News

DAVIS, CALIF. - 9/8/06 - Corvids, including American crows, Yellow-billed Magpies, Western scrub-jays and other members of the Corvidae family, serve as the primary reservoirs or incubators for the mosquito-borne virus, according to research entomologist William Reisen of the Center for Vectorborne Diseases (also known as CVEC), a unit of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Like many citizens, I think, I feel split on the issue of breed-specific legislation. And it doesn't seem like the news stories I hear or read are tapping veterinarians for information. Yet you're exposed to all types of breeds. And you know about animal behavior. Should some breeds with aggressive tendencies be singled out?

ITHACA, N.Y. - 9/5/06 - The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine plans to build a 126,000 square foot Animal Health Diagnostic Center to replace existing facilities. The new center is expected to be completed in 2010.

Konsyl Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offers Konsyl Original, a powder-form, natural fiber supplement and bowel normalizer for animals.

This year for our clinic calendar, which we send to clients as a holiday card, we will use 12 photos of staff members' pets!

To get a cat into a carrier without the cat panicking and flailing about, pull a pillowcase over the cat and loosely twist the pillowcase closed.

In "Repairing mandibular symphyseal fractures with no slipping," which appeared in the June 2006 Idea Exchange, a pin was recommended in certain situations to stabilize and repair these injuries.

We use a toothbrush cover to keep our Doppler probe from getting damaged.

We keep the tip of the surgical tissue glue from getting clogged by placing a 20- or 22-ga needle on the tip.

At our busy feline-only practice, subcutaneous fluids need to be administered often.

We place animals recovering from surgery in a rectangular playpen in the treatment room.

A veterinarian recently asked me, "What do we need to pay our veterinary technicians to keep them with us? And what do we need to offer to get more educated technicians in the field?"

Washington - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cut mad cow testing in the country by 90 percent, starting last month.

Pompano Beach, Fla. - PetMed Express has settled with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for $50,000 plus $9,000 in legal expenses and three years probation.

ImproMed unveiled a more user-friendly Web site redesigned with ImproMed's clients, and potential clients, in mind, the company says.

Andis introduces Power Groom with a cord pack that can be removed and switched with the AGR+ battery pack, which is sold separately.

Rapid triage decisions and referral is a tremendous benefit to survival rates.

Virtually all dogs become infected when exposed to canine influenza virus. Eighty percent of dogs show clinical signs of infection while 20 percent do not because they are subclinically infected, says Dr. Cynda Crawford, canine Influenza expert with the University of Florida. The best estimates of the mortality rate from canine influenza, is less than 10 percent. In a population of non-Greyhound dogs in Florida with a confirmed infection, it was 7 percent.

Millsboro Del. - Owners knowledge of diabetes in humans might not carry over to their pets, according to a recent Intervet study.

Boise, Idaho - In a letter written to DVM Newsmagazine, the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine voiced concern in regard to statements made in the July article, "Veterinarian challenges board decision and wins".

BCP Veterinary Pharmacy introduces BCP PZI, bovine protamine-zinc insulin.

National Report - $1,451: It's the price most clients will stop treatment of a sick or injured animal, veterinarians report.

EPS announces the addition of new styles and sizes to its line of tamper-evident safety seals.

Merrimack, N.H. - Most DVMs would agree that fecal examination is an important part of any dog or cat wellness program.

Firstline Rates 2006

Even in this age of evidence-based medicine, case reports still have great value, says this professor, researcher, and veterinary endocrinologist. "It is the well-worked-up case report that may provide completely new ideas."

Maxisonic Jet II is a combination Piezo Ultrasonic Scaler and bicarbonate polisher.

Infinium Medical Inc. introduces the Veterinary Pulse Oximeter.

Novartis introduces a Web site designed to help owners identify and seek treatment for skin problems in their dogs.

Fort Collins, Colo. - A rapid diagnostic test for seven animal diseases including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was designed in part by Colorado State University's (CSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.