Sanofi-Aventis And Merck To Form Merial-Intervet Joint VentureJuly 27, 2010 Sanofi-aventis and Merck reported today that it intends to combine its animal health businesses, Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough, respectively, to form Merial-Intervet. The new joint venture will offer a broader portfolio of animal health products and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as the ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in all fields and countries in the world, the companies reported. “The talents, products and expertise of both companies are very complementary and will create a company with greater geographical and market coverage,” said Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive officer of Sanofi-aventis. “As a result, we expect the new Merial-Intervet joint venture to drive significant growth.” Raul Kohan, executive vice president and president of Merck’s Global Animal Health, will become chief executive officer of Merial-Intervet. He will commence his new responsibilities when the joint venture is approved by regulatory authorities and closes, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2011. “Raul brings a wealth of animal health and global pharmaceutical industry experience,” said Richard Clark, Merck chairman and chief executive officer. “We’re pleased that Raul will lead the integration of the two companies while continuing to deliver global growth momentum. The new …
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P&G Recalls Prescription Iams Dry Cat Food Due To Possible Salmonella ContaminationJuly 26, 2010 The Procter & Gamble Company reported yesterday that it is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its prescription Iams brand renal dry cat food due to potential Salmonella contamination. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis recently identified a positive result on 5.5-pound bags of Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal with Lot Codes 01384174B4 0 and 01384174B2 0. Both have the UPC Code 19014 21405 1. Lot codes can be found in the lower right corner on the back of the bag. Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal is available by prescription through veterinary clinics. No illnesses have been reported, according to the Cincinnati-based company. P&G is asking consumers who have purchased the above cat food to discard it. Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain, according to the company. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. P&G urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms. People handling dry pet food can become infected …
Practical Evaluation Of Novel Treatments For Equine Metabolic SyndromeJuly 23, 2010 The horse world has not proven resistant to the obesity epidemic and related diseases that have swept our human population. Every day in my practice I see animals that are overweight or over-conditioned, conditions that put them at risk for a variety of long-term and debilitating diseases. Many of these animals might now be diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). EMS is a likely diagnosis for overweight animals, animals prone to laminitis, animals with “cresty” necks or other exaggerated fat pads, and animals with elevated fasting insulin levels. Just as in humans, these elevated insulin levels are of particular concern. This key hormone is responsible for sugar and energy metabolism in the body, and high fasting levels suggests that the body is not responding to insulin. The result is that metabolism controlled by insulin isn’t working optimally, which in people can lead to diabetes. While the impact of elevated insulin levels on the horse is still being studied, likely consequences, based on information from other species, include inflammation and circulatory issues. Without a doubt, exercise and diet modification play a central role in the management …
Idexx Sees Q2 Revenue Increase With ‘Strong’ Capital PlacementsJuly 23, 2010 Idexx Laboratories Inc.’s companion animal division reported today revenue of $232.3 million for its second quarter ended June 30, compared to revenue of $217.3 million in the year-ago period. The Westbrook, Maine-based company said changes in foreign currency exchange rates and incremental revenue attributable to a business acquired in August 2009 each contributed less than 1 percent to revenue growth. “Capital placements in the second quarter were strong, led by sales of our Catalyst Dx chemistry analyzer and our line of digital radiography systems,” said Jonathan Ayers, chairman and chief executive officer. Total chemistry placements for the quarter, which include the VetTest and Catalyst Dx analyzers, grew almost 15 percent to 950. The company remains on track to place 2,400 Catalyst Dx analyzers in 2010, according to Ayers. Year to date, the companion animal division reported revenue of $453.7 million, compared to revenue of $411 million in the year-ago period. Overall, Idexx Laboratories reported net income of $37.2 million on revenue of $281.5 million for the second quarter, compared to net income of $33.7 million on revenue of $265.7 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $70.2 …
Purina Launches 'Project: Pet Slim Down' For PetsJuly 23, 2010 Before After Churchill, one of the dog’s tracked in the online reality series, lost 9 pounds (from beginning weight of 70 pounds) and 6 inches off his waist over 90 days. Purina Veterinary Diets of St. Louis, Mo., is launching Project: Pet Slim Down, a weight loss initiative for pets and veterinary practices. The program combines veterinary staff education, practice tools and nutritional products with emotional inspiration and success stories featured on a made-for-Web reality series, a key component of the program according to Purina. “Project: Pet Slim Down is designed to help veterinarians and staff motivate clients to be active participants in pet weight loss, with regular weigh-ins, ongoing encouragement and practical advice for diet and exercise,” said Grace Long, DVM, MS, MBA, director of technical veterinary marketing for Nestlé Purina. “It’s all about achieving intangible results, making clients feel supported and improving pet health.” The Project: Pet Slim Down online reality series (www.projectpetslimdown.com/Home) chronicles the successful weight loss experiences of eight overweight dogs over a 90-day …
