Jennifer Fiala

Wichita, Kan.- Wichita veterinarians opposed to Kansas State University's (KSU) plans to build the city's first specialty hospital offering emergency services have forced college officials to suspend and possibly abandon the $3 million venture.

East Brunswick, N.J.-Dr. Howard Baker is armed for one last showdown with the animal rights group he blames for marring his practice, career and reputation.

Sacramento, Calif.- Dr. Dick Schumacher's schedule seems rather demanding these days. As the California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) executive director struggles to stifle declaw bans and activist-laden welfare bills, rumors now surface that at least six petitions are circulating to outlaw sow housing and veal compartment crates. Less than a million signatures guarantee these issues a spot on the ballot next March.

As a swelling animal activist movement heads mainstream, evidence of its influence is creeping into the veterinary profession.

Albuquerque, N.M.-Pet loss takes an emotional backseat to bereavement for a family member or friend.

Hastings, Neb.-The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) fired Gary Management Organization (GMO) after determining more than $125,000 was missing from the group and its scholarship foundation.

Denver-To help practitioners make sense of the profession's three sets of vaccine guidelines, a Purdue University researcher offers a means to tailor the sometimes confusing array of protocols for use in everyday practice.

Poland, Ohio-It's been eight years since Dr. John Daugherty's face-off with other practitioners in his town. He's been badmouthed, backstabbed and even called a quack.

Springboro, Ohio-There are plenty of positive and negative routes to coping with market saturation, and most practitioners respond to increased competition in one of three basic ways, says Karyn Gavzer, a consultant with KG Marketing and Training, Inc.

As prices for pet drugs and products rise so do the number of retailers selling goods once exclusively found in the veterinarian's office.

Schaumburg, Ill.-The nation's largest Internet/mail-order pet pharmacy claims to have cleaned up its act, but veterinarians allege that despite fines and warnings, PetMed Express's new sales tactics are infuriating and damaging, if not illegal.

Legal liabilities lie in virtually every veterinary hospital, but there are plenty of ways to reduce practice vulnerability.

Broward County, Fla.-What national news agencies report as a "potential landmark case" concerning a Florida appellate ruling to allow emotional distress claims related to a pet's death is an exaggeration, legal experts say.

Denver- Two animal welfare issues targeted by some of the nation's most dogged activists sent American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) delegates into a tailspin last month, triggering fierce internal debate and safety concerns due to protesters.

Santa Ana, Calif.-Robert Newman knows his Chihuahua suffers a slight heart murmur. Yet instead of informing his new veterinarian of the previously diagnosed condition, he waits to see test results, occasionally entertaining treatment recommendations he knows the dog doesn't need.

Experts estimate labor costs and benefits rank as top income eaters among the nation's veterinary practices.

Trenton, N.J.-New Jersey veterinary leaders suggest a new classification for owner retort in malpractice and wrongful death claims could stymie the growing animal welfare movement pushing court systems and legislators to view pets as more than property.

Trenton, N.J.-As New Jersey lawmakers edge closer to passing new health regulations for livestock, activists attempt to derail the adoption of what they call "cruel" standards.

Kissimmee, Fla.-A recent ban on Florida's trap-neuter-release programs in favor of more progressive feral cat controls pits public health veterinarians against educators, practitioners and motivated animal lovers in the state.

Owners aim for more in malpractice, wrongful death cases; guardianship movement steamrolls ahead

An estimated 5 million cats and dogs are euthanized in U. S. shelters each year, and while reliable statistics are scarce, experts predict they sharply contrast death tolls recorded as late as 1995.

140th AVMA Annual Convention kicks off July 19; former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani hosts keynote address

Longtime DVM to be sworn in next month; promises action will jumpstart organization

CVMA sets sights on repealing West Hollywood's well-publicized ordinance

Pomona, Calif.-Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) opens its doors this fall not only as the nation's newest veterinary college, but as the only program boasting a 15 percent male class.

San Francisco-As the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) expands with a $15 million specialty referral center set to open late next year, local practitioners fear the nonprofit's tax-exempt status and fundraising perks will choke area small business.

Pensacola, Fla.- PRN Pharmacal is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully approve phenylpropanolamine (PPA) as a new animal drug and pledges $2 million to study it for exclusive label rights - a move that's caught the attention of at least one manufacturing competitor.

Gainesville, Fla.-As state governments face a third fiscal year overshadowed by the nation's economic slump, lawmakers are predicted to hand down budget cuts likely to impair veterinary college programs and their personnel.

Cancer management program allows DVMs to diagnose, treat and track oncology cases via Internet-based consultations with specialists

St. Kitts, West Indies-Ross University's medical and veterinary medical schools have been sold for $310 million to international higher education company DeVry, Inc. The move comes as longtime veterinary college Dean Michael Shires, DVM, retires and former North Carolina State associate dean Dr. David DeYoung takes his seat.