American Humane Names New PresidentAugust 31, 2010The American Humane Association has named Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Ganzert currently serves as deputy director of philanthropic services at the Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. "Robin brings an unparalleled combination of energy, professional reputation and nonprofit management ability toward achieving our mission to ensure that all children and animals are free from abuse, cruelty and neglect," said David Gies, American Humane Association chairman. "Her relationships and credentials in driving high-impact philanthropy give American Humane Association a new foundation from which to build on 133 years of achievements. We enthusiastically welcome Robin's leadership." Ganzert will replace George Casey, interim president and CEO. Casey has guided the organization since the departure of CEO Marie Belew Wheatley in January.
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Seasons Natural To Introduce Climate-Specific Dog FoodAugust 30, 2010 The pet food is created via a patented manufacturing process that is designed to address changes in pets’ nutritional needs brought on by a change in season.Seasons Pet Food Co. of Mira Loma, Calif., announced plans in late August to launch what is being billed as the world’s first climate-specific dog food. Cool Weather Blend provides an increased level of proteins and fat that dogs need in the cooler months, the company said, as well as L-carnitine to help dogs utilize fats more efficiently and promote lean muscle mass, according to the company. For the warmer months, the Warm Weather Blend provides a managed level of protein and fat, as well as additional electrolytes to foster healthy heart function, muscle function and hydration. “Consumers now more than ever want the best, most nutritious food for their pets,” said Tom Kapocius, Seasons Natural’s vice president of sales and marketing. “They know their animals deserve the very best foods for their nutritional needs to help sustain a long and healthy life. With our climate specific formulations, we are confident Seasons Natural delivers exactly what pets need and will enjoy.” The premise behind creating seasonal pet food is …
Bill Prohibiting Declawing, Debarking As Condition Of Tenancy AdvancesAugust 27, 2010 A bill that would prohibit landlords from requiring tenants or potential tenants to declaw or devocalize their animal as a condition of occupancy has been sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for signature. “Animal” is defined as any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian. AB 2743, introduced by Assemblyman Pedro Nava in February, contends that such procedures have irreversible effects on the animals. In addition, the bill notes that declawing and devocalization may have the unintended consequence of creating potential public health and safety concerns. For example, there may be a safety risk to police officers posed by a devocalized attack dog present on property that law enforcement officers have legal cause to enter, according to the bill. Increased aggression and litter box avoidance by declawed cats is another example the bill gives. “The permanence of these surgical procedures contrasts with the temporary nature of the occupancy of real property owned by another, which generally lasts only for a fixed term and may be terminated upon notice by one of the parties.” The California Veterinary Medical Association, which has long opposed declawing bans, agrees with the bill’s concept but officially opposes it due to certain …
What Would Hippocrates Do?August 26, 2010 Before Hippocrates, ancient Greek healers served simultaneously as magicians, priests and cult leaders.1 By the fifth century BC, Hippocrates “dissociated medicine from magic, facts from fiction, histories from lies, healing art from philosophy, and gods from men.”2 In so doing, he transformed the previous theocratic system into one based on rational thought, diagnosis and treatment.3 Although the Hippocratic tenets of “beneficence with non-maleficence” and vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature apart from medical treatment)4 epitomize holistic medical ideals,5 the battle against irrational mechanisms, miracle potions and charismatic gurus continues today. Nonetheless, certain treatments rise to the top in terms of relative safety and value. If he practiced veterinary medicine, what would Hippocrates do? 1. Bloodletting, which predates acupuncture,6 was practiced by ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Arabian physicians.7-8 Over time in China, affecting pneuma and eliciting neural reflexes replaced the focus on phlebotomy. Indeed, Hippocrates may have played a formative role in Chinese medicine. Sinologists suggest that Hippocrates likely inspired the mythical physician Qi Bo in the Han Dynasty medical text “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.”9 Twenty-first century research has …
CEVA Enters Parasiticide Market With Summit VetPharm PurchaseAugust 26, 2010 Veterinary pharmaceutical group CEVA of France reported today that it is entering the flea and tick control market by acquiring a majority share of Sumitomo Corp.’s animal health subsidiary Summit VetPharm LLC. Sumitomo will remain a minority shareholder in the new North American CEVA companion animal business, which will include the assets of Summit VetPharm. Summit VetPharm’s products include Vectra 3D, Vectra for Cats & Kittens, Vectra for Cats and Vectra for Dogs & Puppies, which are available exclusively through veterinarians. The Rutherford, N.J., company also incorporates Bloodhound Technology, which traces product packages from the site of manufacture to veterinary purchase to help ensure veterinary exclusivity and product authenticity. “Summit VetPharm is an excellent business, led by a management team that shares our own entrepreneurial business approach,” said Marc Prikazsky, chairman and CEO of CEVA. “Geographically, it’s a perfect fit, giving CEVA a strengthened position in the U.S. companion animal health market. "Vectra is a signature brand which has achieved impressive market share since its launch in the United States and can be developed throughout our global network to benefit companion animals worldwide.” <HOME>
Vet Group Urges Checking For Canine CancerAugust 24, 2010 The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the ACVIM Foundation and the Chase Away K9 Cancer campaign are asking dog owners to celebrate National Dog Day on Thursday, Aug. 26 by pledging to check their pet for signs of cancer, including lumps, bumps and swellings. Thereafter, dog owners are urged to take 10 minutes on the 14th of each month to check for cancer signs from head to tail. The 14th was chosen to honor the birthday of Chase, a black Labrador retriever born Sept. 14, 1999, who died in 2006 of nasal carcinoma. Chase was Cera Reusser’s inspiration in forming Chase Away K9 Cancer. “One in three dogs will develop cancer,” said Reusser, of Warren, Ore. “Early detection may affect treatment and prognosis.” The ACVIM encourages dog owners to keep a record of any growths, watch for unusual behavior and schedule a follow-up exam with a veterinarian if anything suspicious or worrisome is found. Dog owners can sign up for monthly reminders by “liking” Chase Away K9 Cancer on Facebook. Campaign flyers can be printed at ChaseAwayK9Cancer.org.
