Merial Extends Supply Of ImmiticideApril 13, 2010 Animal health company Merial of Duluth, Ga., has identified an alternative supplier for its heartworm treatment product, Immiticide, after recently informing veterinarians that it was in limited supply. The product’s active ingredient was no longer available from its manufacturer – the only U.S. source of the compound, Merial said. However, the company plans to continue to provide this product to veterinarians in the same way it has these past few months, said spokeswoman Natasha Mahanes. The alternative source for melarsomine is one that already makes it for the European and international markets. However, gaining U.S. regulatory approval for the new manufacturer will take time, Merial said. For now, Merial has instituted a temporary measure to extend the product supply and continue to make it available to veterinarians. Through a restricted distribution program initiated in agreement with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), veterinarians with an immediate need to treat a dog with heartworm disease are allowed to buy Immiticide containing melarsomine manufactured by the alternate supplier. This product must be purchased directly through Merial. It is not available through Merial’s distributors. Merial is continuing to work closely with FDA-CVM and the …
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University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine Gets $3 Million GiftApril 12, 2010 A $3 million gift received by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine will go toward expanding research and teaching in veterinary orthopedic surgery at the university and improve veterinary care and education for companion animals in India. The gift is from the Tata Group, a worldwide business conglomerate based in India. In 2008, Chairman Ratan Tata was searching for a professional facility for surgical care for pets when he was referred to professor Michael Conzemius at the university in St. Paul. Tata’s experience with the care and services at the veterinary center led him to work with Trevor Ames, College of Veterinary Medicine dean, on how the same type of care might benefit in India. The gift will help create an endowment supporting small animal orthopedic surgery and to establish the Tata Group chair in orthopedic surgery, held by Conzemius. A professor of surgery at the college since 2006, he leads a research team that is internationally recognized for basic and clinical research in elbow replacement systems, gait analysis and the genetics of ligament injury and repair. This work has also led to greater understanding of the postoperative effects of rehabilitation and improvements after …
Hearing Set For Breed-Specific Bill In OhioApril 12, 2010 A bill that would strike the term “pit bull” from Ohio’s statutory definition of dangerous dogs is set for a hearing before the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, April 14. Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Sears, R-Lucas County, House Bill 79 changes state law in order to no longer single out “pit bull” dogs as vicious. As currently written, Ohio law states that if a dog “belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull,” then it is automatically deemed vicious and dangerous. Ohio is the only state to have statewide breed-specific legislation. Owners of these dogs are required to submit reports to the board of health and county dog warden whenever there is a transfer of ownership. Breed-specific language in state law has enabled Ohio municipalities to enact strict ordinances regarding ownership of “pit bulls.” <HOME>
Modern Medicine Meets Traditional Chinese Veterinary CareApril 12, 2010 Animal Wellness Centers LLC unveiled its flagship Santa Monica, Calif., location at a star-studded launch party in mid-February. The facility—its founder says it combines modern animal health care and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine—is envisioned to be the first of many such centers. Attendees of the event, which benefited the Humane Society of the United States, ranged from reality TV stars Stephanie Pratt (“The Hills”) and Bridget Marquardt (“The Girls Next Door”) to animal industry names Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS, and Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Animal Wellness Centers was founded by Annie Harvilicz, DVM, who serves as the chief medical officer. She and the center’s other full-time veterinarian, Erin O’Leary, DVM, provide animal care largely through house calls. The new facility is dedicated to retail space and has room for behavioral classes and other educational programs. Retail offerings include Dr. Annie-branded products such as natural alternatives for treating anxiety along with joint aids and ear cleansers. The center’s design revolves around the animal’s point of view. “From 4 feet and below, the animal’s natural world is emphasized, with curves, …
Michigan State Recognizes ‘Miracle Dog’April 12, 2010 Katie, a black Labrador and former patient, was named a miracle dog at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Celebration of Life ceremony. Her experience led to the creation of an annual $1,000 scholarship award from PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance Co. of San Antonio for a MSU veterinary student. Owners Marilyn and Mark Johnson of Williamston, Mich., said PurinaCare allowed them to seek the best veterinary care without having to worry about finances. That’s because PurinaCare covered 80 percent of the medical bill, or about $14,500 out of a total of $18,410. Katie’s care included the hospital stay, four surgeries and many tests in the MSU critical-care unit. Her health problem started after a spay procedure led to complications. The veterinarian noted that Katie was struggling, reopened her and found internal bleeding. The dog was referred to MSU for intensive monitoring and care. MSU veterinarians found a clotting abnormality and a spleen problem. A splenectomy was performed on the 5-year-old dog, and her dramatic response against all odds was likely the reason why she was selected a miracle dog, her owners said. “We had gotten insurance for the first time a few months …
