Substance Abuse: A Culture Of DenialJune 20, 2008Veterinary Practice News Managing Editor Somyr McLean contributed to this report. Veterinary medicine is the only U.S. medical profession that does not have a national monitoring program for substance abuse and mental health issues. Considering that medical professionals in general have a statistically higher incidence of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, many who are passionate about veterinary wellness are asking why DVMs are excluded. Authorities say they’re concerned not only for the health of those in the veterinary profession, but for the animals they treat as well. Even basic questions on the issue go unanswered, as no comprehensive, large-scale study of veterinarians and substance abuse has ever been conducted in the U.S. “Veterinarians in need of assistance fear losing their license and the stigma attached to suffering from an addiction or mental issue,” said Jeff Hall, DVM, a self-described recovering addict who formerly chaired the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Wellness Committee. “There isn’t an updated national support database of veterinarians, there isn’t a hotline. There isn’t a catalog of animals harmed by a compromised veterinarian or technician, there’s no statistic that shows veterinarians or staff who succumb to addictions or depression,” Dr. Hall said. “No one is expressing an interest …
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American Heartworm Society Calls Vets To Help With Incidence SurveyJune 12, 2008The American Heartworm Society is asking veterinarians to participate in its heartworm incidence survey by visiting www.heartwormsociety.org/hwsurvey to record the number of dogs treated and diagnosed with heartworm disease in 2007. The society will compile the results and produce an updated, online heartworm incidence map. The last survey recorded cases of heartworm disease in 2004. "We hope conveying the severity of this disease through actual numbers will help veterinarians encourage year-round prevention with pet owners and eventually move towards eradicating this easily preventable disease," said Sheldon Rubin, DVM, president of the society. The society also plans to increase its outreach and teaching capabilities, such as continuing to target veterinarians and pet owners via a multi-media website and its sponsored awareness campaigns such as KNOW Heartworms,www.knowheartworms.org, a partnership with the American Assn. of Feline Practitioners and Pfizer Animal Health. In addition, the society is launching a "Heartworm University" program. It will target 10 state and local veterinary medical association programs per year, particularly those in areas perceived as having little heartworm risk. Speakers will train and assist veterinarians on emerging areas in heartworm prevention, testing and treatment and provide tips on client communications and compliance.
ACVD Names Muse Member-At-LargeMay 27, 2008The American College of Veterinary Dermatology has named Russell Muse, DVM, right, as the new member-at-large on its executive board. Dr. Muse, who will serve a two-year term, is co-owner of the Animal Dermatology Clinics in Tustin, Marina del Rey and Pasadena, all in California, as well as in Louisville, Ky., and Marietta, Ga. "This is a very important position for the members of the college," said Alexis Borich, ACVD executive secretary. "The responsibility to ensure the members of the college have a voice with the board of directors is key to our success. With Dr. Muse in this position, we are confident that the voice of the members will be heard." Muse also receives cases at satellite practices in Palm Springs, Calif., and Maysville, Ky. In addition, he lectures regionally and nationally to various veterinary groups as well as assists in teaching a dermatology course annually at Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine in Perth, Australia. <HOME>
12-Point Checklist For Financial PlanningMay 23, 2008Do you have a lawyer? Do you have a will? Do you have an executor? Do you have a guardian for your children? Do you have a revocable living trust? Do you have a durable power of attorney covering healthcare? Do you have a durable power of attorney covering financial matters? Does your family know who your lawyer is? Does your family know where your important papers are? Do you have life insurance? Do you have disability insurance (short-term and long-term)? Do you have long-term care insurance? Here are a few recommendations for reading up on securing your financial situation. “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach. "Smart Couples Finish Rich” by David Bach. “The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom” (and other titles), by Suze Orman. “The Wealthy Barber” by David Chilton. <HOME>
Advances In Cat Litter Help Clients Recognize Urinary Tract DiseaseMay 22, 2008According to Veterinary Pet Insurance in Brea, Calif., the No. 1 claim filed in 2005 and 2006 for cats was for urinary tract infections. Diabetes, kidney failure and ear infections follow. With millions of American cats at risk for this common ailment, manufacturers began creating litters designed to detect signs of urinary problems. In fact, some cat owners may have even wondered why it didn't happen sooner. "It's hard to do," says John York, president of Health Meter Cat Litter in Mira Mar Beach, Fla. "It took a lot of research and development, time and expense, to develop [a litter] that would do this." Diagnostic Cat Litters Diagnostic litters are evenly coated with a safe, nontoxic pH detector; the litters turn colors when they detect pH changes in a cat's urine. "You know the strips you use to test the pH in a swimming pool?" says Tim Barber, Ph.D., chief operating officer and director of research and development for Camarillo, Calif.-based Performance Plus Laboratories. "It's the same principle, although you'll never get that little strip underneath your cat. This is the simplest way to identify if a cat may have a problem." If the litter changes to a color other …