New Animal Supplement Trade Group FormsAugust 23, 2010 Eight companies have formed an organization ‒ the second of its kind ‒ that represents animal supplement manufacturers, marketers, ingredient suppliers and others in the segment. The National Association of Animal Supplement Manufacturers & Marketers (NAASM) is a non-profit organization based in Las Cruces, N.M., that aims to ensure the quality of animal supplement ingredients and products. To that end, NAASM offers guidelines for product quality assurance and adverse event reporting. It also provides support for complying with product labeling standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and for undergoing inspections by regulatory agencies. Members may display the NAASM Quality Seal on their products, websites, product literature and advertisements. Founding members are AHC Products Inc.-AniMed of Winchester, Ky.; Advantech Ltd. of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Bio-Nutrition of Las Cruces, N.M.; Calm Coat of Oldsmar, Fla.; FlavorTek Inc. of Syracuse, Neb.; Kaeco Group Inc. of Savannah, Mo.; Pharma Chemie of Syracuse, Neb.; and Vedco Inc. of Saint Joseph, Mo. Membership is by invitation only and is available to manufacturers, formulators, marketers and raw material suppliers. Associate memberships are available to companies involved in …
Professional Veterinary Products Files For BankruptcyAugust 23, 2010 Professional Veterinary Products Ltd. of Omaha, Neb., reported Friday that it has filed for bankruptcy to facilitate the sale of its assets. The company’s subsidiaries, ProConn LLC and Exact Logistics LLC, also filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11. Earlier in August, Professional Veterinary Products reported that it had “encountered significant and material financial challenges ... primarily as a result of macroeconomic factors and a general downturn in the economy.” This included a drop in gross profit margins and in sales in its core business segments, according to the company. Before the filing Friday, Professional Veterinary Products said it had evaluated alternatives, including an overall reorganization of its business operations and a sale of the business. At this point, however, the company is pursuing a sale of substantially all its assets under a Bankruptcy Court supervised auction and sale process. The board of directors and the management said they “believe that this course of action will be in the best interests of all the stakeholders and will maximize value for all of the constituents.” Professional Veterinary Products will continue to operate its business as a debtor-in-possession.
Memphis Mulls Mandatory Sterilization Of Dogs, CatsAugust 20, 2010 A Memphis, Tenn., City Council committee has recommended mandatory spaying or neutering of cats and dogs. The full council is expected to vote on the issue Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. The ordinance, approved by the Committee on Public Services and Neighborhoods, would require dogs weighing 30 pounds or more and cats over 6 months old to be sterilized. Exemptions would be provided for: • Police dogs. • Service dogs. • Hunting dogs. • Dogs or cats certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed or neutered. • Dogs or cats boarded in a licensed kennel or business. • Dogs or cats registered with the American Kennel Club, Cat Fancier Association or other recognized registry or trained and kept for the purpose of show, field trials or agility trials. “There is an element of overpopulation prevention that comes by this naturally, but the key here is in public safety,” said Councilman Shea Flinn, the ordinance’s sponsor. Owners of unaltered animals would have to pay a one-time $200 permit fee. The permit would authorize the whelping of no more than one litter per female dog in …
VCA Breaks Ground On California HospitalAugust 19, 2010 VCA South County Animal Hospital reported today that it broke ground on its new facility in Arroyo Grande, Calif. The 8,500-square-foot animal hospital will include a waiting area, exam rooms, general surgical suites, laboratory and an intensive care unit. “Our entire VCA South County team is excited about the start of construction of our new, larger hospital,” said Steven Paulick, DVM, the hospital's medical director. The facility, in San Luis Obispo County, is expected to be completed in April. The pre-construction and construction services are being provided by Specialty Construction Inc. of San Luis Obispo. VCA South County Animal Hospital is part of the VCA network, which operates more than 520 animal hospitals in 40 states.
