VPN Plus+ ExclusiveImproving the outlook for brain tumor patientsJuly 21, 2020The path to discover and perfect new cancer treatments is long and expensive. It can take more than a decade and cost over $2 billion to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic before it reaches the marketplace. To expedite the process, researchers are thinking outside the box—or rather, outside their own species. The concept of comparative medicine (i.e. One Medicine) has great potential to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments. By examining the similarities and differences in biology among different species (e.g. dogs and humans), we gain increased understanding of the mechanisms of disease in each. This comparative medicine model, as demonstrated in the field of neuro-oncology by the Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium (CBTC), has already shown promising results. Launched by the Comparative Oncology Program (COP) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2015, CBTC comprises veterinarians, physicians, and basic researchers who have joined forces to improve outcomes for dogs and humans affected by brain cancer by using more predictive and accurate preclinical models. Laboratory animal models don't always adequately mimic the complex genetic, biologic, and environmental conditions of the human experience. Dogs get many of the same spontaneous cancers as humans, and their genome is …
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"Golden oldies" could unlock secrets of canine cancerJuly 20, 2020Pinpointing why some dogs get cancer and others do not is the focus of Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
Dog parks may be petri dish for parasitesJuly 20, 2020Now more than ever, it is imperative veterinarians ensure their patients are properly protected from parasites.
$300K grant to protect Ariz. Tribe lands from deadly parasiteJuly 16, 2020A pervasive and deadly tick-borne disease has infiltrated communities in Arizona, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation is determined to put a stop to it.
Hookworm stubbornly persists across U.S.July 16, 2020Rockford, Ill., is the number one city for hookworm in June, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWhy offering a 401(k) plan is a good ideaJuly 16, 2020As a veterinary practice owner, taking care of your employees is paramount to hiring and keeping wonderful staff around. By offering great benefits, you are showing they matter to you both in and out of the office. One extremely valuable benefit to offer is a 401(k), which allows your employees to put away money for retirement. In the past, practice owners may have felt a 401(k) was too costly or complex for small veterinary clinics to provide, but that's no longer the case. With the modern 401(k), you don't need to worry about having extensive investment knowledge, or even a lot of time to manage the plan. You'll get access to features that can make it both easier and less expensive for both you and your employees. How a modern 401(k) can help your practice According to a recent survey by Capital One, 94 percent of small business owners who offer a 401(k) plan say it helps with their recruitment and retention of employees. By providing this benefit, you show you value their contribution and want to help them invest in their future. Setting up a 401(k) can sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here's what you can …
$7.6-billion Elanco deal gets FTC green lightJuly 15, 2020Elanco Animal Health has received unanimous approval for its $7.6-billion acquisition of Bayer’s animal health division.
$65K in pharma research grants up for grabsJuly 15, 2020AVMF, VPRF, and ACVCP are seeking proposals for research related to new or approved medications.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWhat is website accessibility and could you be at risk for a lawsuit?July 14, 2020Most business owners are familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the requirements this law imposes on them to make their facilities accessible to those with disabilities. For businesses that are "places of public accommodation" (e.g. veterinary practices), access includes providing on-site features including wheelchair ramps, handicap accessible bathrooms, and parking spots. In the past few years, there has been increasing debate around whether a company's website is an extension of a place of business and must be accessible just like its physical counterpart. The ADA does not speak directly to this question and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is responsible for interpreting the act, has not weighed in on the matter. This ambiguity in the law has led to a wave of litigation, suggesting businesses with "inaccessible websites" are violating the ADA and are subject to penalties. While it is difficult to identify out-of-court settlements, according to the ADA, the maximum civil penalty for a first violation under title III ranges from $55,000 to $75,000. For a subsequent violation, the new maximum is $150,000. In 2019, there were thousands of lawsuits filed against businesses and tens of thousands of legal demand letters. In the fall of …
Campaign aims to screen 2,000 pets for diabetesJuly 13, 2020Promoting early diagnosis and management of diabetes in pets is the goal of an ongoing national program, led by three major players in the animal health industry.
