Scientists Say Fish Suffer From InsomniaApril 17, 2009 Some zebrafish have a genetic disposition toward sleep problems just like some humans, according to researchers at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. A study published in the Oct. 16 issue of the Public Library of Science-Biology, tracked the behavior of fish kept awake at night by researchers. Fish lacking hypocretin receptors experienced something similar to insomnia when allowed to return to sleep, getting only half as much as zebrafish without the mutation. Their sleep patterns were short and fragmented compared to the excessive sleepiness exhibited in mammals with a hypocretin mutation. Future studies will search for fish that oversleep or lack sleep completely. The research team included Emmanuel Mignot, who is credited with discovering the genetic cause of narcolepsy in dogs. <HOME> Posted November 26, 2007, 8:30 a.m., EST
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Dog, Cat Sterilization Program Targets Pet Population In GeorgiaApril 17, 2009By purchasing one of two pet-themed license plates, Georgia residents are making an impact on the state's cat and dog overpopulation, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, who recently unveiled updated figures on the statewide Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. Since January, more than $198,000 has been raised through sales of dog and cat "Buddy" plates and donations to the program. Georgians may buy one of the license plates for their vehicles from county tag offices throughout the state for a $25 one-time fee. One plate features a large retriever who is carrying the message that Georgians should spay and neuter their animals to prevent dog and cat overpopulation. A second design displays an image of a cat and a dog framed inside of a peach and the words "Animal Friend." A third version, to feature a cat, is in the works. From each plate sold, more than $22 directly benefits the sterilization program. The funds are used only for spay/neuter procedures and educational outreach on this choice. Since its inception in November 2003, the program has distributed more than $1,886,345 to subsidize 35,764 spay/neuter procedures performed by 751 licensed veterinarians. Licensed, accredited veterinarians perform low-cost sterilization procedures and …
New York Groomers May Face LicensingApril 17, 2009 Groomers in New York might face additional regulation if the state Legislature approves a bill being considered. A9102 and S2569 would require groomers to obtain licenses; set certain animal-care standards; and require record-keeping for all animals. Under the legislation, the secretary of state would establish a training and testing program for anyone wishing to obtain a groomers license. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have received at least a 10th grade education and be “of good moral character.” Registration renewal would cost $20 every two years. The bill defines a pet groomer as “an individual, licensed as a pet groomer who bathes, brushes, clips or styles a pet for financial payment.” Additionally, the bill would require yearly inspections of grooming facilities, and it would prohibit groomers from using a “drying cage” or leaving pets unattended. Groomers must also ask pet owners if the animal has any special needs and who its veterinarian is. New York’s legislature reconvenes in the second week of January. <HOME>
Lesson From The San Diego Firestorm, 2007April 17, 2009Editor's Note: Terry Paik, DVM, reflects on the fall firestorms that devastated much of San Diego County. Dr. Paik is the veterinary disaster response coordinator for the California Veterinary Medical Assn.'s disaster preparedness committee. Once again, San Diego County veterinarians and the veterinary community showed their true color, spirit, generosity and grit in this past firestorm. With howling Santa Ana winds, multiple fires started in the San Diego County on Sunday, Oct. 21. Other fires also burned in counties north of San Diego. By Monday, we were on our way to what would turn out to be the largest and worst firestorm in our state's history, eclipsing even the fires of 2003. By Monday we had at least four major fires in the east, south and north counties, all being driven by 60-plus-mph winds. Unlike 2003, voluntary and mandatory evacuations were massive. The winds and smoke grounded the multiple fire suppression air attack planes and helicopters until Wednesday. By 11:30 a.m. on Monday, the Del Mar Fairgrounds was already full of evacuated horses; there are 1,800 stalls at the fairgrounds and approximately 2,400 horses. There was still some room for people and small animals, but not for …
Opting Out Of Practice Ownership But Eyeing A Future Of MergersApril 17, 2009 No, I don’t own a veterinary practice. I can give you a very long list explaining this lapse in my traditional vet career trajectory. And while on paper it’s a justifiable life choice, I’ll confess: Eschewing practice ownership doesn’t make me feel particularly virtuous or successful as a small-animal practitioner. I suspect the same is true of many of my ambitious colleagues. Here’s why I’ve opted out: Money: I attended an expensive school. I had big debts when I graduated (can you say $100K?). I moved to Miami, where almost half of my better-than-average vet income goes into my decidedly unluxurious home (really). And I’m a single parent. To invest in a practice, I’d have to sell my house—not a safe move in this real estate cycle and not a smart option when it comes to my child, either. Time: Let’s start with, “I’m a single parent” and pretty much leave it at that. Consequently, flexible hours are a requirement for my work. While I don’t mind putting in 80-hour weeks from time to time, it’s the inability to work from home (or work in the half hour here and there for school pickups and …
FDA Approves First Single-Dose Antibiotic For Dogs, CatsApril 17, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer Animal Health’s Convenia (cefovecin sodium), the first antibiotic for dogs and cats available in a single injectable dose. The product, which provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats, will eliminate the difficulty owners have giving pills to pets and will ensure the course of reatment is completed on time, according to the company. “We understand how difficult it can be for owners to give their pets the right pills at the right time,” said George Fennell, vice president, Companion Animal Division, Pfizer Animal Health. “With career and family responsibilities, many people simply aren’t around at appropriate intervals once, twice or even more times a day despite their best intentions. With Convenia, the pet gets the dose it needs right in the veterinarian’s office—so owners don’t have to worry about when and how to give pills to their pets.” The most common side effects are similar to those seen with other antibiotics, such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and lethargy. Pfizer Animal Health is based in New York.
