Heartworm Diagnosed In Every State In ’10, Survey FindsMay 13, 2011 Released today, the 2010 heartworm incidence survey conducted by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) reveals that despite weather conditions considered unfavorable to mosquito proliferation, heartworm disease was diagnosed in every state in the U.S. and almost every county and parish. This survey focused on 2010 heartworm diagnoses, representing data from more than 5,000 veterinary clinics across the country reporting clinic testing and heartworm-positive dogs and cats. “The pattern of heartworm incidence overall was similar to that of previous years,” says Wallace Graham, DVM, AHS president. “We believe that because the summer of 2009 was cooler in some areas of the country and drier in others, mosquitoes and heartworms were somewhat more concentrated in areas with nearby standing bodies of water.” Study supervisors noted that survey clinics reporting low numbers of heartworm-positive animals often sat side by side with clinics with high positive reports. By contrast, Graham explained, the 2007 study reflected the homogenizing effects severe weather can have on mosquito populations. In 2007, the fallout from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had far-reaching effects on mosquito vectors and heartworm transmission. “The key point to remember is that none of us can predict the weather …
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RHD Detected In Canadian Pet RabbitMay 13, 2011 Canada’s National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases (NCFAD) has reported positive results for rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus by conventional RT-PCR and the finding of a Calicivirus-like agent by electron microscopy. On March 30 a domestic neutered male rabbit presented at a local veterinary clinic with lethargy and a yellow matter was observed on its fur. It was diagnosed with liver failure and died during treatment. The body was forwarded to the Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) laboratory. Findings included jaundice, hepatic necrosis, some hemorrhages, moderate meningoencephalitis and mild nephritis. A liver sample was sent to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and NCFADto rule out RHD virus. The positive sample’s nucleotide sequence had the closest match in Genbank with an RHD virus isolate from China from 2006. On April 20 and 21, histopathology confirmed lesions consistent with RHD and positive staining for RHD virus antigens was shown by immunohistochemistry. Three test rabbits were inoculated with material from the MAFRI submission on April 26. All inoculated rabbits were strongly positive for RHD virus by conventional RT-PCR. Histopathology on tissue from the inoculated rabbits showed lesions consistent with RHD. Immunohistochemistry on …
Nu BowWow And Vetgate PartnershipMay 13, 2011 Nu BowWow is partnering with Vetgate Global, a supplier of websites, software and communication systems for veterinary practices. This partnership will introduce The Puppy Starter Kit to the Vetgate Global Veterinary practices. The companies’ stated goal is to enhance the human animal bond of new pet parents, under the theory that happy pet parents mean healthier pets and fewer returns to shelters and rescues. The puppy starter kit includes a collar, leash, water and food bowls, chew toy, stain remover, poop bag dispenser and bags, all natural dog treats and puppy announcement post cards. The Nu BowWow Survival Guide is a book with expert advice on such topics such as preparing for your Nu Puppy, how to choose a veterinarian and grooming. The Village is Nu BowWow’s private online community and support group with free training videos, monthly presentations by industry experts on how to crate train your puppy and puppy nutrition. <Home>
FEI Announces Detection Times For MetacamMay 13, 2011 The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced detection times for Metacam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug developed and manufactured by Boehringer-Ingelheim, used to relieve pain and inflammation in horses. Findings of studies on the use of intravenously or orally administered Meloxicam show the urine and plasma detection time as 72 hours. Metacam is the first COX-2 inhibitor on the FEI list of detection times which contains common medications administered out of competition and is listed on the FEI’s Clean Sport website. An outcome of the 2010 FEI Congress on NSAID and Medication Usage in the equine athlete was that there should be more access to detection times for COX-2 inhibitors. “We are committed to providing the tools to assist our athletes to adhere to the FEI’s equine anti-doping rules and will add further medication detection times over the coming 12 months,” says Graeme Cooke, director of veterinary department at the FEI. Detection time means the time taken for an active substance administered to a horse by a specified route and dosage to fall below a level that FEI-approved laboratories would declare a sample positive. These times may vary depending on dose and number of injection sites used. …
Abaxis Awarded $650,000 From Kansas Bioscience AuthorityMay 12, 2011Abaxis Inc., a medical products company manufacturing point-of-care blood analysis systems, announced yesterday that it was awarded $650,000 from the Kansas Bioscience Authority to help set up the first laboratory testing facility for veterinarians nationwide in Olathe, Kansas. The authority's board of directors approved the three-year grant during meetings in Wichita, Kansas. In January, Abaxis formed an alliance with Kansas State University (KSU), K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization, the commercial arm of K-State, to provide a full-service commercial laboratory for veterinarians across the US. “We are pleased with this award from the Kansas Bioscience Authority,” says Clint Severson, chairman and chief executive officer of Abaxis. “In conjunction with KSU, we are in development of a laboratory facility that will set the standard for accuracy, timeliness and customer support for the veterinary community nationwide. We believe this project will be mutually beneficial to the university as a leading academic institution and to Abaxis as a leading veterinary laboratory solutions provider.” The system consists of a compact, 5.1 kilogram (11.2 pounds), portable analyzer and a series of single-use plastic discs, called reagent discs that contain all the chemicals required to perform a panel …
