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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Oct 1, 2008

News DVMs voice opinions on presidential race By Christina Macejko Veterinarians cast votes on Election 2008's biggest issues. Election 2008: Economy is key in choosing next president By Christina Macejko The economy tops the issues influencing how veterinarians will vote this year, according to 66 percent of vets polled in an exclusive DVM Newsmagazine survey. 4th generation hospital had modest start By James M. Lewis Read about Erle Glennwood Case's journey from grammar-school teacher to veterinarian. Assessing Ike's impact on DVMs could take weeks By James M. Lewis AUSTIN, TEXAS — "It's no exaggeration to liken this to a bombing site. That's how bad the destruction is," says Dr. Elbert Hutchins, executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). Taking toll for public health By Daniel R. Verdon The convergence of people, animals and the environment could be the most critical risk factor to the spread of infectious disease. Educators issue a call to action By Christina Macejko Everyone with a stake in veterinary medicine is being asked to develop a 40-year education plan. Xylitol's poisonings increase NATIONAL REPORT — Although it has been used as a sweetener in foods since the 1960s, reported xylitol poisoning in dogs is on the rise, with more chewing-gum manufacturers using it in their products. CVMB, CVMA debate new technician requirements SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — California officials are at an impasse over how much education should be required to take the registered veterinary technician exam. Communicable health: Spread the word By Daniel R. Verdon Trying to bridge public health with the medical and veterinary communities is no small undertaking. Prop 2 debate divides DVMs By Rachael Whitcomb A debate has ensued over California's Prop 2, which would drastically alter animal agriculture. State associations call for antimicrobial restrictions By Christina Macejko The New Jersey and the Maine veterinary medical associationa renew pleas for antimicrobial restrictions. Fla. to require new RX permit Anyone selling veterinary prescription drugs in Fla. soon will need to buy a state permit. Oregon reviewing roles of CVTs, assistants By Rachael Whitcomb PORTLAND, ORE. — As many areas face shortages of veterinary assistants and technicians, more state boards are debating how far they can go to extend care. NTRA pushes quick adoption of racehorse safety plan LEXINGTON, KY. — In another move toward reform in the racing industry, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is seeking to have a long-term plan to implement uniform health and safety measures for racehorses in place by the time the Breeders' Cup World Champtionships are held Oct. 24-25 at California's Santa Anita racetrack. NRC urges more supplement regulation Regulation of animal dietary supplements is in "disarray," according a new report. AAEP names Moyer vice president for 2009 LEXINGTON, KY. — William Moyer, DVM, professor of sports medicine and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, was named 2009 vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). N.J. DVMs exempt from getting NPI numbers SPRINGFIELD, N.J. — The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) managed to have veterinarians exempted from being required to obtain National Provider Identification (NPI) numbers. Puppy mill legislation moves to Pa. Senate HARRISBURG, PA. — Two bills involving treatment of dogs in commercial kennels passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and were sent to the state Senate. Oregon DVM runs for U.S. Congress By Christina Macejko OREGON CITY, ORE. — If elected, veterinarian, farmer and small-business owner Kurt Schrader would be uniquely positioned to facilitate legislation key to the veterinary profession, such as increasing the number of veterinarians in rural practice and putting more funding into research. The pets behind the presidents By Christina Macejko Not having a First Pet lined up may not hurt Obama's campaign, but getting one could help. Ohio DVM running for president By Christina Macejko YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO — He may not have the name recognition of John McCain or Barack Obama, or even Ron Paul for that matter, but he has a belief that America can do better. Veterinary grant program enacted Washington — President Bush signed the Higher Education Reauthorization Bill into law last month, paving the way for a veterinary grant program that would increase the number of veterinarians in public health practice and research. Senate earmarks funds for student-loan relief washington — A currently nonfunctional federal program aimed at helping veterinarians who work in underserved areas repay their students loans soon may have the funding and rules necessary to go into effect. Euthanasia procedures amended in Tennessee Nashville, Tenn. — Non-livestock animals meant to be euthanized now must be held for three days, and those euthanized with intracardial