UF To Study Stem Cells’ Effect On DCMApril 12, 2010 Cardiologists at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine have started a pilot study using adult stem cells to repair the heart function in Doberman pinschers suffering from early stage dilated cardiomyopathy. They hope to explore the technique in other dog breeds. The plan is to regenerate and bring new muscle cells into the heart, said Amara Estrada, DVM, associate professor and chief of the UF Veterinary Medical Center’s cardiology service. The study is funded by a $72,000 donation from the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. Dogs are anesthetized and cells are injected via catheter into the coronary sinus. Follow-up examinations take place at one month, six months, 12 months and 18 months. <HOME>
AVMA Seeks Member Input To Shape Strategic PlanApril 12, 2010 The American Veterinary Medical Association is initiating a “Future Critical Issues Scan” as part of its effort to re-evaluate and revise its strategic plan. The plan most recently was approved in 2008 by the AVMA executive board. The new initiative intends to produce feedback from all segments of the group’s diverse membership, which encompasses more than 80,000 veterinarians in private practice, government, industry, academia, research and uniformed services. AVMA President Larry Corry, DVM, said the input and participation of members has grown the association to the position it holds today. “We need the continued input and participation of our members to get us to an even stronger position tomorrow,” he said. AVMA members may offer feedback online. They will be asked to describe the three most important issues facing the veterinary profession during the next five years. <HOME>
Making Nutrition Decisions IndividuallyApril 9, 2010 One point veterinary nutritionists agree on is the need to develop an effective diet plan for the individual patient instead of one for its breed, disease or age. The subject of nutrition can be complicated, and its less-than-sexy debut in veterinary school means students often prefer to focus their studies on drug therapies and surgical interventions. But trends to eat more naturally or holistically mean the newfangled approach to using food as part of disease prevention and overall good health and quality of life is getting a second look in universities and veterinary practices. “Raw diets for pets are growing in popularity as a direct response to owners investigating healthier lifestyles for themselves,” says Laura Duclos, Ph.D., the director of research and development at Nature’s Variety of Lincoln, Neb. “There’s a disagreement within the industry regarding the safety and benefit of raw diets, but like many dietary considerations, ask questions to ensure efficacy.” When inquiring about a manufacturer’s raw diet, Duclos suggests that veterinarians ask: • Whether the ingredients are natural or supplements. • About the sanitation, safety and storage of hte product. • Whether federal and state feed laws are followed. …
Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act Wins House VoteApril 9, 2010 The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved a bill that allows equine dentists – also known as horse teeth floaters – to practice in the state without facing criminal charges and without veterinary supervision. House Bill 3202, the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act, is expected to go to Gov. Brad Henry next week. On April 8, the House voted 58-37 in favor of Senate amendments to H.B. 3202 that allow trained husbandry practitioners to perform teeth floating. The practice, as provided by a nonveterinary equine dental care provider, means the removal of enamel points and the smoothing, contouring and leveling of dental arcades and incisors of equine and other farm animals, the bill states. It excludes dental work on canines and felines. If signed into law, H.B. 3202, authored by Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon), will require the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to license any practitioner who provides proof of either 80 hours of hands-on training in horse teeth floating at a recognized dentistry school, or certification by the International Association of Equine Dentistry or similar private certification organization. These individuals must pay a certificate fee of $200 and have four hours of continued education to renew …
Learn How To Improve Practice ComplianceApril 8, 2010 Denver-based Communications Solutions for Veterinarians, a consulting firm that helps practice owners improve compliance, client service and hospital management, will offer a compliance summit in nine cities, starting April 27 in Worcester, Mass. The “How You Can Dramatically Improve Compliance” one-day program teaches ways to quickly increase compliance in veterinary hospitals. Designed as a team-training event, participants have an opportunity to exchange ideas with other practice leaders during breakout sessions. By having a veterinarian, practice manger, lead technician and lead receptionist participate, veterinary practices are able to hone in on compliance challenges and find solutions, organizers said. Ideally, the goal is to maximize compliance every patient visit, and to achieve this, the summit covers seven key topics. First, how to conduct a compliance audit and understand industry benchmarks. In addition, participants learn to set standards of care that encourage compliance; coach a team on how they can influence compliance, assess client compliance in the exam room through medical records, track codes in veterinary software, and take thorough patient histories; set prices for wellness services and drugs, including competing with internet pharmacies; promote 12 packs of preventatives and encouraging year-round dosing; and strengthen reminder and callback systems …
