and good laboratory practices. Proven track record as an executive leader, program developer, and fund-raiser. Broad experience in company start-up, R&D, corporate finance, consulting, and program management. Author of the best-selling veterinary textbook, Small Animal Surgery.

Read More

Dr. Fossum is currently the CEO and Co-founder of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care and the CEO of Epic Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Fossum was the Vice President of Research and Strategic Initiatives at Midwestern University and was formerly the Vice Chancellor for Global and Corporate Partnerships for the Texas A&M University System, as well as a co-founder of Rescue Therapeutics, Inc. (a TAMU spin-out company developing novel therapeutics for cancer and immune-mediated disease).

 

Dr. Fossum received her D.V.M. degree in 1982 from Washington State University, completed a surgical residency and Master of Science degree in 1986 from the Ohio State University and received a Ph.D. in Veterinary Immunology from Texas A&M University in 1992. She received Board Certification in Veterinary Surgery in 1987 and joined the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M later that year. In 1992, she completed a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology.

 

Dr. Fossum also established the no longer active National Veterinary Cancer Registry (NVCR) in 2013, which is a national database formed to identify and register pets diagnosed with cancer in order to facilitate and promote medical treatments that lead to advances, higher success rates and eventual cures for cancer in pets and people. A joint effort between the CARE Foundation, Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) at Dallas and the Texas Veterinary Oncology Group – the NVCR advances veterinary cancer research by gathering information from pet owners whose pets are diagnosed with a naturally occurring cancer and pairing them with emerging medical treatments.

Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) Norwalk, Connecticut

Dr. Sue Ettinger is a practicing veterinary cancer specialist, international speaker, book author, and vlogger (video blogger). She is one of approximately 450 board-certified specialists in medical oncology in North America and currently practices at Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, Connecticut. She is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Fidu, a teleconsulting company to bring together general practice veterinarians and boarded veterinary specialists. She received her veterinary training at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency in medical oncology at the Animal Medical Center in NYC in 2003.

Read More

She was voted the 2019 Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) Small Animal Continuing Educator of the Year and has recently received awards for Exceptional Doctor Performance and the Public Relations Achievement.

 

Also known as Dr Sue Cancer Vet®, Dr. Sue is the co-author of the Second Edition of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, which is a best-selling book in small animal health for the last several years. She is a frequent contributor to many veterinary publications, including Today’s Veterinary Practice, Today’s Veterinary Business, Clinician’s Brief, Veterinary Team Brief, & DVM360. She also has co-hosted the podcast The Pet Cancer Vet and is a frequent guest on many veterinary podcasts.

 

There are many myths and misconceptions about cancer in dogs and cats. Most cancers are treatable, and there are a variety of treatment options. Dr Sue’s focus is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. She strives to minimize side effects – from the cancer itself and treatment – to help her patients lead active, normal lives even while undergoing treatment. Her motto is live longer, live well.

 

Dr. Sue is most passionate about raising cancer awareness, and she has developed “See Something, Do Something, Why Wait? Aspirate.®” to promote early cancer detection and diagnosis. This cancer awareness initiative for skin and superficial tumors in dogs and cats provides a set of guidelines for pet owners and veterinarians to help identify the best management for skin and subcutaneous (under the skin) masses in dogs and cats. Masses must be sampled and evaluated under a microscope to determine what they are. The sooner we determine whether a mass is cancerous and should be removed, the better for our pets. Most skin and subcutaneous tumors can be cured with surgery alone if diagnosed early when masses are small. Early detection saves lives.

Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVCH

Dr. Trina Hazzah was born and raised in Washington DC. She attended Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She completed her small animal internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a 3-year residency in medical oncology at the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center, in Connecticut. She has also completed the requirements to be a Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

Read More

Dr. Hazzah developed an interest in cannabis medicine during her quest for finding effective integrative approaches for veterinary cancer patients. She has spent the last half a decade reading through available literature, attending multiple cannabis conferences and symposiums, while also learning from cannabis physicians.  She has since given numerous lectures to veterinarians educating them on the topic of cannabis medicine, published a peer-reviewed Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine journal article, co-authored multiple cannabis-related textbooks, and is the president and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, which is the first US-based non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization building awareness of cannabis as medicine for pets. After almost 15 years of practicing medical oncology, she switched her focus to cannabis medicine full time and started a cannabis consulting service, called Green Nile, Inc.

Chad M. Johannes, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Oncology)

Dr. Chad M. Johannes is an Associate Professor at Colorado State University and is the ACVIM Oncology Specialty President Elect. His industry experience includes former Medical Director at Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. and coordination of the launch of Palladia®, the first FDA-approved veterinary cancer therapeutic, during his time with Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis). Dr. Johannes’s practice experience includes primary care, specialty care and academic settings. His areas of research interest include oncology therapeutic development, immunotherapeutic and effective management of treatment-related side effects.

