Abaxis, Wyeth, Neogen, Schering-Plough, Pfizer, PetMed - 07-25-2008July 25, 2008Abaxis Inc. Abaxis Inc.’s veterinary division recently reported revenue of $16.61 million for its first quarter ended June 30, compared to revenue of $16.44 million in the year-ago period. Veterinary reagent disc sales for the first quarter were $10.4 million, a decrease of 6 percent from the year-ago period. “The slow economy did have a negative effect on our veterinary reagent disc business,” said Clint Severson, chairman and chief executive officer of Abaxis. “While the comparisons over the first fiscal quarter last year were difficult due to increased veterinary reagent disc sales because of the pet food scare and the fact we announced a price increase in the last quarter of fiscal 2008, clearly the economy has been a drag on our veterinary consumable sales. “The good news is that our Vetscan chemistry analyzer sales increased by 83 units or 25 percent over last year’s comparable quarter. Improving product quality and the fact that a Vetscan chemistry analyzer can make a veterinary practice more efficient in a difficult economy are two reasons for the increase.” Overall, Abaxis reported net income of $2.78 million on revenue of $24.57 million for its first quarter, compared to …
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Alltech Creates Genetic-Based Antioxidant BoosterJune 25, 2008In what it is calling its first nutrigenomic breakthrough, Alltech, a developer and marketer of animal feed ingredients, reports it has created a product that will allow animal nutritionists to significantly reduce the level of increasingly expensive ingredients - such as antioxidant vitamins - without sacrificing performance. The product, EconomasE, was developed by Ronan Power, Ph.D., director of Alltech's Nutrigenomics Center, after he identified beneficial gene expression events in pathways associated with oxidative damage, metabolic stress and macromolecular repair mechanisms. The company has not yet disclosed its plans to bring EconomasE to the market. "EconomasE is just the beginning of what we will uncover through the work of Dr. Power and his team at our new nutrigenomics center," said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. "Dr. Power's understanding of gene expression profiling and its impact on key biochemical pathways within cells and tissues is leading Alltech into a whole new understanding of animal nutrition for optimal health and performance." The company unveiled the new research center in Nicholasville, Ky. in April. Powers' research program focuses on the effect of nutrition on gene expression. <HOME>
Acupuncture For Bone Cancer PainJune 24, 20081. Thoresen A. Acupuncture and cancer therapy. Obtained at http://home.online.no/~arethore/engelsk/foredrag/kreft.html on 05-26-08. 2. Thoresen A. Small animal cancer. Obtained at http://med-vetacupuncture.org/english/articles/an-canc.html on 05-26-08. 3. Kaphle K, Wu Y-L, and Lin JH. Thirtieth Annual Congress on Veterinary Acupuncture: IVAS Report. eCAM. 2005;2(2):239-242. 4. Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. TCVM News. Issue 4. September 3, 2004. P. 6. 5. Flaim D. Worth their weight in gold. Animal House. July 16, 2002. Obtained at Newday .com at http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:_jWqyEXHYOYJ:www.newsday.com/entertainment/nyc-pets-implants,0,918948.column+gold+beads+cancer+durkes&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us on 05-26-08. 6. Dvorak RF. Permanent acupuncture with gold bead implants. Obtained at http://www.himmlisch.com/goldbeads.htm on 05-26-08. 7. Repeated personal experience and personal communication with other veterinary acupuncturists, 1997-2008. 8. Buridan’s ass. Defined at http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O87-Buridansass.html. 9. Wesa K, Gubili J, and Cassileth B. Integrative oncology: complementary therapies for cancer survivors. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008;22(2):343-353, viii. 10. TCM Local Applications for Cancer Pain Management. Obtained at http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/exam/specialties_cancer2pain.html on 05-27-08. 11. Sabino MAC and Mantyh PW. Pathophysiology of bone cancer pain. Supportive Oncology. 2005;3(1):15-24. 12. Sabino MAC and Mantyh PW. Pathophysiology of bone cancer pain. Supportive Oncology. 2005;3(1):15-24. 13. Sabino MAC and Mantyh PW. Pathophysiology of bone cancer pain. …
Veterinarians Can Play Role In Discussions On Breed-Specific LegislationJune 24, 2008Veterinarians and other animal experts consistently agree that there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that a specific breed of dog is more dangerous than another. Still, the American Kennel Club reports that more than 100 U.S. municipalities have enacted breed-specific legislation in the past three years. Veterinarians and veterinary associations who make their stance known in breed debates can meet staunch resistance from politicians and residents determined to take legal action after a dog attack. Lack of acknowledgement for veterinarians' expertise deters practitioners from becoming involved, say those close to the controversy. "Pet owners look to veterinarians as a resource, but when it comes to banning a breed, the veterinary opinion is trumped by inaccurate statistics and mob mentality hysteria," says Adam Goldfarb of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). "However, there are ways to be successful in denouncing claims made in favor of breed bans. HSUS, among others, provides a guide to testify against breed-specific legislation." Some tips in the HSUS guide include: Plan ahead and recruit others. Know what you'll say and plan with allies so as not to make the same points. Read materials discussing the issue. Be professional; do not make the topic …
Substance Abuse: A Culture Of DenialJune 20, 2008Veterinary Practice News Managing Editor Somyr McLean contributed to this report. Veterinary medicine is the only U.S. medical profession that does not have a national monitoring program for substance abuse and mental health issues. Considering that medical professionals in general have a statistically higher incidence of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, many who are passionate about veterinary wellness are asking why DVMs are excluded. Authorities say they’re concerned not only for the health of those in the veterinary profession, but for the animals they treat as well. Even basic questions on the issue go unanswered, as no comprehensive, large-scale study of veterinarians and substance abuse has ever been conducted in the U.S. “Veterinarians in need of assistance fear losing their license and the stigma attached to suffering from an addiction or mental issue,” said Jeff Hall, DVM, a self-described recovering addict who formerly chaired the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Wellness Committee. “There isn’t an updated national support database of veterinarians, there isn’t a hotline. There isn’t a catalog of animals harmed by a compromised veterinarian or technician, there’s no statistic that shows veterinarians or staff who succumb to addictions or depression,” Dr. Hall said. “No one is expressing an interest …
