Scientists Trace Toxoplasma Parasite’s Family TreeApril 17, 2009 Agricultural Research Service scientist Ben Rosenthal and his team made a recent discovery in the diversity in parasites related to Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most widespread parasites of warm-blooded vertebrates. Understanding how T. gondii has evolved and spread will help parasitologists and public health officials improve methods for controlling the parasite in humans and animals. Rosenthal, a zoologist at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., partnered with ARS microbiologist Jitender Dubey and biologist David Sibley at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine to analyze DNA snippets from 46 existing T. gondii strains found around the planet. The team’s research pinpoints evolutionary changes in one parasite chromosome which have been especially widespread, he said, and which may be contributing to the parasite’s transmission success. Although he said that pet owners cannot yet “do anything” with the discovery, these findings have narrowed the search for a gene, or suite of genes, which may be especially important for the parasite. “Further study may find an ‘Achilles heel,’ leading to new strategies for better control,” he said. <HOME>
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PetMed Express Quarterly Sales Increase 15 PercentApril 17, 2009 PetMed Express Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla., reported a net income of $1.8 million on sales of $28.8 million for its second quarter, which ended Sept. 30, compared to income of $1.8 million on sales of $25 million for the year-ago period. Year-to-date, the company reported a net income of $3.6 million on sales of $64 million, compared to an income of $3.3 million on sales of $55.4 million in the year-ago period. Year-over-year reorder sales growth outpaced overall sales growth by 34 percent for the quarter (from $12.9 million to $17.2 million) and 46 percent for the six months (from $25.4 million to $37.2 million). "We also acquired approximately 154,000 new customers in the quarter and appoximately 345,000 new customers for the six month period," said Mendo Akdag, chief executive officer. "Approximately 52 percent of all orders were placed on our Web site for the quarter." <HOME>
Purdue To Hold Symposium On Respiratory DiseasesApril 17, 2009 The 25th Symposium of the Veterinary Comparative Respiratory Society, in cooperation with the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, will be held Oct. 11-13 at Purdue. “Proteomics and Genomics for Complex Respiratory Diseases” will include lectures on the mechanics of breathing and measurement of mechanical dysfunction in small and large animals, as well as a hands-on laboratory. Other topics include anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system and the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease in animals. For more information, call 765-494-6808 or visit VCRS. <HOME> 9/28/2007
Natural Aids For Treating IBDApril 17, 2009 Treating any species conventionally for inflammatory bowel disease involves risks from medications that often fail to resolve the problem. Those caring for animals with chronic diarrhea, vomiting and malnutrition continue to seek alternatives. Fortunately, many methods offer reasonable safety and potential effectiveness. IBD takes place on the intestinal battleground, where pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species overwhelm colonic antioxidant defenses.1 Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins may enter the fray by inducing transcription of proinflammatory genes that encode for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or adhesion molecules.2 Putting an end to the crisis without medications requires that natural healing methods can, in some way, successfully interfere with the inflammatory cascade. Acupuncture makes this happen neurophysiologically; herbs and supplements achieve this biochemically. Acupuncture Offsetting inflammation with acupuncture occurs through neuromodulation of the autonomic nervous system. With a neuroanatomically directed needling protocol, acupuncture treatments augment parasympathetic function and reduce inflammation.3,4 Herbs and Supplements New research points to several supplements that may benefit IBD patients. This list includes food components and spices, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, the amino acid glutamine, curcumin from turmeric, licorice, plantain …
Pet Food Company Issues Voluntary RecallApril 17, 2009 Raw pet food company, Bravo!, issued a voluntary recall of several brands of its dog and cat food products due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination. The Food and Drug Administration detected these contaminants in product samples during a review. The company stated it has not received any reports of illness due to the recalled products. Salmonella and Listeria can cause serious infections in pets. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and sluggishness. Pets exhibiting these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If cross-contamination occurs, humans can be affected by these bacteria as well, and may exhibit similar symptoms. All of the recalled products are frozen raw food items for dogs and cats. They are: Name: Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110 Sizes: 2, 5 and 10 pound tubes Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 236 (Salmonella and Listeria were found in this product) Name: Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110 Sizes: 2, 5 and 10 pound tubes Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 236 (Listeria was found in this product) Name: Bravo Basic …
