VCA Antech Reports Fourth Quarter EarningsFebruary 19, 2010 Animal healthcare company VCA Antech Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. has reported that financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2009 show revenue increased 4 percent to $315.2 million, net income decreased 1.3 percent to $25.4 million and diluted earnings per common share was $0.29. Results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009 include the following: revenue increased 2.9 percent to a record $1.31 billion; gross profit increased slightly to $343.0 million; net income decreased 1.2 percent to $131.4 million; and diluted earnings per common share was at $1.53. Twelve-month results include a charge, net of the recovery in the fourth quarter, of $2 million or $0.02 per diluted share related to abandonment of an internally developed software project. Excluding this item, adjusted net income increased slightly to $133.5 million and adjusted diluted earnings per common share remained flat at $1.55. Bob Antin, chairman and CEO, said the company faced challenges in 2009. “As with most companies, the economy negatively impacted our revenue growth rates throughout the year. While the economy continues to put pressure on us, we have seen a relative improvement in the fourth quarter in comparison to the previous three quarters,” he said. …
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Pfizer Animal Health Program Contributes $1.3 Million To FFA In 2009February 19, 2010 New York, N.Y.-based Pfizer Animal Health said it plans to continue a contribution program that raised more than $1.3 million in 2009 for Future Farmers of America programs and veterinary scholarships through a partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers. This gives customers a second opportunity to donate in 2010 and help fund the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarships and FFA programs, Pfizer said. This opportunity is available now through March 31. During this time, eligible accounts completing an enrollment form get a 1 percent rebate on Pfizer Animal Health Cattle Products, excluding MGA purchases, invoiced and shipped Jan. 1 through March 31 to be donated to either the local FFA chapter(s) of their choice or to the AABP Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund. Will Fett, National FFA Foundation regional director, said these contributions help strengthen local FFA chapters and expand offerings available to students. “Just as important, members are able to make connections with their local animal health professionals,” he said. In 2009, more than 1,160 Pfizer Animal Health suppliers contributed to FFA chapters. In addition, the program raised more than $212,400 for the AABP Foundation scholarships. …
Andis Pet Grooming Supplier Expands OperationsFebruary 17, 2010Andis Company, a manufacturer of handheld tools for animal groomers, plans to develop a 50,000 square foot expansion of its headquarters, at 1800 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant, Wis. The growth, the company said, adds space for manufacturing and warehousing, while generating job opportunities. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer. Matthew Andis, executive vice president, said the company has called Racine County home for 88 years. “Partnering with the village of Sturtevant, we look forward to fostering our mission to create value for our customers, community and families; fulfill our passion for growth; and fuel our dedication to legacy,” he said in a statement. Andis Company’s facilities house office space, plus manufacturing, assembly, and distribution operations in more than 107,000 square feet. The expansion takes place on the south side of the building to provide easy product flow, the company said. <HOME>
Animal Dermatology Clinic Opens Indianapolis PracticeFebruary 16, 2010Animal Dermatology Clinic has opened a new, full-time dermatology specialty practice in Indianapolis, Ind. The 2,800 square foot facility features four exam rooms, a treatment area and a procedure room for laser surgeries, allergy testing, biopsies, video otoscopy, diagnostic testing and on-site treatments in a quiet environment. Co-owner Joel Griffies, DVM, Dipl ACVD, said this clinic will efficiently address the needs of clients throughout Indianapolis as well as outlying areas throughout the state. “We have been fortunate in finding such a prime central location for the clinic at beautiful Clearwater Shoppes on the Northside of Indianapolis,” he said. In addition to the grand opening, the clinic adds Lori Thompson, DVM, DACVD to its team of doctors. Dr. Thompson, an Indianapolis native, is a Purdue graduate and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. An open house for referring veterinarians and clients to tour the clinic and meet Dr. Thompson and staff is planned from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 14 at the 3901 East 82nd Street location. As the Indianapolis clinic’s full-time doctor and co-owner, Dr. Thompson will treat small animals, horses, exotic animals, and consult with the Indianapolis Zoo. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Craig Griffin, Animal …
Banfield Releases Latest Pet Oral Health DataFebruary 12, 2010 When it comes to periodontal disease, veterinarians are in a position to play a stronger role in preventing the most common disorder affecting cats and dogs worldwide, according to Banfield’s Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK) team. New findings show that 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs age 3 and older have oral disease. The BARK team conducts ongoing research in the field of veterinary medicine based on data from the more than 120,000 pet visits to Banfield hospitals each week. In conjunction with February’s National Pet Dental Health Month, the team has released the latest information to help veterinarians and pet owners maintain and improve the health of their pets’ teeth and gums. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, MS, DACVIM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield, said more needs to be done to educate the public on the prevalence of the disease and how to take action to reduce the damage it causes, starting in veterinary practices. Veterinary professionals, he said, can do better at educating clients on the importance of yearly dental cleanings and at-home care. Such preventive measures are crucial, and it’s up to veterinarians to make a strong …
