Zoetis becomes first Human-Animal Bond-certified companyMay 3, 2019Zoetis is the first company to become Human-Animal Bond certified. More than two dozen company employees completed the program, and were taught the science behind the human-animal bond. The employees were also shown how this science supports the practice of veterinary medicine. The certification program was created by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). "For years, Zoetis has been a leading advocate of the bond between humans and animals, and we are honored to have earned this important certification," says Zoetis Petcare marketing executive director, J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, chair of the HABRI board of trustees. "Veterinarians play a key role in strengthening the relationship between animals and people, and Zoetis is committed to helping them, their clients, and the animals they care for experience the benefits of the human-animal bond." In its first year, more than 500 professionals have signed up for this certification, which offers 22 hours of RACE-approved continuing education credit. Zoetis also developed educational resources related to the program for its own employees, for the veterinary community, and for pet owners. "With its long-term commitment to funding human-animal bond research, education, professional development, and programming, Zoetis …
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Declawing cats may soon be illegal in New YorkMay 3, 2019Legislation is currently moving through New York's state assembly in an effort to ban the declawing of cats. Declawing is already banned in several cities in California, as well as many countries around the world, including Switzerland, Israel, and the U.K. If Bill A01303 is passed, it would make New York the first state to ban the practice. "Claws play an important role in various aspects of cats' lives. They use their nails to assist in climbing and maintaining balance, to help them fully stretch, to relieve stress through kneading, and to escape danger," reads a state assembly memorandum memo. The memo goes on to say, "When the claws are removed, the animal tends to shift its gait and where it places most of its weight, causing strain on its leg joints and spine, which can lead to early onset arthritis and prolonged back and joint pain." Should the bill pass, anyone who performs an onychectomy, a partial/complete phlangectomy, or a tendonectomy procedure on a cat faces a fine of up to $1,000. Declawing will be permitted when it is necessary for therapeutic purposes, including: an existing or recurring illness; infection; disease; injury; or an abnormal condition in the …
IDEXX files voluntary dismissal in Vets First Choice lawsuitMay 2, 2019IDEXX Laboratories has dropped a lawsuit against two of its former staff members and Vets First Choice after alleging the employees took confidential material to their new employer. In a joint statement, Covetrus and IDEXX say they agreed to resolve the matter to an amicable resolution. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. (Covetrus is the newly formed company after Vets First Choice merged with Henry Schein.) Last August, IDEXX announced it was taking two former employees and Vets First Choice to court. The lawsuit stated Dan Leach and Agostino Scicchitano did not reveal they resigned from IDEXX to gain employment with Vets First Choice and engaged in alleged "actual and/or threatened misappropriation of trade secrets." Further, it claimed the two employees took private information from company computers when they moved to their new employer. In the statement, Covetrus and IDEXX acknowledge "their respective obligations to their customers and employees to take appropriate measures to safeguard and ensure proper handling of confidential information." IDEXX was seeking unspecified monetary damages, punitive damages, and legal fees. The company's lawyers were also asking for an injunction to block the defendants' "actual or threatened disclosure or utilization of IDEXX's trade secrets."
VCA releases social impact reportMay 2, 2019Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) has released its first social impact report highlighting its fundraising achievements and commitment to veterinarians. This is part of the company's new series of annual reports, which will bring transparency to its animal welfare efforts. "We always strive to change lives for the better, and in the process, our own hearts are forever transformed, inspiring us to work ever harder for the pets who deserve nothing less than the very best we can give," says VCA cofounder and chief executive officer, Bob Antin. "We care. Since our founding in 1986, our unflagging commitment to pets has inspired us to go to ever greater lengths to ensure their health, safety, and happiness." One of VCA's main goals is to better the lives of animals across the U.S. and Canada through philanthropic outreach. In 2018, it raised $1 million in donations and provided more than $1 million in pre-adoption medical care to animal welfare groups across the U.S. During disasters such as the California Woolsey Fires and Hurricane Florence, more than 100 VCA hospitals helped out during the crisis. They aided with the evacuation of animals and provided no-charge health exams and vaccinations. VCA says it …
Blue Buffalo and Petco Foundation award cancer research grant to Morris Animal FoundationMay 1, 2019Blue Buffalo and Petco Foundation have joined forces to award a $250,000-grant to Morris Animal Foundation to fund its feline cancer studies. "Blue Buffalo is thrilled to partner once again with Petco Foundation to support Morris Animal Foundation in its fight against cancer, a terrible disease causing 50 percent of health-related pet deaths," says company vice-president, David Petrie. "Research is expensive, and we are proud to help fund studies that will lead to better health outcomes for dogs and cats." Cancer is the second leading cause of death in cats. In the U.S., more than 12 million pets are diagnosed with the disease every year. Since 1962, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than 300 cancer studies and invested approximately $40 million. "We are deeply grateful for this meaningful gift, which will help us continue to advance cancer care," says Morris Animal Foundation president and chief executive officer, Tiffany Grunert. "It is through support like this that we're able to fund the best, most impactful studies, forging a path to a world where all cancers are treatable and more cures possible." Funding for Morris Animal Foundation has led to multiple breakthroughs and advancements in cancer care animals everywhere. This …
Purdue University to get new veterinary hospitalMay 1, 2019Pending formal approval, Purdue University is set to move ahead with the construction of a new Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The $108-million project will comprise small- and large-animal facilities, including new hospitals for equine and farm-animal patients. The current small-animal hospital will be renovated to modernize its facilities. "With this support, we can say Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's dream of having a new state-of-the-art hospital facility will become a reality," says its dean, Willie Reed. Purdue has committed $35 million to the project and Indiana recently approved a $73-million appropriation. Currently, the facility serves more than: 16,400 patients through the small-animal hospital; 1,800 patients in the large-animal hospital; and 23,000 food animals and horses through on-farm visits conducted by the Food Animal and Equine Ambulatory Services.
