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Use a Velcro (Velcro Industries) strip to keep blood pressure cuffs organized.

I own a 90-lb atopic dog that needs routine bathing, so I know what a chore it is for clients to bathe their large dogs with atopic dermatitis twice a week.

Any pet that leaves our hospital after undergoing surgery on or suffering trauma to its paws, which necessitates keeping the area clean and dry, is sent home with Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore & Associates) booties.

In our busy practice, my colleagues and I employ full- and part-time employees with a wide range of schedules.

Otitis externa is a common presenting problem in clinical practice. In chronic cases, the infection frequently extends to the middle ear. While multiple factors contribute to otitis development and subsequent secondary infections, the organisms found most often in affected ears include Staphylococcus species, Malassezia pachydermatis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The National Veterinary Medical Services Act (NVMSA) has taken a step closer to reality as a recent addition to the Senate side of agriculture appropriations. While NVMSA proponents await final word on whether an associated pilot program will receive $750,000 in initial funds, Dr. Michael Chaddock, a champion of the bill in Washington, thanks veterinarians and students for their efforts in pushing the measure.

St. Louis — Veterinarians expect demand and prices for in-clinic products to climb in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter.

Chicago —Veterinarians concentrating in swine medicine gross nearly $110,000 annually, leading all practitioner categories and disproving a widespread belief that food animal DVMs rank low in wage potential.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) says it's relieved legislation that could reward owners non-economic damages and increase veterinarians' malpractice insurance didn't make it out of committee.

When I was in college, I spent summer vacations taking tourists on horse pack trips in the Rocky Mountains. During that time, I was asked some incredibly stupid questions. So when I travel, I like to ask tour guides what the dumbest questions they've ever been asked are. The usual response is "You wouldn't believe me!" I always tell them, "Oh, yes, I would."

Many important issues are facing the veterinary profession, but veterinarians should not be daunted, says this leader of a foundation charged with improving the lives of companion animals and wildlife. "Be persistent in what you believe in, and don't give up."

Schaumburg, Ill. — Foreign veterinary numbers are falling short of attendance expectations lated for the jointly held American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and World eterinary ssociation meetings in Minneapolis.

Washington —As the nation shakes off a second case of mad cow, the veterinary profession relies on consumer reaction and government analysis to determine the finding' significance.

Antimicrobial selection should strive for a spectrum that is as narrow as possible, thus avoiding the sequelae of drug use on the normal flora and unnecessary selection pressure.

Trenton, N.J. — The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) is attempting to overhaul the state's animal cruelty statute in an effort to streamline the hodgepodge of amendments that tackle such offenses.

A 5-cc blood tube or unit rabies vial that is rubber-shaped provides an excellent method of carrying or sterilizing hypodermic needles.

Rome, Ga. — Five veterinary graduate hopefuls have earned the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award based on their background, work, primary medical interests, academic experience and career goals.

Washington — The horse industry spends more than $2.3 billion on veterinary care and services each year, according to an American Horse Council Foundation (AHC) study released in June.

Veterinary practices that sell items to a client without consultation must list the items sold under retail tax.

Bone marrow aspirate evaluation may not be in your primary diagnostic toolbox, but it is essential for diagnosing many disorders.

Colombus, Ohio —The autonomy of veterinary licensing boards is under attack, vulnerable to a nationwide shift toward consolidation and closer government directive.

Ames, Iowa — Dr. Holly Bender, associate professor of veterinary pathology at Iowa State University (ISU) received the 2004 National Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award.

Some veterinary client syndromes in desperate need of classification

New York — In effort to wipe out canine malignant melanoma (CMM), veterinarians and researchers are working together to target the disease with an emerging weapon in the form of a DNA-based vaccine.

LARAMIE, WY. — Two cats were diagnosed with bubonic plague in Wyoming — the first two cases to be diagnosed in the state in 15 years.

Sacramento, Calif. — A Los Angeles County judge has turned down West Hollywood's demurrer challenging the California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) lawsuit against the municipality.

I can remember thinking that Tex would be given pretty good care if he were a pig or a horse.

Washington — Food animal veterinarians and industry experts applaud recent Supreme Court actions favoring beef and pork checkoff programs.