Dealing With (Mis)guidanceFebruary 1, 2010"I can't believe what Dr. A told my client," a colleague told me recently about an obstipated cat. "He told her that cats do miserably after colectomy." The owner went online, read a very different story, and went to Dr. B, who referred her to us for surgery. This is a very delicate situation. Communication with referring vets is a like a religion. Should I call Dr. A to discuss the real prognosis of colectomy? Should I let Dr. A know that he has lost a client and why? But then if Dr. A calls the owner, will the client be mad at me for "ratting?" In such a case, ignoring the situation may be the most diplomatic situation. The biggest loser will, however, be other obstipated cats who meet Dr. A. (Note: It goes without saying that Dr. A is an excellent vet who truly cares about the welfare of his patients.) A similar situation occurred a few years ago. Dr. C told her client that 100 percent of the laryngeal paralysis patients she has seen died after surgery. That time, I did dare to call Dr. C, wondering about this dismal track record. I asked her, "How many …
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FDA Approves Dog, Horse DrugsJanuary 29, 2010 The Food and Drug Administration has approved two animal drugs, one for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs and the second for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in horses. Both approvals are effective today. The first applies to Belgium-based Janssen Pharmaceutica NV’s Surolan (miconazole nitrate, polymixin B sulfate and prednisolone acetate) for veterinary prescription use. The indications for use say the drug treats canine otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius). Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. The second drug applies to Pharmacia & Upjohn Co., a division of Pfizer Inc. of New York, for the veterinarian prescription use of Excede (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) Sterile Suspension. The drug is not to be used in horses intended for human consumption. The indications for use say the drug treats equine lower respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus.
Academy Of Veterinary Surgical Technicians Offers SpecialtyJanuary 28, 2010The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, a non-profit group that represents and promotes the profession of veterinary technology, has created a specialty: the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians. Amy Butzier, CVT, chairwoman of the association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, said the surgical technician specialty caters to veterinary technicians who have specialized knowledge. The association's academies give veterinary technicians recognition for having advanced education, training and experience in an area of specialization. The new academy offers a standardized path to help technicians qualify for a national exam to become a veterinary technician specialist, or VTS (Surgery). A 2009 survey of veterinary professionals found a need for technicians with advanced knowledge in many areas related to surgery. Heidi Reuss-Lamky, president of the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians, said veterinary technicians play a key role in the care of perioperative veterinary patients. They must not only understand sophisticated soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures, she said, but must have advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology, equipment/instrument care and maintenance, principles of asepsis, wound management and diagnostic imaging techniques.
Meeting On ProHeart 6 For Dogs Set For March 24January 28, 2010 The Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will meet March 24 in Rockville, Md., to discuss the Risk Minimization Act Plan (RiskMAP) for ProHeart 6. The RiskMAP goal is to manage the re-introduction of ProHeart 6 to ensure its safe, appropriate use for heartworm protection while minimizing the risk to dogs. Fort Dodge Animal Health voluntarily recalled ProHeart 6 in September 2004 to address federal safety concerns. The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine will present the FDA’s analysis of 18 months of information collected under the RiskMAP and will seek feedback from a panel of experts. The meeting is open to the public. Oral or written data, information and views can be presented. Written statements may be sent by March 17 to Aleta Sindelar, CVM, (HFV-3), 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855. Oral presentations from the public are set for 1 to 2 p.m. March 24. Interested persons must notify Sindelar by March 9. The meeting is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rockville Hilton.
Massachusetts May Allow Non-Economic Damages For Pet LossJanuary 27, 2010 Damages for the malicious injury to pets would be allowed under Massachusetts House Bill 1250, legislation first introduced in 2009 and set to be heard Thursday, Jan. 28. HB 1250, sponsored by Rep. James Arciero, D-Middlesex, adds to current law the option for non-economic damages in lawsuits alleging the malicious injury or killing of a pet. As written, the bill says such damages may include emotional distress and loss of companionship. The bill leaves much discretion, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). Though two alternative damages are listed, other non-economic damages are possible, PIJAC said. In addition, PIJAC said such damages are not determined by monetary loss, and juries often have discretion in making an award. PIJAC opposes legislation that would grant non-economic damages to pet owners, saying such measures can subject breeders, pet product manufacturers, retailers and veterinarians to excessive claims and raise the cost of companion animals for the public. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 28 before the Joint Judiciary Committee, Room A-1 in the state Capitol in Boston.