HSVMA accepting applications for veterinary student scholarshipApril 30, 2019The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) Compassionate Care Veterinary Student Scholarship is now open for applications. Three scholarships ($3000, $2000, and $1500) will be awarded to veterinary students who have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to animal welfare, animal rights, or animal protection in veterinary medicine. Only first-, second-, and third-year students who are enrolled in an American Veterinary Medical Association- (AVMA-) accredited veterinary school in Canada or the United States can apply. Students must provide two letters of recommendation, their transcripts, and exhibit a need for financial aid. The deadline to apply online is May 31.
Elanco Animal Health to acquire Aratana TherapeuticsApril 30, 2019Elanco Animal Health has signed an agreement to acquire Aratana Therapeutics. The deal allows Elanco to integrate the Aratana portfolio of pet therapeutics into its companion animal therapeutics business. "Aratana has been one of the most innovative start-ups in animal health, bringing breakthrough solutions to the market," says Elanco president and chief executive officer, Jeff Simmons. "We look forward to putting greater energy behind these brands with our increased share of voice in the field and leveraging." The deal is structured as a stock-for-stock transaction and remains subject to customary closing conditions. The contract must be approved by Aratana stockholders and clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. "This proposed transaction acknowledges Aratana's contribution of pet therapeutics to the animal health industry, specifically recognizing our strong track record as a drug developer and our field team's unmatched expertise delivering innovation to veterinary specialists," says Aratana president and chief executive officer, Craig Tooman. "We believe Elanco will help expand our portfolio with its substantial resources and presence within the companion animal segment."
FDA announces proposals to prevent failures in surgical and implantable staplesApril 29, 2019The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says it is proposing ways to better protect patients from the malfunctions, injuries, and deaths associated with surgical and implantable staples. The review comes after the FDA alerted public and health-care professionals to concerns over surgical staplers for internal use and implantable surgical staples. The alert was prompted as the result of the agency's analysis showing that from Jan. 1, 2011 to Mar. 31, 2018, it received more than 41,000 medical device reports pertaining to over 32,000 malfunctions, approximately 9,000 serious injuries, and 366 patient deaths. The most reported problems referred to staple lines opening, malformation of staples, misfiring and difficulty in firing of staples, stapler failure, and misapplied staples. These devices are commonly used in veterinary settings. The FDA's new proposals include: 1) Reclassifying surgical staplers for internal use to a higher-risk category, requiring the review and clearance of a premarket notification submission prior to marketing. The staples would be reclassified from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate risk) medical devices with special controls. This would require mandatory performance testing of various mechanical features, demonstration of usability and labeling comprehension such as assessing health-care professionals' ability to properly select …
Southern Veterinary Partners acquires two more hospitalsApril 29, 2019Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP) is now operating in 12 states, after acquiring Glade Valley Animal Hospital in Frederick, Md., and Lyndon Animal Clinic in Louisville, Ky. The new acquisition brings the count to 79 animal hospitals between Texas and Maryland. "Our rapid growth from starting in one state in 2014 to 12 states in less than five years is more than I could have envisioned when I conceptualized SVP," says the company's chief executive officer, Jay Price, DVM. "This growth is due to our extraordinary veterinary leadership and management teams and the reputation we have built in the industry for listening to veterinarians' needs." "We welcome Jeffrey Head, DVM; Stephen Derrenbacher, DVM; and Lori Landis, DVM, from Glade Valley Animal Hospital and Kurt Oliver, DVM; Kourtney Roppel, DVM; Matthew Thompson, DVM; and Julia Gawley, DVM, from Lyndon Animal Clinic to our team of more than 300 veterinarians. These doctors now have a wealth of resources, best practices, and mentoring opportunities within SVP to help them grow in their careers."
