News

Samples Still Needed For Rottweiler Heart Disease Study

July 30, 2010

Researchers at Washington State University are looking for DNA samples from Rottweilers with a diagnosis of Subvalvular aortic stenosis (diagnosed by Doppler echocardiogram) as well as DNA samples from Rottweilers that have been proven clear of the heart birth defect (as cleared by a cardiologist). The samples will be used to advance research in identifying a gene for the disease. The Rottweiler is one of multiple large breed dogs that are affected with this congenital heart disease, said Joshua Stern, DVM, who is performing the study with Kathryn Meurs, DVM, Ph.D. Dogs that have a mild form of the disease may live a normal life span, but dogs that are moderately or severely affected are at a great risk of sudden death and have been shown to have an average life span of 19 months in one study, according to the researchers. “We are looking into the familial nature of this disease and hope to discover a genetic mutation responsible for its development,” Dr. Stern said. The researchers need DNA samples—1 ml to 2 ml of blood in an EDTA tube—from 20-30 affected dogs and 20-30 clear dogs. As of late July, the researchers had …

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Unintentional Exposure To Evamist May Have Adverse Effects In Pets, FDA Says

July 29, 2010

Pets that have inadvertent exposure to the human topical estrogen product, Evamist, may experience adverse effects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Evamist contains estradiol, an estrogen hormone, and is used in women to reduce hot flashes during menopause. The drug is sprayed on the skin between the elbow and wrist, on the inside of the forearm. Since 2007, when Evamist was FDA approved, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has received two reports of secondary exposure to the product in dogs. Pets exposed to Evamist may exhibit signs such as mammary/nipple enlargement and vulvar swelling, according to the FDA. The FDA is warning pet owners that animals should not be allowed to lick or touch the arm where Evamist is sprayed. If direct contact cannot be avoided, the FDA recommends that women wear a garment that covers the area where the drug was applied. The product should also be kept away from children, according to the FDA. From July 2007 to June 2010, the FDA received eight post-marketing cases of unintended exposure to Evamist in children ages 3 years to 5 years. Adverse events reported in unintentionally exposed children include premature puberty, …

Thousands Of Vets Headed To Atlanta For AVMA Convention

July 29, 2010

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention kicks off this Saturday, July 31 in Atlanta, Ga., and runs through Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. More than 9,000 veterinary professionals and their guests are expected to attend. Program session hot topics will include animal welfare, stem cell therapy, public health, food safety, disaster response, complementary therapies, behavior modification, trends in pet ownership and health and advances in veterinary medicine. The program will also include special topics such as the effects of rabies in the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake and melamine contamination in foods for animals and people. Convention attendees will also have access to more than 250 companies and organizations in the 185,500-square-foot exhibit hall. The exhibitors will be showcasing high-tech surgical instruments; the latest toys and exercise equipment for household pets; pet food, treats and frozen yogurts for dogs; pet identification aids; and educational materials; among other veterinary-related products. The exhibit hall is open from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, Aug. 1; and from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. The AVMA convention is also a time to give back. Nearly 100 veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other attendees will …

FDA Seeks Comment On Sample Collection Plan For Dogs Treated With Slentrol

July 28, 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comment on the sample collection plan for dogs treated with the drug Slentrol, an anti-obesity drug approved for dogs. The deadline to comment is Monday, Sept. 27, 2010. The plan includes a pharmacogenomic study to examine whether adverse drug events experienced with Slentrol are associated with genetic variations in the dogs treated. Preliminary analysis by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has indicated potential correlations between dog breeds and some adverse drug events. The study would collect a blood sample and buccal swab from animals that have been treated with Slentrol and experienced specific adverse drug events (i.e. reactors) and animals that have been treated with Slentrol and that have not experienced adverse drug events (i.e. controls). The samples would be analyzed by the FDA using microarray analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis to determine possible genetic variations associated with the adverse drug events reported. If this project identifies definite genotype mutations associated with drug response, CVM would potentially have a scientific basis for modifying recommendations with regard to Slentrol use, according to the FDA. The FDA reported that its goal is to …