Universities On The Cardio Cutting EdgeMay 22, 2008Tests confirmed the lethargic 8-month-old golden retriever had subaortic stenosis. Only a few years ago, treatment consisted of medical management or surgery to remove scarring in the narrowed aortic valve. More recently, specialists have used balloon valvuloplasty to break up the obstructions. All three treatments show varying degrees of effectiveness. Last year at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida, doctors used a new device, a balloon fitted with blades. The case was remarkable for more than its success in restoring the patient to high-spirited good health. It combined the skills of a veterinary cardiologist and a pediatric cardiologist: Amara Estrada, DVM, chief of the cardiology section at the school, and Joseph A. Paolillo, MD, a colleague from Shands HealthCare and director of the congenital catheterization program at the sprawling UF-affiliated hospital complex a brisk 10-minute walk away. Their continuing collaboration is part of a new discipline called translational medicine. "These collaborations are huge right now—the wave of the future," says Meg M. Sleeper, VMD, section chief of cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, renowned as the birthplace of veterinary cardiology. While breakthroughs in imaging, pharmacology and interventional surgeries using coils and catheters …
Animal Rehab Symposium Set For AugustMay 13, 2008The 5th International Symposium on Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Veterinary Medicine will be held Aug. 13-16 in Minneapolis, Minn. It is being hosted by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. The event will include lectures by researchers and clinicians with veterinary and physical therapy training, breakfast forums, laboratory and demonstration sessions, poster and abstract sessions, case reports and an exhibit tradeshow. Inspirational speaker Ann Bancroft will open the symposium with her presentation on "Collaboration and Teamwork." Continuing education credit is available for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and physical therapists. For details, contact Dr. Liz LaFond, University of Minnesota, at lafo0005@umn.edu or visit www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/rehab. <HOME>
AAHA Honors FiveApril 28, 2008The American Animal Hospital Assn. recently recognized five veterinarians for their contribution to veterinary medicine. The awards were given at the 2008 AAHA Yearly Conference which was held in Tampa, Fla., March 26-30. R. Michael Thomas, DVM, was named AAHA Practitioner of the Year for his commitment to the association, the profession, the community and his clients and patients. Dr. Thomas is a member of the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Veterinary Information Network Board of Directors, Veterinary Management Group I and president-elect for the Companion Animal Parasite Council. He owns Noah’s Animal Hospital in Indianapolis. The AAHA Award went to Michael Paul, DVM, for his contributions toward the betterment of AAHA and the veterinary profession. Dr. Paul is executive director and chief executive officer of the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Roger Clarke, BVSc, received the Hill’s Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award for his efforts to advance animal welfare through service and furthering humane principles, education and understanding. Dr. Clarke, an educator and international consultant, graduated from the University of Queensland, Australia, and established the Bundoora Veterinary Hospital in 1969, now one of only three emergency clinics in Melbourne. The Nestle Purina Petcare Award went to Dan Jordan, …
AAHA Announces New Board Of Directors, OfficersApril 28, 2008The American Animal Hospital Assn. recently introduced its new 2008-2009 Board of Directors and Officers: President Anna Worth, VMD. purchased West Mountain Animal Hospital in Shaftsbury, Vt., in 1979. She also chairs the Scientific Issues Committee. . President-elect John Tait, DVM, is the managing partner of the Ontario Veterinary Group in Toronto and serves as a part-time assistant professor and externship coordinator for the Ontario Veterinary College Department of Clinical Studies. . Vice president Gregg Takashima, DVM, was a Hubbs SeaWorld associate and earned a NOAH and Sea Grant Fellowship in Marine Ecology. He has his own practice—GKT Contract Veterinary Services—in Lake Oswego, Ore. . Secretary/treasurer G. Timothy Lee, DVM, works at the surgical referral practice at VCA Northwood Veterinary Hospital in Anderson, Ind. . Board Member Kate Crumley, DVM, owns the Heartwood Animal Hospital in Youngsville, N.C. <HOME>
ABKA Changes Name To Pet Care Services Assn.April 10, 2008To better reflect its membership and changes within the industry, the ABKA has changed its name to the Pet Care Services Assn., effective immediately. Founded as the American Boarding Kennel Assn. in 1977, the group had dropped the name in favor of the acronym ABKA in recent years to bridge its heritage with its members' and the industry's growth into other service areas. That growth has accelerated in the past decade, with the group's membership moving from almost exclusive ly boarding kennel services to include grooming, pet training, pet daycare, retail and pet -sitting services. For example, today, 77 percent of member facilities offer grooming, 72 percent offer dog daycare and 38 percent offer retail, the group reported. "The wide range of services offered by the Pet Care Services Assn. member facilities is helping shape the future of the association in its need to fully represent all types of pet care facilities and the types of member services it offers," said Joseph Lyman, chief executive officer of the group. The new name is also designed to better communicate its members' offerings to the pet-owning public. The group this month sent information packets to its 3,100 members with information about the name …
