USDA Probes Alleged Misuse Of Veterinary CredentialsApril 17, 2009USDA Probes Alleged Misuse of Veterinary CredentialsUSDA Probes Alleged Misuse of Veterinary CredentialsnewslinePosted: Thursday, February 5, 2009, 5:10 p.m., EST The U.S. Department of Agriculture has placed 19 employees from its laboratories in Ames, Iowa, on administrative leave after allegations that some used veterinary credentials to purchase medications for human use to provide other employees with low-cost prescription drugs. None of the drugs were narcotics, said USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford, DVM. They were primarily antibiotics, pain relievers such as prescription ibuprofen, and blood pressure medications, he said. The USDA did not release the names of the employees, noting that it is possible that more will be indentified in the investigation. In a statement released Feb. 4, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called it "a very serious situation that requires immediate and decisive action." Vilsack said accountability is of the utmost importance and that he has commissioned two third-party reviews—one of the laboratory processes at the Ames facility and the other of the management process. "The laboratory review has been completed, and although we are still in the process of thoroughly evaluating the results, we are gratified to see that it affirmed the laboratory is generally functioning very well," …
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Study May Pave Way To Alternative Bone Grafting ProceduresApril 17, 2009Posted: Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 2:17 p.m., ESTnewsline A new study conducted by TR BioSurgical LLC of Chandler, Ariz., indicates that its TR Matrix is equal or superior to autologous bone grafting in clinical and radiographic scoring and may be a viable alternative to bone grafting procedures, according to the company. The study compared the use of TR Matrix, an osteopromotive bioscaffold, to autologous cancellous bone graft for osteotomy repair associated with the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) surgery. "The ultimate goals of cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs are rapid recovery time and a return to near normal structure and function," said Jeff Kellerman, DVM, vice president of research and development at the company. "In order for the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and TTA procedures to achieve these goals, they require cutting of healthy bone in the patient, referred to as an osteotomy. Application of TR Matrix is a critical step in achieving rapid and unimpaired healing of these osteotomy sites thereby accomplishing key goals in cruciate ligament repair and surgical outcome." In related news, as part of a new multi-million dollar manufacturing, supply and distribution agreement, Healionics will provide its STAR biomaterial …
Researchers Identify Gene Linked To Exercise-Induced Collapse In LabsApril 17, 2009Researchers Identify Gene Linked to Exercise-Induced Collapse in LabsResearchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine say they have identified a gene in Labrador retrievers that is highly associated with the syndrome called exercise-induced collapse (EIC).Researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine say they have identified a gene in Labrador retrievers that is highly associated with the syndrome called exercise-induced collapse (EIC).Researchers Identify Gene Linked to Exercise-Induced Collapse in LabsPosted: Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 10:49 a.m., EDT Researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine say they have identified a gene in Labrador retrievers that is highly associated with the syndrome called exercise-induced collapse (EIC). Labradors affected with EIC—about 3 percent to 5 percent of Labs are said to have this condition—may start to lose control of their hind limbs after intense hunting or retrieving exercises. In most cases, their legs get wobbly and the limbs give out. In rare cases, they may die, according to researchers. …
Stick It To CancerApril 17, 2009oncologyoutlookStick It to CancerStick It to CancerStick It to CancerAt least once daily, I'm asked by a pet owner, "My dog has had this lump on its side for some time now. What do you think it might be?"At least once daily, I'm asked by a pet owner, "My dog has had this lump on its side for some time now. What do you think it might be?"By Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, Ph.D. At least once daily, I'm asked by a pet owner, "My dog has had this lump on its side for some time now. What do you think it might be?" Rather than venture a guess and pick randomly from the 50-plus possible types of tumors that arise from the skin or adnexal structures, I pull out my syringe, needle, glass slides and Diff-Quik stains.Within 10 minutes I can answer the owner's question and, if necessary, recommend and perform appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic measures. Cytology PaysThe cytological examination of cells from effusion or masses is a useful (and profitable) diagnostic procedure. Samples for cytological evaluation can be easily collected from many epithelial structures, body cavities and internal organs. While cytological interpretation of fine-needle aspirates may …
Second-Guessing A Valuable ExerciseApril 17, 2009oncologyoutlookSecond-Guessing a Valuable ExerciseSecond-Guessing a Valuable ExerciseDuring the midst of the long day of personal and professional choices, we hear from our client the "What would you do if it were your pet?" question in the examination room.During the midst of the long day of personal and professional choices, we hear from our client the "What would you do if it were your pet?" question in the examination room.Second-Guessing a Valuable ExerciseBy Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, Ph.D. Remember the days when there was just Coke or Pepsi? Can you believe the number of choices we face every moment during the day? From what color scrubs to wear, to which way to drive to avoid traffic jams, to what type of suture to use? Then, during the midst of the long day of personal and professional choices, we hear from our client the "What would you do if it were your pet?" question in the examination room. Some people enjoy the experience of choice. They learn about the condition, Web search diagnostic and treatment approaches, and delight in learning as much as they can about their pet's condition. In the end, they find the experience of choice quite …
