Who Should Euthanize Leia?January 18, 2010"Leia's owners are ready for euthanasia. Who do you want to do it?" It really was a sad situation. Leia, a 12-year-old Jack Russell, had been losing weight over several weeks. She was vomiting and anorexic. Laparotomy confirmed exactly what the referring vet's ultrasound had indicated: a small intestinal mass and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Jejunal resection and anastomosis, as well as biopsies of a lymph node and the liver were uneventful. The following day, Leia remained lethargic and anorexic. She continued to vomit and became hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia strongly suggested cancer, with lymphoma high on the differential list. Despite intensive care, she didn't improve. The next day, the "stat" biopsy confirmed the suspicion of lymphoma in all three locations: jejunum, lymph node and liver. The owner visited and eventually elected euthanasia. Without any doubt, they were doing the humane thing. Because I was in the middle of a splenectomy, I couldn't perform euthanasia myself, and there was no reason to prolong the owners' agony – and Leia's. "Leia's owners are ready for euthanasia. Who do you want to do it?" asked my nurse. I answered: "Whichever technician is the least emotionally attached." Dr. KL, who was observing surgery for the …
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Veterinary Outreach In Haiti Includes Mobile Animal ClinicJanuary 15, 2010 Veterinary Outreach in Haiti Includes Mobile Animal Clinic Veterinary Outreach in Haiti Includes Mobile Animal Clinic newsline The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) continues to monitor the situation in Haiti and prepare the distribution of veterinary medical supplies as needed, says Heather Case, the association’s coordinator for emergency preparedness and response. The main focus is to help human survivors of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Jan. 12, then after about a week, Case says, the attention turns to companion animals, livestock and wildlife. “There are some livestock issues that are of concern, as well as some companion animal issues,” she says. It’s anticipated that the immediate needs will include vaccinations and supplies for traumas. According to Chris Cutter, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) spokesperson, the organization has a team on the ground in neighboring Dominican Republic and is stocking a mobile clinic to take into Haiti. “It’s impossible to tell at the moment, but we’re preparing to do some mass vaccinating and feeding of backyard livestock along with acute vet care, vaccination and feeding of companion animals,” Cutter says. He adds that there’s a big population of stray dogs in the …
PetWise Veterinary Website Design And Hosting Service UnveiledJanuary 15, 2010 To help veterinary clinics be more efficient and profitable, McAllister Software Systems now offers the PetWise veterinary website design and hosting service. Creators of AVImark veterinary software, Piedmont, Mo.-based McAllister Software says PetWise creates and hosts websites for veterinary clinics and also integrates with veterinary practice management software to give clients access to pet health information and medical records online. Because engaging, search-engine-friendly websites help clinics connect with new clients, and useful, interactive sites help retain them, the company says the new PetWise service is designed to help veterinary clinics reach this goal. Rob McAllister, senior director of special projects, says PetWise websites are built to increase client loyalty, boost compliance and improve patient health records. PetWise offers three levels of service. The starter pack includes website design and hosting, a unique web site domain with email accounts, a content management system so veterinary clinics can update content, search engine optimization, and Google analytics to monitor Internet traffic. The basic pack adds the ability for clients to view and track pet medical records and health information, without leaving the clinic website, via integration with veterinary software. It also allows online appointment and boarding …
UPDATED: Merrick Recalls One Lot Of Beef Filet Dog TreatsJanuary 15, 2010 Although no illnesses had been reported, and after potentially contaminated products had been removed from store shelves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. On Jan. 11, Amarillo, Texas-based Merrick Pet Care notified 82 retail stores that may have received product from 72 affected cases of the product about the potential contamination. All potentially contaminated product (Item # 60016/Lot Code “9323 best buy 111911) had been removed from store shelves by Jan. 13, Merrick reported. About 20 cases of the affected lot (0323 best buy 111911) were unaccounted for and presumed to be sold to pet owners.. The warning is limited to the affected product, which come packaged in a green, red and tan re-sealable 10-oz. bag. Merrick advises all consumers to review the lot code stamped on the top of the bag and to dispose of any Beef Filet Squares from lot “9323 best buy 111911.” The date code is imprinted on the top portion of the bag and likely torn off when the package is opened, according …
Veterinary Teams Ready To Help In Aftermath Of Haiti EarthquakeJanuary 14, 2010 The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says it is closely following the early response efforts in Haiti to determine the needs of animals in the Caribbean nation. The 7.0 earthquake near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12 toppled buildings and killed thousands of people. The AVMA says that first it must determine if and how the organization and others involved in animal welfare and health can help in response and recovery efforts. The immediate focus will be to help with humanitarian rescue efforts for the first week. Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams are on standby to assist with the tragedy, the AVMA says. Once the initial human needs are met, the organization plans to address the animal issues. The International Fund for Animal Welfare also is keeping a close eye on the developments in Haiti. IFAW’s Emergency Relief team remains on high alert to help in meeting human needs such as getting food, clean water, shelter and medical attention to survivors. After those needs are met, rescue teams are expected to help the animal victims. So far, it appears that the majority of relief efforts will probably revolve around livestock, the AVMA says.One challenge in …
