UW-Stout to host conference on animal health nutraceuticalsJune 10, 2019The University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stout is hosting a world conference on the use of nutraceuticals in companion animal health care. Sponsored by Vets Plus, the International Conference on Animal Health Nutraceuticals–2019 (ICAHN 2019) takes place from July 17 to 19. "Veterinarians already use probiotics to address digestive ailments and omega-3 fatty acids to improve issues with the skin, coat, and joints," says Vets Plus founder and chief executive office, Raj Lall. "And nutraceuticals are widely used in joint health programs and to address the needs of senior pets. But the number of compounds in current use is small compared to the number we know to have therapeutic benefits. This conference is intended to increase both the profile and practitioner knowledge about this branch of veterinary science." Discussions will feature experts in academia, veterinary practitioners, and internationally published nutritional scientists. Speakers and topics include: An overview of nutraceuticals in animal health and disease (presented by Ramesh Gupta, DVM, MVSc, PhD); Therapeutic uses of cannabinoids in companion animals (presented by Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA); and Future direction and trends in nutraceutical research (presented by W. Thomas Shier, PhD) "Nutraceuticals are being used in virtually every veterinary practice and their …
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Banfield launches phone interpretation service pilot programJune 7, 2019Banfield Pet Hospital has launched a 60-day, over-the-phone interpretation service pilot program at its California hospitals and Vancouver, Wash., call center. The service offers interpretation in 350 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, French, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Korean, Creole, Arabic, and Russian. Banfield has partnered with Lionbridge Technologies to offer these services to its non-English speaking clients who require help understanding their pet's diagnosis and treatment needs. The California hospitals participating in the program are: Glendale, Los Angeles Midtown, La Cienega, Culver City, Oxnard, and Bakersfield. All of Banfield's clients across the U.S. and Puerto Rico will be able to phone in and use the service. Banfield says as it is dedicated to inclusion and diversity for its clients and associates and it hopes to expand the pilot to other areas of the country in 2020.
Survey finds man's best friend is more like familyJune 6, 2019They've always been your best friend, but now a new nationwide survey has found owners largely consider dogs to be part of the family. Sponsored by SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey asked 1,500 dog owners about their pet parent habits and behaviors. The survey found: 98 percent of dog owners consider their dogs to be members of the family; 50 percent of dog owners say their dog sleeps in a family member's bed, while an additional 32 percent have their dogs sleep in a family member's bedroom; and 60 percent of Northeast dog owners saying they cuddle their pet at night, compared to 49 percent of respondents from other regions. According to SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey's results indicate there are opportunities for businesses and public spaces to meet the needs of the growing population of dog owners: 48 percent rely on parks and recreation for outdoor activities with their dog; 71 percent of dog owners in the New York metropolitan area note they have access to amenities such as dog parks, outdoor areas, and dog-friendly stores and eateries; 86 percent of dog owners feel welcome at the homes of friends and family with their pets; 37 …
Banfield launches telehealth service for on-demand veterinarian supportJune 5, 2019Banfield Pet Hospital is offering its Optimum Wellness Plan clients a new way to discuss their pet's health with a veterinarian. The company has launched a telehealth service on its app called Vet Chat, which offers clients on-demand access to pet care advice and support from a veterinarian anytime and anywhere. "At Banfield, we never take for granted being entrusted with the care of a beloved pet is to be invited into the emotional center of a person's life," says company president, Brian Garish. "To us, that means not only being with you throughout your pet's life—from puppyhood through the golden years––it also means being there during those unexpected, sometimes anxiety-ridden moments between visits. "Vet Chat marks the next chapter in the future of pet care, and we're thrilled to offer a service benefitting our clients, their pets, and our veterinary teams." In a pet owner telehealth survey, Banfield found 39 percent of respondents admit they sometimes struggle to decide when to call the veterinarian and nearly four in 10 say they prefer to consult the internet first. Ninety percent of veterinarians say they worry pet owners may unknowingly put their pet at more risk by taking bad advice …
Midmark acquires Mason CompanyJune 5, 2019Midmark has acquired animal boarding and containment solutions, Mason Company. Located in Ohio and founded in 1892, Mason utilizes designs and materials to ensure its products are Fear Free certified, promoting quiet and calming environments through consideration of workflow and the acute senses of animal patients. "We are extremely excited to welcome Mason to the Midmark family," says the company's president and chief executive officer, John Baumann. "The expertise Mason brings to Midmark enhances our position to design better care environments for our customers. It also strengthens Midmark's position as a leader of the animal health space that continues to bring our customers innovative solutions and new ideas as they strive to improve the quality of care." The acquisition allows Midmark to be in on early discussions of new construction, pairing its stainless steel and proprietary offerings with Mason's designs to help create comfortable accommodations for long-term boarding of companion animals. "Being involved in the early stages of a project gives us the ideal platform to deliver solutions to our customers by bringing clinical spaces, comprehensive technologies, and workflows into harmony," adds Midmark chief commercial officer, Jon Wells.