The Balancing Act: Response And ToxicityApril 17, 2009oncologyoutlookThe Balancing Act: Response and ToxicityThe Balancing Act: Response and ToxicityThe Balancing Act: Response and ToxicityBy Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, Ph.D.I was asked the other day why no chemotherapy drugs are currently approved for use in veterinary medicine.I was asked the other day why no chemotherapy drugs are currently approved for use in veterinary medicine. I was asked the other day why no chemotherapy drugs are currently approved for use in veterinary medicine. It seems inconceivable that chemotherapy drugs such as vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin could reach widespread application in veterinary medicine over the past 20 years without a thorough understanding of the pharmacology in various animal species. Why do we use the dosages that we use? Would the dosage be the same in a Chihuahua and a bull mastiff, different in a ferret or a fish? If you have had cancer or know someone with cancer, you have seen how clinical pharmacokinetics has been successfully applied to improve the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy administration. One Size Does Not Fit AllBut unlike many other classes of drugs (antibiotics, anti-arrhythmics), the anti-cancer agents vary greatly in their physical composition, reactivity, stability, subcellular sites of action …
Rethinking The Cancer Diagnosis Gold StandardApril 17, 2009oncologyoutlookRethinking the Cancer Diagnosis Gold StandardRethinking the Cancer Diagnosis Gold StandardRethinking the Cancer Diagnosis Gold StandardBy Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, Ph.D.Histopathology is a valued commodity in obtaining a diagnosis. Like gold, it is an elegant discipline left to the visual acuity and interpretation of the pathologist.Histopathology is a valued commodity in obtaining a diagnosis. Like gold, it is an elegant discipline left to the visual acuity and interpretation of the pathologist. Why does histopathology continue to be considered the gold standard for a diagnosis? While pathology's roots are closely associated with the history and progress of medicine, in particular the detection, understanding and classification of diseases, why is it still considered the gold standard despite technological advances in our understanding of the subcellular and genetic levels of the body? What is a "gold standard"? The term comes from the monetary system of many modern countries. Gold is considered the true value of a country's currency. If a country will redeem any of its money in gold, it is said to be using the gold standard. Why Gold?Gold is one of the oldest, most scarce known metals. It is considered an elegant and metal. It has a …
Schering-Plough To Acquire IntervetApril 17, 2009newslineSchering-Plough to Acquire IntervetSchering-Plough to Acquire IntervetSchering-Plough to Acquire IntervetSchering-Plough Corp. has agreed to acquire Organon BioSciences N.V.Schering-Plough Corp. has agreed to acquire Organon BioSciences N.V. Schering-Plough Corp. has agreed to acquire Organon BioSciences N.V., which includes the animal health company Intervet, from Akzo Nobel N.V. for about $14.4 billion. On the animal health side, the acquisition creates a leading animal health business based on 2006 sales, according to Schering-Plough. Intervet, which had sales of about $1.5 billion in 2006, includes the products Nobivac, a range of canine vaccines; Panacur, a de-wormer; Bovilis, a bovine biological for disease control and eradication; and Nobilis, a poultry vaccine to keep flocks free from infectious disease. Schering-Plough said that it expects to achieve annual synergies of $500 million within three years. It will finance the acquisition through a mix of cash, debt and equity. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2007. 03-12-2007
Short-Term Study Released On Pet Food RecallApril 17, 2009newslineShort-Term Study Released on Pet Food RecallShort-Term Study Released on Pet Food RecallShort-Term Study Released on Pet Food RecallThe Animal Medical Center of New York has compiled data on pets that may have been affected by the recent Menu Foods pet food recall.The Animal Medical Center of New York has compiled data on pets that may have been affected by the recent Menu Foods pet food recall. The Animal Medical Center of New York has compiled data on pets that may have been affected by the recent Menu Foods pet food recall. AMC's Renal Medicine Service has reviewed all chemistry profiles obtained at AMC between March 17-20. Owners of pets with azotemia have been contacted to determine if the pets had eaten the recalled foods. During this time period, 143 chemistry profiles were performed. Five percent of pets have been determined to have food-related acute renal failure. Twelve cases have been identified, 8 cats and 4 dogs. Age range was 2-14 years with a mean age of 7.4 years. All pets had at least one clinical sign of acute renal failure: 75 percent had anorexia, 50 percent had polyuria and polydipsia, 50 percent had vomiting and 50 percent had lethargy. …
Radiation Therapy In Cancer ManagementApril 17, 2009oncologyoutlook By Alice Villalobos, DVM For Veterinary Practice News Radiation therapy is used to manage 50 percent of human cancers. Approximately 7,500 radiation therapy machines are in use worldwide. Thin skin and hair loss are effects of radia-tion therapy for mast cell cancer.Courtesy of Dr. Villalobos The industry's technology went from orthovoltage in the 1950s to cobalt in the 60s and now to linear accelerators, or linacs. Four hundred older units will be replaced this year and an additional 300 new units will be installed. The cost of a new linac is $2.3 million. The new Hi-Art TomoTherapy unit was developed by researchers in Wisconsin and is considered the biggest innovation in RTx since the 1950s. It combines a linac and a CT scanner. Its price tag is $3.2 million. In the past, a lack of facilities limited radiation therapy as an option for pets. The need for heavy sedation or anesthesia for each treatment was another deterrent. Cost and logistics are additional factors for the pet owner to deal with. Short- and Long-term Risks of Radiation Therapy Radioation therapy Field (Tumor Bed) Short-term side effects Long-term …