VCA Antech’s Same-Store Revenue Drops 2%July 22, 2010 VCA Antech Inc.’s animal hospital division today reported revenue of $267.6 million for its second quarter ended June 30, compared to revenue of $261.3 million in the year-ago period. The 2.4 percent increase was driven by acquisitions made in the past twelve months, said Bob Antin, chairman and chief executive officer. Same-store revenue declined by 2 percent and same-store gross profit margin declined to 18.6 percent from 20.4 percent, according to the Los Angeles-based company. During the quarter, VCA Antech acquired seven animal hospitals which the company said had historical combined annual revenue of $9.5 million. Year to date, the animal hospital division reported revenue of $514.3 million, compared to revenue of $499.6 million in the year-ago period. The company’s laboratory division reported revenue of $83 million for its second quarter, compared to revenue of $83.2 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $161.2 million, compared to revenue of $161 million in the year-ago period. The company’s medical technology division reported revenue of $14.6 million for its second quarter, compared to revenue of $10.3 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the division reported revenue of $30.4 …
Intervet/Schering-Plough Launches Orbax To Address Pet Owner ComplianceJuly 22, 2010 Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched a once-a-day, malt-flavored oral antibiotic for cats and small dogs. The product, Orbax (orbifloxacin) Oral Suspension, is designed to make it easier and more convenient for pet owners to administer the medicine to their dog or cat. “We are constantly seeking ways to keep pets healthy, safe and happy and make the job easier for their care providers,” said Steve Shell, head of the Companion Animal Business Unit. “Orbax Oral Suspension’s innovative technology in both formulation and dispensing can make all the difference in supporting recovery from serious infection.” The product, as the company described it, features a patented, taste-masking ion exchange agent that enables the orbifloxacin to pass by an animal’s taste buds undetected and then be released in the low pH environment of the stomach. The malt-flavored oral suspension is readily accepted by 95 percent of cats and 96 percent of dogs, according to Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. The product, which does not require refrigeration, also features a ready-to-use “press-in” dispensing system to ensure accurate, “neat” dosing, according to the company. The medication can be detected throughout the body within a few hours after administration. Orbax Oral …
ASPCA Promotes Dr. Steven Hansen To COOJuly 21, 2010 The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has promoted Dr. Steven Hansen to chief operating officer, effective today. In his new position, Hansen will oversee all ASPCA program areas, as well as a majority of the New York City-based organization’s infrastructure teams. “Dr. Hansen is an accomplished executive with a strong record of achievements, both with the ASPCA and the animal welfare community at-large,” said ASPCA president & CEO Ed Sayres. “During his 13 years of dedicated service to the ASPCA, Dr. Hansen has become an invaluable resource for the organization and has developed a profound understanding of the issues affecting companion animals in our world today. We look forward to his contributions in this new capacity.” Hansen joined the ASPCA in 1997 as vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill., and most recently served as the ASPCA’s senior vice president of animal health services, a division dedicated to providing pet health and wellness information to pet owners. Under his leadership, the Animal Poison Control Center and Information Technology teams launched in 2000 the AnTox database, a comprehensive animal toxicology database that features more than one …
University Of Tennessee And Midmark Develop Dental SuiteJuly 20, 2010 The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and Midmark Corp. of Versailles, Ohio, recently developed a dental suite at the UT Veterinary Medical Center in an effort to promote knowledge and practice of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. “Dentistry is an important component of animal health that should be integrated into veterinary practices,” said Sharon Startup, DVM, of the school’s department of small animal clinical sciences. “Nearly 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, yet dental health in today’s veterinary teaching hospitals receive less than 10 percent of the focus.” The dental suite features Midmark custom configured casework, a Canis Major Lift Table, a fixed height wet treatment table, stools and a VetPro 1000 Dental Delivery System. The college expects to add another VetPro delivery system and additional hand pieces later this year in the suite. “The new dental suite and Midmark equipment have increased our efficiency by allowing two separate procedures to be performed simultaneously,” said Dr. Startup. “Our increased caseload has provided excellent exposure and experience for our students.” The suite will also provide Midmark with insight into future product development. …
Can CAVM Become Board-Certified?July 19, 2010 Can CAVM Become Board-Certified FootnotesCan CAVM Become Board-Certified FootnotesCan CAVM Become Board-Certified FootnotesCan CAVM Become Board-Certified FootnotesCan CAVM Become Board-Certified? July 2010 Footnotes footnotes06-30-2010By Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA 1. AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties. April 2009. Obtained here on 05-28-10. 2. Hubscher M, Vogt L, Ziebart T, et al. Immediate effects of acupuncture on strength performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 May 25. [Epub ahead of print]. 3. White A and Editorial Board of Acupuncture in Medicine. Western medical acupuncture: a definition. Acupunture in Medicine. 2009;27(1):33-35. 4. Hubscher M, Vogt L, Ziebart T, et al. Immediate effects of acupuncture on strength performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 May 25. [Epub ahead of print]. 5. Hubscher M, Vogt L, Ziebart T, et al. Immediate effects of acupuncture on strength performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 May 25. [Epub ahead of print]. 6. Colorado Physical Therapy Licensure. Rules and Regulations. 4 CCR 732-1. Effective November 30, 2007. Obtained here at on 05-28-10. 7. Pollard H, Hoskins W, McHardy A, et al. Australian …
