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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Jul 1, 2007

Small Animal Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in small-animal medicine Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chambers work on the principle that high oxygen concentration, combined with increased air pressure in the chamber, raises plasma-oxygen concentration, allowing oxygen to diffuse into tissues at distances three to four times further than usual to promote healing. Influenza: Fear triggers renewed interest in interspecies transmission By Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Please review influenza in animals Canine hip dysplasia: Treatment hinges on phase of disease and age By Christopher Thacher, DVM, Dipl. ACVS Although it is expensive,TPO surgery can spare the dysplastic dog a lifetime limited by pain. The art of prognoses: Is everything going to be all right? Many diseases can be controlled or eliminated by various types of medications. With modern diagnostic techniques and proper application of therapy, clients can have confidence in your medical forecast that "Everything is going to be all right." Myths, truths about drugs prescribed in veterinary dermatology By Carlo Vitale, DVM, Dipl. ACVD There has been an ongoing debate over ototoxicity produced by topical medications. Food Animal USDA proposes parasite certification for pork Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working to establish a voluntary trichinae-certification program for U.S. pork. Drought raises potential for cattle to be exposed to plant toxicities By Christine Navarre, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM Watch out for plant toxicity during drought conditions. Mexican state gains swine fever-free status Washington — After a risk evaluation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its regulations to add the Mexi can state of Nayarit to the list of regions considered to be free of classical swine fever (CSF). EU looks into reintroducing animal remains in farm feed Brussels, Belgium — The European Union Commission is funding a study to determine whether animal bonemeal should be allowed back into the diet of farm animals for the first time since a 2000 ban was implemented in response to an incurable disease that attacks the brain. Humor The luckiest dog in Lamesa Little did we know as we waved goodbye that Tripod's story was just beginning. Series of strange events too much for wise guy By Michael A. Obenski, DVM Arnie is one of those people who believes he knows everything. What irritates me is that I think he may be right. In our 30-plus years of friendship, he has remained unfailingly one step ahead of me. News Unauthorized practice a criminal offense in some states The American Veterinary Medical Association says 10 states are believed to have some form of criminal penalties on the books for those who practice veterinary medicine without a license. Humane Society has to put down facility's 200 felines after mass virus outbreak Springfield, Mo. — Almost 200 cats were euthanized at the Southwest Missouri Humane Society (SMHS) after a suspected outbreak of the fast-spreading killer strain of calicivirus. Dechra to market Pharmaderm products Dechra Veterinary Products announced that it has secured a long-term trademark license and supply agreement with Pharmaderm Animal Health, part of the U.S. commercial division of Altana Inc. Pet owners could sue for companionship loss if New Jersey bill passes By Krista Schultz TRENTON, N.J. — A pending New Jersey bill allowing pet owners to seek loss-of-companionship damages for animals killed or injured by contaminated feed could be a steppingstone to veterinarian vulnerability to similar claims, a veterinary organization warns. Surveys show heartworm prevalence GREENSBORO, N.C. — Three separate veterinarian surveys challenge commonly held beliefs about the prevalence of heartworm and intestinal parasites. "These studies do demonstrate that heartworm and intestinal parasites are endemic throughout most of the United States, including regions where prevalence is historically thought to be low," reports Dr. David Stansfield, director of professional relations for Novartis Animal Health. Embracing compassionate care By Daniel R. Verdon The delivery of veterinary care can be every bit as good as that of human medicine, says Diane Levitan, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM. Lilly to acquire Ivy Animal Health Indianapolis — Eli Lilly and Co. announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Ivy Animal Health Inc., an applied-research and pharmaceutical- product development company focused on the animal-health industry. MAF, AVMF sponsor influenza research National Report — Canine and avian influenza are the focus of a research partnership between the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). The goal: Preventing the viruses from becoming internatioal pandemics. Velcera, Novartis sign global licensing agreement Langhorne, Pa. — Velcera Inc. inked a global licensing agreement with Nov-artis Animal Health to develop, register and commercialize a canine product using Velcera's patented oral mucosal drug-delivery technology. Kansas veterinarians remain under scope of consumer-protection act By Krista Schultz Topeka, Kan. — Veterinarians remain vulnerable to consumer complaints and lawsuits despite legislative efforts in Kansas to exempt health-care professionals. Some blind dogs may get chance to see again Ames, Iowa — An experimental treatment may reverse a form of blindness and restore vision in dogs that had experienced sudden loss of sight, according to research from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Merial launches first firocoxib for horses DULUTH,GA.