injections must be heavily sedated, under a new state law. Alabama DVM faces counterfeit probe Athens, Ala. — An Athens veterinarian is under investigation by the U.S. Secret Service for allegedly counterfeiting $20 bills. Vets size up presidential candidates By Christina Macejko Neither candidate has said much animals on the campaigns trail, but DVMs are watching the race closely. AAEP Foundation accepting aid for horses LEXINGTON, KY. — The Equine Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation (AAEPF), is accepting donations to help horses in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ike. Before prescribing, do you weigh the risks and benefits? By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM The psychological pressure imposed on veterinarians to do something ... occasionally is overwhelming. Horses now protected 'pets' in Hawaii HONOLULU — Horses are protected pets under Hawaii's cruelty-to-animals statute. Head of Michigan veterinary group wins award Okemos, Mich. — Karlene Belyea, executive director of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), was named 2008 Executive of the Year. Lawsuit seeks $75,000 in non-economic damages ELLIJAY, GA. — A Georgia couple filed a $75,000 civil suit against an Atlanta veterinary surgeon, and are seeking non-economic damages that could set a precedent in pet-injury cases. Pets are considered personal property in most states, including Georgia. DVM says rehab results in swifter recovery By Stephanie Skernivitz Physical rehabilitation techniques go a long way toward helping animals after surgery. Thieves hit TVMA offices on night of hurricane AUSTIN, TEXAS — As evacuees fleeing Hurricane Ike poured into Austin on the eve of the storm, thieves broke into the offices of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) and made off with a computer and several monitors. Small Animal Surgery STAT: Correcting cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles By Lara Rasmussen, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS , Stephen H. Levine, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS The Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is a procedure developed in Zurich, Switzerland, in the early 2000s. The biomechanics behind its success for correcting cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles is a change in the patellar tendon angle that effectively neutralizes the tibiofemoral shear (tibial thrust) that occurs during weight bearing. Exercise-induced collapse in Labrador Retrievers By Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM Q: Please provide an updated review on exercise-induced collapse in Labrador Retrievers. Using ultrasound to detect free abdominal fluid Ultrasound is very sensitive at picking up free fluid in the peritoneal space. Depending on the patient, free fluid may be an important finding in diagnosing abdominal disease. The character and the amount of fluid are important indicators for the composition and cause of the effusion. Dental radiography: Small improvements to technique can make a big difference By Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. AAPM Veterinary dental radio-graphy traditionally has been one of the most frustrating aspects of veterinary dentistry. Feed hospitalized patients early for faster recovery By Rebecca L. Remillard, PhD, DVM, Dipl. ACVN Patients of any age may become malnourished from inadequate nutrient intake while in our care. Business Limited licensure raises legal, liability issues By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD The debate over limited licensure has many factors. The incredible shrinking client base By Gerald Snyder, VMD Gerald Snyder, VMD, provides an analysis on client visits and the changing times. Host more effective staff meetings By Michael H. Riegger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Follow-through after meetings is a frustrating issue in many practices. Buying at year's end can cut taxes By Mark E. Battersby End-of-the-year sales aren't limited to just retail goods. Humor Misread signal triggers strange gyrations A mixed-animal veterinary clinic holds a large number of distractions for the casual observer. No such thing as a stupid question? By Michael A. Obenski, DVM I have heard some people say there is no such thing as a stupid question. Equine EMPF: A newly described disease By Ed Kane, PhD Equine Multinodular Pulmonary Fibrosis was only recently identified but could have a deep past. Management practices suspected in Fla. EP spread By James M. Lewis Officials say better management practices could prevent the spread of equine piroplasmosis (EP). 'Reading' the equine hoof By Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM If, according to an old English proverb, the eyes are the windows to the soul, then for horses and humans the nails and hooves may well be the windows to inner health or medical problems. Calif. DVM elected to Jockey Club Lexington, Ky. — A California veterinarian long active in dealing with racehorse medication and drug-testing issues was one of four new members elected to the Jockey Club.