UK Veterinarians! Want to be a Television Star?March 23, 2016BBC science is on the hunt for veterinarians who might be interested in hosting a show about veterinary medicine. According to the Vet Times, “The show will investigate what’s best for pets and explore the latest innovations in animal medicine — with the aim of educating the public on how to keep their pets healthy and happy.” The BBC has approached the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) as well. The BSAVA has written about what the BBC is looking for in their potential star, saying, “The presenters will be passionate about working with animals, and have great communications skills to engage viewers in a range of different stories. The BBC supports equal opportunities and wants to reflect the UK’s diverse population. Candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.” The BSAVA recommends sending the BBC the following: A video where you talk about yourself, your area of expertise and the most common questions you are asked. CV Photo of yourself Contact details Applications are due April 17, 2016. Email them to vets@bbc.co.uk.
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FDA Approves Aratana Osteoarthritis DrugMarch 22, 2016One day after earning its first FDA drug approval, Aratana Therapeutics Inc. announced pursuit of a second. The Leawood, Kan., company reported Monday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration signed off on Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Commercial sales are expected to begin in the fall. In the meantime, Aratana moved ahead today with the filing of an administrative New Animal Drug Application (NADA) for Entyce (capromorelin oral solution) for stimulating canine appetites. If approved, the drug could be launched late this year. Aratana described Entyce as a ghrelin agonist and “a first-of-its-kind therapeutic to treat inappetence in dogs.” “The therapeutic is a flavored, oral liquid prescription that works by mimicking ghrelin, the hunger hormone, to stimulate appetite,” the company added. “Our market research indicates that millions of dogs with inappetence are treated off-label with drugs, special diets and homeopathic remedies,” said Ernst Heinen, DVM, Ph.D., Aratana’s chief development officer. “The anticipated FDA approval of Entyce would make it the only therapeutic approved for use by veterinarians to fulfill a serious unmet need for dogs that have stopped eating.” The company’s first approved drug, Galliprant, works by blocking prostaglandin …
Top Vet School, Again, Is UC DavisMarch 22, 2016UC Davis has not only the best veterinary school in the United States but also the finest anywhere, according to QS World University Rankings. The annual publication, produced by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds, gave the University of California, Davis, the top spot on the global list for the second year in the row. And if there are any doubters, the university pointed to U.S. News and World Report, which last year declared the School of Veterinary Medicine to be No. 1 in the United States. The school’s people and programs deserve much of the credit for the international achievement, said Dean Michael Lairmore, DVM, Ph.D. “This recognition is also a reflection of the dedication of our philanthropic partners who provide generous gifts that help fund novel research, improved facilities and student scholarships,” Dr. Lairmore said. The QS rankings in the subject of veterinary science weighed each school’s academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. Only the top 50 schools—17 in the United States—were graded, thus leaving out 13 American institutions. No. 2 on the list, available at http://bit.ly/1q0AThS, was Cornell University, which also held the second spot on U.S. News and World Report’s 2015 rankings. …
Dog With Severely Injured Neck Recovering From Emergency SurgeryMarch 22, 2016Clover is a 6-month-old Shepherd-Pit Bull Terrier Mix. She was recently found by a property manager who saw that she had severe lacerations in her neck – to the point where she could have been decapitated. She had been tied to a banister in the home. “It was an actual plastic coated cable, wrapped around her neck, and because it was hooked to itself, it kinked, so the hook couldn't slide. I didn't even see the problems with her neck until I bent down and I had to lift her head up,” Humane Society Police Officer Ron Riggle told ABC 6. “The dog chewed itself off the cable; it might have taken a while, but when they got it out, it still had the remainder of the collar in its neck,” added Kenny Gee, the man who kept an eye on Clover while the property manager called for help. “It was bad; I couldn't see having a kid and a dog in that house.” Clover was rushed to the Delaware County SPCA where she underwent emergency surgery to clean the lacerations and remove any diseased tissue. Clover …
VetBadger Software Announces New Cloud-Based Practice Management SoftwareMarch 22, 2016VetBadger Software has announced the release of their new practice management software. The VetBadger Practice Management Software provides veterinary practices with a simplified, role-optimized, task-based practice management system, which helps with clinic workflow and management. "The VetBadger Practice Management Service is a game changer in the practice management field," said Dr. Alexandra McLaughry, chief medical officer for VetBadger Software. "It solves the No. 1 dissatisfaction with practice management systems — unnecessary complexity — while also giving team members the confidence of knowing exactly what needs to happen when, plus seamless integration of clinic operations with QuickBooks." VetBadger A screenshot of the VetBadger Practice Management Software. Enhanced QuickBooks integration, a feature included in the software, provides up-to-date financial data that allows accountants to immediately answer questions about clinic performance. Integrated referral tracking allows clinics to gauge the efficacy of advertising dollars spent, and direct those dollars to advertising sources that are most efficient. VetBadger is a cloud-based system and works on multiple platforms, including desktop, mobile and tablets. The software is subscription-based, with monthly and annual subscription tiers available. For more information, go to the VetBadger
