Sanofi-Aventis To Pay $4 Billion For MerialJuly 31, 2009 Merck & Co. has agreed to sell its 50 percent interest in Merial to Sanofi-Aventis SA, which owns the other half of the animal health company, for $4 billion in cash. The sale is subject to clearance by European antitrust authorities. The companies made the announcement in a joint statement dated July 30. Merck anticipates completing the transaction before Merck's planned $41.1 billion merger with Schering-Plough Corp. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter. In addition, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis and Schering-Plough have signed a call option agreement. This means that after the close of the Merck/Schering-Plough merger, Sanofi-Aventis will have the option to combine the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health business with Merial to form an animal health joint venture that would be owned equally by itself and the new Merck. Any formation of a new animal health joint venture with Sanofi-Aventis is subject to antitrust reviews in the U.S. and Europe. Sanofi-Aventis is based in Paris, Merck is in Whitehouse Station, N.J., and Schering-Plough is in Kenilworth, N.J. <HOME>
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ImproMed Acquires Sunpoint SoftwareJuly 28, 2009 ImproMed Inc. of Oshkosh, Wis., has acquired Sunpoint Software Inc., a practice management software company in Windermere, Fla. With the acquisition, Sunpoint users will now be supported by ImproMed’s Transition Team and its more than 85 other employees. Users will also have the opportunity to use ImproMed’s practice management software, Infinity, and the chance to participate in ImproMed’s Online Data Storage Program, Application Support, Hardware Support, Operating System Support and 24/7 Support. In addition, ImproMed will provide the users with its ImproMed University, iCAN (Infinity Community Access Network), free webinars and attendance to company-sponsored webinar series, on-site education, continuing education CDs and continuing education labs. <HOME>
Banfield Stops Offering Tail Dock, Ear Crop ProceduresJuly 27, 2009 Banfield, The Pet Hospital, of Portland, Ore., reported July 27 that it will no longer perform ear cropping and tail docking surgeries on dogs for cosmetic reasons. The company, which has more than 730 veterinary hospitals in the United States, said the decision was made with the overall health and wellness of pets in mind. The change in medical protocol was approved by Banfield’s Medical Standards Board, an internal panel of veterinarians responsible for evaluating all medical standards and procedures. It’s a decision that Banfield says it has been considering for some time. “After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” said Karen Faunt, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether.” Banfield maintains that there is little scientific evidence that such procedures benefit dogs, even though they were typically performed according to breed standards. “Banfield’s approach to veterinary medicine focuses on procedures …
How To Avoid Bandage ComplicationsJuly 24, 2009 Minor complications such as redness, edema and abrasions are common after placement of a bandage. But few studies are dedicated to severe complications such as ischemia, open wounds and necrosis. A British team1 reported serious complications in 11 patients (nine dogs and two cats) after a variety of bandages were applied. Nine patients required surgical debridement, five received a skin graft, three had one or several toes amputated, and one needed carpal arthrodesis. Even worse: two patients had a leg amputated and two others died. The main problem here is ischemia. Ischemic lesions are caused by a bandage that is too tight, a lack of cotton padding around pressure points and secondary tissue edema. To avoid such embarrassing complications, the recommendation is: • Use generous cotton padding. • Leave toes 3 and 4 visible so you and the owner can assess swelling. • Educate your client to take proper care of the bandage. Most serious implications occur within 24 to 48 hours after application. If the patient starts to chew or lick a bandage excessively, or is unexpectedly in pain, think “bandage complication.” The patient should be readmitted and the bandage changed. Long-term …
A Rash Of Reasons To Investigate Itching And TreatmentsJuly 24, 2009 Most dermatological issues that make their way to veterinary offices present when the pet’s incessant itching spurs the owner into action. According to veterinary dermatologists, about 25 percent of general practices’ cases are skin-based and 10 percent of those cases are allergy-related. Sunburn on the muzzle and around the eyes. Itchy dogs and cats referred to specialists’ care tend to be lifelong derm patients and are controlled rather than cured, but general practitioners’ clients pressed by the economy want the issue handled in a fast, financially feasible way without the added cost of prolonged specialty care. While some dermatology cases take diligence that comes with a price tag, manufacturers provide a plethora of treatments that can prevent skin maladies and treat existing ones cost effectively. Bull terrier with a sunburned face. “For the past three summers I’ve seen about two patients a day with cheyletiellosis, or walking dandruff,” says Alice M. Jeromin, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, of Veterinary Allergy & Dermatology Inc. in Richfield, Ohio. “We’ve seen more of these cases than fleas. We can treat this easily enough with Selamectin or Ivermectin, but most derm cases aren’t so clear cut. Environmental, …