Free Phone Service Connects Travelers To Nearest ER Vet Clinic

July 28, 2010

After Hours Assurance, a service of Atlanta-based On Call Solutions, has partnered with HealthyPet Magazine to provide a free phone service that connects travelers with the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Pet owners who call 800-204-4595 and provide the zip code, or city and state of their current location, will receive contact information for local veterinary clinics offering emergency services. The nationwide service is available free of charge from Aug. 1 through Labor Day (Sept. 6), peak travel dates, according to Derrick Pittman, chief operating officer of On Call Solutions. Although, they are considering extending the service beyond these dates for paying customers, he said. Brad Carmichael, DVM, chief executive officer of On Call Solutions, said “Emergency preparedness, which includes knowing how to locate a clinic if immediate medical attention is needed, is key to planning travel with a pet. Being in unfamiliar places can lead to emergency situations where minutes can be the difference between life and death. It’s important that travelers have access to help if they require it.” Dr. Carmichael is also the owner of Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic in McMurray, Pa. A “Traveling with your Pet Checklist,” which includes a wallet-sized …

FDA Solicits Public Comment On Proposal To Track Pet Food-Related Illnesses

July 27, 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking public comment on a proposal to implement a new Web-based system to track pet illnesses associated with pet food. The deadline to comment is Monday, Sept. 27, 2010. As proposed, the Pet Event Tracking Network (PETNet) would be a secure, Internet-based network of FDA officials and other federal and state agencies that have authority over pet food. Network members would be able to receive and create alerts about pet food incidents. When reporting incidents, PETNet members would be asked to include the species involved, clinical signs, number of animals exposed, number of animals affected, name and type of pet food involved, and the manufacturer and distributor of the pet food, among other items. The information would be used to help federal and state regulators determine how best to use their resources to prevent or quickly limit the adverse events caused by adulterated pet food. The idea for PETNet originated two years ago in the wake of the mass pet food recalls. At that time, a group of veterinarians, animal feed regulators and others involved in animal health issues proposed PETNet as a way to identify, track and …

Sanofi-Aventis And Merck To Form Merial-Intervet Joint Venture

July 27, 2010

Sanofi-aventis and Merck reported today that it intends to combine its animal health businesses, Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough, respectively, to form Merial-Intervet. The new joint venture will offer a broader portfolio of animal health products and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as the ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in all fields and countries in the world, the companies reported. “The talents, products and expertise of both companies are very complementary and will create a company with greater geographical and market coverage,” said Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi-aventis. “As a result, we expect the new Merial-Intervet joint venture to drive significant growth.” Raul Kohan, executive vice president and president of Merck’s Global Animal Health, will become chief executive officer of Merial-Intervet. He will commence his new responsibilities when the joint venture is approved by regulatory authorities and closes, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2011. “Raul brings a wealth of animal health and global pharmaceutical industry experience,” said Richard Clark, Merck chairman and chief executive officer. “We’re pleased that Raul will lead the integration of the two companies while continuing to deliver global growth momentum. The new …

P&G Recalls Prescription Iams Dry Cat Food Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

July 26, 2010

The Procter & Gamble Company reported yesterday that it is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its prescription Iams brand renal dry cat food due to potential Salmonella contamination. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis recently identified a positive result on 5.5-pound bags of Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal with Lot Codes 01384174B4 0 and 01384174B2 0. Both have the UPC Code 19014 21405 1. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag. Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal is available by prescription through veterinary clinics. No illnesses have been reported, according to the Cincinnati-based company. P&G is asking consumers who have purchased the above cat food to discard it. Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain, according to the company. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. P&G urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms. People handling dry pet food can become infected …

Practical Evaluation Of Novel Treatments For Equine Metabolic Syndrome

July 23, 2010

The horse world has not proven resistant to the obesity epidemic and related diseases that have swept our human population. Every day in my practice I see animals that are overweight or over-conditioned, conditions that put them at risk for a variety of long-term and debilitating diseases. Many of these animals might now be diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). EMS is a likely diagnosis for overweight animals, animals prone to laminitis, animals with “cresty” necks or other exaggerated fat pads, and animals with elevated fasting insulin levels. Just as in humans, these elevated insulin levels are of particular concern. This key hormone is responsible for sugar and energy metabolism in the body, and high fasting levels suggests that the body is not responding to insulin. The result is that metabolism controlled by insulin isn’t working optimally, which in people can lead to diabetes. While the impact of elevated insulin levels on the horse is still being studied, likely consequences, based on information from other species, include inflammation and circulatory issues. Without a doubt, exercise and diet modification play a central role in the management …

Idexx Sees Q2 Revenue Increase With ‘Strong’ Capital Placements