Franck’s Recalls 6 Months Worth Of Sterile PreparationsJune 15, 2012 EDITORS' NOTE: This story was updated May 24, 2012, 7:20 p.m. EDT, to include information about the company’s termination of its sterile compounding business. Franck’s Compounding Pharmacy recalled all sterile compounds it distributed between Nov. 21, 2011, and May 21, 2012, and permanently ceased production of sterile compounds, the Ocala, Fla.-based company reported today. The pharmacy issued the recall after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration environmental sampling revealed the presence of microorganisms and fungal growth in the pharmacy’s clean room. Patients taking sterile prescriptions prepared by Franck’s during the six month window are at risk of infection, the company said. The company advised veterinarians and physicians in possession of sterile prescriptions distributed during the six-month window to destroy the preparations using appropriate practices. They should also review patient records to determine any adverse events that may have resulted from the use of the recalled products and report the events to Franck’s and the FDA’s MedWatch program. <HOME>
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Veterinary Groups Urge USDA To Ban Horse Soring ImplementsJune 14, 2012The American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and showing of Tennessee Walking Horses. Action devices, such as chains, ankle rings, collars, rollers and wood or aluminum bead bracelets, are used in conjunction with chemical irritants on the pastern of a horse’s foot to cause pain and induce an exaggerated gait, according to a joint statement issued by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Veterinary Medical Association. There is little scientific evidence indicating that the use of action devices on their own are detrimental to the health and welfare of the horse, but banning the devices would reduce the motivation to apply a chemical irritant, the organizations reported. The U.S. Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States, does not allow action devices in the show ring for all recognized breed affiliates. Performance packages, also called stacks or pads, made of plastic, leather, wood and rubber, are attached below the sole of the horse’s natural hoof and have a metal band that …
Merck Unveils Topical Parasite Meds For PetsJune 13, 2012 Merck Animal Health launched a pair of veterinary-exclusive, topical, ectoparasite treatment and prevention products for pets called Activyl and Activyl Tick Plus, the company reported today. Activyl treats and prevents flea infestations in dogs and cats, while Activyl Tick Plus controls both fleas and ticks, but is available exclusively for dogs, Merck reported. Both products contain the active ingredient indoxacarb, which kills fleas through a process called bioactivation. Indoxacarb is absorbed by a flea via contact or ingestion and is converted by certain flea enzymes into an insecticidal metabolite, which paralyzes and kills the flea. Indoxacarb also disrupts a flea’s life cycle by inhibiting the development of flea larvae in the pet’s surroundings, Merck reported. Activyl’s only active ingredient is indoxacarb, making it safe for both cats and dogs, according to the company. Activyl Plus is available exclusively for dogs because it contains both indoxacarb and permethrin, which kills and controls ticks, but is not safe for cats and should not be used on dogs younger than eight weeks or less than four pounds. Both products require monthly applications and are dispensed in single-application …
USDA To Exempt Pigeons, Doves From Bird Flu Import RuleJune 12, 2012USDA to Exempt Pigeons, Doves from Bird Flu Import Rulebird flu, pigeons, pigeons importation, importation of birds, dovesThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to exclude pigeons and doves from a rule that prohibits the importation of birds and poultry from countries where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) exists and is seeking public comments on the change.The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to exclude pigeons and doves from a rule that prohibits the importation of birds and poultry from countries where highly pathogenic avian influenza exists and is seeking public comment.newslineUSDA to Exempt Pigeons, Doves from Bird Flu Import RulePosted: June 12, 2012, 3:15 p.m. EDT The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to exclude pigeons and doves from a rule that prohibits the importation of birds and poultry from countries where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) exists and is seeking public comments on the change. In an effort to minimize the risk of HPAI spreading to the United States, the USDA published an interim rule in January 2011 prohibiting the importation of live birds or poultry that have moved through …
Novartis Launches 3-Day Feline NSAIDJune 11, 2012 Novartis Animal Health launched Onsior (robenacoxib) tablets, a three-day non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for postoperative cats, the Greensboro, N.C., company reported today. The drug is indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration. It is the first multidose oral NSAID to be approved for cats, Novartis reported. The drug’s short blood half-life causes the active ingredient to be quickly eliminated from the blood while persisting longer at the site of inflamed tissue, allowing for once-a-day administration for up to three days, the company reported. Side effects observed during a clinical field trial and six-month safety study included surgical site bleeding, infected surgery sites, lethargy, vomiting and inappetence. The drug is indicated for cats weighing 5.5 pounds or heavier and at least 6 months old for a maximum of three days. The drug should not be used in cats that have a hypersensitivity to robenacoxib or known intolerance to NSAIDs and should not be administered in conjunction with any other oral or injectable NSAID or corticosteroid, according to Novartis.
