VPI Wellness Plans Win AAHA’s EndorsementAugust 14, 2014 Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.’s pet wellness plans have earned the approval of the American Animal Hospital Association, which named the company a Preferred Business Provider. Brea, Calif.-based VPI joins MWI Veterinary Supply, Wells Fargo and CareCredit as Preferred Business Providers under a program that offers special pricing or other services for AAHA members. VPI’s pet wellness plans, known as Everyday Care, can cover examinations, tests, vaccinations, sterilization and dental cleanings, depending on the level of care purchased by a cat or dog owner. Wellness exams help meet the goals of the AAHA/AVMA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines. “We believe the [VPI] program is consistent with our core mission of improving pet health and increasing patient visits by providing pet owners with cost-effective ways to manage ongoing pet health care costs,” said AAHA’s CEO, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, Dipl. ABVP. “AAHA reviewed the VPI program, and we believe it offers veterinarians and pet owners a wellness program option that eliminates many of the challenges of practice-administered wellness plans,” Dr. Cavanaugh added.
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Veterinary Anesthetic Alfaxan Approved for U.S. DistributionAugust 14, 2014 An intravenous injectable anesthetic commonly used in Australia will be released to U.S. veterinarians Aug. 25, the manufacturer, Jurox Animal Health, reported. Alfaxan (alfaxalone 10 mg/mL) is approved for use in cats and dogs. The drug is indicated for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia and for the induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic. Winning U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Alfaxan took time, said JJ O’Brien, CEO of Australia-based Jurox. “Since beginning this process, we have had countless inquiries as to why it has not been available to U.S. veterinarians,” O’Brien said. The drug is widely accepted by Australian veterinarians and has been used in 20 countries. “An independent study commissioned by Jurox reported Australian veterinarians to rely on Alfaxan for induction as often as 74 percent of the time in cats and 52 percent in dogs,” the company stated. Alfaxan’s U.S. distributors will include Henry Schein Animal Health, MWI Veterinary Supply, Patterson Veterinary Supply, NEVSCo, Midwest Veterinary Supply and Victor Medical Co. Jurox earlier this summer opened its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.
AVMA House of Delegates Backs New Dentistry, Declawing PoliciesJuly 25, 2014 The American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates today approved revised policies on veterinary dentistry and cat declawing and chose the organization’s 2015-16 president. Meeting in Denver at the annual AVMA convention, the delegates followed the lead of the American Animal Hospital Association in advocating the use of anesthesia when dental procedures beyond an oral examination are performed. AAHA in June 2013 passed a rule requiring member hospitals to anesthetize and intubate all dental patients under the group’s updated Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Kate Knudson, DVM, the past president of AAHA and an alternate delegate, urged the House to pass Resolution 6. “The only way you can provide dental diagnostics and come up with a therapeutic plan is to do dental radiography,” Dr. Knudson said. “We have many, many, many studies … demonstrating how something that looks normal when you’re just looking at it with your eyes is abnormal once you take radiographs. “The only way you can look your client in the eye and give them the confidence that you indeed are giving the best therapeutic and diagnostic plan is to take full-mouth X-rays,” she added. “As of this time …
Drug Makers, Compounders at Odds Over FDA OversightJuly 17, 2014 The Animal Health Institute, a trade group representing pharmaceutical manufacturers, is demanding that the Food and Drug Administration crack down on the illegal compounding of veterinary drugs, saying the practice puts animals at risk and jeopardizes the development of new medications. The appeal was made during a media conference call Wednesday and at a recent meeting in Washington, D.C., involving stakeholders and organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. The Animal Health Institute is not asking for the elimination of all drug compounding. The group supports a pharmacist’s manipulation of FDA-approved drugs to meet individual patients’ needs and the occasional compounding of bulk, active ingredients under FDA’s discretionary powers. “The third type of compounded drugs … is dangerous and illegal,” said Richard Carnevale, VMD, the Animal Health Institute’s vice president for regulatory, scientific and international affairs. “These are dangerous drugs crafted by pharmacies acting as manufacturers and often promoted to veterinarians as a way to increase profits. “They are not looking to help Mrs. Jones’ cat,” Dr. Carnevale said of such companies. “They even offer disclaimers that they are not responsible for …
Sterilization Effects Worse for Golden Retrievers Than LabsJuly 15, 2014 Golden retrievers are more likely than Labrador retrievers to be diagnosed with joint disorders or cancer after the animals have been spayed or neutered, according to the results of a study published Monday in the online journal PLOS ONE. Intact members of both breeds enjoy lower rates of joint disorders and cancer, researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine added. The researchers did not take a stand on spaying and neutering, which is done to an estimated 83 percent of all U.S. dogs to control the pet population and prevent unwanted behaviors. Instead, they stated that the study served to measure the long-term health effects of sterilization and to educate breeders and dog owners who are deciding when, and if, to spay or neuter their animals. When a golden or Labrador retriever is sterilized can play a role in the onset of joint disorders and cancer, the researchers stated. A connection was found between early sterilization—before the animal is 6 months old—and the appearance of joint disorders. About 5 percent of intact golden and Labrador retrievers of both genders suffer from a joint disorder, the researchers determined. The rate in dogs …
