Alicia Karapetian

Economic outlook clouded by a myriad of new challenges for veterinary practices.

National Report - Mark Twain once said it was best to read the weather forecase before praying for rain.

National Report - According to the recent "Compassionate Care Online Survey" from Virbac Animal Health, 47 percent of veterinarians have end-of-life discussions with their clients more than 11 times per month. How these conversations unfold, experts say, is key to a client's comfort with their choice in extending or ending a pet's life.

The number of registered Thoroughbred foals is declining as horse racing faces increasing economic challenges.

Lansing, Mich. - Students entering the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University expect to sit in lectures and attend labs, but thanks to Robert Malinowski, DVM, the use of technology both in the classroom and out is enhancing courses and changing the way students are receiving information.

Shifting societal perceptions, and a lot of money, fueling popularity.

National Report - The phone rang at 4 a.m. It was unnerving, recalls Dr. Rich Farris. The fire department official on the other end of the line made it even worse.

National Report - While the cattle herd has shrunk over the years as grazing space dwindles, there are new signs of optimism in the market.

National Report - In the last three years, James Dee, DVM, has seen visits steadily drop in his hollywood, Fla., practice. In fact, the appointment calendar is wide open. "Anybody can be seen within a day," he says.

National Report - Most urban- and suburban-based DVMs expect to see plenty of dogs and cats, but the increasing number of cities allowing backyard chickens could mean more birds will be flocking to local veterinarians' offices.

National Report - Pain. Numbness. Weakness. Palpitations. These symptoms can be indicative of a variety of conditions, but sometimes the accurate diagnosis is bartonellosis.

National Report - Following 10 years of supporting the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) will withdraw its membership and financial support at the end of the year.

Baton Rouge, La. - Louisiana State University (LSU) faces a drastically reduced state budget for higher education in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which could affect the university's veterinary school.

The AVMA and those in Congress are seeking to make 2011 the year of the veterinarian

After experiencing the loss of his own pet, one DVM is fighting to change compensation laws.

Summer heat, floods could spawn heightened parasitic disease risks in Midwest

Ramon Perez's long-running love of horses inspired his move from racing at Belmont to becoming an equine practitioner.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) proposed a resolution asking the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Executive Board to conduct a risk-benefit analysis of AVMA's Council on Education's (COE) accreditation process for foreign veterinary schools.

National Report - When Dr. Christie Cichra graduated from veterinary school in 2006, she had a job lined up.

Toronto DVM John Booth woke up to see a gun staring back at him.