Inconclusive BSE Test Found NegativeApril 17, 2009 The USDA Veterinary Services Laboratories announced that the inconclusive screening test sample for bovine spongiform encephalopathy reported on November 18 has tested negative upon confirmatory testing. The November 18 sample was the first to test inconclusive under an August U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service protocol that requires public reporting of screening results after two reactive screens. Since the November 18 sample was found reactive in both screenings, two confirmatory tests were performed. Both tests came back negative. "APHIS began an enhanced surveillance program on June 1 and to date has tested over 121,000 samples for BSE," said John Clifford, deputy administrator of APHIS. "Screening tests are designed to be extremely sensitive and false positives are not unexpected. APHIS has reported three inconclusives including the November 18 sample, and all have tested negative on confirmatory testing." <HOME>
Marley, Enzo And Fern Enrich Our LivesApril 17, 2009 Have you seen the movie “Marley and Me” or read the book “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein? I had the pleasure of digesting both of these entertainments in the same week! They are best sellers and mainstream America is witnessing the human-animal bond on the Big Screen big-time. Each took its audience to find puppy love. Training (or the lack of it) was part of each story. Marley was incorrigible. Enzo, the canine narrator of “Racing in the Rain,” was the ultimate philosopher dog who educated himself by watching TV. Enzo felt genetically shortchanged without prehensile thumbs and a small, facile tongue, which would have made speech possible for him. In fact, Enzo felt that if dogs had thumbs and quality tongues, they would be fit to physically challenge the world better than humans. Many of Enzo’s observations reveal the author’s wit, humor, insight, brilliance, emotion and an uncanny understanding of dogs and life in general. Enzo knew that his gift of olfaction was superior to most medical diagnostic equipment because he could smell the cancer in his mistress long before anyone knew it was there. But he did not …
Antioxidants Plus Chemo Yield SynergyApril 17, 2009 Do you look forward to that end-of-day glass of red wine, like I do? Do you seek out those medical articles that support the notion that a glass of red wine, in moderation, protects the heart, reduces obesity, prevents cancer and minimizes the effects of global warming? (OK, I found the latter one on a blog.) While there is great discussion about whether we should drink a glass of red wine versus a glass of grape juice, what is not debatable are the health benefits of their antioxidants. However, there is an explosion of products on the market that seek to improve the health and well being of people using nutritional supplements. More and more often, pet owners are seeking the same products to complement or serve as an alternative to traditional forms of cancer therapy. There is concern among oncologists that antioxidants may reduce oxidizing free radicals created by radiotherapy and some forms of chemotherapy, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the therapy. Maximizing Cell Damage Dietary and endogenous antioxidants prevent cellular damage by reacting with and eliminating oxidizing free radicals. However, in cancer treatment, a mode of action of certain chemotherapeutic …
Recall Still Weighs On P&G FinancialsApril 17, 2009 Procter & Gamble Co. reported that its pet care sales volume for its third quarter ended March 31 were down from the year-ago period by “low-single digits due to continued impacts from the voluntary wet pet food recall.” Overall, the company’s snacks, coffee and pet care business unit saw volume sales climb 4 percent, largely due to new Pringles products and a Dunkin’ Donuts license agreement on the coffee side. Despite that, sales in its snacks, coffee and pet care business unit increased 11 percent to $1.2 billion for the quarter. Net earnings for the unit for the quarter were down 9 percent to $105 million, primarily due to a Hurricane Katrina insurance payment received in the year-ago period. Year-to-date, the unit has seen net earnings decline 2 percent to $345 million and sales increase 7 percent to $3.6 billion. Overall, P&G posted net income of $2.7 billion on sales of $20.5 billion for the quarter and net income of $9.1 billion on sales of $62.2 billion year-to-date. Procter & Gamble, whose brands include Iams and Eukanuba, also increased its quarterly dividend 14 percent to 40 cents per share, effective May 15. …
Eukanuba Adds Breed-Specific FoodsApril 17, 2009 Eukanuba, Procter & Gamble’s pet-care brand, has relaunched its premium dog food line. The company also launched a line of breed-specific formulas. The breed-specific formulas include Eukanuba Labrador Retriever Formula, which is designed for healthy joints, weight and overall health. The formula contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and L-carnitine. The company said the food is also good for the flat-coated, curly coated and Chesapeake Bay retrievers. The Yorkshire Terrier Formula contains copper and zinc for skin and coat care. It is also meant for long-coated toy dogs such as the shih tzu, Maltese, toy poodle, Pekingese, Havanese and lhaso apso. The German Shepherd Formula contains FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to help support the breed’s digestive system, a blend of fiber, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The company said the food is also ideal for the Belgian Malinois, Belgian sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren. The Boxer Formula contains beta carotene for the immune system. It also contains L-carnitine and antioxidants such as vitamin E. The company said the formula is also good for the Rottweiler and Doberman. The Eukanuba Dachsund Formula is designed to help support a Dachshund’s healthy back and contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The food …