What to Tell Your Clients About the Rumor of Ice Water & DogsJuly 9, 2014Have you been getting a lot of questions from clients and friends asking if ice water is lethal to dogs? It’s a rumor that’s circulating the Internet and worrying dog owners. The cautionary tale (titled "NO ICE WATER FOR DOGS...PLEASE READ ASAP”) was written in 2010, but the rumor has been circulating since 2007. It centers on a dog named Baran, and his owner who unthinkingly added ice cubes to the dog’s water bowl to help him cool off on a hot day. Shortly after, Baran appears to be in distress and is rushed to the animal hospital. The veterinarian tells the owner that the ice water caused the dog to experience violent muscle spasms in his stomach, which led to bloating. Bloat — also known as gastric dilation-volvulus—is a life-threatening condition in dogs. If worried clients come to you about this myth, take the time to educate them about the dangers of ice, heat stroke and bloating. What To Tell Your Clients About Ice Although eating ice technically is safe for dogs, ensure owners are aware that eating ice can pose a few dangers. Dogs that munch on ice can potentially damage or break their teeth, …
How To Extract Teeth In CatsJune 20, 2014 I recently had an opportunity to help a referring veterinarian with her surgical extraction technique. Extracting teeth in cats was causing her much grief, so we discussed tips to transform the act of extracting firmly rooted feline teeth from a dreaded task to a satisfying part of veterinary practice. First, let’s discuss the decision-making approach based on dental radiographs and clinical exams in the context of one of the most common dental problems in cats that create challenging extractions: tooth resorption. Dental Rads First! Feline extractions should not be attempted without preoperative dental radiographs. Tooth resorption may occur in varied manifestations, and the approach to treatment depends on the radiographic appearance of the affected tooth. Tooth resorption in cats is commonly external tooth resorption starting on the root surface, resulting in focal tooth resorption where the crown meets the root, often referred to as Type 1 resorption. Teeth affected by Type 1 resorption require extraction, and these extractions can be challenging because in some areas, the tooth may be “spot welded” to the surrounding alveolar bone. Type 2 external resorption is seen on radiographs as root replacement resorption, in which the radiographic density of …
"I Hate Cats," Veterinarian ConfessesJune 10, 2014 Follow Veterinary Practice News on Twitter at @vetpetnews. Years ago, a medium who went by the name of Madam Moutjoy entered the office of a young veterinarian called Malcolm Welshman. She advised him that her cat, Antac, who she had brought in for grooming, was angry with him and had revealed to her that he thought Welshman was "a very bad vet,” according to The Daily Mail. The spirits of Welshman’s other feline patients were sharing their dislike for him with Antac, according to Madam Moutjoy. Welshman became uncomfortable, but continued grooming Antac. He may have been new to the profession, but he had never harmed a cat. There was something to the medium's words, however, and Antac had seemingly picked up on it. The sour-faced cat was somehow aware of Welshman’s dark secret. Even though he was a veterinarian, Welshman did not love all animals, namely cats. In fact, as he revealed to The Daily Mail, he "absolutely detest[s] the creatures.” It is a fear and loathing that Welshman believes may have stemmed from a childhood incident with his own pet cat, Sooty. His mother, who was busy trying to prepare for …
Step-by-Step Dental ImplantsJune 9, 2014Before one embarks on surgically placing and restoring a dental endosseous implant, a thorough and rigorous treatment planning process has to be performed. A detailed history should be taken especially looking for the etiology of the tooth fracture or loss. Pets that have habits that can lead to tooth abrasion and tooth fracture, or pets with underlying malocclusions, including tooth attrition, may not be suitable candidates for implants unless the underlying problem or habit can be modified or rectified. Pets with periodontitis may not be candidates for implants unless the periodontal disease is mild and is well controlled. The monetary outlay for an implant motor and surgical kits can be prohibitive for practitioners interested in placing and restoring implants. Other treatment options should be offered that may be more suitable or practical for the patient and the owner. PHOTO COURTESY OF DRS. CAIAFA AND MELE Placement of implant. A prognosis should be given for each option. Other treatment options may include root canal therapy, extraction and possible bridging of the edentulous space or simply extraction and no further treatment. Ethical considerations when dealing with hypodontia in breeding or show animals also need to be considered. Owners need …
New Dog Bone Cancer ResearchJune 9, 2014Follow Veterinary Practice News on Twitter at @vetpetnews. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation recently awarded $118,848 in grant money to Bruce Smith, VMD, PhD. Dr. Smith, Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer director, will spend two years testing a new bone cancer treatment for dogs. According to the Auburn University Office of Communications & Marketing, the “treatment consists of a virus normally used as a hepatitis vaccine in dogs that has been modified to only make copies of itself inside bone cancer cells. The virus ruptures the cancer cells, releasing thousands of copies of the virus from the tumor cells, killing them.” The hope is that the research Dr. Smith is conducting will expand to other cancers, and perhaps to cancer in humans. Want more veterinarian videos? Click here.
