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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Sep 1, 2011

Commentary A solution for decreased feline visits By Ronald E. Whiteford, DVM My blueprint for feline client compliance—spur traffic into your veterinary hospital one adoption at a time News A quiet call to protest By Rachael Whitcomb NJVMA leaves seat unfilled to question relevance of AVMA's House of Delegates. Pet owners push back on prices By Daniel R. Verdon National survey gauges DVM, pet owner attitudes on economy, pricing, wellness. University of Nebraska seeks answers about 'supershedding' of pathogens in livestock By Rachael Whitcomb Lincoln. Neb. — Researchers at the University of Nebraska have been awarded a five-year, $2.35 millioin grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find what makes some livestock "supershedders" of food-borne pathogens. UM study tracks emergency cases to assess outcomes, best practices By Rachael Whitcomb St. Paul, Minn. — What resources will be needed and what therapies will work best in future animal-trauma centers? Rural woes don't reflect overall practice sales market, brokers say By Rachael Whitcomb National Report — Kanab, Utah, just got its second stoplight. And most people living in the community leave their doors unlocked. Texas practitioners snared by state's controlled-substance permit backlog By Rachael Whitcomb Ponder, Texas — Dr. Phillip Henderson of Ponder Veterinary Hospital spent more than an hour-and-a-half on hold with Texas' Department of Public Safety. He was waiting to hear about the status of his controlled-substance certificate that he tried to renew months before. Nearly $10 million in veterinary drugs taken off black market By Rachael Whitcomb London — Thirteen people have been convicted in what British officials are calling Europe's largest veterinary drug ring. NYC practice fights back after New York Post gaffe By Rachael Whitcomb New York City — The phones started ringing at Riverside Animal Hospital shortly after the New York Post published a story about a Bulldog that died from respiratory distress after being left unattended for days in a veterinary clinic's kennel. HSUS, United Egg producers to propose national egg standards to Congress By Rachael Whitcomb National Report — Ballot initatives, backed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to change egg-production standards, were dropped in Oregon and Washington after HSUS and the United Egg Producers announced a deal to work together on new federal legislation that would apply to all egg-laying hens in the United States. Identifying scope of illegal practice By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — Ther American Veterinary Medical Association developed a new data collection tool to help in the fight against non-DVMs performing veterinary prcedures AVMA maps out association's goals through 2015 By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — On the heels of an internal report advocating radical change to the way the organization serves the public and the profession it represents, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) released a new plan to govern its growth over the next several years. A light at the end of the tunnel By Rachael Whitcomb Lansing, Mich. — While funding for higher education keeps creeping down on the priority list for cash-strapped states, at least one veterinary schools hopes it is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. ACVSMR releases application requirements, examination dates National Report — The American College of Veterinary Aports Medicine and Rehabilitation recently set up requirements for applications for board certification. AVMA challenges 'fairness' of Internet sales tax moratorium By Christina Macejko National Report — In a move to help veterinary practices become more competitive with online pharmacies, the AVMA threw its support to abolishing a federal moratorium on Internet sales taxes to out-of-state customers. AVMA makes changes to veterinary technology accreditation By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — Rapid growth of the veterinary technology field is forcing the American Veterinary Medical Association to make changes to the way it accredits veterinary technology program. Applications to Morris Animal Foundation grant program doubled in 2011 By Rachael Whitcomb Denver — Applications to Morris Animal Foundation's Veterinary Student Scholars Program doubled this year, and a total of 81 students received awards. BLM eyes greater cooperation with HSUS on wild-horse gather By Rachael Whitcomb National Report — Animal-welfare groups and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have butted heads for some time about wild-horse gathers, but BLM recently announced it will work more closely with the Humane Society of the United States to develop a "new normal" for doing business in the future. CATalyst Council releases survey findings, plans