Equine Disaster Teams Reach Out In Hurricane Ike AftermathApril 17, 2009 Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike’s massive storm, animal welfare organizations continue to lead rescue efforts, with many focusing on the equine population. To help these efforts, the American Assn. of Equine Practitioners Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund is accepting aid to help horses in Louisiana and Texas. Donations, which can be made at their website, will go to programs and organizations that are helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts as well as any future disasters that may occur. “The AAEP, AAEP Foundation and the equine veterinary community are saddened by the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Ike,” said Eleanor Green, DVM, president of AAEP. “We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to support the human and equine victims of this disaster.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has already pledged more than $25,000 in pre-assessment grants following Hurricane Ike, in addition to $50,000 in grant funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. The ASPCA, among other animal organizations, provide hay and water …
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Labrador Retriever Once Again Top Dog In U.S.April 17, 2009 The Labrador retriever’s reign as the most popular purebred dog in the nation continues for the 18th year in a row, according to the American Kennel Club. The AKC unveiled the top 10 most popular dogs in America on Jan. 21 during an event in New York to kick off the organization’s 125th anniversary. Other top dogs include the Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd, golden retriever and the beagle. The complete list for 2008: Labrador retriever Yorkshire terrier German shepherd Golden retriever Beagle Boxer Dachshund Bulldog Poodle Shih tzu Each year, the AKC also looks at the most popular breeds in each of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Some highlights: • The Bulldog continues to climb the national list. It’s really marking its territory in a number of western cities -- Las Vegas, Nev., Long Beach, Calif., Los Angeles, Calif., and San Diego, Calif. -- where it ranked second. • Detroit, Mich., and Miami, Fla., are the only cities that do not have the Labrador retriever in the top spot, both favoring the German shepherd dog. • The boxer is muscling its way to the top in a few cities, ranking second in Baltimore, Md., Cincinnati, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa, Louisville, Ky., Omaha, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo. …
AVMA Revises Policy On Antimicrobials In Livestock FeedsApril 17, 2009 The American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates has revised its policy on Antimicrobials in Livestock Feeds. The approval of Resolution 6, one of the resolutions to receive the most attention from delegates at the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference on Jan. 10 in Chicago, was reported in the Feb. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Proponents of Resolution 6, submitted by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, explained that it amends the AVMA policy to stress the need to proactively address antimicrobial resistance through science-based risk analysis. The revised policy, available here reads in part: “The AVMA supports a transparent FDA drug approval process that is rigorous and based on substantial scientific evidence supported by data and that includes an assessment of food safety. The AVMA believes FDA must continue to rely on robust antimicrobial resistance surveillance (e.g., National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System) and on science to evaluate possible public health impacts. Because of the national interest in ensuring food safety and public …
AVMA Releases Pet Ownership And Demographic SourcebookApril 17, 2009 Pet owners spent $24.5 billion on veterinary care in 2006, according to the American Veterinary Medical Assn.’s new 2007 “U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook,” which is published every five years. The average veterinary expenditure per household for all pets was $366 in 2006. About 64 percent of pet-owning households own more than one pet, according to the sourcebook. In addition, there are 43 million dog owning households compared with 37.5 million cat owning households, but 81.7 million cats compared to 72 million dogs. The sourcebook also includes statistics on veterinary medical use and expenditures, pet owner demographics, pet owner profiles, pet ownership and pet population. About 48,000 U.S. households were surveyed for the study. <HOME>
Sally Perea, DVM Joins Natura Pet ProductsApril 17, 2009Natura Pet Products of San Jose, Calif., has hired Sally Perea, DVM, Dipl. ACVN, as its senior nutritionist. She will work directly with Sean Delaney, DVM, Dipl. ACVN, Natura's senior executive vice president. Dr. Perea was previously a faculty member at the University of California, Davis and a principal consultant at Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting, a company that developed Balance IT software and supplements for making homemade pet food. "I'm excited to be joining Natura Pet Products, and look forward to playing a role in the further development and advancement of healthful pet foods and treats," she said. Natura Pet Products' lines include Innova, California Natural, EVO, HealthWise, Mother Nature and Karma. <HOME>
