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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Aug 1, 2007

News Controversy kills By Jennifer Fiala A California bill requiring the sterilization of dogs and cats stirred up a hornet?s next of opposition, leaving its chief sponsor to come up with a less-divisive measure next year. Some 20,000 people protested to lawmakers, and the embattled California Veterinary Medical Association, an early co-sponsor, backed away after fielding thousands of complaints. A case for mandatory sterilization By Barry Kipperman, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM A California Veterinary Medical Association-backed bill to mandate pet sterilization statewide has garnered significant opposition by local and national breeding organizations who feel they are being punished by having to pay abstention fees. AHA urges NFL to take a stand against dog fighting One day after the federal indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on dog-fighting charges, the American Humane Association (AHA) urged the National Football League to make a strong statement against animal fighting. A malpractice doctrine By Daniel R. Verdon Animal-law expert Barbara Gislason, a Minneapolis attorney, believes the time is ripe for veterinary medicine to help design a fair system to resolve the emotional-value issue in malpractice claims. Otherwise, she warns, the courts will do the job, and the profession might not like the outcome. Colorado surveys employee compensation Denver — The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) wants to know what practice-owning members are paying their employees. West Hollywood's cat fight Seeking to become the nation's first governing body to ban non-therapeutic feline onychectomies, west hollywood mayor john duran authors the ordinance that passes unanimously and criminalizes the procedure. the california veterinary medical association (cvma) denounces the ordinance and responds by seeking government opinions on its legitimacy. Reclawed in California By Jennifer Fiala Los Angeles — West Hollywood's declaw ban is legal and enforceable, according to an appellate ruling that's headed for the state Supreme Court if the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has its way. UC-Davis student data breached by hacker By Krista Schultz Davis, Calif.— A Computer Hacker Compromised The Personal Information Of 1,500 University Of California Davis School Of Veterinary Medicine (Svm) Students And Applicants, Leaving The Facility To Fund At Least $25,000 In Credit Checks To Ensure Identity Safety. Summer of floods By Krista Schultz The town of Miami, Okla., was among the areas hardest hit by floodwaters that ravaged parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas from May through early July, killing 14 people, displacing some 500 animals and raising the specter of long-term health problems for those that survived. Brightheart eyes network of advanced-care hospitals Greenwich, Conn.— A new york practice combining general veterinary medicine, specialty services and a 24-hour, emergency-care unit is a private equity firm's first acquisition toward its goal of creating a nationwide network of pet hospitals focused on advanced treatment, diagnosis and research. $28.7 million budget earmarks historic resources for AVMA By Jennifer Fiala Washington — American Veterinary Medical Association officials approved a $28,681,810 budget for fiscal 2008, creating the largest spending plan in the group's history. Low practice values signal a need to look at profitability, AVPMCA reports By Daniel R. Verdon National Report — An increasing number of practices are appraising lower than expected, management experts report. If that trend holds true, it signals a need to closely scrutinize profitability, according to the Valuation Issues Committee of the Association of Veterinary Practice Management Consultants and Advisors (AVPMCA). AVMF plans to raise more than $1 million By Jennifer Fiala Schaumburg, Ill. — The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) expects to raise more than $1 million this year and promises to work toward changing its poor reputation as an aid organization. More students abstain from declaring race By Jennifer Fiala Washington — More minorities are studying veterinary medicine, but the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' (AAVMC) latest enrollment data show the increase at just 0.4 percent. Examining the role of veterinary technicians Editor's Note: As the delivery of veterinary care becomes more sophisticated, the need to better use the skills of registered veterinary technicians increases, some veterinarians say. New dean named to lead Missouri-Columbia CVM Columbia, Mo. — Dr. Neil Olson is the new dean of the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) College of Veterinary Medicine, effective Sept. 1. No acetaminophen in tested pet food, ASPCA says Fears of acetaminophen contamination in pet food are unfounded, based on test findings by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and independent toxicologists, says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). DVMs can take simple steps to cut crime risk, expert says By James M. Lewis Veterinarians are trusting souls — some perhaps too trusting for their own good, according to an expert on practice-safety issues. AVMA directory goes biennial Schaumburg, Ill. — The print version of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Membership Directory & Resource Manual no longer will be issued annually, representing a $315,000 cost savings. Cornell creates Center for Reproductive Genomics Ithaca, N.Y. — Cornell University has launched the Center for Reproductive Genomics, a research hub to determine how genetics affect human and animal infertility. Convention fees to rise Schaumburg, ill. — Attendees of the 2008 American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) annual convention in New Orleans will pay higher registration fees, expected to bring in an additional $138,000 of revenue. U.S. readiness for pandemic needs improvement, GAO says By Krista Schultz Washington, D.C. — The United States is not as prepared as it could be to handle an avian-influenza pandemic, reports a federal audit of USDA efforts. Equine medical center under construction near Belmont racetrack By James M. Lewis During the initial five-year operational phase, the center will focus on diagnostics and orthopedics. Surprise resolution sparks foie gras debate By Jennifer Fiala Washington — A last-minute resolution seeking the American Veterinary Medical Association's support of foie gras production roused the House of Delegates (HOD) last month as the controversial agriculture practice