Nicole Ehrhart

Biography of Investigator:
Dr. Nicole Ehrhart graduated from the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She completed an internship in general medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and was accepted into a surgery residency at Colorado State University in 1991. She completed her surgical residency and Masters degree in Clinical Sciences in 1994 and became Board Certified in Surgery in 1995 during the first year of a 2 year postdoctoral Fellowship in Surgical Oncology and Orthopedic Research. Following completion of her Fellowship she was recruited in 1996 to the University of Illinois College of Biomedical Sciences as an Assistant Professor in Surgical Oncology where she remained for 6 years. In 2002, concurrent with the opening of the new Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, she returned to Colorado to join the faculty as an Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology.

Classes Taught/Currently Teaching:

• Junior Surgery Laboratory, Laboratory Instructor
• Oncology, Complimentary Medicine and Pain Management, Lecturer and Laboratory Instructor
• Orthopedic and Joint Surgery, Lecturer
• Surgical Principles Laboratory, Laboratory Instructor
• VM645 Surgery of the Eye, Laboratory Instructor
• VM733 Principles of Surgery, Lecturer
• VM673 Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Lecturer
• VM773 Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Lecturer
• VM796F Problem Based Learning, Facilitator
• VS612 Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Lecturer
• VS650 Comparative Abdominal Surgery, Lecturer
• VS681 Comparative Pain Medicine, Lecturer
• VS681 Comparative Pain Medicine II, Lecturer

Research Focus:
Surgical Oncology

Limb Preservation:

• Animal Models for Cancer and Orthopedic Research
• Gene Delivery and Tissue Engineering
• Allograft Science
• Osteoneogenesis and Distraction Osteogenesis

Name of Laboratory:
Tom Argenese Comparative  Musculoskeletal Oncology Laboratory

Laboratory Personnel:
Laura Chubb, Laboratory Supervisor

List of Major Laboratory Equipment:
The Musculoskeletal Oncology Laboratory (Director: Dr. Nicole Ehrhart) is housed within the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Medical Center.
The laboratory is particularly suited for;

1. Cell and tissue culture
2. Real time in vivo imaging, bone histomorphometry
3. Small animal anesthesia, and surgical procedures 

A full time laboratory technician (Laura Chubb) oversees and coordinates equipment operation, maintenance and daily research activities within the lab.

Relevant Major Equipment:
Tissue Culture, Cell Storage & General Laboratory Equipment

1. LABCONCO Purifier Class II Biosafety Cabinet Tissue Culture Hood (Delta Series) (n=2)  - Model 36200
2. Thermo Orion Water Jacketed (19 Gallon) CO2 Incubator (n=2) – Model 5060
3. Fischer Hamilton SAFEAIRE Chemical Fume Hood – Model 54L0405
4. VWR Scientific Produts (4◦C) Refidgerator (n=2)
5. VWR Scientific Products (-20◦C) Refridgerator
6. Thermolyne Locator 4 Cryo Biological Sotrage System w/ attached Thermolyne Liquid Notrogen Monitor – Model CY50935
7. Forma Scientific (-80◦C) Refridgerator (n=2)
8. ThermoForma (-80◦C) Refridgerator (n=2)
9. Beckman Coulter Allegra 6R Centrifuge
10. Spectrafuge 16M Centrifuge
11. VWR International Water Bath – Model 1235PC
12. Corning Stirrer/Hot Plate – Model PC400
13. Minisonic Ultrasonic Cleaner – Model 2510R-DTH
14. Labnet International, Inc Vortex Mixer – Model 50100

Small Animal Anesthesia & Surgical Facilities:

1. Ohmeda Isotec 3 (BOC Heath Care) Isofluorane Gas Vaporizor (n=2)
2. Stainless Steel Surgical Table

Image Acquisition & Analysis:

1. Xenogen IVIS 100 System
2. Live Image 3.0 Software, Advanced Acquisition & Analysis Software for IVIS 100 System
3. BioTek Synergy HT Multi-Mode Microplate Reader – Model SIAFRT
4. Osteomeasure XP Version 1.01 Bone Histomorphometry Software

Computational Resources:

1. Dell Precision Workstation – Model T5400
2. Dell Precision Workstation – Model 340
3. Dell Optiplex Workstation – Model 170L

Current Work/Projects:
Provoking Anti -Tumor Immune Response with FAS-ligand
Funding Agency: NIH SBIR 1 R43 CA119840-01
Amount Requested: $847,621
Status: Funded
Dates of Award: 2006-2011
Role: Co-Investigator