Novartis Lowers Price On Allergy DrugApril 17, 2009 Novartis Animal Health has reduced the price by up to 34 percent on its Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) Modified, a nonsteroidal oral therapy developed to control canine atopic dermatitis. "Atopic dermatitis is an expensive disease to treat," said John Rehak, DVM, Atopica senior product manager. "By passing the new cost savings along to their clients, veterinarians will be able to help more patients suffering from the relentless misery caused by atopy. Comfortable dogs mean satisfied, happy and loyal clients, which makes for a healthier clinic, too." The new pricing, which covers all product sizes, will take effect Feb. 1. <HOME>
New Spay Program In Michigan Seeks Vet ParticipationApril 17, 2009 All About Animals Rescue, a nonprofit that finds homes for dogs and cats and sponsors spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, is looking for veterinarians interested in participating in its new Spay Michigan program. Through the program, pet owners can call 888-5SPAY-HELP and be directed to discounted spay/neuter services throughout the state. Participating veterinarians will work with a voucher system and perform the services for about $50 per cat and $80 per dog, on average. This is the first statewide pet spay/neuter hotline, a much needed resource as poor economic conditions make it difficult for many pet owners to afford sterilization, said Amber Sitko, the group’s founder and president. “We believe that most pet owners want to be responsible,” Sitko said. “However, for many, it is a financial burden to do so. We are hoping the Spay Michigan hotline provides a way of reaching out to those pet owners who could use a hand.” The goal is to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets, which thousands end up in Michigan shelters and are euthanized each year, according to Sitko. The program will be promoted through special T-shirts designed by
Salmonella Contamination Spurs Limited Dog Food Recall In Southern CaliforniaApril 17, 2009Due to potential Salmonella contamination, Mars Petcare U.S. of Nashville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling 100 of the 20-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas. Last week, a component that should have been on hold due to positive testing results was inadvertently shipped to the company's Tracy, Calif., facility and used in the production of 100 bags of the Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites with best buy dates of 7/2009. Although the finished product tested negative of Salmonella and there have been no reports of illness or injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product, the company said it is taking precaution and issuing the voluntary recall. Mars Petcare also said it is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pet owners are advised to dispose of the product in a safe manner, such as a securely covered trash receptacle, and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund. Recalled Pet Food Information Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites Size: 20-pound bags UPC Code: 23100 14719 Lot Code: 830BFCAT02 Best Buy Date: 7/2009 Best Buy Date Location: …
Controlling Ventricular Arrhythmias In BoxersApril 17, 2009 This column is based on abstracts presented at the 24th annual ACVIM Forum in Louisville (2006). Ventricular arrhythmias in boxers are quite common. Many dogs can have minimal signs though some can have syncopal episodes or die suddenly. A familial basis for the arrhythmias has been previously identified and the results published.1 These arrhythmias may be linked to a disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This disease has been found in humans and cats as well, but only in humans and boxers is it associated with a significant risk of sudden death. A study at the Ohio State University obtained cardiac workups including 24-hour ambulatory ECGs on 239 boxers. Of these, 23 dogs with substantial ectopy or sudden death were necropsied.2 The necropsy study confirmed that these dogs had heart changes consistent with ARVC. ARVC is associated with progressive remodelling of the heart predominantly affecting the right atrium and right ventricle, though the left side of the heart can also become involved. Normal heart tissue is replaced with a fatty or fibrofatty infiltrate. Myocarditis is also commonly present. In many boxers, arrhythmias can be present for many years before signs of …
Equine Lameness Research Meeting ScheduledApril 17, 2009 The American Assn. of Equine Practitioners Foundation will host a Lameness Research Meeting and Panel on Aug. 1 at the Fort Collins Marriott in Fort Collins, Colo. The meeting will take place following the AAEP’s annual continuing education meetings—Focus on Lameness and Imaging 2007 and the 15th annual Practice Management Seminar—which will be held July 29-31. The morning session, which will feature 13 short abstract presentations, will be open to AAEP members and other invited participants and guests. The afternoon session will be open only to invited participants and guests and will include a one-hour, question-and-answer session followed by break out sessions involving selected “Blue Ribbon Panel of Lameness Researchers.” The meeting is being supported through donations by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., of St. Joseph, Mo., Idexx Laboratories Inc., of Westbrook, Maine, American Quarter Horse Foundation, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Morris Animal Foundation. For more information, visit www.aaepfoundation.org. <HOME>