—EQUIOXX® (firocoxib) is a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from Merial to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. AVMA, Fort Dodge launch pet-wellness campaign Schaumburg, Ill., and Overland Park, Kan. — The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health launched a national pet-wellness educational campaign, aimed at raising awareness of disease risks to pets and their prevention. Inside the Consumer Psyche By Daniel R. Verdon National Report — Money isn't everything. Especially when it comes to consumer attitudes about rising veterinary fees. ACVIM forum sets attandance record By Krista Schultz Seattle — Record-breaking attendance and creative sessions — including team-building strategies and a pet-food-recall panel — marked the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine's (ACVIM) 25th Forum. AVES names 2 winners of Gold Head Cane Award Washington — Experts in disease surveillance and animal health monitoring are recipients of the 2007 Karl F. Meyer-James H. Steele Gold Head Cane Award. Western U names dean, graduates first class Pomona, Calif. — Philip Nelson, DVM, PhD, takes the reins of Western University of Health Sciences' (WesternU) fledgling veterinary medical college, replacing Dr. Shirley Johnston, the program's founding dean. Top 10 reasons to see a veterinarian Brea, Calif. — Skin allergies are the No. 1 reason dogs are taken to a veterinarian. GHLIT rates rise nearly 10 percent Schaumburg, Ill. — Medical rates for the American Veterinary Medical Association's Group Health Life and Insurance Trust (GHLIT) climbed 9.6 percent during the last six-month time period. AVMA delegates to debate microchip privacy, foie-gras issue By Krista Schultz Washington — Privacy of animal-registration database information and feeding methods to produce foie gras comprise the official list of resolutions to be addressed at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) House of Delegates (HOD) annual meeting, July 14. Top five hazards veterinary staffs face By James M. Lewis Avian flu may be a risk to some veterinarians, but it's not among the most common daily hazards that all DVMs and their employees face. Grant to fund first shelter-medicine extension veterinarian position Davis, Calif. — A $420,750 grant over three years will fund a new position for an extension veterinarian in shelter medicine, believed a first for the United States. Managers' group organizing CHICAGO — Veterinary practice managers are working to formalize the Chicagoland Veterinary Managers Group (CVMG), an association to improve professional skills through idea and experience sharing. PETA targeted in DEA probe Norfolk, Va. — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating how members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) handle euthanasia drugs. $500-million expansion to quadruple vet school Raleigh, N.C. — A 20-year, $500 million project kicks off at North Carolina State University (NC State) in November with groundbreaking for a $12 million research building and subsequent construction of a 115,000-square-foot animal hospital. DVMs who handle birds at increased risk of avian flu, study finds By James M. Lewis Few DVMS in this study reported using personal protective equipment. Mississippi State University Class of 2010 'pays forward' Mississippi State, Miss. — The veterinary Class of 2010 pledged $10,000 in a unique way to a Mississippi State University fund supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The violent underworld of dog fighting By James M. Lewis DVMs assist law enforcement, animal-welfare groups in crackdown efforts Fake DVM in 'undercover kitten' sting operation is sentenced By James M. Lewis Brooklyn, N.Y. — Pet owners too busy to take their animals to a veterinary clinic may have thought they'd found the perfect solution: A "veterinarian" who made house calls, offering to pick up ailing cats and dogs and return them after treatment. Active hurricane season looms for U.S. coastline National Report — There is a 74 percent chance a major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline this season, Colorado State University (CSU) forecasters predict. Camp Bow Wow joins MAF canine-cancer campaign Boulder, Colo. — The nation's fastest-growing doggy day and overnight camp, Camp Bow Wow, has joined Morris Animal Foundation's (MAF) campaign to find a cure for canine cancer. Pet-products market to reach $11 billion by 2009 New York — Trends in pet travel, home assistance and convenience will catapult the pet-supplies market to $11 billion by 2009. DVM receives prison fine for $1 million investment scam Topeka, Kan. — A Kansas veterinarian was sentenced to seven years in prison last month for securities fraud after swindling $1 million from investors in his phony cattle embryo business. Business Use a client-satisfaction survey to evaluate staff performance By Dennis Chmiel Most veterinary hospital owners are proud of their doctors and support staff and know how hard they work to offer outstanding patient care. Given that, it may be easy to assume that we are providing better care than we actually are. A client-satisfaction survey is an excellent way to measure the quality of service – as perceived by clients. Examining the role of veterinary technicians Editor's Note: As the delivery of veterinary care becomes more sophisticated, the need to better utilize the skills of registered veterinary technicians increases, some veterinarians say. Know what you can — and can't — write off as a home-office expense By Mark E. Battersby A DVM must know all components of the deduction, and how much was spent for each. Non-compliance: Who's really taking the legal risk? By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD My lovely wife Mary recently threw me a giant 50th birthday party. While the gag gifts were entertaining, the conversations were enlightening. The motivated staff — not an impossible dream By Gerald Snyder, VMD Re-energizing your staff isn't easy, but it can be achieved with a little determination. How to develop and maintain an effective privacy-protection plan By James Iafe, VMD The first article in this series discussed reasons veterinarians should keep their private practice private (May, 2007). Last month, the topic was why privacy makes good business sense. This final article outlines a program on making sure sensitive data about employees and customers is protected. Equine Liver disease in the horse: diagnostic aids and differential diagnosis By Michelle Henry Barton, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Excessive use of corticosteroids has been reported to induce liver disease in the horse. Equine center reports rise in elective surgeries Blacksburg, Va. — More horse owners are choosing to have elective surgeries performed on their animals than they did a decade ago at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. Equine facilities claim positive results with hyperbaric-oxygen therapy By Ed Kane, PhD Because HBOT drives the arterial oxygen content very high, it reduces swelling. Equine-industry report tracks vaccine use, census, management By Stephanie Skernivitz Fortcollins, Colo.—While about three quarters of equine operations vaccinated their horses in 2005,veterinarians performed the task on just half of those farms.