Covetrus delivers 2,000th puppy care packageJune 4, 2019Covetrus has delivered its 2,000th puppy care package to volunteers who train assistance dogs in support of Canine Companions for Independence. For the last four years, the company has equipped volunteer puppy raisers, who are responsible for socializing and training the puppies, with a puppy care package supplied with vital products for raising the puppy during the first 18 months of its life. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing highly trained assistance dogs at no charge to recipients with disabilities. "We are thrilled to have delivered our 2,000th Puppy Care Package in support of Canine Companions for Independence," says Davey Stone, Covetrus vice president of specialty markets and corporate philanthropy. "This philanthropic initiative was designed and managed by Covetrus employees wanting to support volunteers who raise puppies for Canine Companions and the veterinarians who provide their care. It has been a rewarding mission for our employees, and a wonderful channel for their compassionate philanthropic spirit." During the 18 months with their puppy raiser, the future assistance dogs must learn 25 commands to enable them to assist their future partners, including opening doors, retrieving items, or pulling a wheelchair. Afterward, the puppies move to professional training for four to six …
Court rejects cat-killing veterinarian's appealJune 4, 2019A Texas veterinarian's request to appeal her suspension and probation for shooting a cat through the head with an arrow has been rejected by that state's Supreme Court. In 2015, Kristen Lindsey shot a feral cat and then bragged about it on social media. In a Facebook post accompanying the photo, Lindsey wrote, "My first bow kill, lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it's [sic] head. Vet of the year award … gladly accepted." A state board in 2016 suspended her veterinary license for one year and placed her on probation for four years. Since her one-year suspension ended in October 2017, Lindsey has been permitted to practice veterinary medicine on a probationary basis. Following that, she attempted to get her sentence overturned in district court and the Texas Third Court of Appeals. Another appeal to challenge the rules dictating her disciplinary action also was pending. In April 2018, she lost both cases and was ordered to pay all costs related to the trial court and the court of appeals. "The Texas Supreme Court now becomes the highest authority in the state to confirm what we've known all along—that Kristen Lindsey is wholly deserving …
Northern Virginia pet hospital joins Compassion-FirstJune 3, 2019Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia (VRC-NOVA) in Manassas has announced it will join the Compassion-First Pet Hospitals family. The hospital employs 77 veterinary professionals and offers surgical services, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and 24/7 emergency care. Just recently, it remodeled and expanded its ophthalmology department and emergency services. "We have entered an age where consumers' demand for medical advancements is growing daily. To meet this demand, we needed a partner like Compassion-First Pet Hospitals to help us take the critical next step forward to advance veterinary care in our community," says Ethan Morris, DVM, medical director and head of VRC-NOVA's surgery department. Dr. Morris will continue to act as medical director of Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia. "Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia brings incredible talent and expertise to our family of hospitals," says Compassion-First chief executive officer, John Payne. "We are absolutely thrilled to have this entire team help us further our vision to deliver the highest quality of veterinary medicine, in the way that honors the best interests of the clients and patients."
Patterson, Texas Sealife Center partner to rescue and release sea turtlesMay 31, 2019Patterson Veterinary Supply and the Texas Sealife Center are working together to rescue and release endangered sea turtles one software sale at a time. Patterson will donate $35 to the center for every purchase of its cloud practice-management software, NaVetor. The goal is to raise $10,000 by Dec. 31. "NaVetor provides guidance for our customers to better run their businesses," says Doug Jones, president of Patterson Animal Health's Companion Animal Group. "In fact, the NaVetor logo is a sea turtle, because sea turtles are the navigators of the ocean. Similarly, NaVetor provides guidance for our customers to help them navigate their businesses." Sea turtles are poached for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. Some are also accidentally injured by fishing gear and pollution, and coastal development is affecting their natural habitats. "For us, it's not just about providing great products; it's about making a difference," says NaVetor chief executive officer, Ali Hashmat. "We're proud to partner with nonprofit organizations that protect endangered sea turtles and their natural environment."
Norbrook Laboratories voluntarily recalls veterinary injectable drug productsMay 30, 2019Norbrook Laboratories is recalling 34 lots of veterinary injectable drug products over concerns related to sterility assurance. The U.K.-based company says products tested, released, and distributed within the U.S. were manufactured on an aseptic line, which did not pass process simulation tests. The recall was made as a precautionary measure, as according to Norbrook, no batches of product have been identified to contain microorganisms. The following products have been recalled: Carprieve Injection, CarproJect Injection, Levafen Injection, and OstiFen Injection (carprofen; 50 mg/mL). They are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the pain and inflammation relief associated with osteoarthritis and control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs Loxicom Injection, EloxiJect Injection, and OstiLox Injection (meloxicam; 5 mg/mL) are NSAIDs used for the relief of pain and inflammation connected with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy, and castration in dogs and cats Enroflox Injection for Dogs 2.27% and EnroSite Injection for Dogs 2.27% (enrofloxacin; 22.7 mg/mL) are used for the management of diseases in dogs associated with bacteria susceptible to enrofloxacin Enroflox 100 Injection (enrofloxacin; 100 mg/mL) is an antimicrobial used for the treatment and control of bovine respiratory disease, for the treatment and control of swine respiratory disease, …
