News

The AVMA Strategic Plan, initiated in 2006, is designed to guide the nation's largest veterinary membership group on profession-related issues. The following five critical areas of issue have been identified as well as a basic framework for addressing them:

Schaumburg, Ill. - An amended policy titled "Castration and dehorning of cattle" includes new pain-control and procedural language.

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found higher concentration levels of many synthetic industrial chemicals in dogs and cats than in humans.

The March issue of DVM Newsmagazine highlighted an increasingly critical issue in veterinary education: the escalation of student debt. Discussion around this topic is widespread and is bolstered by fact and emotion. Finding a solution is vital to the future of the veterinary profession, but robust analysis of the situation requires full information from the student, employer and academic perspectives.

Instead of lighters, we use candle warmers (small circular hot plates) to dry stained slides and to fix them when necessary.

Lexington, Ky. - Veterinarians played a key role in handling another high-profile racetrack tragedy - this time at the Kentucky Derby - and they're working with the racing industry in the aftermath to help improve Thoroughbred-racing safety and equine health and safety in general.

Dr. Hazel Holman was one of 34 veterinary practices targeted by Massachusetts environmental regulators in a medical-waste compliance crackdown.

Like many veterinarians, I prefer not to wear a wristwatch because of frequent hand washing, yet I need a second hand for measuring heart rates or respiration or performing ocular tear tests.

Washington - Chemical contamination, recently identified as a concern for humans, is an even more serious threat to pets, which are showing much higher exposure levels than their owners, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Editor's Note: On May 28, Alabama veterinarian Jerrry Handley was charged with second-degree arson, seven felony counts of animal curelty and a misdemenaor charge of filing a false report. Handley allegedly confessed to police shortly after this story went to press.

It wouldn't surprise me if a certain percentage of readers who merely scan this month's piece do so because they don't see what relevance the topic could possibly have to the practicing veterinarian. I understand completely because, at first blush, it doesn't seem possible that any "investigations" would need to be carried out in an animal hospital and, even if one did need to be done, how complicated could it be?

Occasionally, we find ourselves saying, "If only the referring veterinarian had performed a ____________ test." These are the 10 diagnostic tests that most commonly fill in that blank.

Topeka, Kan. - Legislation that would have taken away the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners' ability to preside over its own administrative hearings is dead for 2008, though it is expected to come up for consideration again in next year's legislative session.

A major study of the incidence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in performance horses could benefit all horses, and such a study might soon be undertaken if a research committee of prominent equine veterinarians determines the study should go forward and outlines its scope.

Use this client education form to educate clients about the care their pet receives during a dental appointment.

Canine lifestyle survey form

According to the IRS, your evacuation box should include copies of these items.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will create a new series of podcasts for pet owners. It's the association's latest effort to inform the public about issues related to pet health, public health and veterinary medicine.

Camden, N.J. - Thousands of pet owners in the United States and Canada could be reimbursed for veterinary bills and pet burial or cremation costs they incurred following last year's massive pet-food recall, under terms of a $24 million settlement filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey.

Santa Clara, Calif. - Eklin Medical Systems completed its acquisition of Ultrasource. The deal was announced in late May. Ultrasource is the U.S. veterinary distributor for Philips Medical Systems' ultrasound line, which includes Sonoscape and SIUI.

Check out the second installment of Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald's new blog to find out how you can keep it clean.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) named Karen E. Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM its new chief executive officer. Felsted leaves Los Angeles-based Gatto McFerson CPAs, a veterinary-focused financial and consulting firm.

Columbus, Ohio - Prescriptions and veterinarian-client-patient relationships are not needed for consumers to purchase therapeutic pet food.

Check out Dr. Fitzgerald's new weekly blog, which presents the practical side of veterinary practice with a personal touch.

Ames, Iowa - An Iowa State University researcher restored a 7-year-old dog's deteriorating sight by removing its cloudy cornea and inserting a plastic replacement.

West LaFayette, Ind. - A vaccine that could offer protection from highly pathogenic bird flu and its evolving forms is under development by Purdue University and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) researchers.

When I was veterinary school, summer meant RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. While I never participated, I was in awe as legions of bicyclists made their way through Ames en route to a finish line on the state's eastern edge. There's even a veterinarian version of the famed race, which takes place during fall semester.

Denver - Gov. Bill Ritter is expected tomorrow to sign a bill that phases out swine gestation stalls and veal crates in Colorado.

Knoxville, Tenn. - 5/9/08 - There's plenty of extra space to accommodate patients and several new services at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's (UTCVM) small-animal teaching hospital, with the formal opening of a 32,000-square-foot addition.

Portland, Ore. - 5/8/08 - Sharon Harmon, executive director of the Oregon Humane Society, is expected to receive the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Humane Award.