UC Davis Plans Veterinary Neurology SymposiumFebruary 12, 2010 The sixth annual veterinary neurology symposium kicks off March 13 at Gladys Valley Hall on the UC Davis campus. The two-day event for veterinarians and technicians features the latest diagnostic techniques, comprehensive information about common disorders, case discussions and interactive workshops with strategies for the application of leading neurological methods to the clinical environment. Organizers said it’s designed to meet the unique needs of small animal clinicians. Symposium speakers include Drs. Peter J. Dickinson, BVSc, Ph.D. (Neurology); Marguerite F. Knipe, DVM (Neurology); Richard A. LeCouteur, BVSc, Ph.D. (Neurology); Beverly K. Sturges, DVM, MS (Neurology); and Karen M. Vernau, DVM, MAS (Neurology). The two-day tuition is $495 and one-day tuition is $245. Symposium tuition includes renowned UC Davis speakers, up to 16 hours of continuing education credit, program syllabus and meals. <HOME>
Nature’s Variety Issues Limited RecallFebruary 12, 2010 Nature’s Variety of Lincoln, Neb., issued a recall on Feb. 11 for certain packages of its chicken-flavored Raw Frozen Diet for cats and dogs due to concerns of salmonella contamination. The recall is limited to chicken medallions, patties and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of Nov. 10, 2010. The date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected products include: Three-pound packages of chicken medallions UPC # 7 69949 60130 2 . Six-pound packages of chicken patties UPC# 7 69949 60120 3 . Two-pound packages of chicken chubs UPC # 7 69949 60121 0 Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Pets with salmonella infections may vomit, be lethargic, or have a decreased appetite, diarrhea or fever. Nature’s Variety has reported no pet or human illnesses related to the affected products. The recalled products were distributed through retail stores and Internet sales in the United States and in limited distribution in Canada, according to the company. Nature’s Variety said it became aware of the …
BioCurex To Commercialize OncoPet Recaf Test For Cancer Detection In DogsFebruary 11, 2010 BioCurex Inc., a biotechnology company developing products based on patented technology in the areas of cancer diagnostics, on Feb. 11 said it has commercialized its OncoPet Recaf test for cancer detection in dogs. The test finds 85 percent of a variety of cancers in dogs, the company said, at the standard 95 percent specificity level in pre-market studies. This release marks the first commercialization of a blood-based test for the universal detection of cancer in companion animals, according to the company. The test identifies the presence of Recaf, a universal sign for malignant cell growth in humans and animals. BioCurex developed and patented the Recaf technology for cancer applications. The new testing service is available to veterinarians and animal clinical laboratories through BioCurex’s new wholly owned subsidiary OncoPet Diagnostics Inc. OncoPet Diagnostics assumes responsibility for marketing and commercialization of the testing service on a global basis, directly and through local and international distributorships. Based on location, veterinarians must send samples either to OncoPet’s testing facility or to regional collection centers. Denis Burger, Ph.D., BioCurex executive chairman, said that initially, OncoPet Diagnostics will offer services in a similar manner to traditional clinical laboratories. “One notable …
UGA College Of Veterinary Medicine To Host Student Diversity SymposiumFebruary 10, 2010 The University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine plans its second Southeastern Veterinary Student Diversity Matters Symposium, Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 28. The symposium aims to promote greater diversity in veterinary medicine and related fields. The theme for 2010 is “Diversity and Veterinary Medical Education: Building on Our Individual and Collective Strengths.” Speakers include Cheryl Dozier, University of Georgia associate provost for institutional diversity; Warwick Arden, interim provost and executive vice chancellor of North Carolina State University; and Lisa Greenhill, associate executive director for institutional research and diversity, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Dr. Paige Carmichael, the college’s associate dean for academic affairs, said that while veterinary medicine continues to be the most non-diverse medical profession, UGA is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse student body and faculty. “This symposium is just one example of that commitment,” Carmichael said. A meet and greet social event kicks off the symposium Friday evening. Saturday sessions begin at 7:30 with breakfast, and Sunday sessions end at noon with tours of the UGA veterinary medicine college. The event is part of a collaboration with the AAVMC’s “Diversity Matters” initiative. Click here to …
Western Veterinary Conference To Feature WVC-Connect Mobile TechnologyFebruary 9, 2010 Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) and EventKaddy have partnered to offer expanded mobile access at the 82nd annual conference through WVC-Connect. A suite of mobile and web-based applications provides users with multimedia access to WVC 2010. More than 13,000 veterinarians and related medical professionals are expected to attend the annual event, Feb. 14-18 in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay and the Oquendo Center for Clinical Education. WVC-Connect benefits include: Eliminating the need to tote conference programs as detailed session, speaker and exhibitor information is available on mobile phones. . Customization tools to tailor individual schedules and “favorite exhibitor” lists. . Real-time information with continuous announcements and updates. . Reduced paper waste with electronically stored exhibitor brochures and other literature. . Widespread accessibility on the web, mobile phones and touchscreens throughout the conference venue. . Social media access including Twitter and Facebook. For the first time, attendees will access smartphones to view video streams of conference proceedings and get real-time news updates regarding the conference. Dr. Guy Pidgeon, WVC chief executive officer, said WVC-Connect …
