Schubot Center To Develop PDD Diagnaostic TestApril 17, 2009Texas A&M's Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center is developing a new diagnostic blood test for proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a wasting disease that affects many psittacine species. PDD is currently diagnosed clinically or by a crop biopsy. Clinical diagnoses are not always accurate and studies indicate that crop biopsies are only 40 percent to 70 percent accurate, says Ian Tizard, BVMS, Ph.D., director of the center. And then there's post mortem, when diagnosis comes too late, he adds. The diagnostic test is still in the early stages. "We need to test it on a lot more samples before we are able to offer it," he says. PDD is an important disease to diagnose and control because it is the most significant killer of large psittacines in captivity, according to Dr. Tizard. "It is also a major problem in some aviaries and in some of the parrot recovery programs where endangered species are dying from it," he says. It is generally assumed that PDD is a viral disease, but that has yet to be proven, Tizard says. PDD is quite erratic, he says. Some birds get sick quickly and die, while others may recover. Some birds exposed to the same thing …
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How Fatty Acids Fight InflammationApril 17, 2009Conventional wisdom dictates that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs constitute the best first-line pharmacologic approach to arthritis pain. They work rapidly and provide substantive relief. New research on pre-emptive nutrition for pro-inflammatory states has revealed startling discoveries on ways through which the body fights pain and inflammation on its own, given the proper circumstances. Insights into the mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids are revolutionizing our approach to the multimodal management of arthritis pain. Acute inflammation, a defensive response mounted by the host, serves to rid afflicted tissues of the causes and consequences of injury. Chronic inflammation, however, keeps the body locked in a state of perpetuating pain and biochemical unrest. The omega-3 polyunsatruated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) facilitate the return of a homeostatic tissue environment. The mechanisms underlying these changes is catapulting the field of nutritional pharmacology and nutrigenomics to the forefront by providing nutritional approaches to help thwart the inflammatory march toward cancer, Alzheimer's disease, colitis and periodontal and heart disease. When healthy individuals suffer trauma, inflammation ensues, but usually eventually disappears. Until recently, how redness, pain, heat and swelling leave the site of injury received little scientific scrutiny; most assumed that once …
Equine Disaster Teams Reach Out In Hurricane Ike AftermathApril 17, 2009 Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike’s massive storm, animal welfare organizations continue to lead rescue efforts, with many focusing on the equine population. To help these efforts, the American Assn. of Equine Practitioners Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund is accepting aid to help horses in Louisiana and Texas. Donations, which can be made at their website, will go to programs and organizations that are helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts as well as any future disasters that may occur. “The AAEP, AAEP Foundation and the equine veterinary community are saddened by the tragic loss of life and incredible destruction and flooding caused by Hurricane Ike,” said Eleanor Green, DVM, president of AAEP. “We are compelled to reach out, together with our members, horse owners and industry leaders, as part of the effort to support the human and equine victims of this disaster.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has already pledged more than $25,000 in pre-assessment grants following Hurricane Ike, in addition to $50,000 in grant funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. The ASPCA, among other animal organizations, provide hay and water …
Labrador Retriever Once Again Top Dog In U.S.April 17, 2009 The Labrador retriever’s reign as the most popular purebred dog in the nation continues for the 18th year in a row, according to the American Kennel Club. The AKC unveiled the top 10 most popular dogs in America on Jan. 21 during an event in New York to kick off the organization’s 125th anniversary. Other top dogs include the Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd, golden retriever and the beagle. The complete list for 2008: Labrador retriever Yorkshire terrier German shepherd Golden retriever Beagle Boxer Dachshund Bulldog Poodle Shih tzu Each year, the AKC also looks at the most popular breeds in each of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Some highlights: • The Bulldog continues to climb the national list. It’s really marking its territory in a number of western cities -- Las Vegas, Nev., Long Beach, Calif., Los Angeles, Calif., and San Diego, Calif. -- where it ranked second. • Detroit, Mich., and Miami, Fla., are the only cities that do not have the Labrador retriever in the top spot, both favoring the German shepherd dog. • The boxer is muscling its way to the top in a few cities, ranking second in Baltimore, Md., Cincinnati, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa, Louisville, Ky., Omaha, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo. …
