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DVM360 MAGAZINE, Apr 1, 2012

News The final bill By Rachael Whitcomb National Report — A Syracuse, N.Y., television station opted to air a report critical of area veterinarians for charging owners to stay in the room during the euthanasia. Cause of equine hyperbaric oxygen chamber explosion remains unknown By Rachael Whitcomb Formal certification and new operating procedures may be on the way after lethal explosion. NBAF plans hit a snag By Rachael Whitcomb Manhattan, Kan. — Although President Barack Obama's 2013 budget proposal doesn't include an anticipated $50 million for the construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Kansas, plans to build the facility are by no means derailed, say those close to the project. Random inspections snare 20 veterinary clinics By Rachael Whitcomb Boston — Random inspections by the Massachusetts state board resulted in fines for 20 veterinary hospitals for having expired medications Burned: Veterinary practices up in flames By Christina Macejko National Report — Three veterinary practitioners are still coming to terms with loss from fires in February—one who lost a family business and nine animals, another who lost her home, and a third who lost his business and many personal possessions in a suspected arson. Missouri lawmakers want animal abuse footage turned over By Rachael Whitcomb Jefferson City, Mo. — If a proposed state law passes, anyone employed by an animal agricultural operation who records suspected animal abuse could be obligated to turn over the unedited recording to law enforcement within 24 hours. Executive Board revises extra-label use policy, comments on new FDA rules By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — The American Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board revised its policy on extra-label drug use in January, and the association says it will use the new policy to comment on additional restrictions placed on the use of cephalosporin-class antimicrobials in most food animals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GHLIT urges veterinarians to speak out to preserve future of program By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — The American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health and Life Insurance Trust is worried about its fate as the January 2014 effective date for President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approaches. New Jersey walks away from AVMA HOD meeting By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association made a quiet statement at the last AVMA House of Delegates meeting. UC-Davis uncovers possible foundation for Salmonella vaccine By Rachael Whitcomb Davis, Calif. — An international research team led by Stephen McSorley, an immunologist and associate professor in the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis) Center for Comparative Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine, identified a set of antigens that could provide a foundation for developing a potective Salmonella vaccine. Cornell secures grant for $22 million veterinary classroom expansion By Rachael Whitcomb Ithaca, N.Y. — Cornell University will begin a new $22 million renovation project this spring. Cornell's partnership in Hong Kong delayed this year By Rachael Whitcomb Ithaca, N.Y. — Cornell's plans for partner with City University of Hong Kong on the first veterinary medicine program in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) will not move forward this year, as previously announced. W.V. works to clarify rules for RVTs By Rachael Whitcomb Charleston, W.V. — Some West Virginia lawmakers want to change the requirements and scope of practice for registered veterinary technicians. UGA researcher closes in on Chagas vaccine for companion animals By Rachael Whitcomb Athens, Ga. — A researcher in the University of Georgia's Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases says he is closing in on a vaccine for pets that could slow the spread of Chagas disease in people and animals. Tufts to open low-cost veterinary clinic at technical high school By Rachael Whitcomb North Grafton, Mass. — Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine plans to open a low-cost primary care clinic for under-served pets around Worcester. Hawaii lawmakers want minimum CE requirement for DVMs By Rachael Whitcomb Honolulu — Hawaii veterinarians are facing new continuing education requirements if Senate Bill 2522 passes. Alabama could allow out-of-state ownership for non-profits By Rachael Whitcomb Montgomery, Ala. — New Alabama legislation aims at changing practice ownership rules for tax-exempt practices. California lawmakers call for greater oversight of pet groomers By Rachael Whitcomb Sacramento, Calif. — California lawmakers are working to create new licensing requirements for pet groomers that will be overseen by the state's veterinary medical board. CDC cautions public about raw milk consumption By Rachael Whitcomb The agency notes that majority of dairy-related illnesses are linked to raw milk. S.D. commissions feasibility study for equine slaughter plant By Rachael Whitcomb Pierre, S.D. — South Dakota lawmakers want a new study to examine the feasibility of establishing an equine processing plant in the state. Tennessee drafts new legislation in favor of horse slaughter ban By Rachael Whitcomb Nashville — Shortly after the federal government re-opened the door to horse slaughter for human consumption in the United States, Tennessee legislators are working to keep it out of the state. Hawaii considers forced sterilization for pets sold through retail channels By Rachael Whitcomb Honolulu — State lawmakers are again calling for mandatory sterilization of puppies and kittens sold through pet stores. AVMA rebuts reports of rise in distemper cases due to new viral strains By Rachael Whitcomb Schaumburg, Ill. — The American Veterinary Medical Association is rebutting claims made by multiple media outlets that an increase in distemper cases at shelters are due to new virus strains. Mississippi says only vets can diagnose livestock pregnancies By Rachael Whitcomb Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine filed a new rule stating that only veterinarians licensed in the state may diagnose pregnancies in livestock. Hawaii mulls exemption from electronic RX reporting program By Rachael Whitcomb Honolulu — Veterinarians may no longer have to report prescription information to the state in Hawaii if new legislation passes. UGA researchers develop 'fracture putty' from stem cells to speed up healing By Rachael Whitcomb Athens, Ga. — Veterinary and regenerative bioscience researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) developed a new putty that