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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Sep 1, 2007

News Senate passes workforce expansion act By Jennifer Fiala Washington — Senate lawmakers cleared the way for a modified version of the Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act, passing it as an amendment to the Higher Education Authorization Bill. Lameness experts ID research priorities at AAEP session By James M. Lewis Fort Collins, Colo. — Two dozen of the nation's top experts in equine medicine identified five key areas of lameness research that should get priority attention during the next five to 10 years. Clear and present danger? By Jennifer Fiala The breed most associated with serious dog bites changes with its popularity. MAF memorial cards back veterinary research Denver, Colo. — DVMs can send condolences to clients who have lost pets and at the same time support veterinary research through a new memorial-card service offered by Morris Animal Foundation (MAF). Gestation stalls fall to Oregon lawmakers By Jennifer Fiala Portland, Ore. — The Oregon Legislature banned swine gestation stalls last month, the third state to prohibit the controversial housing practice. OSU opens forensics center Stillwater, Okla. — The National Institute for Microbial Forensics and Food and Agricultural Biosecurity opened at Oklahoma State University, providing crime-scene investigation with an agricultural focus. USDA delivers nearly $6 million in disaster aid to Kansas Washington — Up to $5.9 million in aid from the United States Department of Agriculture will be available to a Kansas town and surrounding areas leveled by a powerful tornado in late May that left over 400 animals displaced. Banfield poised for growth Portland, Ore. — Long-time industry executive John Payne became the new president of the 635-hospital corporate practice, while founder Dr. Scott Campbell remains as chairman of the company. Initiative spans industries, aims to improve health, preparedness By Krista Schultz Washington — Human and veterinary medicine have partnered in a collaboration to strengthen disease prevention and control, education and research initiatives for the benefit of all species. APHIS hires new administrator Washington — Cindy Smith is the new administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), succeeding Dr. Ron DeHaven, who held the position since 2004. Gender wage gaps widen By Krista Schultz Even though the veterinary industry is now heavily female-dominated, there is still a [wage] gap. AVMA to revisit euthanasia guidelines Schaumburg Ill. — With the 10-year anniversary of the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2000 euthanasia guidelines fast approaching, the group's Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) prepares to review the document for relevancy and possible changes. VPI selects vice president Brea, Calif. — Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) named Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president of underwriting and chief veterinary medical officer. DeHaven's hiring triggers AVMA leadership shuffle Schaumburg, Ill. — Former government official Dr. Ron DeHaven's hiring to the American Veterinary Medical Association's top position appears to have prompted a series of high-level job changes within the membership organization. New York opens door to Canadian veterinarians Albany, N.Y. — Canadian veterinarians and technicians can continue to practice in New York due to an extension on waived citizenship and residency requirements. MAF provides student scholarships Denver — The Veterinary Student Scholars program encourages careers in veterinary research by offering students the opportunity to be involved in research initiatives and awarding funds based on the progress and impact of project topics, says sponsor Morris Animal Foundation (MAF). Specialists top DVMs in long-term income By Krista Schultz Despite the financial incentives, most students enter practice right after graduation. USDA offers $35 million for TB emergencies Washington — An additional $35 million in emergency funding is available for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication program. Off the beaten path By Jennifer Fiala Schaumburg, Ill. — He was the media's go-to guy during the mad-cow outbreak of 2003, starred in half a dozen Senate committee hearings and enjoyed regular contact with senior White House executives. Vick case dials up rhetoric against dog fighting By James M. Lewis Some responses were strident, others more straightforward — and a few pushed the decibel meter to the max. Lawmaker-DVM wants abusive owners to forfeit pets By James M. Lewis Columbus, Ohio — A veterinarian who is also a state lawmaker plans to offer an amendment to pending animal-protection legislation that would take pets away from abusive owners. AMC names Voiland director New York — New York's largest animal-care, education and research facility named Bonia Voiland, MS, MBA, as its director. CDC launches program to raise awareness, help curb rabies By Krista Schultz Atlanta, Ga. — World Rabies Day, originally designated for Sept. 8 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will be extended through several weeks to include global events with the shared goal of raising international awareness, education and disease prevention. Veterinarian dies in Iraq; collapsed after running Holly Springs, N.C. — Caretaker to bomb-sniffing dogs in Iraq, Army Capt. Michael S. Fielder, DVM, died last month after serving nearly a year in Iraq. Gorham receives AVMA Lifetime Achievement Award Washington — Dr. John Gorham took home the American Veterinary Medical Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented during group's July annual meeting in Washington. Feds implement NVMSA Washington — National Veterinary Medical Services Act (NVMSA) funds are being offered to veterinarians who take jobs with the government's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). DVM files defamation suit over ex-relative's 911 call Dayton, Ohio — An Ohio veterinarian filed a $2 million civil action against her former father-in-law, claiming a 911 call he made that led to her and her ex-husband's arrests last year on domestic-violence charges defamed her, derailed her run for political office and hurt her veterinary practice. Signs of pain Pain in the horse is designated as acute or chronic. Acute, or recently developing, pain is associated with a reluctance to be handled, restlessness, inappetance (yet the horse may play in its water bucket), anxiousness, increased respiratory rate, sweating, pawing and muscle tremors. AAVMC opens doors to non-accredited schools Washington — Ross University and other offshore veterinary programs now can petition for affiliate membership with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). AAVMC names Pappaioanou to top post Washington — Dr. Marguet Pappaioanou is the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' (AAVMC) new executive director. Winn Feline Foundation accepts grant applications Newport, N.J. — The Winn Feline Foundation, a non-profit that funds feline medical research, is accepting applications for 2008 grants, which can total up to $15,000 each. AVMA hires coordinator for disaster response Schaumburg, Ill. — Dr. Heather C. F. Case is the American Veterinary Medical Association's new national coordinator of disaster preparedness and response. Merial celebrates decade in animal health Duluth, Ga. — Merial turned 10 on Aug. 1. Pet healthcare industry summit mulls action plan on boosting DVM population By Daniel R. Verdon Portland, Ore. — More than 140 leaders, representing many of the diverse disciplines in the veterinary market, hope to address the perceived and growing shortage of veterinarians in the United States. NBVME moves to expand outreach, testing services By Krista Schultz Bismarck, N.D. — Outreach to veterinary groups and expansion of its testing services top the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners' (NBVME) agenda for 2007 and beyond. Carleton named Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year East Lansing, Mich. — Dr. Carla Carleton received the 2007 Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year award from the Association of Women Veterinarians Foundation. New Products Fort Dodge's ProMeris for dogs to debut this fall Overland Park, Kan. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Fort Dodge's ProMerisâ„¢ for dogs, a low-volume, topical spot-on to control flea and tick infestations and prevent re-infestations on dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older. Law and Ethics To avoid legal hassles, keep good records of pharaceuticals By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD Several legal and consulting matters passed through our offices recently, dealing with administrative record-keeping failures related to controlled substances. Medicine Regional nerve blocks key to delivering quality dental care By Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. AAPM The use of regional nerve blocks for oral surgery in dogs and cats is synonymous with quality patient care. Plants poisonous to horses: the neurotoxic variety By Bryan Stegelmeier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVP This is the second in a series of articles introducing the toxic plants most likely to poison horses in North America. Four parts to fostering herd health By Christine Navarre, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM Disease prevention in beef herds is essential if a producer wants to be profitable. Most diseases, once we finally see them, have been smoldering in a herd for months and have been eating potential income. Avoidance is crucial because many common diseases have no treatment. Belmont winner Rags to Riches back in form after bone scan By Ed Kane, PhD On June 9, 2007, Rags to Riches nosed out Preakness winner Curlin in a courageous duel down the stretch to become the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont Stakes, and only the third filly to do so in its 139-year history. Evaluating the array of insulin products for companion animals By Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Owner convenience has taken preference historically over tight glycemic control. Urinalysis: What is your interpretation? By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Urinalysis is one of our most important clinical diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, most diagnostic reagent strips used to perform routine urinalyses in veterinary laboratories have been designed for human use. Business The making of a consumer By David M. Lane, DVM, MS 'Betty, call Junior. I think I want to start a dispensary.' 'rBGH free' threatens production practices By Charles E. Gardner, DVM, MBA, Dipl. ABVP The wife of one of my dairy clients recently refused to buy milk from a local convenient store. Mediation — a valuable option in solving disputes By Krista Schultz Washington — Mediation can be a useful conflict-resolution tool in veterinary medicine, a management expert advises. National survey probes inventory management By Krista Schultz Monument, Colo. — A nationwide DVM survey is targeting the single largest expense to veterinary practices — inventory management — to better understand challenges and opportunities to improve business performance. Law breaks down non-competes By Jennifer Fiala Portland, Ore. — Oregon law now limits noncompete covenants to two years, requires immediate notification upon hire and forces owners to pay employees thousands of dollars to enforce such agreements. Do your pharmacy fees need an overhaul? By Gerald Snyder, VMD Brief message for the practice selling $1 cat toys: It costs well over $2 just to print out an invoice Humor The art of extracting cat from carrier By Michael A. Obenski, DVM It took three of us to help Mr. Hamerswing bring his cats in from the car. That's because Porky and Jumbo were riding in their brand-new, homemade cat carrier. Overlooking 1 key detail makes a simple task difficult Neither had taken the time to observe that they were working on the side of the gate with the hinges.