Happy Healthy Cat Campaign Celebrates Second AnniversaryNovember 18, 2010 The Morris Animal Foundation’s Happy Healthy Cat Campaign is celebrating its second anniversary today. The campaign aims to improve diagnostics, preventions and treatments for feline diseases and to help solve overpopulation and behavior issues in cats. To date, the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign has funded more than $1.2 million worth of feline-related studies, and it will provide more than $3.5 million in funds over the next three years. To help celebrate, Morris Animal Foundation has teamed up with Sergeant’s Pet Care Products Inc. on a photo contest searching for pictures of the “nation’s happiest, healthiest cats.” Actress Betty White will judge the photos, which can be submitted online by clicking here until Wednesday, Dec. 15. The winning photo will be featured on the cover of Morris Animal Foundation’s publication, AnimalNews. Sergeant’s will also give away gift baskets filled with their products. <Home>
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Survey: What Your Pet Says About Your Career PickNovember 18, 2010 We’ve all heard people claim to be either a dog person or a cat person, and this pet preference is supposed to provide insight into their personality. But does the type of animal you own say anything about your career path? According to a nationwide survey released today by Careerbuilder.com, it does. The online survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, looked at pet ownership in relation to a person’s chosen profession, compensation and job satisfaction. More than 2,300 U.S. workers with pets were polled for the survey. It found that workers with dogs were more likely to hold senior management positions, such as a CEO or senior vice president. Workers with snakes or other reptiles were more likely to earn six figures, and bird owners were more likely to be satisfied with their jobs, according to the survey. In terms of career paths, the survey found that owners of certain pets were more likely to report being drawn to certain professions. Specifically: • Dog owners were more likely to be professors, nurses, information technology professionals, military professionals and entertainers; • Cat owners were more likely to be physicians, real estate agents, lab technicians, machine …
Penn State Equine Speaker Series November Topic: Riding And ResearchNovember 16, 2010 Carey Williams, Ph.D., will be the guest speaker for the Penn State student-sponsored Equine Speaker Series on Tuesday, Nov. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dr. Williams is the associate director of extension in the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University. She is also a competitive three-day event rider and studies exercise physiology in horses focusing on how to decrease the stress of intense exercise. Williams’ program, “Riding and Research: mixing business with pleasure,” will feature the latest findings in her research. She will also talk about what top riders are feeding and supplementing and why. “Dr. Williams is a leader in her research field and because of her experience as a rider she brings an exceptional blend of practical and scientific information,” said Ann Macrina, research and teaching associate in Penn State’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science and adviser to the students for the series. “I commend the Penn State Equine Research Team for bringing this outstanding speaker to Penn State.” The Speaker Series is hosted by student clubs with an interest in horses in Penn State’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science (das.psu.edu). The programs are free and open to the …
Bayer Expands Animal Health PortfolioNovember 16, 2010 Bayer Animal Health reported today that it has acquired a chewable application from Piedmont Pharmaceuticals of Greensboro, N.C. The technology, which is close to market approval, is designed to make it easier to administer different active ingredients to animals. Part of the agreement gives Bayer access to two products in late-stage development. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “With this platform technology and access to two products already in advanced development, we will complement our internal R&D efforts and expand our portfolio of offerings to veterinarians and to our customers,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Lowinski, head of Germany-based Bayer Animal Health. “This technology will enable us to provide a whole new range of products to improve companion animal health and well being.” The products are expected to roll out in a few years. Piedmont participated in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor Investment forum this year to showcase its soft chew technology. Read more about the conference here. <HOME>
Avian Vet Featured On Nat GeoNovember 12, 2010Larry Nemetz, DVM, discusses an unusual pet bird case on the weekly television program. Larry Nemetz, DVM, was part of segment on National Geographic Wild’s weekly television program, “My Dog Ate What,” that first aired on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. The show is expected to continue to air on various days and times. Check your local listings. Nemetz demonstrated how he removed a bunch of zippers out of a pet bird. The show retells stories of how dogs (and other pets) swallowed unusual things and how owners and vets saved their lives. Nemetz owns The Bird Clinic located in Orange, California, which is one of the few avian-only veterinary practices in the United States. He has written for BIRD TALK magazine and Birds USA and his new-state-of–the-art avian clinic was profiled in Veterinary Practice News magazine. He is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Learn more about Larry Nemetz at www.thebirdclinic.com. National Geographic Wild is a subscription TV channel, also referred to as Nat Geo Wild. <Home>