Adherent rAAV-BMP2 and Surface Demineralization to Enhance Massive Cortical Allograft Remodeling and Revascularization
Funding Agency: Musculoskeletal transplant Foundation
Amount Requested: $559,644
Status: Pending
Dates of Award: 2005-2008
Role: Principle Investigator

Biodistribution Study of Single Dose of Intravenous Radium-223 in Normal Dogs
Funding Agency: Algeta, Noray
Amount Requested: $367,000
Status: Funded
Dates of Award: 2007-2008
Role: Principle Investigator

Publications:
Refereed Journals (* denotes graduate student research under direct supervision)

Ehrhart N., Withrow SJ, Straw RS, et al. Primary Rib Tumors in 54 Dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 1995, Jan-Feb 31(1):65-9

Ehrhart N., Withrow SJ, Ehrhart EJ, et al. Pancreatic beta cell tumor in ferrets: 20 cases (1986-1994), 1996. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Nov 15 209 (10):1737-40

Ehrhart N., Dernell WS, Hoffman WE et al. The prognostic importance of serum alkaline phosphatase activity in serum from dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma: 75 cases (1990-1996). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998; 213:1002-1006

Ehrhart N. Principles of Tumor Biopsy. Clin Tech Sm An Prac. 1998; 13:10-16

Ehrhart N. Proper biopsy procedure: collecting and handling tissue specimens. Veterinary Technician. 1998; 19(1): 31-43

Ehrhart N. The effects of a controlled-release cisplatin delivery system after marginal resection of murine mammary carcinoma. Am J Vet Res. 1999 102 (10): 1142-1155

Tommassini M, Ehrhart N., Ferretti A, et al. Bone transport osteogenesis for limb salvage following resection of primary bone tumors: Experience with 6 cases (1991-1996). Vet Comp Orthop Trauma. 2000; 23 (1): 43-51

*Coolman BR, Ehrhart N., Pijanowski JL, et al. Comparison of skin staples and sutures for approximating small intestinal anastomosis in dogs. Vet Surg. 2000 29 (4):293-302

*Coolman BR, Ehrhart N., Manfra SM. Healing of intestinal anastomoses. Compendium Cont Educ Pract Vet. 2000 (4) 363-371 22

*Coolman BR, Ehrhart N., Manfra SM. Historical perspective of intestinal anastomosis in Veterinary Surgery. Compendium Cont Educ Pract Vet. 2000 22(3): 232-240

*Coolman BR, Ehrhart N., Manfra SM. Use of skin staples for rapid closure of gastrointestinal incisions in the treatment of canine linear foreign bodies. J Am An Hosp Assoc. 2000;36:542-547

*Quinn MA, Ehrhart N., Johnson AJ, et al. Prognostic factors predictive of outcome in canine angular limb deformity following corrective radial osteotomy and Type II external skeletal fixation. Vet Surg. 2000 29:558-63

Ehrhart N., Sisson D, Ehrhart EJ, Willis JS, Manfra-Marretta S, Greenfield CL, Willis JS. Analysis of factors affecting survival in canine chemodectomas. Vet Surg. 2002 Jan-Feb; 31(1):44-8.

Ehrhart N., Eurell JE, Tomassini M, et al. The effect of cisplatin chemotherapy on regenerate bone formation. Am J Vet Res. 2002 May; 63(5):703-11

Daly CM, Swalec-Tobias K, Tobias AH, Ehrhart N. Cardiopulmonary effects of intrathoracic insufflation in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2002 Nov-Dec; 38(6):515-20

Silbernagel J, Johnson AL, Pijanowski J, Ehrhart N. A biomechanical comparison of the 4.5 mm narrow plating system to the 3.5 broad plating system. Vet Surg. 2004 Mar; 33(2):173-179.

Liptak JM, Dernell WS, Ehrhart N., Withrow SJ. Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma: Diagnosis and Palliative Treatment. Compendium of Continuing Education. 2004 Mar; 26(3):172-183

Liptak JM, Dernell WS, Ehrhart N., Withrow SJ. Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma: Curative-Intent Treatment. Compendium of Continuing Education. 2004 Mar; 26(3):186-197

Ehrhart N. Longitudinal Bone Transport for Treatment of Primary Bone Tumors in Dogs: A Classification of the Technique and Summary of Nine Cases, Veterinary Surgery, Vet Surg. 2005 Jan-Feb; 34(1):24-34.

Ehrhart N., Eurell JA, Constable PD, Ehrhart EJ, Johnson AL, Gaddy D, Nicholas RW. The effect of preoperative host tissue irradiation on large segment allograft incorporation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005 Jun; (435):43-51.

