World's first HDR brachytherapy center for pets targets tumorsSeptember 26, 2018A veterinarian and a medical doctor in Utah are delivering high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy to canine and feline cancer patients. Clayton Watkins, DVM, owner of VetMed Consultants and human radiation oncologist and brachytherapy specialist John K. Hayes, MD, recently received state approval for a radiation facility where animals can be treated on site at their Holladay location, the first dedicated radiation facility for pets in Utah and the first facility in the world dedicated to HDR brachytherapy for pets. HDR brachytherapy administers radiation via a robotically controlled radioactive seed that delivers a pinpointed burst of radiation directly into the tumor, applied via catheter. Originally designed to target certain forms of human cancer, human radiation oncologists have used it with success on cancers of the prostate, breast, cervix, uterus, and in the head and neck, and others. "Our clients love the results we can get for their family pet," said Dr. Watkins. "Brachytherapy is not painful and does not result in systemic side effects. Compared to other types of radiation, brachytherapy provides a higher dose of radiation and less exposure to normal tissues, it's less expensive, and is it better shaped to the tumor we are …
Education Center - SponsoredIntegrating Therapeutic Nutrition for Chronic Allergiesby • Hill's Pet NutritionIntended for veterinary audiences
Morris Animal Foundation funds 13 wildlife studies with $850KSeptember 25, 2018Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will extend $850,000 to fund 13 wildlife research studies. Through the new grants, the foundation is supporting scientists from Tufts University, Cornell University, and the Smithsonian Institution. The foundation's Wildlife Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all submitted grant applications and selected, based on scientific merit and impact, the studies with the greatest potential to save lives, preserve health, and advance veterinary care. Wildlife studies funded for 2018 include: Understanding the Impact of Lead Poisoning in Bald Eagles Researchers will analyze multiple data sources to learn if lead continues to impact the long-term health and recovery of bald eagles. This new information will be used to help inform policy and public communication about lead exposure in bald eagles and other wildlife. Tackling Another Contagious Cancer in Tasmanian Devils Researchers will investigate a second, recently discovered, contagious cancer in Tasmanian devils, devil facial tumor 2 (DFT2). Understanding how the disease is evolving and spreading will provide important clues on how to manage this disease and other contagious cancers affecting both Tasmanian devils and dogs. Saving Endangered Frogs from Deadly Fungal Disease Researchers will look at ways to boost the immunity of …
Morris Animal Foundation names new president and CEOSeptember 25, 2018Morris Animal Foundation announced that Tiffany Grunert is the organization's new president and CEO. Grunert, who joined the foundation in 2017 as vice president of marketing and brand strategy, has been serving as acting president and CEO since February 2018. Grunert takes charge of a $15 million annual budget, an $80 million endowment, and 40 employees. Morris Animal Foundation funds more than 200 scientific studies annually and has contributed more than $118 million over 70 years to advance the health and well-being of animals around the world. Established in 1948, it acts to advance veterinary medicine, protect endangered species, and train new scientists. "With Morris Animal Foundation's rich and beautiful history, and our bright future to continue to advance animal health, I am honored to serve as the next president and CEO," Grunert said. "The foundation's board of trustees has entrusted me with an organization of enormous importance and deep value. I recognize the magnitude of our current efforts and the need to advance our strategic initiatives to grow our impact. We must ensure that there is always a robust resource to improve animal health." As acting president and CEO, Grunert advanced the Golden Retriever Lifetime …
Nova Scotia outlaws cosmetic surgery on animals unless medically imperativeSeptember 24, 2018Nova Scotia has introduced changes to the Animal Protection Act intended to strengthen the welfare of livestock and companion animals in the province.
iVET360 offers risk-free marketing to veterinary practicesSeptember 24, 2018iVET360, an independently owned and operated veterinary services company, with clients in all 50 states, is offering services with no monthly contract.
The dedicated referralist's handbookSeptember 24, 2018Want to know the secret to a win-win-win relationship among you, your clients, and your local ER or specialist? It should come as a surprise to no one that clear, unambiguous communication, mutual respect, and a principled approach to achieving what’s best for each individual patient is the key to healthy relationships between referrings (most of you), ERs and specialists (fewer of you), and our clients. Because it’s what’s best for our patients, after all.
American Humane certifies two new facilities through conservation programSeptember 24, 2018American Humane has announced the certification of Miami Seaquarium and Roger Williams Park Zoo through the American Humane Conservation program.
Say nay to nonchemical parasite controlSeptember 24, 2018Most horses will need to be dewormed occasionally. Happily, there are a number of reasonably effective and very safe products available. Unfortunately, there also are quite a number of strategies and products that don’t work at all. While it may seem obvious that those should be avoided, nevertheless, some may have a vocal and ardent following.
Royal Canin marks a milestoneSeptember 21, 2018Royal Canin is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a global provider of health and nutrition products for dogs and cats.
FDA issues alert for isoxazoline class of flea, tick productsSeptember 21, 2018The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting veterinarians and pet owners of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with isoxazoline class flea and tick products, including Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica. Data received by the agency as part of its routine post-marketing activities indicates that some animals receiving Bravecto, Nexgard, or Simparica have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures, said the FDA in a statement. Credelio, another isoxazoline class product, recently received FDA approval. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations. The FDA said it is working with manufacturers of isoxazoline products to include new label information to highlight neurologic events, as they were seen consistently across the isoxazoline class of products. These products continue to be safe and effective for the majority of animals, said the FDA, adding that it carefully reviewed studies and other data on Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, and Simparica prior to approval. The agency is asking the manufacturers to change product labeling in order to provide veterinarians and pet owners with the information they need to make treatment decisions …
