Helping our Four-Legged Friends Flourish

On Thursday, October 24, 2019, the Talcott Mountain Science Center hosted a panel discussion as part of its ongoing On the Shoulders of Giants lecture series. WATCH THE VIDEO. 

Helping our Four-Legged Friends Flourish: The New Science Behind Animal Health

Pets rely on their 'people' to take care of them. Thanks to new discoveries and developments in animal science, there are now more ways to help animals thrive, including alternatives to traditional prescriptions for treating animal illnesses. In this discussion, we unwrap what's new in animal science and how these discoveries are fueling new treatments for our furry friends. We’ll also unwrap some cutting-edge alternatives for treating animal illness and disease -- including a new, customized vaccine to treat cancer, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments and more. 

The panel includes:

• Dr. Chip Beckett, Owner of Beckett & Associates Veterinary Services | With his primary medical interests in surgery, orthopedic evaluations for both small and large animals, and acupuncture & chiropractic care, Dr. Beckett is also knowledgeable in alternative therapies including prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, laser and other modalities to assist with healing.
• Ashley Kalinauskas, Founder and CEO of Torigen Pharmaceuticals | Torigen provides veterinary cancer care solutions for companion animals. With more than 50% of companion animals over the age of 10 dying from cancer, Torigen’s innovative new treatment is quickly gaining traction with veterinarians across the country. Its first product uses the patient’s own tumor cells to create a personalized treatment to fight the disease.
• Dr. Paulo Verardi, Associate Professor, UCONN Dept. of Pathology & Veterinary Science | A virologist who specializes in vaccine and immunotherapeutic research and development, Dr. Verardi will discuss infectious diseases that can negatively impact animal health and current efforts to generate vaccines to counteract those threats.