Owners To Blame For Homeless Pets, Study SaysApril 17, 2009Eighty-six percent of animals surrendered to shelters are there because of reasons related to the owners' circumstances, not pet related, according to a new study by Pethealth Inc. of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The study was based on data collected from almost 800 animal-welfare organizations and about 1.4 million cats and dogs brought through the organizations' doors. Officials created a list of 30 reasons pets were turned over to shelters. Each of the 30 reasons was then further separated into two categories – owner-specific reasons and pet-specific reasons. For example, owner-related reasons for relinquishing an animal include moving, allergies or home-owner insurance policy restrictions. Pet-related reasons include animal health, demonstrated aggression or hyperactivity. Animals that were returned to the shelter after being initially adopted were analyzed separately, classified as a "return" animal rather than a "surrender" animal, and those statistics were compiled separately. The top 10 reasons reported for surrender were: 1. Too many pets (18 percent) 2. Unwanted or incompatible (10 percent) 3. Moving or deployed (10 percent) 4. Stray, found or abandoned (8 percent) 5. Inability to care for (8 percent) 6. Financial of home-insurance policy restrictions (6 percent) 7. Euthanasia request (5 …
SPONSORED CONTENTA Modern Approach to Parasite PreventionWith evolving parasite threats, traditional preventatives may not be enough. Discover how innovation is changing the landscape of protection. + Learn More
AFP Sells 2,500th Vet Dental X-Ray UnitApril 17, 2009 AFP Imaging Corp. of Elmsford, N.Y., has sold its 2,500th EVA Vet digital dental radiography unit. The company, which says it has been a leading veterinary dental radiography company since November 2002, credits its success to designing systems specifically for veterinary dental use. It also sells radiograph systems to veterinarians for whole- body needs. “AFP Imaging has raised the standard of veterinary care by its commitment to veterinary dental imaging,” said Jan Bellows, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, of Hometown Animal Hospital and All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, Fla. “No modern practice can ignore the advantages of intraoral radiology introduced by them.” The company, now in its 30th year, expects “to launch new applications and equipment configurations for veterinary and human extremities in the near future. For its fiscal year ended June 30, the company reported that overall sales increased 19 percent to $34.3 million and posted a net loss of $11 million for the year. Since July, the company reported its been feeling the effects of the credit crunch as potential customers, including veterinarians, “have recently hesitated to commit to lease, purchase or invest in high tech products.” AFP reported …
Small Animals Benefit On Whole Foods DietApril 17, 2009 1. Liu H.R., "Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003; Vol. 78, No. 3, 517S-520S 2. Raghavan M., et al, “Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2005; Vol. 227, 94-100 3. Remillard R.L., Paragon B.M., Crane S.W., et al: “Making pet foods at home,” in Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, Roudebush P (eds): Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, ed 4. Topeka, KS, Mark Morris Institute, Walsworth Publishing Company, 2000; 163–182. 4. Angelino PD et al, “Residual alkaline phosphatase activity in pasteurized milk heated at various temperatures-measurement with the fluorophos and Scharer rapid phosphatase tests.” Journal of Food Protection, 1999; 62(1):81-85 5. Severi S., et al, “Effects of home-based food preparation practices on micronutrient content of foods.” European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 1998; 7(4): 331-335 6. Yadav SK and Sehgal S, “Effect of home processing on ascorbic acid and beta-carotine content of spinach (Spinacia oleracia) and amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) leaves.” Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 1995; 47(2): 125-131 …
Training Program Encourages Vets To Be FrankApril 17, 2009 Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is launching a new communication training program for veterinarians. The first four workshops will be held May 7 and 8 and Oct. 1 and 2 at the university’s Veterinary Medical Center. “Frank: An Interactive Veterinarian-Client Communication Workshop” is designed to teach veterinarians how to be frank when it’s not easy, providing communication skills to deal with a variety of situations. Jane Shaw, DVM, Ph.D., director of the college’s Argus Institute, will teach the program, which is being sponsored by New York-based Pfizer Animal Health. The program also aims to teach veterinarians how to get a more complete pet history, build collaboration with clients, encourage pet owners to be more involved in veterinary visits and communicate with the pet owner about expectations, next steps and limitations in care. Continuing education credit is available. Classes are limited to 25-30 participants. Registration deadlines: April 23 for the May program and Sept. 23 for the October program. Click here for details. <HOME>
Intervet Develops Bluetongue VaccineApril 17, 2009 Intervet International has developed a vaccine against Bluetongue serotype 8 for sheep and cattle. It is expected to be available in May. The United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has already placed an order with Intervet to supply 22.5 million doses of the vaccine. Just recently, the European Commission said it is making funds available to co-finance an emergency mass vaccination campaign in 2008 against Bluetongue. In principle, 100 percent of vaccine purchase costs and 50 percent of vaccine application costs will be covered by the community budget, subject to certain ceilings for operational costs. Non-emergency vaccination campaigns in following years would be part of the community co-financed eradication programs. Markos Kyprianou, commissioner for health, estimates that about 150 million to 200 million vaccine doses will be required. Intervet was bought by Schering-Plough Corp. of Kenilworth, N.J., last year. <HOME>