How To Avoid Tracheal TearsJuly 24, 2009 A review1 of tracheal rupture in 20 cats is very helpful to better understand and prevent this unfortunate iatrogenic complication. Intubation of a patient and insufflation of the cuff of the endotracheal tube are not risk-free procedures. Clinical signs can occur within a few hours to a few days. Classic signs include subcutaneous emphysema (100 percent), dyspnea (30 percent) and respiratory stridor (15 percent). Thoracic radiographs always reveal subcutaneous emphysema in the neck, and sometimes a pneumothorax or a pneumomediastinum. Early signs are due to physical damage to the trachea because of overzealous inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. Delayed signs are related to progressive ischemic injury of the trachea, also because of overinflation of the cuff. In another study2, 1.6 ml was enough to ensure an airtight seal, with a maximum of 2.3 ml. Injecting 6 ml caused a tracheal tear in most cases. Most tears occur at the thoracic inlet, at the level of the cuff. The classic location is dorsolaterally, at the junction of the cartilagenous rings and the tracheal muscle. Fifteen patients with moderate dyspnea are treated medically, with cage rest and oxygen therapy. The subcutaneous emphysema …
Koi Herpes Virus Outbreak Reported In BelgiumJuly 24, 2009 The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported July 24 that two outbreaks of koi herpes virus disease had occured in Belgium. The OIE considers the cases resolved, despite gaps in information provided by Belgium veterinary officials, including the number of cases, the source of the outbreak, and the morbidity, mortality and fatality rates. Both outbreaks occurred in private ponds, one in Familleureux, Hainaut, and the other in Oheye, Namur. The species identified was Carpe koi (Cyprinus carpio koi). The source of the outbreak remains unknown, although the OIE suspects the virus may have been present in carrier fish and reactivated after spawning. Various control measures were applied, including disinfection of the premises, official destruction of clinically diseased animals, and the official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste. In addition, vaccination was prohibited and no affected animals were treated. The outbreaks began June 16. Polymerase chain reaction tests and virus isolation confirmed the two outbreaks on June 19 and July 15. The outbreaks were reoccurances of the reportable disease, last identified in Belgium in 1999. <HOME>
VCA Antech’s Same-Store Revenue Falls 3.3%July 23, 2009 VCA Antech Inc.’s Animal Hospital Division reported revenue of $261.3 million in the second quarter ended June 30, compared to $251 million in the year-ago period. The 4.1 percent increase was attributed to acquisitions made in the past 12 months. Same-store revenue declined by 3.3 percent during the quarter. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $499.6 million, compared to $477.1 million in the year-ago period. The Laboratory Division posted revenue of $82.8 million in the second quarter, compared to $81.8 million a year earlier. Year to date, the division's revenue was $160.3 million, compared to $158.6 million in the year-ago period. The Medical Technology Division saw second-quarter revenue of $10.6 million, compared to $11.8 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the revenue was $19.8 million, compared $25.7 million in the year-ago period. Overall, the Los Angeles company reported second-quarter net income of $39 million on revenue of $344.9 million compared to $41.4 million and $334.4 million, respectively, in the year-ago period. This represents a 3.1 percent increase in second quarter revenue. Year to date, the company's net income was $71.8 million on revenue of $660.7 …
Economy Still Affecting CharitiesJuly 22, 2009 More than half of charitable organizations have experienced a decrease in contributions between March and May compared to the year-ago period, according to a new survey by GuideStar, which provides information on more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations. GuideStar conducted the online survey of 2,279 public charities and private foundations in June. About 4 percent of the organizations were animal related. The survey revealed that 52 percent of organizations reported a decrease in contributions between March and May, 29 percent reported that contributions remained the same, 18 percent reported an increase in contributions and 1 percent responded “don’t know.” The results were similar to GuideStar’s previous nonprofit economic survey, which covered October 2008 through February 2009. “Our latest survey presents both a ‘glass is half full’ and ‘glass is half empty’ scenario,” said Bob Ottenhoff, president and chief executive officer of GuideStar. “On the one hand, the number of nonprofits reporting decreased contributions remained the same as in our previous survey. On the other hand, participants’ comments indicate that their organizations are stretched to the limit. Further, 8 percent still face closure because of financial reasons, and 58 percent report that …
Revenue Up In Neogen's Animal Safety DivisionJuly 21, 2009 Neogen Corp.’s Animal Safety Division reported revenue of $15 million in the fourth quarter ended May 31 compared to $11.5 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $57.7 million, up from $44.8 million in the same period a year earlier. The Lansing, Mich., company noted that integrating the acquired DuPont line of disinfectants and cleaners and IDS drug residue diagnostics contributed to most of the revenue growth for the year. Sales of the DuPont products exceeded expectations by more than 10 percent, according to Neogen. Domestic sales of Neogen’s line of rodenticides saw growth of 11 percent for the year. Sales of the Kare line of small-animal supplements rose by more than 40 percent. Overall, Neogen reported fourth-quarter net income of $3.4 million on revenue of $30.9 million, compared to $3.2 million and $27.1 million, respectively, in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $13.9 million on revenue of $118.7 million, compared to $12.1 million and $102.4 million, respectively, in the year-ago period. <HOME>