New Drug For Heart Failure In Dogs ApprovedApril 17, 2009 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s Vetmedin (pimobendan) for the management of the signs of mild, moderate or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to atrioventricular valvular insufficiency or dilated cardiomyopathy. Vetmedin, which is the first drug approved to treat congestive heart failure in dogs in more than ten years, is indicated for use with concurrent therapy for congestive heart failure as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, according to the FDA. Vetmedin helps alleviate signs of heart failure by increasing contractility and by dilating blood vessels, according to the FDA. Adverse reactions associated with Vetmedin were potentially related to congestive heart failure, the therapy of congestive heart failure or both and included poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, worsening signs of heart failure, heart failure death, azotemia and mild increases in serum liver enzymes. Vetmedin is not for use in cats. For more information, visit www.fda.gov <HOME>
Theilen Tribute To Go Beyond The ExpectedApril 17, 2009 I have been working a University of California, Davis, group on fund raising for a spectacular cancer symposium at UC Davis. It is truly going to be one of a kind. Nothing like this has ever been presented in veterinary medicine in this country. Honoring an esteemed colleague on his 80th birthday is somewhat traditional in Europe but not so common in the U.S. The Theilen Tribute Symposium will be held May 30 and June 1 at Gladys Valley Hall on the UC Davis campus in honor of Gordon Theilen, the father of modern veterinary oncology. The occasion marks Dr. Theilen’s 80th birthday. Title of the symposium is “50 Years of Cancer Research: From Retroviruses to Cancer Genetics.” Important findings in comparative oncology reserach and genetics will be highlighted. Dr. Max Essex of the Harvard School of Public Health, the keynote speaker, will discuss AIDS in Africa. Dr. Theilen is a legend. He gave the world its first comprehensive veterinary oncology reference text, “Veterinary Cancer Medicine.” He also did research on cancer-causing viruses in horses, turkeys, cows, cats and primates and studied in Germany and …
Footing The BillApril 17, 2009 Earlier this year, the American Animal Hospital Assn. unveiled a position statement addressing pet owners’ financial responsibility to provide health care for their animals. The group is encouraging its members to discuss financial opportunities with their clients to ensure they are able to meet their obligation. This is particularly important as veterinary care is becoming more expensive, with bills of $1,000 or more becoming “common” and $3,500 emerging as the “minimum specialist bill,” said John Albers, DVM, AAHA executive director. He said that CareCredit recently received more than 55 accounts over $10,000, mostly from specialist care, in a single month. The AAHA statement “strongly suggests that all pet owning families assess their financial situation and consider their ability to meet unexpected expenses that may be incurred for veterinary care. For some families, these expenses may be met through existing savings. Others may be able to use credit care reserves or medical payment cards. Some families should consider budgeting for these expenses and still others may want to consider protecting themselves through pet insurance policies.” It further advises pet owners to carefully consider any pet insurance policy, to make sure they understand exactly …
Honoring The Bond Of A LifetimeApril 17, 2009 Aging is an inevitable and normal process of living. It should not be considered a disease. Aging is expressed as physical weakening, reduced stamina and deterioration of the organs and connective tissues in the body. It is associated with gradual changes in the body's phenotype the entire physical, biochemical and physiological makeup of an individual as determined both genetically and environmentally. Changes such as wrinkles in the skin and gray hair are due to the normal phenomenon of cellular senescence, the process of growing old. Many diseases, including cancer, involve a multi-step process that accumulates genetic damage over time. As our pets enjoy a longer lifespan, their bodies provide the time needed for the expression of senescence, disease and cancer. Living Long The human-animal bond grows stronger with the passing of time. People are very proud of their older pets and they want them to live as long as possible in good health. One of the biggest fears of caregivers of senior pets is that their pet will get cancer. The most common concurrent problems afflicting older pets are arthritis, dermatitis, dental disease, endocrinopathies, organ failure and obesity. The dilemma for caregivers …