Founder Of Montana Dog Sanctuary Wins Animal Action AwardApril 17, 2009 The International Fund for Animal Welfare recently held its Animal Action Awards for the first time in the United States on World Animal Day, Oct. 4, in Santa Monica, Calif. The organization recognized six individuals who work toward protecting wild and domestic animals and their habitats. The recipients were: • Steve Smith and Alayne Marker, founders of Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Ovando, Mont. Smith and Marker’s 160-acre ranch cares for almost 80 rescued disabled animals, including blind and deaf dogs, blind horses and blind cats. • Glenda Davis, manager of the Navajo Nation Veterinary and Livestock Program in Window Rock, Ariz. In addition to developing and implementing an animal disease response plan for the Navajo Nation, Davis has worked to amend the Nation’s 40-year-old livestock code to include an animal cruelty provision. • Richie Moretti, founder of The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Key, Fla. Moretti has treated and released more than 750 sea turtles since the hospital opened in 1986. The turtles have been rescued from fishing line entanglements, boat collisions and man-made objects. • Congressman Nick Rahall, chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. …
Bovine Reproductive Ultrasound Clinics ScheduledApril 17, 2009Merial of Duluth, Ga., is sponsoring a series of bovine reproductive ultrasound classes that will include classroom and on-farm curriculum. The classes will be held in Bell, Fla., March 13-14 and Cortland, N.Y., April 3-4. "Bovine reproduction can be improved by learning about technological advancements," said Craig DeMuth, DVM, who will co-instruct the seminar. "Efficient reproduction takes the right tools. The goal of these classes is to educate veterinarians about current practices, products and technologies that can maximize efficiency when it comes to reproduction." The classroom portion of the ultrasound course will cover what to look for when purchasing an ultrasound unit; practical tips for using ultrasound in the field; video demonstration of ultrasound imaging; current topics in bovine reproduction; and how ultrasound works. The on-farm portion will include identifying normal and abnormal ovarian and uterine morphology; early pregnancy diagnosis and fetal viability; fetal sexing; and twin diagnosis. Veterinarians can apply for nine hours of continuing education credits. For details call Jill Colloton, DVM, at 715-352-2232 or email colloton@dwave.net. <HOME>
FDA Seeks Public Comment On Pet Food Safety RegulationsApril 17, 2009 The Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) established pet food safety standards and called for an early warning system that identifies pet food contamination. The new standards must be implemented within two years, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking input as it implements the changes. A public meeting will take place in early 2008 in the Rockville, Md., area, however, the exact date is to be determined. A docket is set up on the FDA’s website to receive electronic, public comments in advance of the meeting. The docket number is 2007N-0487. Written comments may be mailed to: Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305) Food and Drug Administration 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061 Rockville, MD 20852 The FDA is seeking input from veterinary medical associations, animal health organizations, pet food manufacturers and the Association of American Feed Control Officials, among others. The new law requires that the FDA solicit feedback from these groups prior to making changes, however individual consumers may submit comments as well. After the public meeting, the FDA will review all comments before initiating the new standards. Public comments may be viewed online via the …
Green Becomes First Female AAEP PresidentApril 17, 2009 The American Assn. of Equine Practitioners has named Eleanor Green, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ABVP, as its 54th president. She will serve through 2008 and becomes the first female veterinarian to lead the association. The installment took place at the AAEP annual convention in Orlando, Fla., in December. Dr. Green is a professor and chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She also is the chief of staff of the college’s Large Animal Veterinary Medical Center. Green most recently served as the AAEP’s president-elect. Her other work with the AAEP includes serving as the District III director from 1996-1999 and chair of the Internship and Student Relations Committee and the AAEP Foundation’s Student Scholarship Task Force. “Dr. Green brings many terrific qualities to the AAEP presidency—enthusiasm, an unmatched work ethic and, most importantly, the desire to do what is best for the horse,” said David Foley, AAEP executive director. “I am sure 2008 will prove to be another successful year for our association under Dr. Green’s leadership.” <HOME>
Webinar On AAVMC Foresight Report Scheduled For March 31April 17, 2009 The American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians will host a Webinar at 7 p.m. EDT on March 31 discussing the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Foresight Report. The report, to be presented by Mike Chaddock, DVM, deputy director of the AAVMC, includes the future direction of academic veterinary medicine. In related news, the AACPPV will host its annual membership meeting breakfast on July 13 in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Convention in Seattle, Wash. The topic will be “Animal Welfare and the Veterinary Profession—Balancing Compassionate Care and Professional Liability,” presented by Gail Golab, DVM, Ph.D., director of Animal Welfare at AVMA. The time is still to be determined. The AACPPV will also hold a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31 during the Central Veterinary Conference in Kansas City. Panelists for “How to Find (or Be!) an Ideal Candidate in the Veterinary Industry” include: Cory Sullivan, human resources director of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. Stacy Pursell of The Vet Recruiter Peggy Gardella, human resources director of Ceva Biomune Ken Berkholtz of Brakke Consulting AACPPV’s most recent networking breakfast was …
