Stem Cell Conference Scheduled For Early JuneFebruary 25, 2011 The North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association will be holding a conference on stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine on June 2-5 in Lexington, Ky. About 400 people are expected to attend, including veterinarians, research scientists and medical professionals. The conference will feature scientific presentations and discussion sessions that blend research and practical applications, addressing all aspects of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine in horses and small animals, according to the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The association was formed by the vet school, among others, in 2010 as a way to promote research and sharing of new findings related to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy in animals. The vet school is joining with horse clinics in Kentucky and California to coordinate the conference. A special half-day forum is planned for horse owners, trainers and equine professionals on June 4. For details, visit the group's website. <Home>
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Raccoon Rabies Eliminated In Two New York CountiesFebruary 24, 2011 Rabies in raccoons has been officially eliminated in two New York counties, Cornell University reported today. The success story in Nassau and Suffolk counties, part of New York’s Long Island, is being attributed to Cornell’s Wildlife Oral Rabies Vaccination Program. The program was initiated during the mid-1990s. The World Health Organization defines such success as a lack of rabies cases after two years of enhanced surveillance, according to Laura Bigler, Ph.D., a Cornell wildlife biologist and program coordinator. The last raccoon rabies case in Nassau County was in November 2007. Suffolk County’s last case was in January 2009. Cornell’s program uses a U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed liquid rabies vaccine hidden inside a small sachet that is coated with fishmeal and fish oil. Raccoons are attracted to the bait by its fishy smell, according to the university. The raccoons puncture the baits and ingest the liquid vaccine. Cornell took over managing rabies-control efforts in Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2006. Since then, about 372,000 baits per year have been distributed, targeting populated suburban neighborhoods either via GIS-satellite-guided helicopter drops, vehicle tosses or bait stations that were developed at Cornell. “In 2004, the New …
Veterinarian Patricia Olson Joins American Humane AssociationFebruary 22, 2011 Dr. Patricia Olson, formerly with Morris Animal Foundation, is the new chief veterinary advisor at American Humane Association. American Humane Association has appointed Patricia Olson, DVM, chief veterinary advisor. In her new role, Olson, who previously served as president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation, will lead American Humane Association’s new animal welfare and research initiative. “Dr. Olson brings a wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge to this position,” said Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association’s president and CEO. “This important new work will increase our impact on, and enhance our value to, a broader constituency, including the millions of animals we are dedicated to protecting and the people who interact with them on a daily basis.” As chief veterinary advisor of the American Humane Association, Olson will be responsible for a range of activities, including identifying research opportunities to advance the health and welfare of children and animals; using science to define the key elements that advance and sustain the human-animal bond; promoting and developing academic programs to enhance veterinary medical education in animal welfare; identifying strategies for research opportunities to prevent disease and injury to animals; promoting scientific discovery to advance …
The Big 5February 18, 2011 You probably still lure in some new clients with the old standby marketing method commonly known as “word of mouth.” Yet, you probably are becoming increasingly aware that this once-reliable strategy is not nearly as effective as it used to be. Blame the economic climate or the information superhighway: Certainly there are many factors at play. What’s most important, however, is understanding that even a great reputation and location can’t guarantee your practice will continue to thrive and grow in this competitive market. So what can you do to build visibility and promote your business? Here are the Top 5 Marketing Strategies, followed by five common mistakes you should never make. ‘DO’: TOP 5 MARKETING STRATEGIES 1. Have A Marketing Budget: It’s a painful truth. You must spend actual dollars on marketing. It costs money to properly promote your practice. Be prepared for the expenditures with a reasonable, well-planned budget that amounts to about 8 to 10 percent of your net sales. Sound exorbitant? Consider this: That’s what your smart competitor is spending. Bottom Line: With the right marketing plan tied to your budget, you’ll get enough new business in a year to defray …
VCA Antech’s Same-Store Revenue Drops 2.2% In Q4February 18, 2011 VCA Antech Inc.’s animal hospital division reported revenue of $261.5 million for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, compared to revenue of $237.2 million in the year-ago period. The 10.2 percent increase was driven by acquisitions made in the past 12 months, according to the Los Angeles-based company. Same-store revenue declined by 2.2 percent while same-store gross profit margin declined to 14 percent from 15.4 percent. VCA Antech acquired 10 animal hospitals during the fourth quarter with historical combined annual revenue of $33.1 million. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $1.1 billion, compared to $994.2 million in the year-ago period. VCA Antech’s laboratory division reported revenue of $72.2 million for its fourth quarter, compared to revenue of $71.1 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $310.7 million, compared to revenue of $310.1 million in the year-ago period. VCA Antech’s medical technology division reported revenue of $16.2 million for its fourth quarter, compared to revenue of $16.2 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported $64 million, compared to $48.6 million in the year-ago period. Overall, VCA Antech reported net …
