Transparency

I am a co-author on the two papers listed below, and overall the feedback from many veterinarians and researchers has been very positive. I welcome thoughtful discussion and questions, especially when they are based on science and concern for animal health.

1. Dewey CW, Brunke MW. Dysmetabolism of the nerve growth factor pathway in the aging brain plays a pivotal role in cognitive decline. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025 Dec 5:1-5. doi: 10.2460/javma.25.09.0578. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41349274.
   1. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.25.09.0578/javma.25.09.0578.xml

• Dewey CW, Brunke MW, Sakovitch K. Transcranial photobiomodulation (laser) therapy for cognitive impairment: A review of molecular mechanisms and potential application to canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Open Vet J. 2022 Mar-Apr;12(2):256-263. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i2.14. Epub 2022 Apr 17. PMID: 35603072; PMCID: PMC9109850.
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9109850/

Some comments raised concerns about using research from different species, like mice or humans, to help understand dogs. It is important to explain why this approach is used. Dogs, mice, and humans are all mammals, and many important body systems are shared across these species. The nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway is one of those shared systems. Because of this, it is very unlikely that dogs have a completely different NGF pathway than other mammals.

Our work does not say that dogs are the same as humans. It also does not say that results should be copied directly from one species to another. Instead, it uses a common medical approach called translational research. This means we use what we learn in one species to help guide questions and research in another. This method has been used safely and successfully in medicine for many years.

I also want to be clear that I do not disagree that drugs like Librela or Solensia can help both dogs and cats. Pain control is very important, especially for those with arthritis. Helping dogs and cats feel comfortable can greatly improve their quality of life.

Another comment was made that I am using scare tactics to keep Librela or Solensia away from patients that need it. This could not be further from the truth.

I am not trying to scare veterinarians or stop them from using helpful treatments. The goal of our work is to encourage careful, science-based discussion and continued research. This helps us better understand benefits, risks, and how to use treatments safely.

As veterinarians, our first goal is to help animals and avoid harm. Asking careful questions and studying possible risks is part of good medicine. Open discussion makes veterinary care stronger and helps us take better care of our patients.