Ehrhart N., Hong L, Eurell JA, Jamison R, Morgan A. The Effect of Sustained Release TGF-Beta 1 on Bone Formation in a Preoperatively Irradiated Critical-Sized Defect.  J Am Vet Res. 2005 Jun; 66 (6): 929-1104

Jehn CT, Farese JP, Lewis DD, Kuntz C, Ehrhart N. Canine Osteosarcoma. Veterinary Medicine. 2005 April; 100(4):295-307

Ehrhart N. Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs: A Review. J Am An Hosp Assoc. 2005 July-August; 41(4):241-246

Dunning D, Halling KB, Ehrhart N. Rehabilitation of medical and acute care patients. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2005 Nov; 35(6):1411-26

Heng HG, Lowry JE, Boston S, Gabel C, Ehrhart N., Gulden SN. Smooth muscle neoplasia of the urinary bladder in three dogs, J Am An Hosp Assoc, Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2006 Jan-Feb; 47(1):83-6.

Dennis MM, Ehrhart N., Duncan CG, Barnes AB, Ehrhart EJ. Frequency of and risk factors associated with lingual lesions in dogs: 1,196 cases (1995-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 May 15;228(10):1533-7

*Boston SE, Ehrhart N., Dernell WS, Lafferty M, Withrow SJ. Evaluation of survival time in dogs with stage III osteosarcoma that undergo treatment: 90 cases (1985-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Jun 15; 228(12):1905-8

*Liptak JM, Ehrhart N., Santoni BG, Wheeler DL. Cortical bone graft and endoprosthesis in the distal radius of dogs: a biomechanical comparison of two different limb-sparing techniques. Vet Surg. 2006, 35(2):150-60

*Liptak JM, Dernell WS, Ehrhart N., Lafferty M, Monteith GJ, Withrow SJ. Cortical allograft and endoprosthesis for limb-sparing surgery in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma: a prospective clinical comparison of two different limb-sparing techniques. Vet Surg. 2006 Aug; 35(6):518-33

Dennis MM, Ehrhart N., Duncan C, Barnes AB, Ehrhart EJ. Frequency of and risk factors associated with lingual lesions in dogs: 1,196 cases (1995-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 May 15;228(10):1533-7

Bacon NJ, Dernell WS, Ehrhart N., Powers BE, Withrow SJ. Evaluation of primary re-excision after recent inadequate resection of soft tissue sarcomas in dogs: 41 cases (1999-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Feb 15; 230(4):548-54

*Jehn CT, Lewis DD, Farese JP, Ferrell E, Conley W, Ehrhart N. Transverse bone transport osteogenesis: A morphologic comparison of two techniques for limb salvage in dogs. Vet Surg. 2007 36:324-334

Farese JP, Bacon NJ, Ehrhart N., Bush J, Ehrhart EJ, Withrow SJ. Oesophageal Leiomyosarcoma in Dogs: Surgical Management and Clinical Outcome of Four Cases. Journal of Comparative and Veterinary Oncology. 6 (1): 31-38

Santoni BG, Ehrhart N., Turner SA, Wheeler DL. Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound with and without increased cortical porosity on structural bone allograft incorporation. J Orth Surg Res. 2008 3(20)

Santoni BG, Ehrhart N., Liptak JM,Wheeler DL. Failure Modes of Cortical Allograft and Surgical Steel Endoprostheses are Related to Altered Strain Patterns in the Proximal Radius in Dogs: A Biomechanical Study, Vet Comp Orthop and Traum. 2007 (Submitted and pending review.)

*Bacon NJ, Ehrhart, N.,  Dernell WS;  Lafferty M; Withrow SJ. Use of alternating administration of carboplatin and doxorubicin in dogs with microscopic metastases after amputation for appendicular osteosarcoma: 50 cases (1999–2006). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008, May 15; 232(10) 1504-1510

*Santoni BG, Turner AS, Wheeler DL, Nicholas RW, Anchordoquy TJ, Ehrhart N. Gene therapy to enhance large segment allograft healing. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Aug; 466(8):1921-9

*Ehrhart N., Kraft S, Conover D, Rosier RN, Schwarz EMQuantification of massive allograft healing with dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI and cone beam-CT: a pilot study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008 Aug;466(8):1897-904.

*Johnston MS, Thode HP, Ehrhart N. Bone transport osteogenesis for reconstruction of a bone defect in the tibiotarsus of a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata). Avian Med Surg. 2008 Mar; 22(1):47-56.

Post Doctorates/Graduate Students:
Name: Bill Culp, DVM, MS
Email Address: bill.culp@colostate.edu
Area of Study: Osteosarcoma
Graduation Date: 8/2009

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