Comments Sought For Proposed Reptile, Amphibian SpecialtyApril 17, 2009 The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties is seeking comment from the public and the profession regarding the proposed reptile and amphibian practice specialty under the auspices of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians first petitioned the ABVP in 2006 to begin the process toward recognition. The ABVP submitted a formal petition for recognition of the specialty to the ABVS Committee on the Development of New Specialties in December. Comments must be received by Nov. 1. For details, contact Dr. Beth Sabin, AVMA education and research division, at esabin@avma.org or 800-248-2862 ext. 6675. <HOME>
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Financial Newswire 12-20-2007April 17, 2009Henry Schein Inc. Henry Schein Inc. of Melville, N.Y., reported net income of $59.57 million on revenue of $1.51 billion for its third quarter ended Sept. 29, compared to net income of $39.29 million on revenue of $1.25 billion in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $136.9 million on revenue of $4.2 billion, compared to net income of $100.76 million on revenue of $3.57 billion in the year-ago period. Henry Schein acquired W. & J. Dunlop, a U.K. animal health products supplier, in its third quarter and reported that its worldwide veterinary business is at a run-rate of more than $700 million in annual sales. Hartville Group Inc. Hartville Group Inc. of Canton, Ohio, reported 58,853 pet polices for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, up 117 percent from the 27,149 in the year-ago period. For the third quarter, the company added 7,485 pet policies, an increase of 15 percent from June 30, compared to the addition of 1,094 pet polices, a 4 percent increase in the year-ago period. Hartville reported net loss of $2 million on revenue of $2.7 million for its third quarter, compared to net loss of …
Nutrigenomics Key Message At Hill’s SymposiumApril 17, 2009 More than 130 veterinary professionals attended Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium in April in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. The key message of the symposium, hosted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., was the increasing importance of nutrigenomics in the nutritional management of diseases of dogs and cats. “The effect of nutrients on gene expression is providing a better understanding of how to regulate metabolic pathways to optimize the health of canine and feline patients,” said Mitchell Abrahamsen, Ph.D., vice president of research at Hill’s. “We are excited to equip specialists who attended the Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium with validated research showcasing the benefits of nutrigenomics in companion animal veterinary medicine.” The symposium also focused on the importance of managing obesity in dogs and cats. P resenters discussed how the company is using nutrigenomics to develop foods such as Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d, Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d and many of the Hill’s Science Diet pet food products. For a copy of the proceedings, call 800-892-4621 or visit www.hillsvet.com. <HOME>
Specialty Hospitals Unite To Serve Vet CommunityApril 17, 2009Three specialty veterinary hospitals have merged to form BluePearl Veterinary Partners, bringing together more than 100 veterinarians. The hospitals are Florida Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center in Tampa, Fla., NYC Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center in New York City and Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Overland Park, Kan. "Our goal is to set a new standard for referral practices," said Neil Shaw, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners and founder of Florida Veterinary Specialists and NYC Veterinary Specialists. "We work hard to promote the overall veterinary community and we truly strengthen each individual practice that refers cases to us." BluePearl Veterinary Partners' primary relationship is with the pet family practitioner, Dr. Shaw said. The group has come up with a " five point commitment" that includes committing itself to exceptional patient care and client service; not providing routine, general or prophylactic care; operating strictly by referral; calling and mailing a written report for every referral; and always having a clinician available to consult with a colleague when they call. BluePearl Veterinary Partners maintains that it is unique in that it is completely owned from within the industry. Each managing partner is either a …
Dechra’s Vetoryl Receives FDA ApprovalApril 17, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Dechra Veterinary Products’ Vetoryl (trilostane) Capsules. The product is intended for treating pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism, which comprises the majority of cases of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs. Vetoryl also has received the designation status as a Minor Use Drug for treatment of hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenal tumors, the first drug to receive approval for this indication and the first drug to receive a Minor Use designation in dogs, according to the company. Dechra is based in Overland Park, Kan. <HOME>
