Sit. Stay. Learn. with Dr. Adrienne Wright

A New Way to Fight Cancer in Dogs? Autologous Cancer Vaccines Explained

Cancer affects far too many dogs, and better treatment options are urgently needed. In Episode 10 of Sit. Stay. Learn., Dr. Adrienne Wright reviews the paper “Autologous Cancer Vaccines: A Precision Immunotherapy Strategy for Veterinary Cancer Patients” and explains how autologous cancer vaccines may offer a more personalized way to fight cancer in dogs. This episode covers tumor antigens, neoantigens, checkpoint inhibitors, and why veterinary immunotherapy is an area to watch.

9. How Do We Measure Pain in Dogs? Veterinary Pain Research Explained

In this episode of Sit. Stay. Learn., we discuss a 2025 Frontiers in Pain Research perspective on outcome assessment in veterinary pain studies. The episode explores why pain measurement remains such a challenge in veterinary medicine, the role of owner assessments, gait analysis, activity monitoring, and biomarkers, and why better outcome measures are essential for advancing research and improving patient care. Have a paper you’d like featured on a future episode? Send suggestions to adrienne@ardentanimalhealth.com [adrienne@ardentanimalhealth.com].

8. Centrifugation Force and Time in Canine PRP: What the Literature Suggests

In this episode of Sit. Stay. Learn, Dr. Adrienne Wright breaks down a recent JAVMA paper examining how centrifugation force and spin time change the final composition of canine PRP. We cover what the protocols did to platelet yield, leukocyte/RBC carryover, and key growth factors like PDGF and TGF-β1—plus the biggest takeaway: optimization data from one device doesn’t automatically translate across all PRP systems. Message of the day: know what’s in your syringe.

7. Hemolyzed PRP Samples: What the Literature Suggests

This episode reviews a 2023 Biomedicines editorial by Gupta, Maffulli, and Jain on why red blood cells should be minimized in platelet-rich plasma. The discussion explores what hemolysis is, how it occurs, and what current research suggests about the presence of RBCs in PRP preparations used for musculoskeletal applications. Key points include how RBC breakdown products may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, synovial irritation, and potential cartilage damage — and why minimizing hemolysis may help preserve the intended therapeutic benefits of PRP. 📄 Referenced Editorial: “Red Blood Cells in Platelet-Rich Plasma: Avoid If at All Possible” If you are interested in the full study, contact info@ardentanimalhealth.com [info@ardentanimalhealth.com]. For questions or further discussion, feel free to reach out to adrienne@ardentanimalhealth.com [adrienne@ardentanimalhealth.com]. If your practice has experience managing hemolyzed PRP samples, your insights are welcome.

6. Switching Species: What a Human CKD Pilot Teaches Vet Med about Adipose MSCs

This week, we’re exploring a fascinating human pilot study with powerful takeaways for veterinary medicine. The research, “Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for treating chronic kidney disease: A pilot study assessing safety and clinical feasibility” (Villanueva et al., 2019), examined how stem cells may support kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results showed improved proteinuria and slower disease progression in most patients—without adverse effects. These findings mirror what’s been observed in veterinary cases using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), where pets often show better energy, appetite, and stability even when lab results shift modestly. As CKD remains one of the most common conditions in older dogs and cats, this study highlights how regenerative therapies could play a larger role in managing long-term kidney health.