AVMA’s Dr. Golab Becomes First U.S. Vet Credentialed In Animal WelfareApril 17, 2009 Gail Golab, DVM, Ph.D., head of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Animal Welfare Division, recently became the first veterinarian in the United States to be credentialed in animal welfare. Dr. Golab earned the certification through the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists’ Animal Welfare Chapter, which involved more than two years of study and successful completion of written and oral exams. Australia is the only country that offers an animal welfare certification for veterinarians. “My work at the AVMA was a real asset to my studies, because as head of the Animal Welfare Division, I’m constantly exposed to and researching animal care practices affecting a variety of species across a range of uses,” Golab said. “I look forward to using the additional knowledge I have gained through this formal credentialing process to assist the AVMA in continuing to formulate rational and effective approaches to these complex issues.” Golab added that her studies have not only broadened her understanding of the scientific and ethical theory associated with animal welfare decisions, but have also created strong links with colleagues in the international veterinary and animal welfare communities.
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Pet Food Company Recalls Dry Food ProductsApril 17, 2009 MARS Petcare issued a national recall of Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites and Pedigree Large Breed Complete Nutrition dry pet food products from sale on Friday due to potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund. The following products are affected by this recall: Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 4 pounds UPC # 0-23100-05104 . Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 8.8 pounds UPC # 0-23100-14719 . Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 32 pounds UPC # 0-23100-31483 . Pedigree Large Breed Complete Nutrition 20 pounds UPC # 0-23100-29158 Affected products are identified by the letters PAE within “Best Before” ID Code on the product label [example = 808G1PAE01 12:00]. Animals infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will only have decreased appetite, fever or abdominal pain. In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the U.S Food and Drug Administration has posted food handling guidelines on its website. Click here for details, or call 866-298-8332.
Comments Sought For Proposed Reptile, Amphibian SpecialtyApril 17, 2009 The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties is seeking comment from the public and the profession regarding the proposed reptile and amphibian practice specialty under the auspices of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians first petitioned the ABVP in 2006 to begin the process toward recognition. The ABVP submitted a formal petition for recognition of the specialty to the ABVS Committee on the Development of New Specialties in December. Comments must be received by Nov. 1. For details, contact Dr. Beth Sabin, AVMA education and research division, at esabin@avma.org or 800-248-2862 ext. 6675. <HOME>
Financial Newswire 12-20-2007April 17, 2009Henry Schein Inc. Henry Schein Inc. of Melville, N.Y., reported net income of $59.57 million on revenue of $1.51 billion for its third quarter ended Sept. 29, compared to net income of $39.29 million on revenue of $1.25 billion in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $136.9 million on revenue of $4.2 billion, compared to net income of $100.76 million on revenue of $3.57 billion in the year-ago period. Henry Schein acquired W. & J. Dunlop, a U.K. animal health products supplier, in its third quarter and reported that its worldwide veterinary business is at a run-rate of more than $700 million in annual sales. Hartville Group Inc. Hartville Group Inc. of Canton, Ohio, reported 58,853 pet polices for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, up 117 percent from the 27,149 in the year-ago period. For the third quarter, the company added 7,485 pet policies, an increase of 15 percent from June 30, compared to the addition of 1,094 pet polices, a 4 percent increase in the year-ago period. Hartville reported net loss of $2 million on revenue of $2.7 million for its third quarter, compared to net loss of …
Nutrigenomics Key Message At Hill’s SymposiumApril 17, 2009 More than 130 veterinary professionals attended Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium in April in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. The key message of the symposium, hosted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., was the increasing importance of nutrigenomics in the nutritional management of diseases of dogs and cats. “The effect of nutrients on gene expression is providing a better understanding of how to regulate metabolic pathways to optimize the health of canine and feline patients,” said Mitchell Abrahamsen, Ph.D., vice president of research at Hill’s. “We are excited to equip specialists who attended the Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium with validated research showcasing the benefits of nutrigenomics in companion animal veterinary medicine.” The symposium also focused on the importance of managing obesity in dogs and cats. P resenters discussed how the company is using nutrigenomics to develop foods such as Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d, Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d and many of the Hill’s Science Diet pet food products. For a copy of the proceedings, call 800-892-4621 or visit www.hillsvet.com. <HOME>