took center stage. AVMA reports 75,182 members Washington — The American Veterinary Medical Association's membership increased 2.1 percent last year for a net gain of 1,579 members. Offbeat: Stories of veterinary practice life By Chana Einstein, DVM Editor's Note: DVM Newsmagazine's newest column, "Offbeat," gives veterinarians the opportunity to share stories of humor, inspiration, sadness and peculiarity that cross paths daily with veterinary medicine. Lunar cycle may be linked to more veterinary visits Fort Collins, Colo. — There may be a link between an increase in emergency-room visits for dogs and cats and lunar-cycle days when the moon is near or at its fullest, according to a study by colleagues at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Rhodes implores veterinarians to donate Washington — In his final speech before the American Veterinary Medical Association's House of Delegates, Dr. R. Tracy Rhodes commended the American Veterinary Medical Foundation's (AVMF) disaster relief, research and scholarship programs and chastised his colleagues for failing to fuel the nonprofit's initiatives. Reproduction center opens Ithaca, NY — Cornell University launched the Center for Reproductive Genomics, a research hub to determine how genetics affect human and animal infertility. Issue backgrounder By Barry Kipperman, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM In March, The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) co-sponsored a bill mandating the sterilization of all owned dogs and cats in the state, but has changed its support to take a neutral position because of its members' negative reaction. Last U.S. horse-slaughter plant closes Chicago — The last remaining U.S. horse-slaughter for human consumption plant closed after a judge threw out a constitutionality argument against a state law banning the practice. AVMA policy statement on declawing of domestic cats Feline onychectomy is a controversial medical procedure fueled by a growing number of critics who view it harmful and unnecessary. Many veterinarians consider the procedure a last-resort to alleviate destructive scratching behavior inherent in cats. DHS' short list Washington — Five sites are under consideration for the relocation of the famed Plum Island Animal Disease Center, according to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) directorate. Tick-research center dedicated at KSU Manhattan, Kan. — Kansas State University's (KSU) veterinary college unveiled its Dryden-Merial Tick Research Center last month, a facility dedicated to disease-vector research relating to ticks that infest dogs and cats. Medicine What's next? Rescue protocols for canine lymphoma By Kim L. Cronin, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM Employing different alkylating agents is seen in the design of rescue protocols for lymphoma dogs. oneeded Drought, floods impact hay crop: Helping horse owners cope By Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM There is an old Italian proverb that says, "Your plate is always full of what you don't want." Just how common are canine and feline intestinal parasites? By Byron L. Blagburn, MS, PhD Given the number and kinds of effective de-wormers that are available, parasitologists often are asked why parasites continue to be prevalent and important disease agents of companion animals. On guard for hepatobiliary diseases in dogs By Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Hepatic portal-vein hypoplasia has been suggested as better terminology, better reflecting the cause. Pain management for oral surgery in dogs and cats By Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. AAPM After oral surgery, nociceptor response is expected to be greatly enhanced. Knowledge is key to safety; Plants that poison horses By Bryan Stegelmeier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP Because antidotes are rare, plant-induced diseases in horses can be irreversible and sometimes lethal. Exploring the perception and physiology of pain in horses By Ed Kane, PhD "Anatomically and physiologically, horses have all the structures required for pain processing," says Glenn Pettifer, DVM, DACVA, at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A cat's actions teach a lesson about life By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Here is a true story about the value of life. Its profound message rises out of the ashes of a potentially deadly fire, and the heroic efforts of man and animal. As you read it, ask yourself about the value you place on life. Humor A rude guest gets her just dessert, ... er veggie The cauliflower bounced in my lap and came to rest inside the ritzy wife's purse. What part of 'No' doesn't he understand? By Michael A. Obenski, DVM One day last month, I made a stupid mistake: I looked at the appointment calendar first thing in the morning. As a general rule, I don't do that because it might cause me to read a name like the one I saw that day – one you remember for all the wrong reasons. I spent the next two hours suffering anticipation anxiety as I waited for a confrontation with Mr. Kenny B. Worthit. Business Fee anemia is epidemic: here's the cure By Gerald Snyder, VMD Dr. X has a 25-year-old practice that is having trouble meeting expenses. Payroll is covered, but what's left over is about $5,000 short of last year. Are you busy? By David M. Lane, DVM, MS Janet Gilmore peeked through the door into the small waiting room. She could see Harold, holding two cats and Harry, his pet Beagle. She saw several other clients she knew quite well and one new client, who looked a bit uneasy as she sat with a small mixed-breed dog. True confession of a consultant By Michael H. Riegger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP The time has come for a consultant to come clean. The busy Vet By David M. Lane, DVM, MS Janet definitely is a busy veterinarian – busy doing everything at once. Don't delegate what you don't understand By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD Every year, my veterinarian clients keep getting younger. Federal minimum wage hike ushers in new tax breaks By Mark E. Battersby Just as the Memorial Day holiday was about to begin, as lawmakers prepared to flee Washington for vacation, agreement was reached to continue funding the war in Iraq. That funding bill also raised the minimum wage. Lighten Up: Make your staff meetings more productive By Stephen Bishop, DVM Phoenix, Ariz. — Veterinary medicine is stressful. The workday is filled with responsibilities, decision-making and time constraints. Staff meetings can be extremely stressful, especially when they turn into gripe sessions. Humor will help alleviate stress, and the result is a more productive meeting.