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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Oct 1, 2006

Small Animal Oral tumors: Know the extent of disease prior to surgery By Kim L. Cronin, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM Author's note: The first article in this series covered melanomas and SCC in dogs (July, DVM Newsmagazine). This article will discuss fibrosarcoma and benign tumors in dogs as well as SCC and fibrosarcoma in cats. Cidofovir shows promise in treatment of FHV-1 conjunctivitis By Linda Marie Wetzel Fort Collins, Colo. — An antiviral drug used to treat humans for certain viral diseases is showing promise in the treatment of eye disorders associated with feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). Inhalant delivery offers alternatives to treating respiratory disease By Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Q Please review inhalant therapy in dogs and cats. Avian medicine: Instill a perioperative protocol to lessen anesthetic, iatrogenic risks By Michael P. Jones, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Anesthetic death is an unfortunate and unwelcome aspect of veterinary practice. Most, if not all, veterinarians have experienced the loss of a patient perioperatively. Especially unsettling is the death of a bird during the postoperative period when the patient is expected to make a complete recovery. Equine CDC posts cumulative WNV cases; Kentucky reports 14 In mid-September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report there have been 670 cumulative veterinary disease cases of West Nile virus (WNV). Lost in the Fog By Ed Kane, PhD This racing phenom's career was cut short with the diagnosis of lymphoma. University of California-Davis clinicians devised the treatment strategy that extended the stallion's life until Sept. 17. Colic: 'A real pain in the gut' Nat A. White II, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, will present the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, on Dec. 4. Dr. White's lecture, "Equine Colic: A Real Pain in the Gut," will highlight the biology of equine colic and advances in its diagnosis and treatment. The lecture is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Platinum Performance and presented by the AAEP Foundation, Inc. CSU's $1-million gift to benefit equine research Fort Collins, Colo. — A $1-million gift to Colorado State University's equine veterinary program will support internationally known equine orthopedics and reproduction research at the university. 4,000 DVMs scheduled to ride into AAEP San Antonio — More than 4,000 practitioners are expected to ride into the American Association of Equine Practitioners (A?P) meeting at the 52nd Annual Convention, Dec. 2-6. Research consortium to take on genetic diseases By Daniel R. Verdon St. Paul, Minn. — As MIT's Broad Institute closes in on successfully mapping the estimated 300 billion base pairs that make up the equine genome this fall, the Morris Animal Foundation announces a $2.5-million grant to help fund the Equine Consortium for Genetic Research. Dangers lurk in equine dentistry By Raymond Q. Hyde, DVM The use of motorized dental equipment has become quite popular and is now commonly used by many veterinarians and equine dental technicians around the world. Columns Save energy and reduce taxes? Go figure By Mark E. Battersby Many veterinary practices operate in older buildings with leaky windows, poor insulation and patched roofs. Despite escalating energy costs, the harsh reality is few veterinarians are aware of the many incentives – both cash and tax incentives – available to help reduce that operating expense. Guess who's not coming to dinner? By Gerald Snyder, VMD What a pity that respect is not an edible commodity. Reading: It's a key to veterinary success By Michael H. Riegger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Reading is power. Legally, puppy visits are never routine By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD In regard to legal troubles, expect it where you least expect it. As a veterinarian, I've had more than my share of employees, associate veterinarians and litigious clients. The Blame game By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM In response to a myriad of problems confronting people today, there is a widespread and insidious tendency to blame others. The tendency to fan the flames of blame is so pervasive that it directly and indirectly affects everyone who is a member of the veterinary profession. Humor Anatomy: The parts can get confusing By Michael A. Obenski, DVM Violet Shade is one of my most colorful clients, and I mean that literally. Every time I try to explain something to her, she becomes so embarrassed that her face takes on a crimson glow. Such was the case when I tried to explain why her cat, Pansy, couldn't get pregnant. Mouse medicine: Who every said it wasn't a bargain? As a veterinarian, you just never know what you are going to do each day. News Ensign: colorful, yet controversial By Becky Schilling Veterinary medicine was not on the forefront of John Ensign's mind until playing softball with a vet in college, which led to volunteering at his clinic. "The first day down there that was it," he says. "I fell in love with it." So he changed his major from marketing to veterinary medicine, thus beginning 14 years of animal practice. Fair Isaac makes entry into animal health Minneapolis, Minn. — With the launch of FastPanelTM, publicly traded Fair Isaac enters the animal health market. Fundraising woes take toll on Bell By Jennifer Fiala Wayzata, Minn. — Dr. Ford Bell's uphill battle swelled into a small mountain. Aftershock: shooting-suicide shakes veterinary practice By Jennifer Fiala Murfreesboro, Tenn. — The news media evaporated, the caution tape