Specialty Hospitals Unite To Serve Vet CommunityApril 17, 2009Three specialty veterinary hospitals have merged to form BluePearl Veterinary Partners, bringing together more than 100 veterinarians. The hospitals are Florida Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center in Tampa, Fla., NYC Veterinary Specialists and Cancer Treatment Center in New York City and Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Overland Park, Kan. "Our goal is to set a new standard for referral practices," said Neil Shaw, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners and founder of Florida Veterinary Specialists and NYC Veterinary Specialists. "We work hard to promote the overall veterinary community and we truly strengthen each individual practice that refers cases to us." BluePearl Veterinary Partners' primary relationship is with the pet family practitioner, Dr. Shaw said. The group has come up with a " five point commitment" that includes committing itself to exceptional patient care and client service; not providing routine, general or prophylactic care; operating strictly by referral; calling and mailing a written report for every referral; and always having a clinician available to consult with a colleague when they call. BluePearl Veterinary Partners maintains that it is unique in that it is completely owned from within the industry. Each managing partner is either a …
Dechra’s Vetoryl Receives FDA ApprovalApril 17, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Dechra Veterinary Products’ Vetoryl (trilostane) Capsules. The product is intended for treating pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism, which comprises the majority of cases of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs. Vetoryl also has received the designation status as a Minor Use Drug for treatment of hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenal tumors, the first drug to receive approval for this indication and the first drug to receive a Minor Use designation in dogs, according to the company. Dechra is based in Overland Park, Kan. <HOME>
Feline Health Researcher Wins Morris Lifetime Achievement AwardApril 17, 2009 Hill’s Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan., announced on Dec. 1 that C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVN, will receive the 2009 Mark L. Morris, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to feline health. The award is presented annually at the opening ceremony of the North American Veterinary Conference, which will take place Jan. 17-21 in Orlando, Fla. Dr. Buffington, a professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is being recognized specifically for his work in helping understand the causes of urinary tract disease in cats and in identifying the role played by the environment in the health of indoor cats. “As a researcher, Dr. Buffington’s work on feline urinary tract disease and the impact of environmental factors on feline health and well-being has positively enriched the lives of thousands of cats around the globe,” said Mary Beth Leininger, DVM, Hill’s director of professional affairs. “His translational research has even affected human health as he identified similarities between feline urologic syndrome and interstitial cystitis in women.” Among his achievements, Buffington identified the role of acid-based balance in foods and its relationship to …
On The Emerging Wave Of ScrutinyApril 17, 2009 Mr. X practically crashes through your front door with Remy the miniature poodle in his arms. “He was hit by a car. I think he’s gone,” he sputters. Fortunately, your well-trained receptionist is at the ready. “Do we have your permission to evaluate him and perform any life-saving measures, if necessary?” Upon hearing him answer in the affirmative, she whisks Remy back without waiting for a technician to triage. If the dog’s almost dead, she reasons, Doc will need him in back with an IV catheter pronto. And you’re already waiting. You’ve stepped out of surgery and ripped off your gloves upon hearing the front office commotion, leaving a cat spay on the table for your best tech to close. You tube him. Another tech’s already got an IV running. You do your best CPR. You’ve done everything you and your techs were trained to do. But Remy’s gone. You explain the loss to your client and the work you undertook on his behalf. A couple of months later, there’s an article on Slate.com describing how angry your client was that you charged him several hundred dollars for CPR on his dead …
Harry Werner Takes Reins As AAEP PresidentApril 17, 2009 The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ new officers and board were inducted on Dec. 9 in San Diego at the AAEP’s 54th Annual Convention. Harry Werner, VMD, a 30-year AAEP member, took the reins of president during the President’s Luncheon. Dr. Werner owns an internal medicine and emergency care clinic, Werner Equine, in North Granby, Conn. The practice, established in 1979, focuses on the treatment of lameness and performs minor surgeries. Eighty-five percent of the horses treated at the practice are English sport horses. Other 2009 Executive Committee members include: • Nathaniel White II, DVM, president-elect. • Eleanor Green, DVM, immediate past president.< • William Moyer, DVM, vice president. • Jeffrey Berk, VMD, treasurer. Incoming board members include: • Peter Bousum, VMD, representing District I (North Atlantic). • B.A. Rucker, DVM, representing District II (Middle Atlantic). • Scott Hay, DVM, representing District III (South Atlantic). • Debora Sellon, DVM, Ph.D., representing District IX (Northwest region). • Carol Clark, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, director at large. • Desmond “Des” Leadon, international director. Several equine veterinary leaders were honored at the President’s Luncheon: • Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, AAEP past president, was named Distinguished Life Member. …
