2009 Year in Review
Over the course of a year, DVM Newsmagazine published hundreds of news stories about the veterinary profession and trends influencing it. This list and photo gallery chronicles events influencing your profession in 2009.
Over the course of a year, DVM Newsmagazine
published hundreds of news stories about the veterinary profession and the trends influencing it. This photo viewer chronicles the most significant events influencing your profession. At the end of each quick summary, we’ll point you to the original story so you can learn more.
The animal-health market was once thought to be recession proof. But veterinarians report that a weakening economy is impacting numbers of client visits.
2. Mixed reviews on ear cropping decision
Renewed opposition to cosmetic surgeries by the American Veterinary Medical Association sparked debate from a vocal minority of veterinarians. The American Kennel Club remained opposed to the decision.
Horses became another casualty of the worsening recession. Owners were relinquishing horses in droves.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Manhattan, Kansas would be the new home of the aging Plum Island laboratory currently housed in New York. The laboratory is the country’s first defense against veterinary and zoonotic diseases.
An exclusive DVM Newsmagazine survey took the pulse of veterinarians about a deepening recession that didn’t hit bottom until March.
Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease has taken flight. A large-scale survey by the American Heartworm Society investigated the incidence of infection.
Cats are receiving less care than dogs, and veterinarians want to know why following a survey by the American Pet Products Association.
Hawaii and New York were eyeing legislation to compensate pet owners in cases of loss of companionship and emotional distress. The legislation poses big malpractice implications for practicing veterinarians, but little remedy for owners, DVMs say.
The Federal Trade Commission wants all small businesses to implement identity-theft prevention protocols. But practitioners are getting a reprieve.
Differences build strength. And the younger generation of veterinarians clearly has contrasting opinions to Baby Boomers.
As new veterinary graduates enter the workforce, some were reporting difficulty in finding jobs this year.
Leonard Blach, DVM, and his horse Mine that Bird had a big year at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
13. eBaying it
This Maryland veterinarian took the spay/neuter campaign to eBay and found success in auctioning off the cost of surgeries.
14. Saying goodbye
Dr. John Albers stepped down at the American Animal Hospital Association, and the profession paid tribute to the late Dr. Janice Audin, editor of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
15. Angels of mercy
Veterinarians came to the aid of a forgotten segment of society – the growing homeless population.
16. In harm's way
The would-be robber demanded cash. Veterinary technician Wanda Auten fought back.
17. Biting back
A new study looked at dog-biting injuries by breed as a way to prevent future injuries for veterinarians.
18. Tough love regarding cosmetic surgeries
A resolution surfaced at July’s AVMA meeting in Seattle to soften the association’s position against cosmetic surgeries. It wasn’t met with open arms.
A small group of protesters from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals showed up at the American Veterinary Medical Association meeting in Seattle. The gripe? A motivational fish-tossing event.
New laboratory standards were one of a series of steps by the Thoroughbred racing industry toward reform.
Shelters, boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals pose the greatest risk of outbreaks of canine influenza.
Antibiotic resistance is fueling new fears and calls to further regulate antimicrobials for food animals.
For 11 days and nights, Paul Danhaus, DVM, raced across the United States, and he won.
24. New welfare war
From cosmetic surgeries to food-animal confinement, animal welfare is emerging as the top debate for 2009 and beyond. States are lining up to enact new animal welfare rules.
25. Appeal denied
A California appeals court denied a pet owner’s claim of emotional distress in a malpractice case against a veterinarian.
The shortage of veterinarians in rural areas is believed to be so severe, the government has allocated some $4.8 million to help entice veterinarians to work in underserved areas of the United States.
Efforts to prevent horse racing injuries are having an impact, but not by much.
The unwanted horse epidemic is so serious; the Bureau of Land Management wants to open up new preserves as a way to increase adoptions.
29. Trash talking
Watch out for new environmental standards next year, veterinary officials warn.
Cases in companion animals are surfacing, but it’s the cross-species phenomenon attracting the interest of veterinary researchers.
