News

Colgate And P&G Post Quarterly Sales

April 30, 2009

Both Colgate-Palmolive Co. and the Procter & Gamble Co. reported quarterly sales results on April 30. Net sales for Colgate’s Hill’s pet division increased slightly during the first quarter of 2009, while net sales for P&G’s pet care division, which includes snacks, declined four percent during its third quarter of fiscal year 2009. New York, N.Y-based Colgate reported Hill’s Pet Division net sales at $506.4 million during the first quarter of 2009 ended March 31, compared to $503.2 million in the same period a year ago. Unit volume declined 7 percent, pricing increased 14 percent and foreign exchange was negative 6.5 percent. Hill’s organic sales, which exclude foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments, increased 7 percent during the quarter. Volume growth in Russia, Germany, Turkey, the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and Austria was more than offset by volume declines in the United States, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada. Operating profit increased 3 percent during the quarter to $131.7 million due to the benefits of higher pricing, which more than offset the impact of higher raw and packaging materials costs. Products contributing to Hill’s sales in the U.S. …

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Royer And MWI Reach Distribution Agreement

April 30, 2009

MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. of Meridian, Idaho has been named the exclusive U.S. distributor for Royer Animal Health’s Matrix III Cisplatin Beads and R-Gel Antibiotic Wound Dressing. Both products are designed to provide veterinary professionals with localized treatment options for cancer, infections and general wound management. Matrix III Cisplatin Beads are indicated for use in the local control of equine sarcoids. Clinical studies have shown the effective use of this product in other tumor types such as melanoma, squamous cell, carcinoma and osteosarcoma, according to Royer Animal Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royer Biomedical Inc. R-Gel Antibiotic Wound Dressing is a time-released antibiotic gel that solidifies in situ. The product has been used for a range of small- and large-animal indications, including contaminated wounds, dental abscesses, deep lacerations, bite wounds, necrotic tissue, infected tendon sheaths, septic joints, postoperative orthopedic infections and hoof abscesses. The products, which were recently released, are being used in more than 600 veterinary clinics and by 40 veterinary schools and teaching hospitals worldwide, according to Frederick, Md.-based Royer. <HOME>

Study Indicates Fish May Feel Pain

April 29, 2009

Researchers from Purdue University and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science say they have proven that fish feel pain in what they say is the first study to systematically investigate thermonociception in unanaesthetized fish. The findings could raise questions about slaughter methods and how fish are handled in research, said Joseph Garner, D.Phil, an assistant professor of animal sciences at Purdue. The study, published online April 18 in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, has prompted fresh calls for angling to be banned in some countries, according to U.K. publisher MailOnline. To test the hypothesis that goldfish perceive heat as aversive, the researchers attached small foil heaters to 16 goldfish and slowly increased the temperature. A safety cut-off temperature of 50 degrees Celsius was built into the test apparatus. Half of the fish were injected with morphine beforehand while the other half received saline. The researchers believed that those with the morphine would withstand higher temperatures before reacting if they felt pain. Instead, both groups responded to the heat with an escape response at about the same temperature, with a mean baseline of 38 degrees Celsius. Two hours later, however, the researchers noticed that …

AAHA Freezes Helping Pets Fund

April 28, 2009

The American Animal Hospital Assn. Foundation has temporarily suspended grants from the Helping Pets Fund because of a financial crunch. Grant requests have nearly tripled since November, so the disbursement was faster than anticipated, according to the foundation. “By temporarily suspending the grants, we will help provide long-term stability for the AAHA Helping Pets Fund,” said Kate Crumley, DVM, chairwoman of the foundation's board of trustees. “We remain steadfast in our belief that thousands of pets will benefit in the future from this short-term stoppage.” The foundation expects to resume grants in July, or sooner with adequate financial support. “We have ambitious goals to grow the Helping Pets Fund in order to help more pets in need of health care,” Dr. Crumley said. “All donations are greatly appreciated and will help meet the growing demand.” Since its inception in 2005, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund has awarded more than $800,000 to help more than 3,000 pets receive veterinary care. Click here for donation details. <HOME>