Canadian Health Agency Warns Of Possible E. Coli Contamination In Pet FoodNovember 12, 2010 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada are warning the public not to use beef pet food sold last month at two locations in Canada’s British Columbia province because it may contain E. coli. The affected product was made by Surrey Meat Packers of Cloverdale, British Columbia. It was sold in 500-gram blocks assembled into 10-unit and 50-unit packages from Oct. 8 to Oct. 23 on location at Surrey Meat Packers, 6050-176th St., Cloverdale and at Jolly Meats and Fine Foods, 111 Charles St., North Vancouver, B.C. The pet food may not bear a label indicating packing date or “Best If Used By” date, according to the agencies. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased the affected product are advised to check with the store where the pet food was purchased. Any affected food should be thrown out. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported that it identified the contamination during a food safety investigation of some beef trims. The investigation is on-going. No illness associated with the affected pet food have been reported. Infection from E coli may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses in humans. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain …
VCA Antech Q3 Same-Store Revenue Drops 4%November 12, 2010 VCA Antech Inc.’s animal hospital division reported revenue of $276.7 million for its third quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to revenue of $257.4 million in the year-ago period. The 7.5 percent increase is attributable by acquisitions made in the past 12 months, according to the Los Angeles-based company. Same-store revenue declined by 4 percent in the third quarter, and same-store gross profit margin declined to 17.3 percent from 20 percent in the year-ago period. VCA Antech reported that it acquired 29 animal hospitals during the quarter, which had combined annual revenue of $84.3 million. Year to date, the animal hospital division reported revenue of $791 million, compared to revenue of $757 million in the year-ago period. VCA Antech’s laboratory division reported revenue of $77.3 million for its third quarter, compared to revenue of $77.9 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $238.4 million, compared to revenue of $238.9 million. The company’s medical technology division reported revenue of $17.4 million for its third quarter, compared to revenue of $13.3 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $47.8 million, compared to $32.4 …
Putney Launches Generic Ketamine, Other Products In PipelineNovember 12, 2010 Putney Inc. of Portland, Maine, reported today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center of Veterinary Medicine has approved its generic ketamine hydrochloride for injection. Additional launches of generic pet medications are to follow, including analgesics, anti-infectives, anesthetics, sedatives, dermatologicals and parasiticides, according to Anthony Lucas, BVMS, Ph.D., senior director of product development. Today’s launch follows the company’s carprofen caplet introduction in 2009. Since then, Putney has advanced its research and development pipeline of generic pet pharmaceutical products for submission to CVM. These rollouts are just the beginning, Dr. Lucas said. Putney’s ketamine hydrochloride, which comes in 10 mL vials (100 mg/mL), is indicated for use in cats for restraint or as the sole anesthetic agent for diagnostic or minor, brief, surgical procedures that do not require skeletal muscle relaxation, according to the product’s label. It may also be used in subhuman primates for restraint. Distributors currently carrying the product include D-V Medical Supply Inc., First Veterinary Supply, PCI Animal Health, Victor Medical Co. and Webster Veterinary. <Home>
U Of Florida Small Animal Hospital Celebrates Grand OpeningNovember 11, 2010 The University of Florida opened the doors to its new $58 million Small Animal Hospital on Nov. 1. The 100,000-square-foot hospital triples existing space and will afford a more comfortable environment for patient care and teaching, according to college administrators. The new facility, in addition to larger treatment areas and more examination rooms, will include a linear accelerator, a cardiac catherization laboratory, isolation wards, a hemodialysis facility and an intensive care unit. To provide clients convenient drop-off access, the primary care veterinary practice shares a separate entrance with the hospital’s 24-hour emergency service. The Small Animal Hospital was designed by Atlanta-based FWAJDB Architects in partnership with Zeidler Partnership Architects. <Home> Related story: U of Florida Plans Grand Opening for Small Animal Hospital
Petco, Greenies Brand To Host Pet Oral Health EventNovember 10, 2010 Petco has teamed up with The Nutro Co., the Nashville, Tenn.-based makers of Greenies brand dental treats, to educate pet owners on good oral health for their dogs and cats. Together, they are hosting the Greenies Pet Oral Health Event this weekend at Petco stores across the United States. The event will emphasize the importance of regular professional oral care by a veterinarian and at-home preventive care. Almost 160 million pets in the U.S. do not receive any oral care, according to Greenies. Approximately 75 percent of pets three years and older show signs of periodontal disease, the brand added. In addition to information on proper pet oral care, attendees will receive product coupons redeemable at Petco. The Greenies Pet Oral Health event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Petco stores nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_greeniesoral.aspx. <HOME>
