The DMD Heroes of Texas A&M
Texas A&M University has endured several years of harassment and intimidation by PETA and their followers, including Sir Paul McCartney, based on claims made by PETA about how dogs involved in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research are treated at this university. And, while many of us support research aimed at improving the lives of children and dogs affected by this devastating and terminal disease, we are also animal lovers who struggle in our hearts with what we've been told by PETA. I think concerns about animal welfare in research are both legitimate and loving; and I think we should know what these animals experience for the benefit of others. Our guest today is a veterinarian who worked directly with the DMD dogs, their caregivers and the research team at Texas A&M University. Today you will hear what few people can or will share about the experiences of these animals, so you can assess your beliefs and values within the full context of reality and truth. Given what we learned in our last episode from Trina and Pam, both mothers of boys with DMD, there's a lot to consider.
Episode Introduction
Texas A&M University has endured several years of harassment and intimidation by PETA and their followers, including Sir Paul McCartney, based on claims made by PETA about how dogs involved in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research are treated at this university. And, while many of us support research aimed at improving the lives of children and dogs affected by this devastating and terminal disease, we are also animal lovers who struggle in our hearts with what we've been told by PETA. I think concerns about animal welfare in research are both legitimate and loving; and I think we should know what these animals experience for the benefit of others. Our guest today is a veterinarian who worked directly with the DMD dogs, their caregivers and the research team at Texas A&M University. Today you will hear what few people can or will share about the experiences of these animals, so you can assess your beliefs and values within the full context of reality and truth. Given what we learned in our last episode from Trina and Pam, both mothers of boys with DMD, there's a lot to consider.
Scientific papers supporting the value of animal models for understanding DMD and developing therapeutics
Muscular Dystrophy: Experimental animal models and therapeutic approaches (Review)
The golden retriever model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Canine Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Their Use in Therapeutic Strategies
The test used to gauge muscle strength in affected dogs is not painful or “cruel” and “medieval”, as claimed by PETA.
Description of In Vivo Canine Muscle Function Assay (with video)
Standard operating procedure for measuring muscle contractile function in dogs with DMD
Texas A&M University partnered with Homes for Animal Heroes to rehome healthy dogs from the DMD colony
More research hero photos and stories can be found on the Homes for Animal Heroes Facebook page.
Astro was trained to be a service dog for Trina’s son, Austin (episode 7), by the mother of a Texas A&M graduate with DMD. Once a hero, always a hero!