Read More

National Engagement/Roles:

  • ACVIM Oncology Specialty President Elect, 2019 – present
  • Veterinary Cancer Society, Veterinary Oncology Market Potential Initiative Co-chair, 2018 – present
  • ACVIM Oncology Specialty Examination Rating Committee, 2017 – present
  • VMX (Orlando FL), Oncology CE Coordinator, April 2020 – present
  • USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, Veterinary Oncology Technical Stakeholder Group, 2017 – present

 

ISU Honors:

  • Service Team of the Year Award (Oncology) – Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, September 2019
  • Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice – Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, September 2019
  • Faculty Member of the Year – Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, August 2017

Doug Thamm, V.M.D., Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. Doug Thamm is a Barbara Cox Anthony Professor of Oncology at Colorado State University and Director of Clinical Research for the Flint Animal Cancer Center. He received his Bachelor’s and VMD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thamm then completed an Oncology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, and was a researcher there for five additional years before joining the faculty at CSU in 2004.

Read More

Personal Statement:

My wife and I are actually both cancer survivors. I had to take a year off of veterinary school to be treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My wife was treated for thyroid cancer. Prior to that experience, I had an opportunity to spend some time doing laboratory research at the University of Pennsylvania. I really got the sense that I wanted to have a research component to my career. My own cancer experience gave me the opportunity to get the flavor for what cancer treatment and cancer research are like, and that really focused my interest. I received my Bachelor’s and VMD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. After, finishing veterinary school, I completed an Oncology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, and was a researcher there for five additional years before joining the faculty at CSU in 2004. The big draw for me to consider joining the Flint Animal Cancer Center was unquestionably its national reputation.

David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. David Vail has served as President of the Veterinary Cancer Society, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Boards for the Morris Animal Foundation and the ACVIM Foundation, President of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC), and past North American journal editor for Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. He is a founding member of the Comparative Oncology Trials consortium. Dr. Vail has published over 120 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and 50 book chapters in the field of veterinary and comparative oncology. He has been honored as the recipient of both the Mark L. Morris Sr. Distinguished Research Award and the Pfizer Award for Veterinary Research Excellence.

Read More

Titles and Education:

  • Residency in Medical Oncology, Colorado State University
  • M.S. in Comparative Oncology, Colorado State University
  • D.V.M., University of Sasckatchewan
  • B.Sc. in Pathogenic Microbiology, University of Alberta

 

Research:

Dr. Vail’s research involves the design and implementation of comparative oncology clinical trials through the inclusion of companion animal dogs and cats with spontaneous tumors. These spontaneous tumors have similar biological behavior as their counterparts in humans. The information obtained from these clinical trials help inform both the design of future trials in

humans as well as provide preliminary data on ongoing drug development programs for animal health.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Professor of Oncology
  • Barbara A. Suran Chair in Comparative Oncology
  • Director of the Barbara A. Suran Comparative Oncology Research Institute

Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. Rachel Venable is Board Certified as a medical oncologist from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Venable has always been surrounded by animals growing up on a farm in the Midwest. She obtained her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri and graduated cum laude. After veterinary school, Dr. Venable pursued further training as a small animal intern at the University of Georgia. She then completed her 3-year medical oncology residency at the world-renowned Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center. During her residency, she achieved a master’s degree and studied new cancer therapies and clinical trials.

Read More

She continues to seek and learn about new clinical trials and offer new cutting-edge therapies to her patients. Dr. Venable has authored numerous publications and has been a speaker on local and national levels. She has been an adjunct professor of veterinary oncology at Midwestern University and a member of numerous veterinary associations. Her oncology philosophy is one of a team-based approach with the local veterinarian and pet family to provide compassionate, individualized care, and optimal quality of life for pets and their families. She currently owns Pet Cancer Care Consulting, which provides oncology consultation services to pet owners through the family veterinarian and is located in Arizona.

Founding Sponsors:

In addition to assessing canine cancer incidence and prevalence, Gallup used data from the survey to calculate a Canine Cancer Care Index that reflects three dimensions related to canine cancer care: knowledge, quality of care, and canine comfort. Ranging from 0 (the worst possible score) to 100 (the best possible score), the Index will help assess whether canine cancer care experiences are improving, worsening, or staying the same for dog owners and their dogs over time. Gallup determined that the 2021 Canine Cancer Care Index is 80.5 or a B-, indicating a clear need for improvement.

Jaguar Health is a commercial stage pharmaceuticals company focused on developing novel, plant-based, non-opioid, and sustainably derived prescription medicines for people and animals with GI distress, including chronic, debilitating diarrhea. Jaguar Animal Health is a tradename of Jaguar Health. For more information about Jaguar, please visit https://jaguar.health.

TogoRun is an award-winning, full-service strategic communications agency specializing in global health and well-being. Woman-owned, independent, and named after Togo, the hero sled dog from the 1925 Race for Mercy, TogoRun works in partnership with clients committed to advancing innovative solutions that support a healthier planet, close health disparity gaps, and embrace a vision of equitable abundance. TogoRun is part of the GMJ Global network of companies and a proud signatory of CEO Action of Diversity & Inclusion. The TogoRun Team has collectively been responsible for more than 220 industry awards. Visit Togo here: https://www.togorun.com/

Ivee (Intelligent Veterinary Enhanced Experience), is an animal health data-focused software company and is a product of Snowcap Innovations Inc. For more information visit here: https://iveesoftware.com/.