VetCentric Expands Services In Partnerships With Hill’s And ImproMedJanuary 14, 2010 VetCentric Inc., a veterinary-only pharmacy based in the Baltimore-Washington area that provides home delivery services on behalf of veterinarians, joins with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. and ImproMed Inc. to expand its offerings. This means VetCentric’s One-Click Home Delivery will integrate with Oshkosh, Wis.-based ImproMed’s Infinity veterinary practice management software. The partnership allows veterinarians to offer home delivery of pharmaceuticals, compound medications, and therapeutic and wellness diets directly from their practice management system. Ted Root, president and CEO of VetCentric, said the merge represents a key step in fulfilling a commitment to improving patient health and increasing compliance in practices. "One-Click Home Delivery through Infinity offers clinics easy access to a vast range of prescription medication, dramatically expanding treatment options without inventory cost,” Root said. To use, a veterinarian checks the “Send to Home Delivery” box when creating a prescription in Infinity and the prescription information is electronically sent directly to VetCentric, where the order is filled and delivered directly to the client’s home. Ron Detjen, president and CEO of ImproMed, said the partnership simplifies home delivery, improves pet health and compliance, and arms veterinary clinics with an easy way to compete with Internet pharmacies. …
American Kennel Club Expands Microchip Options For VeterinariansJanuary 13, 2010New microchip options unveiled by the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery (CAR) program expand the options available for veterinarians, according to the AKC. An added ISO microchip along with microchip incentive programs will be exhibited at the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), Monday, Jan. 18. The AKC CAR says the newly added ISO microchip – the accepted microchip for pets traveling to and from the European Union and Canada – is important for veterinarians with clients in Canada, near the border, or who travel throughout North America and Europe with their animals. Along with this technology, there are two incentive programs – Free Microchip or Prepaid Enrollment – giving veterinarians more options when providing permanent identification services for their clients’ pets. At the NAVC in Orlando, Fla., attendees will see a variety of microchips including the ISO microchip. In addition, pet recovery experts will be available to discuss how these new microchip programs benefit veterinarians. Tom Sharp, CEO of the recovery program, says that giving the veterinarian community multiple incentive programs as well as two widely distributed microchips with a variety of delivery systems ultimately benefits pets and their owners. “Having more options for veterinarians,” he adds, “will translate …
Animal Behavior College Launches Grooming ProgramJanuary 13, 2010Animal Behavior College (ABC), a private vocational school specializing in animal-related career training, is now offering a certified grooming instruction program. The certified grooming instruction program combines in-home study with hands-on training. During the first stages of the curriculum, students study dog grooming and cat grooming techniques as well as the responsibilities involved in running a professional pet grooming business. The second part of the curriculum requires students to work with an ABC mentor groomer in either a grooming shop or mobile grooming environment. “In a time where ingenuity for new businesses is of the essence, I am proud to contribute a program that grants graduates the opportunity to develop an expertise in the ever-growing pet industry,” said Steven Applebaum, college president. According to the college, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics expects a 19 percent growth in the employment of animal care and service workers over the 2006-2016 decade. ABC’s grooming program is available to students in the U.S. and Canada. Tuition for U.S. students ranges from $3,670 to $4,425, depending on payment arrangements and available discounts. Tuition for Canadian students ranges from $3,725 to $4,480 Canadian Dollars. In addition to the grooming program, Animal Behavior College, which is …
‘Best Vet’ Contest Honors Five VeterinariansJanuary 13, 2010 Veterinarians from California, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Florida are the winners of the “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet” 2009 award, a nationwide short-essay contest conducted by Morris Animal Foundation that lets clients honor veterinarians for their dedication to helping pets. The third annual contest’s grand-prize National and Southwest award goes to Kirk Weicht, DVM, of Brown Trail Animal Hospital in Bedford, Texas. In an essay submitted by Gina DeGennaro of Arlington, Texas, Dr. Weicht’s client describes the veterinarian as “truly the heartbeat of his clinic because he goes above and beyond for his clients and his community.” Dr. Weicht enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but is especially fond of internal medicine cases, reconstructive knee surgery and endocrine diseases, his profile states. Continuing education has always been important to him, and he works to keep abreast of advances in medicine and technology. Hundreds of pet owners throughout the United States submitted essays. The Southeast regional award goes to Amara Estrada, DVM, of the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla. “It is a great honor and helps me to feel fulfilled in my job to know that my passion for veterinary …
New Hampshire Bill Prohibits Debarking, Tail Docking, Surgical BirthJanuary 12, 2010 Proposed legislation introduced in New Hampshire seeks to alter the standards of care and treatment of dogs within the state. Specifically, House Bill 1624 includes a ban on debarking, tail docking and surgical birth unless performed under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. Under the bill, set to be considered by the House Environment and Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Jan. 21, “debarking” means the cutting or procuring of the cutting of a dog’s vocal cords or the altering, causing or procuring the alteration of any part of a dog’s resonance chamber. In addition, the act defines “surgical birth” as birth by cutting through the abdomen and uterus in order to deliver the dog. Violators would be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person or owner in violation of provisions in the bill may be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. The bill also includes the following prohibitions: • Limits any person from having custody of more than 50 intact dogs over 4 months of age. • Requires any person having more than 10 intact dogs over 4 months of age to provide regular exercise, proper caging and adequate rest between breeding …