torn down, but for those close to Susan Rizzo, the 29-year-old's violent death remains fresh in their minds. Meadows honored with Bustad Award Schaumburg, Ill. — Dr. Richard Meadows received the Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. DVM Newsmakers: Counter-terrorism By Daniel R. Verdon Every veterinarian has a role to play, says Smith. "It starts locally and runs to the highest levels of government." Vying to 'make it better' By Becky Schilling Aycock has lived his entire life in Bell County, Texas, where he was born in 1946. He attended Texas A&M University, where he received his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1970 and was a captain in the U.S. Army ('70-'72). Aycock is married with two children. AAVMC eyes national recruitment strategy By Jennifer Fiala Washington — Applicant numbers are dwindling, entire jobs sectors are suffering and diversity, whether racial-, ethnic- or gender-related, is off kilter. Cornell receives $50-million grant for lab upgrades Ithaca, N.Y. — Gov. George Pataki announced last month plans to grant Cornell University's veterinary college $50 million for state-of-the-art renovation and consolidation of the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC). AVMA: Food safety system vulnerable Schaumburg, Ill. — The most recent E. coli outbreak in spinach reaffirms the vulnerability of our food safety system, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). CSU recognizes alternative, complementary medicine Fort Collins, Colo. — Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is the nation's first to have an endowed professorship devoted to the study of alternative and complementary medicine, officials say. In remembrance By Jennifer Fiala Murfreesboro, Tenn. — She was no stranger to major life change. USDA vies to change veterinary accreditation program Washington — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to amend regulations regarding the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) to establish new categories, add training and renewal requirements and offer accreditation specializations. Hartz seeks nominees for 2007 veterinarian of the year Secaucus, N.J. — Hartz Mountain Corp. is seeking nominations for its annual Veterinarian of the Year contest. DVM Newsmakers' Summit: Supply in demand? Editor's Note: DVM Newsmagazine asked six thought-leaders at CVC East in Baltimore to talk about five of the most pressing issues facing the veterinary profession. During the succeeding months, each of the issues introduced at the DVM Newsmaker's Summit will be presented for publication. This month, the panel takes on the supply of veterinarians and future professional opportunities. Dr. Lonnie King introduces the issue. Animal Planet mourns Irwin Silver Spring, Md.— Animal Planet's New Breed Vets wasn't scheduled to air this November following the unexpected death of host Steve Irwin in early September. Entering the political ring By Becky Schilling More veterinarians are serving in public office than 30 years ago, experts say. So much so, a new position was created at the American Veterinary Medical Association in March 2005 to accommodate the growing trend—assistant director of state legislation and regulatory affairs, held by Adrian Hochstadt. Pennsylvania officials aim to fend off wildlife rabies spread Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania began its oral rabies baiting program in August. FDA mulls next move in compounding court decision By Daniel R. Verdon , Jennifer Fiala Washington — While compounding proponents claim victory to a recent district court decision, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is weighing its options. Remounting a campaign By Becky Schilling Cap Dierks has always had a passion for two things: veterinary medicine and politics. So after running a successful clinic for 10 years, he decided to pursue his other interest. It began with serving on the local school board for 15 years, the hospital board for nine years and one year as president of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. He then turned to the unicameral, nonpartisan Nebraska Senate, which he served in from 1987 to 2002. Dierks plans to once again serve in the state legislature, after losing his seat to a competitor following a redistricting. "Anybody who has the propensity to serve people should serve in public office," Dierks says. Rescue dogs breathe easier after 9/11 By Jennifer Fiala Philadelphia — In the wake of a recent study concluding 70 percent of 9,500 ground-zero workers suffer extensive health problems, two veterinary scientists note first-responder dogs had no related illnesses. Holding onto the mansion? By Daniel R. Verdon Running for his second-term as Georgia governor, Sonny Perdue, DVM, announced he would eliminate state income tax for seniors. Inside Politics: 2006 vote By Daniel R. Verdon , Becky Schilling With a country at war in Iraq and increasingly hostile economic times at home, the political fervor over this nation's top issues will be on voters' minds Nov. 7. Sixteen DVMs vie for office. American Horse Slaughter Protection Act moves to Senate By Bill Gillette Washington—The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, overwhelmingly passed by the House of Representatives on Sept. 7, now moves to the Senate—meaning it will be 2007 before that body acts on it. DEA rates climb Alexandria, Va. — Veterinarians renewing their annual Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) registration will pay more after Nov. 1, as reported in a recent Federal Register. AHS gears up for 2007 symposium Washington – The American Heartworm Society (AHS) reports its 12th State of the Heartworm Symposium will be held in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention, July 13-15, 2007 in Washington.