to roll out new program By Rachael Whitcomb Timonium, Md. — CATalyst Council says an initiative rolled out in early 2011 is starting to make inroads on reversing the decline in feline visits to veterinarians. CDC issues warning following new Salmonella outbreak in pet water frogs By Rachael Whitcomb Atlanta, Ga. — Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers and veterinarians to be cautious about buying African dwarf frogs from a California breeding facility. Canine cancer draws research efforts from human, veterinary sides By Stephanie Skernivitz Carvallis, Ore. — Canine cancer is presenting new opportunities for veteirnary and medical researchers to develop new treatment strategies. Conn. lawmakers to demand veterinary exams for imported animals By Rachael Whitcomb Lawmakers are forcing groups who bring animals into Connecticut for adoption to have them examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours of importation. Connecticut to cross-check animal abuse cases By Rachael Whitcomb Hartford, Conn. — Animal cruelty and child abuse have now been linked in new ways. Department of Defense will fund spinal cord injury research at TAMU By Rachael Whitcomb College Station, Texas — The Department of Defense shelled out a $900,000 grant fo Texas A&M's veterinary college can study non-invasive treatments and therapies for spinal cord injuries in dogs. Federal debt reduction bill carries implications for veterinary education By Rachael Whitcomb National Report — The federal debt reduction bill that made headlines this summer has a trickle-down effect on veterinarians, with the elimination of an in-school interest subsidy on graduate and professional student loans. Let it rain By Alicia Karapetian National Report — Mark Twain once said it was best to read the weather forecase before praying for rain. Lyme disease: Study documents interaction of B. burdorferi on lymph nodes By Rachael Whitcomb Davis, Calif. — Bacteria that cause Lyme disease can hide in lymph nodes, triggering immune responses not quite strong enough to kill the infection, according to a new study from the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis). Merck plans $18 million expansion of veterinary vaccine unit By Rachael Whitcomb Boxmeer, Netherlands — Merck Animal Health, formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, is planning an $18 million expansion of a vaccine-manufacturing unit in the Netherlands. Missouri lawmakers give state's pharmacy board authority over veterinary legend drugs By Rachael Whitcomb Jefferson City, Mo. — A new bill in Missouri will give the state pharmacy board authority over retail veterinary legend drugs, but also adds a licensed veterinarian to the board's advisory committee. Missouri study pairs military veterans with shelter dogs to benefit both By Rachael Whitcomb Columbia, Mo. — It's believed that 50 percent of the 2 million U.S. military personnel who have served in Iraw and Afghanistan experience combat-related psychological problems ranging form substance abuse to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). N.Y. shelters given OK to transfer unclaimed pets By Rachael Whitcomb Albany, N. Y. — Shelters with animals whose redemption periods have expired now have new options. NAVMEC board adopts new roadmap for veterinary education By Rachael Whitcomb St. Louis — Veterinary schools need to graduate veterinarians with real-world skills necessary to immediately contribute to practices or other areas of employment. NIH administers $4.8 million to study 'curative' rabies vaccine By Rachael Whitcomb Athens, Ga. — Veterinary researchers at the University of Georgia will collborate with several universities as part of a nearly $5 million, five-year grant to study a curative vaccine for rabies that could be administered late in the disease process. Oakland Zoo breaks ground on $10.8 million veterinary hospital By Rachael Whitcomb Oakland, Calif. — Construction is underway on Oakland Zoo's new veterinary hospital—the first on-site facility to treat the zoo's 600-plus residents. The long, hot summer By Christina Macejko National Report — Even in states where high temperatures are the norm, the dog days of summer brought an increase in office visits to veterinary clinics, and both companion-animal and large-animal clinics are sweating it out. UC-Davis veterinarians uncover key protein for diagnosing, treating lymphoma By Rachael Whitcomb Davis, Calif. — A protein recently identified by veterinary researchers at the University of California-Davis may be key to diagnosing and treating lymphoma in animals and humans. UI vet college eyes 40 percent energy reduction after $22 million overhaul By Rachael Whitcomb Urbana, Ill. — Over the next 18 months, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will undergo a transformation that could reduce energy consumption by as much as 40 percent. USDA mines beef feedlots for data on health practices, antimicrobial uses By Rachael