David Haworth Named MAF President And CEOMay 12, 2011 Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) today announced the appointment of David Haworth, DVM, PhD, as its new president and CEO. Dr. Haworth will oversee the nonprofit’s efforts to advance health and welfare research that protects, treatments and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife worldwide. Haworth is currently the director of global alliances for Pfizer Animal Health, a position he has held since 2008. He will officially join the foundation June 13. “Dr. Haworth brings a diversity of experiences that include corporate partnership development, veterinary research, nonprofit oversight and clinical practice,” says Mark Carter, PhD, chair of MAF’s board of trustees. “MAF has experienced excellent growth over the past few years, and Dr. Haworth’s background and passion for animal health will help to move the organization into its next phase of growth and evolution.” As president and CEO, Haworth will oversee a staff of 31, implement Morris Animal Foundation’s strategic plan, provide leadership in developing organizational and financial plans, actively support fundraising efforts and ensure that the foundation identifies and funds strategic research that produces significant outcomes to advance the health of companion animals and wildlife. He replaces Patricia N. Olson, DVM, PhD, who led the foundation …
BVA Teams With BSAVA For London CongressMay 12, 2011 The British Veterinary Association (BVA) announces this year’s annual Congress theme ‘Vets in a changing world,’ will be delivered in association with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). The Congress will take place September 22-24 in London at the Royal College of Physicians. The Congress includes a scientific program covering feline medicine, gastroenterology medicine and surgery and cardiorespiratory medicine. Speakers include Ian Ramsay, Hattie Syme, Sue Murphy (feline), Penny Watson, Alex German and John Williams (gastro), Mike Martin, Adrian Boswood, Pete Mantis, Sophie Adamantos and Jackie Brearley (cardio). “We are delighted to announce the collaboration between BVA and BSAVA to deliver an outstanding Congress for the members of our two associations,” says Harvey Locke, president of the BVA. “BVA Congress has become the most important date in the veterinary political diary. This year’s contentious issues and overseas programs will highlight the role of vets in a changing world and discuss how we can adapt to new challenges as individuals and as a profession.” Highlights of the clinical program include: • The Wooldridge Memorial Lecture ‘Making a global impact’ by Peter Roeder, professor, who led the Global Rinderpest Eradication Program • ‘Teeth, feet and …
Donations Sought In Wake Of Miami Distemper OutbreakMay 12, 2011 Veterinary facilities and community members across the U.S. are caring for animals in need after a March distemper outbreak forced evacuation of Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS). Almost 500 animals have been rescued by veterinarians, the community, No Kill Nation (NKN), the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) and other local animal welfare groups, which have now initiated a supply and funding drive to support the affected pets. MCABSL is collecting and distributing funds for veterinary care of the rescued dogs online. NKN is collecting necessities for dog care such as food, bedding, blankets, leashes, collars, flea and tick applications and any other pet-related supplies. Donations for cats and kittens are also needed. Funds and the supplies will be distributed to qualifying rescues and parties at a soon-to-be announced date and location. For more information on the distribution effort and how to qualify, please contact info@unitedagainstbsl.org or info@thenokillnation.org. Those who would like to donate supplies may drop off at the following times and locations: • Broward County drop-off: 837 Southeast 8th Avenue, Suite 201 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 857-2850 …
AAFP And ISFM Release Feline Friendly Handling GuidelinesMay 11, 2011The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) today, released the Feline Friendly Handling Guidelines, which have been endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The guidelines were developed by a panel of experts in feline medicine and behavior with the goal of creating a less stressful experience for feline patients while meeting their medical needs, according to a statement issued by the groups. Pet population studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicate that pet cats outnumber pet dogs, yet dogs visit the veterinary practice more than twice as often, according to the groups. “These guidelines are a reminder of the unique responses that cats have to handling stress and how critical first impressions are to building lasting client relationships," says Donna Stephens Manley, DVM, guidelines committee chair. A recent Bayer-Brakke study indicates that 58 percent of cat owners surveyed say their cats hate to go to the veterinary hospital. Many owners state that they avoid veterinary visits for their cat because of the stress of the veterinary visit, which results in compromised care for the feline patient. The stated objective of these guidelines is to make veterinary visits more comfortable …
Continuing Coverage: Vets, Animal Groups Helping In Japan Relief EffortsMay 11, 2011 Editor's Note: For initial coverage of veterinary industry news pertaining to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, click here . May 11, 2011: A committee led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare has presented to the Japanese government a report detailing response procedures and protocols to monitor, evacuate and treat animals left inside the evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Japan has set up a 20-kilometer (12 miles) evacuation zone around the plant, which was damaged during the March 11 earthquake, according to media reports. The committee, which includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, contends that well-trained and equipped rescue teams should be allowed to continue to remove animals from the restricted zone as long as the safety protocols it provided are followed. April 22, 2011: Global Animal, an online magazine focusing on animal news and stories, has launched the Global Animal Foundation in an effort to raise money for animals impacted by Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. The nonprofit has already raised $27,000 for the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, a coalition of three animal rescue groups in Japan. The …