Butler Schein Animal Health Acquires Two Vet Software CompaniesFebruary 18, 2011 Butler Schein Animal Health, the domestic veterinary business of Henry Schein Inc. of Melville, N.Y., reported today that it has acquired majority ownership of McAllister Software Systems LLC (MSS) and ImproMed Inc. MSS, creator of the AVImark practice management system, and ImproMed, creator of the Infinity practice management software product, will operate as subsidiaries of Butler Schein Animal Health. Financial terms were not disclosed. “Our animal health business has become increasingly important to Henry Schein, as has our commitment to offering the latest technology solutions to our veterinary customers,” said Stanley Bergman, chairman and CEO of Henry Schein. “With the addition of these two outstanding companies, we expand the veterinary practice management offering that we provide to our customers and further enhance the vital role that Butler Schein Animal Health plays as a consultative partner to more than 26,000 veterinary practices in the United States. At the same time, we strengthen our ability to forge even stronger relationships with manufacturers of veterinary pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and pet food companies.” MSS will continue to be led by Scott McAllister, president, along with his leadership team, and will maintain its headquarters in Piedmont, Mo. MSS has more …
Vista Vaccine Line Reintroduced For Bovine Respiratory, Reproductive DiseasesFebruary 17, 2011 Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., reported yesterday that it is reintroducing the Vista vaccine line to the U.S. market. The vaccines are indicated to protect beef and dairy cattle against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD Type 1 and Type 2), Parainfluenza3, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), leptospirosis, vibriosis, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. The Vista line of vaccines was introduced in 2005 but a stop sale was issued in 2009 due to a variability issue with the BRSV antigen. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said it has been working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to resolve the issue. “Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is committed to providing innovative, high-quality animal health products that [beef and dairy cattle] veterinarians and producers trust,” said Ron Bryant, who leads the U.S. non-confined beef and dairy cattle business for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. “We are excited to welcome back Vista to our portfolio of products, are committed to being a reliable supplier and are confident Vista will deliver the protection needed to keep dairy animals healthy and productive.” Vista vaccines are available through veterinarians and animal health suppliers. <Home>
Hill’s Names Kontopanos President Of U.S. BusinessFebruary 16, 2011 Hill’s Pet Nutrition has named Kostas Kontopanos president of its U.S. business. He succeeds Suzan Harrison, who was appointed president of commercial business analytics at Colgate-Palmolive, Hill’s parent company, in January. The Topeka, Kan.-based company made the announcement today. “Kostas’ extensive experience, both domestic and international, and his record of success in key operational and marketing roles will ensure that he brings outstanding leadership to the Hill’s U.S. business,” said Neil Thompson, president and CEO of Hill’s. Kontopanos was previously vice president of marketing. “Ours is a passionate, mission-driven organization and I am truly honored and excited to lead the Hill’s U.S. team,” Kontopanos said. “In my new role, I will reinforce our focus on innovation in Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Science Diet pet foods to offer new, precisely balanced nutritional products that will help pets around the world live longer, healthier, happier lives.” <Home>
Dr. Michael Dryden Named Vet Of The YearFebruary 15, 2011 Michael Dryden, DVM, Ph.D., was named Ceva’s 2010 Veterinarian of the Year this past weekend at the Purina Pro Plan 56th annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards, presented by Dogs in Review magazine, in New York City. The award was bestowed by Ceva Animal Health of St. Louis. Dr. Dryden was honored for his work researching flea and tick control on behalf of man’s best friend – and cats, too. Also known as “Dr. Flea,” Dryden is a professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. His current research efforts are in flea and tick biology and control, investigating urban wildlife as vectors of parasitic diseases and diagnosis and control of gastrointestinal parasites. He is active in several professional associations, including the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, the American Veterinary Medical Association as was a founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Other industry awards were presented during the ceremony. The Groomer of the Year award went to Penny Dugan of Boffell, Wash., presented by Laube; the Trainer of the Year award went to Barbara DeGroodt, owner of From the Heart Animal Behavior …
Wisconsin Cat Tests Positive For H1N1February 14, 2011 A 6-year-old male domestic shorthair cat in Wisconsin has tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus, the first confirmed case of H1N1 in a U.S. pet since January 2010, according to Idexx Reference Laboratories. The Westbrook, Maine-based company confirmed the test result with its Feline Upper Respiratory Disease RealPCR Panel. The American Veterinary Medical Association, which tracks all instances of H1N1 in animals, sent out a media alert today. The cat had been presented to a veterinary emergency hospital due to respiratory distress. A second cat, a 10-year-old female domestic shorthair, from the same household was also taken in but tested negative for the virus. However, “given the strong-positive quantitative real-time PCR result in the first cat, the H1N1 influenza virus is still the presumptive cause of respiratory disease in the second cat,” Idexx reported. “The shedding period of influenza viruses is short, which may have been responsible for the negative PCR result.” Both cats were euthanized after failing to respond to treatment. The owner of the cats had been ill with flu-like symptoms prior to the cats’ illness and is believed to be the source of the infection, according to …
