News

Columbia, Mo. - A new method for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in dogs has been developed by a University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine researcher. The treatment is supposed to be less invasive with fewer complications.

This week Dr. Fitzgerald discusses why he thinks that even in 2008 the customer is always right.

Washington - A panel of lawmakers want reform of the horse racing and breeding industries following several high-profile equine breakdowns like Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby.

Schaumburg, Ill. - Beginning June 25, Dr. Karen E. Felsted will take over as the chief executive officer for the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI).

San Antonio, Texas - The American Heartworm Society intends to survey more than 40,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals this summer to record the number of dogs diagnosed and treated for heartworm disease as part of the group's three-year plan to increase awareness heartworm awareness.

Greensboro, N.C. - Making sure patients get the full course of any take-home medications always is a concern. Now, a free new online tool can assist veterinary practices and their clients so pets get their medications on time.

Reno, Nev. - Maddie's Fund launched a new campaign in northern Nevada to promote regular veterinarian visits.

Columbia, Mo. - A program aimed at helping graduating veterinarians pay back student loans and addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians is getting under way at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Fitzgerald takes on the importance of time management in his latest blog.

New York - Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, professor of surgery and director of the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University, was named a co-recipient of the second annual Elastikon Equine Research Award for his work on a project aimed at enhancing the safety of racetracks for horses.

Sacramento, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made several state appointments, including veterinarian John Hadlock to the Colorado River Fair board of directors.

Shaumburg, Ill. - To help veterinarians and the public better understand animal-welfare issues, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) launched its first Web section devoted to animal-welfare information.

Shaumburg, Ill. - The American Veterinary Medical Foundation will award $200,000 to the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) program for disaster preparedness and response at the state level.

Sausalito, Calif. - The tide has changed at the Marine Mammal Center (MMC) in Sausalito, Calif., with the appointment of Jeff Boehm, DVM, as the new executive director.

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida A&M University broke ground May 28 on a new $1.2 million animal health-care facility to support its new veterinary-technology program that begins this fall.

Indianapolis - Three horses on a south-central Indiana farm recently tested positive for equine infectious leukemia (EIA), prompting the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to issue an alert.

Morristown, N.J. - Actavis Totowa LLC, a U.S. manufacturing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group, initiated a Class I nationwide recall of Digitek for oral use.

Madison, Wis. - A study is under way at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine to determine how long a new, more potent rabies vaccine protects dogs from the virus.

One of the profession's most successful doctors comments on women's contributions.

This week, Dr. Fitzgerald talks about building your client base by getting involved in the community.

Denver - Veterinary oncologists from two leading canine cancer research centers, at Colorado State University and Cornell University, participated in a canine cancer exclusive presentation currently offered on the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) Web site, www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Manhattan, Kan. - Kansas State University researchers committed to solving the problem of swine diseases have been rewarded for their efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the tune of $4.8 million.

Baltimore, Md. - A new law will allow animal control facilities to gain access to certain sedatives they need to do their jobs safely and humanely.

Overland Park, Kan. - ProHeart 6 is back.

United Kingdom - A variation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus auereus (MRSA) has been found in three humans in the United Kingdom.

June 5, 2008 North Grafton, Mass. - A new study released yesterday predicts a continued shortage of veterinarians in New England.

College Park, Md. - The University of Maryland-College Park will continue its bird-flu research with the help of a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Sacramento, Calif. - Animal emergency response specialists, veterinarians and disaster rescue volunteers are meeting at Sacramento's Doubletree Hotel June 3-6 for the National Conference on Animals in Disaster.

Portland, Ore. - The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board has put into effect a temporary rule to allow shelter staffers to receive euthanasia training and testing through October from board-approved vendors or veterinarians.

In the third installment of his blog, Dr. Fitzgerald reflects on the wonder of the veterinary profession.