AVMA Revises Policy On Antimicrobials In Livestock FeedsApril 17, 2009 The American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates has revised its policy on Antimicrobials in Livestock Feeds. The approval of Resolution 6, one of the resolutions to receive the most attention from delegates at the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference on Jan. 10 in Chicago, was reported in the Feb. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Proponents of Resolution 6, submitted by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, explained that it amends the AVMA policy to stress the need to proactively address antimicrobial resistance through science-based risk analysis. The revised policy, available here reads in part: “The AVMA supports a transparent FDA drug approval process that is rigorous and based on substantial scientific evidence supported by data and that includes an assessment of food safety. The AVMA believes FDA must continue to rely on robust antimicrobial resistance surveillance (e.g., National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System) and on science to evaluate possible public health impacts. Because of the national interest in ensuring food safety and public …
AVMA Releases Pet Ownership And Demographic SourcebookApril 17, 2009 Pet owners spent $24.5 billion on veterinary care in 2006, according to the American Veterinary Medical Assn.’s new 2007 “U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook,” which is published every five years. The average veterinary expenditure per household for all pets was $366 in 2006. About 64 percent of pet-owning households own more than one pet, according to the sourcebook. In addition, there are 43 million dog owning households compared with 37.5 million cat owning households, but 81.7 million cats compared to 72 million dogs. The sourcebook also includes statistics on veterinary medical use and expenditures, pet owner demographics, pet owner profiles, pet ownership and pet population. About 48,000 U.S. households were surveyed for the study. <HOME>
Sally Perea, DVM Joins Natura Pet ProductsApril 17, 2009Natura Pet Products of San Jose, Calif., has hired Sally Perea, DVM, Dipl. ACVN, as its senior nutritionist. She will work directly with Sean Delaney, DVM, Dipl. ACVN, Natura's senior executive vice president. Dr. Perea was previously a faculty member at the University of California, Davis and a principal consultant at Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting, a company that developed Balance IT software and supplements for making homemade pet food. "I'm excited to be joining Natura Pet Products, and look forward to playing a role in the further development and advancement of healthful pet foods and treats," she said. Natura Pet Products' lines include Innova, California Natural, EVO, HealthWise, Mother Nature and Karma. <HOME>
Novartis Lowers Price On Allergy DrugApril 17, 2009 Novartis Animal Health has reduced the price by up to 34 percent on its Atopica (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) Modified, a nonsteroidal oral therapy developed to control canine atopic dermatitis. "Atopic dermatitis is an expensive disease to treat," said John Rehak, DVM, Atopica senior product manager. "By passing the new cost savings along to their clients, veterinarians will be able to help more patients suffering from the relentless misery caused by atopy. Comfortable dogs mean satisfied, happy and loyal clients, which makes for a healthier clinic, too." The new pricing, which covers all product sizes, will take effect Feb. 1. <HOME>
New Spay Program In Michigan Seeks Vet ParticipationApril 17, 2009 All About Animals Rescue, a nonprofit that finds homes for dogs and cats and sponsors spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, is looking for veterinarians interested in participating in its new Spay Michigan program. Through the program, pet owners can call 888-5SPAY-HELP and be directed to discounted spay/neuter services throughout the state. Participating veterinarians will work with a voucher system and perform the services for about $50 per cat and $80 per dog, on average. This is the first statewide pet spay/neuter hotline, a much needed resource as poor economic conditions make it difficult for many pet owners to afford sterilization, said Amber Sitko, the group’s founder and president. “We believe that most pet owners want to be responsible,” Sitko said. “However, for many, it is a financial burden to do so. We are hoping the Spay Michigan hotline provides a way of reaching out to those pet owners who could use a hand.” The goal is to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets, which thousands end up in Michigan shelters and are euthanized each year, according to Sitko. The program will be promoted through special T-shirts designed by
Salmonella Contamination Spurs Limited Dog Food Recall In Southern CaliforniaApril 17, 2009Due to potential Salmonella contamination, Mars Petcare U.S. of Nashville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling 100 of the 20-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas. Last week, a component that should have been on hold due to positive testing results was inadvertently shipped to the company's Tracy, Calif., facility and used in the production of 100 bags of the Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites with best buy dates of 7/2009. Although the finished product tested negative of Salmonella and there have been no reports of illness or injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product, the company said it is taking precaution and issuing the voluntary recall. Mars Petcare also said it is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pet owners are advised to dispose of the product in a safe manner, such as a securely covered trash receptacle, and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund. Recalled Pet Food Information Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites Size: 20-pound bags UPC Code: 23100 14719 Lot Code: 830BFCAT02 Best Buy Date: 7/2009 Best Buy Date Location: …
