Aratana Therapeutics seeks feline label expansion for NocitaJune 12, 2018Aratana Therapeutics Inc. announced it has submitted a supplemental new animal drug application with the FDA to approve the use of Nocita in cats to provide regional analgesia following onychectomy. Nocita (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension), which provides up to 72 hours of analgesia postoperatively using multivesicular liposomal technology, was first approved in August 2016 for canine use following cranial cruciate ligament surgery. "We believe veterinarians are in need of safe and effective, nonopioid alternatives to provide pain relief to their feline and canine patients," said Ernst Heinen, DVM, Ph.D., chief development officer of Aratana Therapeutics. "If the supplemental NADA is approved, NOCITA will help control feline pain for up to 72 hours by blocking pain signals at their source, the nerve." Visit aratana.com.
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Hydrocephalic fur seal undergoes brain surgery at TuftsDecember 28, 2017A neurosurgical team at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has successfully performed a first-of-its-kind brain surgery on a female adult Northern fur seal in an attempt to address her worsening neurologic condition. Ziggy Star is recovering well at her permanent home at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn. Ziggy was first seen at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University in September for a progressive condition that was causing severe neurologic episodes, difficulty moving, reduced training response, and cluster seizures. An MRI revealed an accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain—hydrocephalus. Mystic Aquarium took in Ziggy approximately four years ago after she was found stranded on the California coast and deemed non-releasable by the federal government. At the time, she had an MRI that showed some neurologic abnormalities. She received treatment, but her symptoms continued to progress at a concerning rate, with the seizures emerging more recently. "The MRI taken recently by our team showed that the brain was disappearing due to the excess fluid, and it was significantly worse than the last study four years ago," said Ane Uriarte, DVM, Diplomate of the European College of …
Bone grafting in oral surgeryDecember 6, 2017Dentigerous cysts can be expansive and cause a large amount of bone loss. I have seen a case where a large dentigerous cyst resulted in a pathologic fracture of the mandible in a dog.
10 mistakes to avoid before veterinary surgeryNovember 6, 2017Trying to cut corners in the anesthesia and surgery world can lead to countless medical and legal problems. Let’s review 10 all-too-common mistakes to avoid before taking a patient to surgery.
American Association of Feline Practitioners revises declawing positionSeptember 7, 2017The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has revised its previous 2015 position statement on declawing to strongly oppose onychectomy as an elective procedure.
Dog with severe maxillofacial trauma adapts wellJune 28, 2017I want to share with you a story about a special patient. Teresa is a 2-year-old mixed breed dog, originally from Thailand, who was flown to New Jersey for medical treatment of prior maxillofacial trauma.
A look at veterinary lasersMay 1, 2017Surgical lasers offer numerous benefits, including little to no hemorrhaging (resulting in a clear operative field), reduced swelling and pain, and increased precision. Lasers can yield superior results compared to scalpels, particularly with certain procedures. As the technology continues to improve, their veterinary applications grow.
Scrub in or rub in?January 30, 2014 Dr. John Smith is getting ready for his first surgery of the day. He puts on his cap and mask, adjusts them methodically, and starts to rigorously prepare his hands for surgery. He grabs a brush soaked with chlorhexidine scrub and goes to work, as if it were a ritual: First his fingers, then the palm of each hand, then the back, then his wrists, then his forearms, for a full five minutes, just like he has been doing for the past 15 years as a surgeon. Sounds perfectly acceptable, doesn't it? What Dr. Smith doesn't know is that his surgical scrub routine is actually detrimental to the health of his hands, increases the likelihood of contamination, and puts him at risk of developing occupational dermatitis. Meanwhile, Dr. Denis Verwilghen of Copenhagen, Denmark, is getting ready for his first surgery of the day. He puts on his cap and mask, adjusts them methodically, and starts to rigorously prepare his hands for surgery. He first gently washes his hands with a mild, non-medicated soap, dries them with a non-sterile paper towel, and then meticulously rubs a hydroalcoholic solution on his hands and arms for a couple of minutes — until they are …