American Heartworm Society Calls Vets To Help With Incidence SurveyJune 12, 2008The American Heartworm Society is asking veterinarians to participate in its heartworm incidence survey by visiting www.heartwormsociety.org/hwsurvey to record the number of dogs treated and diagnosed with heartworm disease in 2007. The society will compile the results and produce an updated, online heartworm incidence map. The last survey recorded cases of heartworm disease in 2004. "We hope conveying the severity of this disease through actual numbers will help veterinarians encourage year-round prevention with pet owners and eventually move towards eradicating this easily preventable disease," said Sheldon Rubin, DVM, president of the society. The society also plans to increase its outreach and teaching capabilities, such as continuing to target veterinarians and pet owners via a multi-media website and its sponsored awareness campaigns such as KNOW Heartworms,www.knowheartworms.org, a partnership with the American Assn. of Feline Practitioners and Pfizer Animal Health. In addition, the society is launching a "Heartworm University" program. It will target 10 state and local veterinary medical association programs per year, particularly those in areas perceived as having little heartworm risk. Speakers will train and assist veterinarians on emerging areas in heartworm prevention, testing and treatment and provide tips on client communications and compliance.
ACVD Names Muse Member-At-LargeMay 27, 2008The American College of Veterinary Dermatology has named Russell Muse, DVM, right, as the new member-at-large on its executive board. Dr. Muse, who will serve a two-year term, is co-owner of the Animal Dermatology Clinics in Tustin, Marina del Rey and Pasadena, all in California, as well as in Louisville, Ky., and Marietta, Ga. "This is a very important position for the members of the college," said Alexis Borich, ACVD executive secretary. "The responsibility to ensure the members of the college have a voice with the board of directors is key to our success. With Dr. Muse in this position, we are confident that the voice of the members will be heard." Muse also receives cases at satellite practices in Palm Springs, Calif., and Maysville, Ky. In addition, he lectures regionally and nationally to various veterinary groups as well as assists in teaching a dermatology course annually at Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine in Perth, Australia. <HOME>
12-Point Checklist For Financial PlanningMay 23, 2008Do you have a lawyer? Do you have a will? Do you have an executor? Do you have a guardian for your children? Do you have a revocable living trust? Do you have a durable power of attorney covering healthcare? Do you have a durable power of attorney covering financial matters? Does your family know who your lawyer is? Does your family know where your important papers are? Do you have life insurance? Do you have disability insurance (short-term and long-term)? Do you have long-term care insurance? Here are a few recommendations for reading up on securing your financial situation. “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach. "Smart Couples Finish Rich” by David Bach. “The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom” (and other titles), by Suze Orman. “The Wealthy Barber” by David Chilton. <HOME>
Advances In Cat Litter Help Clients Recognize Urinary Tract DiseaseMay 22, 2008According to Veterinary Pet Insurance in Brea, Calif., the No. 1 claim filed in 2005 and 2006 for cats was for urinary tract infections. Diabetes, kidney failure and ear infections follow. With millions of American cats at risk for this common ailment, manufacturers began creating litters designed to detect signs of urinary problems. In fact, some cat owners may have even wondered why it didn't happen sooner. "It's hard to do," says John York, president of Health Meter Cat Litter in Mira Mar Beach, Fla. "It took a lot of research and development, time and expense, to develop [a litter] that would do this." Diagnostic Cat Litters Diagnostic litters are evenly coated with a safe, nontoxic pH detector; the litters turn colors when they detect pH changes in a cat's urine. "You know the strips you use to test the pH in a swimming pool?" says Tim Barber, Ph.D., chief operating officer and director of research and development for Camarillo, Calif.-based Performance Plus Laboratories. "It's the same principle, although you'll never get that little strip underneath your cat. This is the simplest way to identify if a cat may have a problem." If the litter changes to a color other …
Universities On The Cardio Cutting EdgeMay 22, 2008Tests confirmed the lethargic 8-month-old golden retriever had subaortic stenosis. Only a few years ago, treatment consisted of medical management or surgery to remove scarring in the narrowed aortic valve. More recently, specialists have used balloon valvuloplasty to break up the obstructions. All three treatments show varying degrees of effectiveness. Last year at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, doctors used a new device, a balloon fitted with blades. The case was remarkable for more than its success in restoring the patient to high-spirited good health. It combined the skills of a veterinary cardiologist and a pediatric cardiologist: Amara Estrada, DVM, chief of the cardiology section at the school, and Joseph A. Paolillo, MD, a colleague from Shands HealthCare and director of the congenital catheterization program at the sprawling UF-affiliated hospital complex a brisk 10-minute walk away. Their continuing collaboration is part of a new discipline called translational medicine. "These collaborations are huge right now—the wave of the future," says Meg M. Sleeper, VMD, section chief of cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, renowned as the birthplace of veterinary cardiology. While breakthroughs in imaging, pharmacology and interventional surgeries using coils and catheters …