Feline Health Researcher Wins Morris Lifetime Achievement AwardApril 17, 2009 Hill’s Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan., announced on Dec. 1 that C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVN, will receive the 2009 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to feline health. The award is presented annually at the opening ceremony of the North American Veterinary Conference, which will take place Jan. 17-21 in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Buffington, a professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is being recognized specifically for his work in helping understand the causes of urinary tract disease in cats and in identifying the role played by the environment in the health of indoor cats. “As a researcher, Dr. Buffington’s work on feline urinary tract disease and the impact of environmental factors on feline health and well-being has positively enriched the lives of thousands of cats around the globe,” said Mary Beth Leininger, DVM, Hill’s director of professional affairs. “His translational research has even affected human health as he identified similarities between feline urologic syndrome and interstitial cystitis in women.” Among his achievements, Buffington identified the role of acid-based balance in foods and its relationship to …
On The Emerging Wave Of ScrutinyApril 17, 2009 Mr. X practically crashes through your front door with Remy the miniature poodle in his arms. “He was hit by a car. I think he’s gone,” he sputters. Fortunately, your well-trained receptionist is at the ready. “Do we have your permission to evaluate him and perform any life-saving measures, if necessary?” Upon hearing him answer in the affirmative, she whisks Remy back without waiting for a technician to triage. If the dog’s almost dead, she reasons, Doc will need him in back with an IV catheter pronto. And you’re already waiting. You’ve stepped out of surgery and ripped off your gloves upon hearing the front office commotion, leaving a cat spay on the table for your best tech to close. You tube him. Another tech’s already got an IV running. You do your best CPR. You’ve done everything you and your techs were trained to do. But Remy’s gone. You explain the loss to your client and the work you undertook on his behalf. A couple of months later, there’s an article on Slate.com describing how angry your client was that you charged him several hundred dollars for CPR on his dead …
Harry Werner Takes Reins As AAEP PresidentApril 17, 2009 The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ new officers and board were inducted on Dec. 9 in San Diego at the AAEP’s 54th Annual Convention. Harry Werner, VMD, a 30-year AAEP member, took the reins of president during the President’s Luncheon. Dr. Werner owns an internal medicine and emergency care clinic, Werner Equine, in North Granby, Conn. The practice, established in 1979, focuses on the treatment of lameness and performs minor surgeries. Eighty-five percent of the horses treated at the practice are English sport horses. Other 2009 Executive Committee members include: • Nathaniel White II, DVM, president-elect. • Eleanor Green, DVM, immediate past president.< • William Moyer, DVM, vice president. • Jeffrey Berk, VMD, treasurer. Incoming board members include: • Peter Bousum, VMD, representing District I (North Atlantic). • B.A. Rucker, DVM, representing District II (Middle Atlantic). • Scott Hay, DVM, representing District III (South Atlantic). • Debora Sellon, DVM, Ph.D., representing District IX (Northwest region). • Carol Clark, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, director at large. • Desmond “Des” Leadon, international director. Several equine veterinary leaders were honored at the President’s Luncheon: • Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, AAEP past president, was named Distinguished Life Member. …
Financial Reports Wrap UpApril 17, 2009 Alpharma Inc.’s animal division reported that its first quarter revenue, which ended March 31, increased 3 percent to $83.8 million, compared to revenue of $81.7 million in the year-ago period. Overall, the company reported net income of $11.98 million on revenue of $168.08 million for its first quarter, compared to net income of $33.43 million on revenue of $158.98 million in the year-ago period. Alpharma is based in Fort Lee, N.J. Bioject Medical Technologies Inc., of Portland, Ore., reported net loss of $2.21 million on revenue of $2.13 million for its first quarter, which ended March 31, compared to net loss of $2.6 million on revenue of $1.69 million in the year-ago period. Bioject recently developed a modified Vitajet 3 spring-based device for Merial for use with its canine melanoma vaccine for dogs. Biopure Corp., of Cambridge, Mass., reported net loss of $6.22 million on revenue of $619,000 (including $500,000 from Oxyglobin sales) for its second quarter ended April 30, compared to net loss of $7.11 million on revenue of $411,000 (including $327,000 from Oxyglobin sales) in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net loss of $13.15 million on revenue of $1.21 million, compared …
AVMA Urges Presidential Candidates To Pledge Leadership On Animal IssuesApril 17, 2009 The American Veterinary Medical Association is challenging presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama to integrate into their platforms positions in support of veterinary medicine, food safety and animal health and well-being. “Animal and human health are nonpartisan issues, and we call on Senators McCain and Obama to honor America’s citizens by supporting measures to protect them from zoonotic diseases, food safety outbreaks and animal-related bioterrorism,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the AVMA. Specifically, the new president will need to advocate measures aimed at increasing the number of veterinarians and recruiting more to serve in rural areas, according to the AVMA. “Unfortunately, our nation is heading toward a crisis because there are only 85,000 veterinarians to keep all these animals and the humans in contact with them healthy,” Dr. DeHaven said. The new president must also take strong stances to preserve food safety programs and resources, such as the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank, which are frequently underfunded or at risk of closure, the AVMA said. In addition, the AVMA noted that top-level politically appointed positions that deal with veterinary, animal and food safety issues are best served by …
