News

Orlando, Fla. - New graduates pay an average 5.3-percent more for student loans while starting salaries rose 3 percent in 2004.

To help restrain fractious cats, use a bathmat.

As a small luxury, I provide scented hand soap, lotion, and ring cleaner at the staff sink.

To prevent our dental prophylaxis patients from looking like wet mops, we place disposable plastic shower caps on them.

We use colored zip strips, usually used for securing wire or cabling, to mark our cold-tray instruments.

Don't forget to moisten your glass stoppers with glycerine, the hygroscopic property of which will keep them from sticking in the bottle.

In my practice, we give clients a different thank-you gift each month.

In the article "Three-minute peripheral blood film evaluation: The leukon" in the December 2004 issue, the last sentence in the section titled "Is there a left shift present?" on page 1036 should read, "If the narrowest portion [of the nucleus] is greater than one-third of the widest portion, the cell is classified as a band cell or an immature neutrophil."

New graduates do not have the privilege of "dating" practices. This a one reason why so few stay with their first practices.

Las Vegas - Thirty-one veterinary students landed a $2,500 scholarship and $1,000 stipend from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC).

Do not be fearful of making a decision. Your are negotiating a position to expand your expertise ...

So you want a raise, a vacation, a smile; well, here is what the boss wants: good employees and team members.

Washington - By the time this year's graduates reach retirement age, they likely will have witnessed a disease epidemic.

The veterinary graduate's final assignment as a student requires research, a meticulously planned budget and the right questions.

Ames, Iowa - In the state that ranks first in pork and third in beef production, the food animal veterinarian soon might be an endangered species. Iowa, like all livestock-dense states, faces a shortage of large-animal practitioners.

Hopefully you have accepted a position that recognizes the gap between education and practice.

Cleveland - Clients judge a book by its cover. There's no way to get around it, especially when it comes to students and new graduates.

WASHINGTON —Veterinary leaders commend President Bush's call to enact association health plans (AHP) during his State of the Union speech Feb. 2, citing national policies as a means of insurance savings for small business owners.

It occurs to me as I lie here suffering an attack of viral gastroenteritis, popularly known as the California crud, that we are becoming a nation of hypochondriacs.

Pedigree Perfection introduces Paw Tectors, waterproof boots that protect dogs from moisture while outside, and keep their feet clean from all elements and hazards, the company says.

Millsboro, Del. — Intervet's Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the first and only insulin approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to manage canine diabetes.

ST. LOUIS — Veterinary product sales are expected to fall slightly in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the fourth quarter of 2004, but overall demand remains strong, according to the Animal Health Price & Demand Economic Report, a compilation by C.F. Grass Consulting.

Innotek introduces Zones, a dog-training device that is placed under furniture, on a wall, counter or area indoors that pets are not wanted.

Kodak introduces computed radiography (CR) systems and other medical imaging solutions specifically to meet the needs of veterinarians.

KANSAS CITY — Model practice act standards embracing chiropractic and physical therapies likely will make the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) agenda during the group's annual September conference.

SOUTHEAST ASIA — Veterinarians who traveled to Asia to help with disaster relief from December's tsunami now are combating a new problem as the Sri Lankan military threatens to eradicate thousands of dogs if rabies emerges.

Milwaukee — Midwest Airlines announced a new program that will give pets a free round-trip ticket for every three domestic round-trip flights they take with their owners.

Is there a leader you'd like us to interview? Perhaps an admired teacher, mentor, or colleague?

The least expensive alternative for ovarian ligation is a hand-tied ligating loop.

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.— In an effort to streamline state government, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is threatening the state's 88 independent regulatory agencies with consolidation — a move that would eliminate the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB).