Trephination: Get More Cells And Less BloodApril 8, 2010 Sure it’s an old article1, but it explains a very practical and simple way to increase the yield of fine needle aspirates. Once supplies are gathered (see box), the needle is connected to the IV extension set, which is connected to the air-filled syringe. Cool people place the IV extension set around their neck rather than letting it dangle or be in the way. Supplies Needed: Glass slides. 22 G needles, short for superficial masses, long for deeper masses. IV extension set (14 inches are enough). 12 ml syringe containing at least 5 ml of air. Note: The IV extension set and the syringe can be reused multiple times since they should not become contaminated. The patient is sedated if needed, and the biopsy site is scrubbed aseptically. The needle is held like a pen in one hand, and the mass is held in the other hand. The needle is placed inside the mass and moved quickly …
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Webinar To Raise Awareness Of Anaplasmosis Risk Among Cattle ProducersApril 7, 2010 This spring, Alpharma Animal Health of Bridgewater, N.J., a global animal health company, will offer an online webinar that discusses the status of anaplasmosis in the United States. The webinar is based on an expert panel that convened in 2009 featuring Dr. Hans Coetzee and Dr. Denny Hausmann, experts with vast experience managing the disease and incorporating new strategies for diagnosis and control. Each case of this tick-borne disease is estimated to cost about $400 per animal, and the total cost to the industry is estimated at $300 million in the United States, according to Alpharma. Awareness of anaplasmosis is becoming increasingly important as the disease now appears well beyond the areas that are considered endemic; anaplasmosis now has been diagnosed in all of the contiguous 48 states. New research shows that anaplasmosis is more complicated and multi-faceted than many veterinarians and producers may have believed. While producers in the southern U.S. – where anaplasmosis is considered endemic – are familiar with the disease, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest cow-calf survey (USDA-NAHMS Beef Study) reports that, overall, 14 percent of producers know some basics about the disease; 16 percent are “fairly knowledgeable” about it; …
Animal Health And Wellness Forum In Las VegasApril 2, 2010Health and Wellness for Companion Animals, a three-day conference in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, will cover a range of topics from food, treats and supplements to veterinary and OTC pharmaceuticals for pets. The event kicks off June 14 as part of the Pet Industry Advisory National Forum Series. Day one revolves around business innovations in drugs, supplements and therapies. Scheduled to speak are the following: Todd Brodersen, president of Same Page Consulting, on how to market and sell to the veterinary market; Chris Ragland, president and CEO of Axxiom LLC, on key product and usage trends in the pet health market; Travis Meredith, DVM, MBA, Dipl. ACT, president of Alliance Veterinary Centers, on meeting the evolving need of the aging pet population; Steve Malone, global director for prescription diet marketing, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, on the Hill’s-Novartis osteoarthritis marketing partnership: case study; Tom Schwarzer, professional services veterinarian, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., on novel approaches to disease management; Julia Stephanus, Summit Vetpharm president and CEO, on pet product packaging and tracking innovation; Jerome Gainer, Virbac AH Inc., senior manager regulatory affairs, on how to establish and keep a good working relationship with regulatory agencies; and finally, Ted …
FDA Approves Drug For DogsApril 1, 2010 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Roseland, N.J.-based Intervet’s new animal drug application for the veterinary prescription use of Posatex (orbifloxacin, mometasone furoate monohydrate, and posaconazole) Otic Suspension for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs. Effective as of April 1, 2010, this drug is for treatment of otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (coagulase-positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis). The conditions of use in dogs include specific dosage amounts according to weight. For dogs less than 30 pounds, the required dosage is four drops once daily into the ear canal. For dogs weighing more than 30 pounds, the dosage should be increased to eight drops into the ear canal, according to the FDA. Federal law restricts this drug solely for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. <HOME>
Upcoming Pet Food Industry Events To Spotlight TrendsApril 1, 2010 Educational sessions on the latest trends, professional roundtables and networking opportunities are the focus of the pet food industry’s upcoming international events – Petfood Forum and Petfood Workshop. The forum is April 12-14, with the workshop immediately following, April 14-15. The events are at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill. Petfood Industry magazine said the return of these exclusive, premier events offers businesses a chance to grow globally. Leading industry experts and suppliers are among the featured guests. The forum will also feature keynote speaker Joel Silverman, dog trainer and host of Animal Planet’s “Good Dog U” and author of “What Color is Your Dog?” In addition, Packaged Facts’ David Lummis will present the Petfood Market Outlook 2010-2011. A new highlight is the executive roundtable – Why is safety the most critical issue for the pet food industry? The educational sessions focus on nutrition, marketing, packaging and safety. The Petfood Workshop: Hands-on Nutrition, immediately after the forum, will focus on nutrition. Attendees can participate in interactive discussions on canine/feline nutrition, ingredients, processing considerations and formulation – plus an Ask the Nutrition Experts panel. <HOME>
