Thursday, October 27, 2005

Professor’s Research Voted Most Significant Advancement in Modern Veterinary Dermatology

By Rachel Scoggins and Brennan Engle

Flea research by Michael Dryden, professor of veterinary parasitology at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently recognized for its significance in modern veterinary dermatology.

At a dermatology conference at Ohio State University in early October, renowned veterinary dermatologists from both private practices and academic institutions were polled as to what or whom they thought has had the most impact on veterinary dermatology. Dryden's research into the biology and epidemiology of fleas that infest dogs and cats received the top vote.

According to the veterinary dermatologists, Dryden's 15 years of research at K-State is so significant because it has corrected many misconceptions about fleas and the products used to control them.

"I was stunned and honored to have my work recognized by such a group of distinguished veterinarians," Dryden said. "This compliment is a great validation of all the hard work and long hours my technician, Vicki Smith, and I have spent investigating the biology and control of fleas infesting dogs and cats. It is very gratifying to have our peers consider our work so highly."

Dryden's research proved that there are major differences between the species of flea that infests rodents and the species that infests domestic pets. His most significant discovery was that fleas infesting dogs and cats cannot survive apart from their host and their reproduction is dependent upon this constant host relationship. This breakthrough led to the development of topical and systemic flea treatments such as Frontline, Program and Revolution, which can be applied directly to the pet without having to treat its environment.

Over the years, Dryden and his team of students have tested nearly every flea product in clinical trials in the homes of pet owners in Kansas and Florida.

Interest in fleas for Dryden began in the mid-1980s when he was a practicing veterinarian in Wichita. He became frustrated trying to treat animals with flea treatments that were largely ineffective. He got his first opportunity to study fleas while working on a master's degree at Purdue University

In 1990 Dryden returned to K-State, where he had received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree six years earlier, to establish a flea research laboratory.

Although he still studies fleas, Dryden is now researching ticks that infest dogs and cats. He hopes these studies will result in improved products to combat the parasites.

Dryden works with numerous pharmaceutical companies to help develop better products and to test current products on the market. Although he receives grant money from the companies for research, Dryden said he always maintains a high ethical standard when consulting, a standard which is rooted in scientific research.

"As vital as our corporate partners are, I must always remember that I do not work for the pharmaceutical industry," Dryden said. "My obligation is to the veterinary profession, pets, pet owners and the taxpayers of the state of Kansas. If I can help the pharmaceutical industry develop better and safer products, then I am helping veterinarians, pets and pet owners around the world."