Swine Flu Not Present In U.S. Pigs; Veterinary Precautions Still Encouraged

April 28, 2009

Although the number of U.S. human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection has climbed to 40, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest figures, it still has not been detected in any U.S. pigs. “At this point, it appears to be human-to-human transmission only,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. “We’ve been in contact with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and there have been no reports of outbreaks among animals, although their members are certainly aware of what’s happening and are stepping up surveillance for the virus with federal and state animal health officials.” For instance, the AASV on April 26 released information specifically geared toward veterinarians. Among its key points: The virus is currently transmitting person to person and does not involve pigs for transmission. . The virus is not known to be in U.S. pigs. . The swine influenza virus is a zoonotic disease and appropriate precautions (i.e. hand-washing, mask and gloves during necropsies and personal equipment such as N95 respirators and goggles) should be implemented to minimize the risk of infection and disease transmission.

Omental Lengthening 101

April 24, 2009

The omentum is very useful in the abdomen as is. It can be even more useful in distant places by using a lengthening technique. After exteriorizing the spleen and the omentum, the dorsal leaf is retracted cranially to free it up from the pancreas, where it attaches. Hemostasis can be achieved with 3-0 or 4-0 PDS ligatures. When the dorsal leaf is extended caudally, you now have a wide, beautiful leaf of omentum. Need an even longer flap? You can create an inverted L-shaped incision caudal to the gastro-splenic ligament, on the left side of the patient. The left lateral half to two thirds of the omentum’s width is thus separated. Again, hemostasis is achieved with double ligatures. The caudal third of the omentum is preserved to insure vascularization of the pedicle. The omental extension can now be used in various distant places through a tunnel, for example in the abdominal wall and under the skin. It can also be used in the thorax. For a complete description, refer to Page 222 in the third edition of “Small Animal Surgery,” by T.W. Fossum (Mosby Elsevier, 2007). The chapter “Surgery of the Integumentary System” …

United Kingdom Reports SVC Outbreak

April 24, 2009

The United Kingdom has reported an outbreak of spring viraemia of carp (SVC) in a shipment of ornamental goldfish imported from China. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) released an alert announcing the outbreak on April 24 after receiving notification of the incident from the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs According to OIE, a total of 19 boxes containing 11,110 live red cap oranda goldfish were imported legally to the United Kingdom from China in March. The fish reportedly arrived with appropriate health certification. On clearing border inspection, 16 boxes were shipped to Northern Ireland while three stayed in England. A sample of fish was tested for SVC as part of a routine surveillance program for imports of SVC-susceptible fish. The sample fish tested positive for the infectious viral disease. As a result, all of the fish were destroyed and the sites holding the fish were disinfected. Chinese authorities have been informed of occurrence. <HOME>

JAVMA Editor-In-Chief Emeritus Dies

April 23, 2009

Janis Audin, DVM, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, died April 22 following a three-year battle with a long-term illness. She was 58 years old. Dr. Audin was appointed with the emeritus status on March 22, not only to recognize her accomplishments, but also as a pathway that would enable her to continue contributing to the Publications Division and the AVMA scientific journals. AVMA said she was delighted over that prospect, but her health failed rapidly in the ensuing month. Dr. Audin continued to work from AVMA headquarters until mid-February and then went on medical leave where she continued to provide direction to the Publications Division and leadership input to the association from home. “Her contributions to the journals, to the AVMA and the profession were profound, and we will be forever grateful,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the AVMA. “Even though we will all miss Janis tremendously, let’s celebrate and honor her life and realize how fortunate we were to have known her and worked with her. Between the professional journals, which she lived for, and the many lives she has …

Florida Compounder Reports Error In Medication For Dead Polo Horses