they say may significantly shorten healing times and revolutionize fracture treatment. Texas A&M regents approve $120 million for veterinary hospital expansion, classrooms By Rachael Whitcomb College Station, Texas — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will spend $120 million to expand its small-animal hospital and construct a new building to house classrooms and a teaching laboratory. Washington seeks new livestock care board By Rachael Whitcomb Olympia, Wash. — A new bill in Washington state seeks to assemble a livestock care board to create and oversee minimum care standards for livestock and poultry. Vermont considers emotional damages By Rachael Whitcomb Montpelier, Vt. — Vermont is considering a new law that would allow pet owners to recover non-economic damages. FDA clarifies term for 'non-lactating' cattle By Rachael Whitcomb Rockville, Md. — FDA has issued a statement clarifying that dry dairy cows should not be included in the definition of non-lactating dairy cattle. Tennessee lawmakers pitch new exotic ownership rules By Rachael Whitcomb Nashville — New legislation proposed in Tennessee would crack down on dangerous animal ownership. Penn's budget holds the line By Rachael Whitcomb Philadelphia — In an era of budget cuts, Pennsylvania state regulators held proposed state funding for the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine at last year's level. Oklahoma considers tax credit for horse slaughter plant By Rachael Whitcomb Oklahoma City, Okla. — State lawmakers are considering an income tax credit for an equine horse slaughter facility. Massachusetts bill would exclude DVMs from prescription drug monitoring program By Rachael Whitcomb Boston — Veterinarians might be excluded from compliance with the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program is a proposed bill passes. Vermont considers law on sow confinement By Rachael Whitcomb Montpelier, Vt. — Vermont is the latest state to consider new rules for the confinement of sows. Okla. reviews rules on animal massage, acupressure By Rachael Whitcomb Oklahoma City, Okla. — Oklahoma lawmakers are trying to redefine the certification process for animal massage and acupressure. Missouri wants to limit 'animal rights' debate By Rachael Whitcomb Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri legislation seeks to limit animal-rights arguments in cases of non-economic damages. Washington wants veterinary exemption for RX monitoring By Rachael Whitcomb Olympia, Wash. — Some Washington lawmakers want veterinarians exempted from submitting data as part of the state's prescription monitoring program. Texas A&M, medical school team up against canine lymphoma By Rachael Whitcomb College Station, Texas — A study shows that a new immunotherapy for dogs diagnosed with advanced-stage non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) could improve their survival time and quality of life. Missouri lawmakers want new stipulations for controlled substance dispensing By Rachael Whitcomb Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers crafted new legislation that would create a new monitoring system for prescribing and dispensing all schedule II, III, IV and V controlled substances. Treeing Walker Coonhound climbs into AKC's breed list By Rachael Whitcomb Raleigh, N.C. — The American Kennel Club added the Treeing Walker Coonhound to its list of 174 recognized breeds. Business Vaccines aren't dead, but your veterinary practice's fee schedule may be By Michael H. Riegger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP Follow these 10 steps to rejuvenate your practice's fee schedule and pricing strategy Market Watch: A new model: Look for opportunity By Michael Paul, DVM It may be time to rethink your practice's pharmaceutical product pricing. 3 perils of associate veterinarian contracts By Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD These three stumbling blocks must be fully understood before veterinary practice owner and associate sign on Fees: It's all in the presentation By Gerald Snyder, VMD Turn common sense on its head: Present your fee schedule to pet-owning clients—personally W.V. may exempt veterinary drugs from sales tax By Rachael Whitcomb Charleston, W.V. — A new bill in West Virginia is seeking to exempt veterinary medications from consumer sales and service taxes. Ohio DVMs report decline in profits, remain optimistic By Rachael Whitcomb Columbus, Ohio — More than half of Ohio veterinarians who participated in a recent economic survey say their profits have decreased since 2009, but they are still optimistic about the future. Arizona wants veterinary, other healthcare services taxed By Rachael Whitcomb Phoenix, Ariz. — Veterinary services may soon be hit with a 6 percent retail tax. Fight to save practice nets business advocacy award By Stephanie Fellenstein Garden Grove, Calif. — When developers threatened to take over the corner where the Garden Grove Dog and Cat Hospital was located, Dr. Les Malo decided to fight back. Small Animal How to manage diabetes cases: Second in a two-part series By Lori A. Wise, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM A Q&A with Dr. Lori Wise reveals strategies for managing diabetic cats and dogs. Dumbed down by dominance, Part 2: Change your dominant thinking By Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVB, CAAB Embrace deference, not dominance, to ensure healthy and happy human-pet relationships. Performing an elimination diet trial By Tom Lewis, DVM, Dipl. ACVD Take the time to find the right trial diet, and counsel clients on what not to feed. Brachycephalic airway syndrome: Correcting stenotic nares By Matthew M. Keats, DVM, Dipl. ACVS Help patients with this syndrome breathe easier with a simple surgical correction. Equine Helping the helpless horses By Ed Kane, PhD Two New Jersey practitioners earn 2011 Good Works for Horses Award. Let the laminitis data gathering begin! By Ed Kane, PhD U.S. and Canadian equine practitioners are asked to submit data for AAEP laminitis study. Overweight horses: An increasing problem By Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM Using grazing muzzles may help limit intake and reduce the chance of overfeeding. Texas A&M unlocks Quarter Horse genome The genome is a big step toward understanding genetic variation in horses. Featured Contributors My night as a veterinarian-turned-ESPN-announcer By Bo Brock, DVM Hand puffy headphones to a practitioner and an accountant at the basketball game and see what you get The veterinarian's prayer By Andrew Roark, DVM, MS Asking for strength, wisdom, self-control and sometimes voicemail in the life of a busy veterinary practitioner Humor The case of the pungent client By Michael A. Obenski Mrs. Clowder is one of my most loyal clients.