Whitcomb Fort Collins, Colo. — The United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System collected data from selected beef feedlots throughout August in an effort to identify animal-health management practices and antimicrobial use patterns. UW veterinary researchers look to 're-engineer' surface wounds By Rachael Whitcomb Madison, Wis. — Veterinary researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison awarded a $4 million Recovery Act Grant to study surface and chronic wounds, which cost the U.S. healthcare system $15 billion each year. Veterinary groups form coalition to jumpstart visits to veterinarians By Daniel R. Verdon St. Louis — The number of veterinary visits is falling, and a new partnership between veterinary associations and animal health companies aims to reverse the trend. Virginia Tech opens two new public health programs within veterinary college By Rachael Whitcomb Blacksburg, Va. — Two new initiatives in public health have been launched at Virginia Tech with the formation of the Center for Public Health Practice and Research and a new department within the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine to support the center. Humor Finding my feng shui By Michael A. Obenski Mr. Dreemer is a 35-year-old entrepreneur. Poking a pig in the poke By Bo Brock, DVM Turns out, pigs don't like 18-gauge needs—or the guy holding them Business News The ugly truth: Why veterinary practice cash isn't flowing By Marsha L. Heinke DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM A new survey shows the many ways theft hurts your veterinary practice Analyze this! Back to basics to boost client visits By Michael Paul, DVM Take a close look at how competitive veterinary market pressures call for changes in education, pricing, and a renewed commitment to client relationships 10 banking mistakes that can cost you or your veterinary practice big By William J. Lynott Keep these 10 banking errors from chipping away at your net income The rise and fall of the veterinary medicine empire By Gerald Snyder, VMD Gather round and hear the story of how the noble veterinary profession battles the odds Veterinary medical errors: Tell the truth, do it quickly By A.D. Elkins, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS Saying you're sorry may go against everything you've been taught as a confident veterinarian, but being honest is the best option Veterinary medical errors: Think before you speak By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD When it comes to medical errors, talk to your lawyer first before you apologize Equine Cholangiohepatitis in race horses By Ed Kane, PhD Caring for those affected by the disease that caused champion Uncle Mo to be scratched from the Derby. Endurance and flat racing techniques meld By Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM Conditioning principles coalesce between the two disparate forms of sport, to mutual benefit. International Summit on Race Day Medication: EIPH and the racehorse By Ed Kane, PhD The summit focused on exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and the use of furosemide in race horses. Associate Perspective How to become a veterinary villain at your practice By Andrew Roark, DVM, MS It's easy to be bad, so forget the niceties and take your veterinary practice to an all-new low. Small Animal 6 lessons learned about the decline of veterinary care By Karyn Gavzer, MBA, CVPM Use these lessons to help turn around your practice and make sure pets get the care they need Cardiologist searches for keys to mitral valve disease About 70 percent of dogs affected by mitral valve disease do not develop heart failure or die as a result. Diagnote: What's your diagnosis? By Carl A. Osborne, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM During the past two decades, clinical research has improved our abiilty to detect several types of lower urinary tract disease in male and female cats. Canine housetraining, Part 2: Managing developmental issues with puppy crating By Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVB, CAAB Make sure clients know the ins and outs of correct crate training. Intraoral cytology By Jan Bellows, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. ABVP Becoming familiar with the fundamentals of oral cytology can be invaluable. Lasers: Applications for therapeutic use By Laurie Edge-Hughes, BScPT, MAnimSt (Animal Physio), CAFCI, CCRT Answers to frequently asked questions you need to know. Myelography: Still helpful or too risky because of seizures? By Ronald Lyman, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM , Pierre Bischel, DVM, Dipl. ECVN, Dipl. ACVIM (neurology) A recent study sought to establish the incidence of and risk factors for seizures after myelography with iohexol in dogs. New studies show uses for NT-proBNP By Anthony Carr, Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ACVIM The biomarker can help assess patients with cardiac and respiratory disease.