Pfizer To Spin Off Animal Health Business In 2013June 8, 2012Pfizer Inc. plans to spin off its animal health business in July 2013 under the moniker Zoetis, the New York City-based company reported yesterday. Pfizer's New York headquarters Pfizer is preparing an initial public offering of a minority ownership stake in the standalone company. “Our focus continues to be on taking the actions that will generate the greatest after-tax value for our shareholders, with share repurchases remaining the case to beat in allocating cash proceeds from the separation,” said Ian Reed, chairman and CEO of Pfizer. The name Zoetis is derived from the term “zoetic,” which contains the root “zo” as in “zoo” and “zoology” and means “pertaining to life,” according to Pfizer. “The name best captures the company’s focus on partnership with veterinarians, livestock producers and companion animal owners by providing innovative products and solutions that advance animal health and human well being,” said Juan Ramon Alaix, president of Pfizer Animal Health. Pfizer plans to provide details regarding the spinoff as part of its 2012 second quarter earnings report, likely in late July or early August. Pfizer’s animal health business, based in Madison, N.J., employs about 9,000 people and markets products to 120 …
Drs. Foster And Smith Starts Shipping To CanadaJune 7, 2012 Online pet supply retailer Drs. Foster and Smith began shipments to Canada on select pet products via ground service earlier this week, the Rhinelander, Wis.-based company reported today. Drs. Foster and Smith started taking orders from Canada for pet supplies on Monday and partnered with a shipping carrier to deliver products north of the border. The company is shipping only non-prescription pet products to Canada and has no plans to sell prescription medications abroad at this time, said Gordon Magee, Internet Marketing and Media Manager with Drs. Foster and Smith. Pet supplies available for shipment to Canada are marked with a Maple Leaf on their product pages on the Drs. Foster and Smith website. The company is marketing the new service via online ads and paid search results on Canadian search engines, but has no plans to market outside of the online arena. Canadian consumers have already started placing orders at a higher than expected rate, Magee said. <HOME>
Philly Mulls Pet Limit LawJune 6, 2012Philly Mulls Pet Limit LawPhiladelphia pets, Philly cats, Phillt dogs, Philly pets, Philadelphia dogs, Philadelphia catsThe Philadelphia City Council will hear a bill tomorrow, June 7, 2012, that would limit the number of dogs and cats allowed in a residence to 12.The city will hear a bill tomorrow, June 7, 2012, that would limit the number of dogs and cats allowed in a residence to 12.newslinePhilly Mulls Pet Limit LawPosted: June 6, 2012, 5:45 p.m. EDT Philly seeks to limit the number of cats and dogs per residence. The Philadelphia City Council will hear a bill tomorrow, June 7, 2012, that would limit the number of dogs and cats allowed in a residence to 12. The bill would also limit the number of unsterilized pets per household to two cats and two dogs. The proposal passed through the council's committee on public health and human services on Tuesday and would take effect immediately if passed. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes the bill on the grounds that on the grounds of a lack of correlation between the number of pets in a household and the quality …
TNR Groups Provide Vet Care To Captured CatsJune 5, 2012TNR Groups Provide Vet Care to Captured Catsrecsued cats, feral cats, neuter cats, spay cat, cat rabies, feline leukemiaMost feral cat groups provide rabies vaccinations to captured felines, but only about one in eight provide feline leukemia shots, according to a survey of 120 groups conducted by nonprofit feral cat advocacy group Alley Cat Rescue.The majority (96 percent) of feral cat groups neuter stray cats before placing them in homes, and most groups also provide spay and neuter services to owned cats to prevent future colonies from forming, according to Alley Cat Rescue.newslineTNR Groups Provide Vet Care to Captured CatsPosted: June 5, 2012, 6:10 pm. EDT Most "trap-neuter-return" feral cat groups provide vaccines and other veterinary services to prior to releasing them, according to a survey of 120 such groups conducted by Alley Cat Rescue, a feral cat TNR advocacy group. Ninety-six percent of the groups provide rabies vaccinations to feral cats, while 64 percent provide distemper vaccinations. Twelve percent provide feline leukemia shots, 62 percent deworm feral cats and 64 percent provide flea treatment. The majority (96 percent) of feral cat groups neuter stray cats before placing them in homes, and most groups also provide …
New Drug Shows Promise In Heart PatientsJune 4, 2012 The fundamentals of treating congestive heart failure in dogs and cats have not changed appreciably over the years, but one fairly new drug along with fairly new diagnostic tests have given veterinarians additional tools for patient care. Pimobendan, marketed under the trade name Vetmedin by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica of St. Joseph, Mo., is used in dogs with congestive heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy, chronic mitral valve insufficiency and degenerative mitral valve disease. The drug increases heart muscle contractions and dilates the blood vessels, so as to strengthen the heart’s ability to pump and allow easier blood flow. The Cardiocare test, manufactured by Idexx Laboratories of Westbrook, Maine, helps determine whether an animal’s labored breathing is caused by primary respiratory disease or congestive heart failure. The test measures a hormone released in the bloodstream in response to increased stretch or strain of heart muscle. A similar test was developed by Antech Diagnostics of Irvine, Calif. Helpful Care The standard of care for canine congestive heart failure treatment, written by a committee of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine cardiology diplomates, calls for triple therapy including furosemide, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and pimobendan, noted …