Veterinary Advisory Board Expands At Abaxis Inc.January 26, 2010 Four practitioners are joining the Veterinary Advisory Board at Abaxis Inc., a northern California company that manufactures, markets and sells portable blood analysis systems for the veterinary patient-care setting to provide rapid blood constituent measurements. This brings the number of board members to eight highly respected veterinarians, according to Abaxis. The expansion results in a diverse team of board-certified specialists and private practitioners to help with instrument use, test interpretation and patient management, the company said. Customers also benefit from seminars taught by advisory board members, at national, state and local conferences, and through industry meetings and Abaxis University. Craig Tockman, DVM, director of professional services for Abaxis North American Animal Health, said the board members are valued in their respective areas of expertise, as well as being outstanding educators. “By combining that expertise with Abaxis’ 24/7 technical service department, the company continues to expand its direct customer service benefits and economical point-of-care systems for the veterinary market,” Tockman said. New to the advisory board and their specialties: Mary Anna Thrall, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists – Clinical Pathology.
AVMA Backs Proposal To Create Opportunities For More Wildlife And Zoo VeterinariansJanuary 25, 2010 The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) commends newly introduced federal legislation that seeks to develop affordable and well-qualified opportunities for individuals who are interested in careers as wildlife and zoo veterinarians, as well as spur job growth. The Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Medicine Enhancement Act, introduced Jan. 21 by Congressman Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., will help bolster the nation’s supply of veterinarians specializing in the care of wildlife and zoo animals, the AVMA says. W. Ron DeHaven, DVM, AVMA chief executive officer, says this legislation will strengthen curriculum in veterinary schools, adding, “It will create opportunities for our veterinary graduates to work in the areas in which they have studied, and it will protect both animals and people.” According to the legislation, it serves four main purposes: • Create new funded positions for wildlife and zoological veterinarians. • Limit the amount of educational debt for veterinary medicine students while providing incentives to study and practice wildlife or zoological veterinary medicine. • Help schools and colleges of veterinary medicine develop pilot curricula specializing in wildlife and zoological veterinary medicine. • Expand the number of training programs in wildlife or zoological veterinary medicine for veterinary students. According to …
Veterinary Teams To Enter Haiti This WeekendJanuary 25, 2010 Editor's Note: A previous version of this story inaccurately reported that the AVMF's Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams were operating in Haiti. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), an international animal welfare organization, says plans are underway for a plane to transport a rescue team Jan. 23 from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The government of Haiti has asked WSPA to help with emergency relief operations after the massive Jan. 12 earthquake. WSPA, along with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other animal welfare groups that have united as the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), plan to arrive in Haiti this weekend. It is estimated that there were 5,925 poultry, 1,450,000 cattle, 1,900,000 goats, 500,000 horses, 80,000 mules, 1 million pigs and 153,000 sheep before the earthquake, according to most recent data from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The rescue teams have put together the necessary equipment and medicines, including vaccinations and bandages. To assist with Haiti relief efforts for pets, Banfield pet hospitals has donated $10,000 to benefit the companion animal population of the affected island nation. The Banfield donation goes …
80% Of ‘Painful’ Dogs Have Spinal CompressionJanuary 22, 2010In the late 1990s, a classic study1 drew important conclusions about dogs who have “only” paraspinal pain. Out of 429 dogs diagnosed with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), 25 had signs of back pain only. “Back pain only” means they had no proprioceptive deficits and therefore had normal motor function. A myelogram was performed. It revealed that in 80 percent of these dogs, spinal cord compression was detected, which of course was not suspected based on clinical signs alone. The authors’ conclusion is very straight forward: “Dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD that have clinical signs of back pain alone, without neurologic deficits, may have substantial compression of the spinal cord.” The take-home message is simple: If only for liability reasons, you probably should suggest advanced imaging to your client, whether a myelogram, CT or MRI. And you should document this recommendation in the medical record, which of course is also a legal document. The article referenced may seem old, but we verify its conclusion regularly. Rather than steroids, these patients will benefit from surgery. Sure, we know patients who have improved on steroids (and hopefully strict confinement). But we also know patients who were sent home on steroids, were allowed …
NIFA Seeks Nominations For Veterinary Service Shortage SituationsJanuary 22, 2010 Friday, Jan. 22 kicks off the 45-day nomination solicitation period, as authorized by the National Veterinary Medical Services Act (NVMSA) passed into law in January 2003. This law established a new VMLRP, allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a program of entering into agreements with veterinarians under which they agree to provide veterinary services in veterinarian shortage situations. Additional key dates of the program include: March 8 - submission deadline for nominations. . April 30 - publication in the Federal Register of the Notice of Selected Veterinarian Shortage Situations (also on NIFA website). . June 30 - application period closes. . September 30 - offers made to selected individual veterinarian applicants and agreements executed. The goal of the program is to make educational loan repayment agreements with veterinarians who choose to provide veterinary services in veterinarian shortage situations for a determined period of time. A cumulative total of approximately $9.6 million is available for NIFA to administer this program, according to the department of agriculture. Shortage situation nominations must …