Midmark Animal Health Announces Two New Training CoursesMarch 22, 2016Midmark Animal Health today announced the addition of two new Midmark Academy training courses for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The courses — Anesthesia Monitoring 101 and Anesthesia Monitoring 201 — focus on operating and maintaining monitoring and anesthesia equipment, and how to complete a successful anesthetic case. Veterinarians and credentialed technicians who complete these sessions will earn 4 hours of continuing education (CE) credit for each course. The Midmark Academy training program was created to help owners of veterinary hospitals run successful practices and promotes dentistry excellence for their patients. “Veterinary dentistry represents the single largest opportunity for patient care and practice growth for today’s companion animal hospitals. Utilizing best practices in anesthesia and educating your clients about your anesthetic and monitoring protocols will alleviate client concerns about anesthetizing their pet for dentistry procedures," said Dr. Cindy Charlier, DAVDC, the chief medical architect of the Midmark landmark dentistry study and training curriculum. “These Midmark Academy courses will give veterinary professionals the knowledge and training they need to help enhance patient care and create sustained success in their veterinary practice.” Members of the Midmark nationwide Anesthesia Monitoring …
Corrie Brown Named UGA University ProfessorMarch 22, 2016The University of Georgia (UGA) has named Corrie Brown, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVP, Meigs Professor of Pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, as University Professor. It’s an honor bestowed on faculty members who have made a significant impact on UGA beyond their normal academic responsibilities, according to the university, which made the announcement in mid-March. Dr. Brown has been at UGA for 20 years where her research, instruction and outreach have shaped global initiatives and transformed lives, the university noted. “Working at the interface of animal and human health, Dr. Brown has dedicated her career to creating a healthier and more prosperous future,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Pamela Whitten, Ph.D. “She is an inspiring instructor and mentor, a pioneering researcher and a global ambassador for the University of Georgia.” Brown created an elective course in international veterinary medicine at the college and helped spearhead the creation of the International Certificate Program, which allows veterinary students interested in global affairs to develop a portfolio that prepares them for international work. Her effort has become a model for other colleges, according to UGA. …
Goldfish Gets Braces, Thanks to VeterinarianMarch 21, 2016While dogs with braces might be strange enough, the concept takes on a whole other level when it’s applied to fish. That’s right: A pet goldfish was recently outfitted with braces. Brian Palmeiro, VMD Dipl. ACVD of Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology in Allentown, Penn. told Action News that the goldfish, named Mr. Hot Wing, “was born without a lower jaw bone and his mouth couldn’t stay open, which made it hard to eat and breathe.” Dr. Palmeiro performed the surgery on Mr. Hot Wing after researching the case and constructing the custom braces out of a credit card. The surgery reportedly cost around $150. Fish Braces!!?? Mr. Hot Wing came in today for trouble breathing and inability to eat. He was born without a lower jaw... Posted by Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology on Thursday, March 17, 2016 Have you ever seen a fish with braces before?
Cheetah Cubs Born Via C-Section Receiving Critical Care at ZooMarch 18, 2016A 5-year-old cheetah named Willow had to have a rare C-section last week at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The birth took place on March 8 at the zoo’s regional cheetah breeding facility. Following the birth, the cubs — which consisted of three boys and two girls — were taken to the Cincinnati Zoo Nursery where they have been receiving around-the-clock veterinary care and bottle feeding. They will remain in the nursery for a minimum of eight to 12 weeks. “The cubs were born under difficult circumstances,” said Dr. Mark Campbell, Director of Animal Health at the Cincinnati Zoo in a press release. “For puppies and kittens the vast majority of their passive immunity comes from their mom’s milk especially the colostrum. Their immune systems are not developed very well at all at this time so they are unable to actively ward off infections. We are doing all we can to keep them healthy and strong, but it will be a challenge for these cubs moving forward.” Campbell, who has been with the zoo for 25 years, said that this is only the third C-section he’s been involved with. A true …
Kansas, Texas Researchers to Conduct Beef Cattle Production Health StudyMarch 18, 2016Kansas State University and Texas Tech University have teamed up to learn more about feedlot cattle production and health. They are seeking feedlots to participate in the study, which is slated to begin in May. Researchers will focus on two areas of cattle feeding, according to Dan Thomson, DVM, Ph.D., a member of the collaborative research group and a professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University. The two areas: starting cattle on feed and associated risks with bovine respiratory disease and the end of the feeding period focused on performance, carcass quality, fatigued cattle syndrome, heat stress, acute interstitial pneumonia, liver abscesses, cattle transport and others. The research group will work with feedlots participating in the study to better understand risks associated with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and liver abscesses. A parallel study involves interested feedlots to participate in advanced necropsy training for their feedlot employees in coordination with their consulting veterinarian better understanding acute interstitial pneumonia lesions by sending samples from necropsied cattle to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Kansas State University. “AIP cases and liver abscesses are economically crippling issues in our cattle feeding operations,” …