Homotoxicology–Homeopathy With A ‘Twist’March 31, 2010 Since controlling animal pain and suffering is a cornerstone to practicing good medicine, questions naturally arise about which interventions will offer optimal analgesia with the fewest side effects. Physical medicine treatments such as acupuncture and massage offer clear benefits for musculoskeletal pain. Biochemical alternatives based on herbs and supplements are gaining recognition because of their safety, effectiveness and overall tolerability. A third approach, homeopathy, maintains a loyal following. In terms of homeopathy’s cousin, homotoxicology, one product can boast a growing evidential foothold. This star player carries the trade name Traumeel. Traumeel, developed by Heel Inc. in Germany about 80 years ago, ranks among the most popular alternative medicines in Germany, bought by millions.1 It comes in tablet, ointment, gel and oral solution formulations. Each contains low levels of twelve botanical substances (such as marigold, witch hazel, chamomile, comfrey, echinacea and St. John’s wort) and even lower amounts of two minerals (Hahnemann’s soluble mercury and calcium sulfide). Each preparation has reportedly been studied in at least one randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, although independent replications lack extensive research.2 The box plainly displays the terms “anti-inflammatory” and “analgesic” on the front panel. The package insert resembles …
American Association Of Equine Practitioners’ Foundation Sets Funding DeadlineMarch 30, 2010The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Foundation said it will accept funding applications until May 1. Applications are reviewed by the AAEP Foundation’s advisory committee and board in July. Consideration for funding is given to those requests that are dedicated to the mission and objectives of the foundation, with priority emphasis given to applications that have the most impact on the health and welfare of horses on a national and international level, or where emergency funding is needed. “For-profit” groups or individuals will not receive funds. The foundation said it takes requests for emergency or equine disaster relief support at any time. Application instructions, requirements and selection criteria are available on the foundation’s website. <HOME>
Bella Moss Foundation To Spread Word About MRSA Threat In U.S.March 30, 2010 The Bella Moss Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in the United Kingdom dedicated to helping veterinarians and pet owners with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), plans an April U.S. tour to spread the word about the growing threat of MRSA in pets, as well as ways that the veterinary industry can increase early detection and prevention. The foundation will present three sessions to raise awareness about MRSA - mainly that it is preventable and treatable if detected early. Presentations by Jill Moss, foundation president, and Mark Dosher, co-founder, are scheduled at the American Animal Medical Center, the University of South Florida and Cornell University. MRSA is an emerging problem with pets in North America, according to Dr. J. Scott Weese, adviser to the foundation. “Well over 1,000 infections occur each year, and it is likely that a large number of infections go undiagnosed. The strains of MRSA that cause infections in pets are the same as those that cause disease in people, demonstrating the close relationship between people and their pets, and the impact that people and pets can have on each others’ health,” Dr. Weese said. The foundation’s strategy is to raise awareness of MRSA among …
FDA Seeks Comments On Veterinary Feed Directive DrugsMarch 29, 2010 The Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comments on potential changes to its regulation of veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs. The regulation, which went into effect in 2001, sets requirements for the distribution and use of VFD drugs and animal feeds containing such drugs. The FDA reaffirmed that certain new animal drugs should get approved for use in animal feed only if these medicated feeds are administered under a veterinarian’s supervision. While a few VFD animal drug products are approved, informal comments sent to the FDA characterized the VFD process as burdensome. In addition, concern was raised that the current process will face problems as the number of approved VFD animal drugs grows. When veterinary oversight of a medicated feed is deemed necessary, it is important that such supervision be facilitated through an efficient VFD process, the FDA said. The agency is conducting the review to determine whether changes are warranted to improve the program’s efficiency. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-6872.pdf. <HOME>
Suicide Rate High Among VeterinariansMarch 26, 2010 Veterinarians are four times as likely as the general public, and twice as likely as other health care professionals, to die by suicide, according to a 10-page report in Britain's Veterinary Record. Possible reasons for the high rate include the characteristics of individuals entering the field, negative effects during undergraduate training, work-related stress, stigma associated with mental illness, professional and social isolation, and alcohol or drug misuse, according to the authors, David Bartram and D.S. Baldwin. Drug misuse was mostly tried to prescription drugs to which the profession has ready access, the authors said. Bill Reilly, president of the British Veterinary Association, which publishes the Veterinary Record, said professional groups like his can help as more is learned about the higher suicide rate among veterinarians. “As part of the Vetlife Steering Group, the BVA supports fantastic initiatives such as the 24-hour Vet Helpline for vets, vet nurses and veterinary students, and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund,” he said. The BVA’s Member Services Group looks at practical initiatives to improve the day-to day lives of veterinarians. The recent introduction of services to resolve issues between veterinary employees and employers is an example of how the BVA supports …
