Take Your Cat to the Vet Day gains celebrity supportAugust 8, 2018Veterinarians across the U.S. might see more cats in their clinics in coming weeks, thanks in part to a campaign launched by Royal Canin that is being promoted by actor Ian Somerhalder. Take Your Cat to the Vet Day aims to improve the healthcare of cats across the country by encouraging owners to schedule regular veterinary checkups for their feline companions. The initiative, supported by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the International Cat Association, CATalyst Council, and the Cat Fanciers' Association, hopes to increase visibility of cats in veterinary clinic by dispelling widespread assumptions about feline health. Research from Royal Canin found 53 percent of owners whose cats have not seen their veterinarian in the past 12 months said they did not take their pet to the clinic because they "did not think it was necessary." However, annual veterinary checkups are vital for early identification and treatment of illness and disease. "Regular feline veterinary care is crucial for the health and happiness of your cat," said Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVN, Royal Canin scientific affairs manager. "Just like dogs, cats need to see the veterinarian on a regular basis for wellness exams, not only when there's a serious medical need." …
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Meet the 2018 National Veterinary Scholars award recipientsAugust 7, 2018The 29th annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium drew more than 650 veterinary students from across North America and Europe, animal health researchers, and leaders from more than 36 veterinary schools, to view research accomplishments by veterinary students completing summer research internships. The Boehringer Ingelheim-sponsored program, which allows veterinary schools to introduce first- and second-year veterinary medical students to biomedical research, was held Aug. 4-5 at Texas A&M University. Presentations and panel discussions provided students with perspective on various topics, including global food security and sustainability, emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. "Innovation in both animal and human health is inextricably linked, and to address unmet clinical need in both areas we need motivated and skilled scientists and researchers," said Fabian Kausche, Ph.D., MS, AMP, global head of research and development for BI's Animal Health business. "Over the last few decades, more than 3,000 veterinary students have participated in this annual program and benefited from this tremendous experience and exposure to career pathways. The impact of such experiential learning programs to the students involved, to industry and to human and animal patients is significant." At each of the more than three dozen participating institutions, BI Veterinary Scholars are assigned …
AVMA annual report highlights 2017 achievements, programs, initiativesAugust 7, 2018The American Veterinary Medical Association's 2017 Annual Report, released Aug. 1, offers a glimpse into progress the association has made in its ongoing effort to support its members and enhance the practice of veterinary medicine. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association subscribers receive a copy of the report; members who don't receive JAVMA can read it online. Report highlights: AVMA LIFE and AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust merged with the goal to provide enhanced services and expanded products for members. The Veterinary Career Center (VCC) was used by 23,907 veterinary job seekers and 3,438 employers, with 17,377 jobs posted during the year. It continues to be the premier job board for veterinary medicine. More than 1,000 veterinary professionals earned CE credit while learning about different careers during live webinars offered by the VCC. The American Animal Hospital Association/Veterinary Management Group Chart of Accounts was revised, expanded, and made available to all veterinary professionals. It provides an accessible way for smaller practices to better organize finances. The association hired its first-ever director of member well-being and diversity initiatives, whose work has focused on enhancing …
FDA approves sale of Baytril soft chew formulationAugust 6, 2018The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for sale Bayer Animal Health's Baytril Soft Chewable Tablets, based on a soft-chew formulation by Piedmont Animal Health, as a new option for administering enrofloxacin to cats and dogs. The antibiotic has been used for 30 years in tablet form to treat bacteria that cause skin, urinary, respiratory, and other infections. Piedmont's soft chew uses meat-free cubes made without water, heat, or an extrusion process so they can be stably infused with active pharmaceutical ingredients. Bayer also uses Piedmont's soft chew for Advantus canine oral flea medicine and Quellin canine pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Claro, a single-application treatment for canine otitis externa, gives Bayer four FDA-approved products in the last five years. Piedmont said it will gain FDA approval for 10 or more products in the next five years. "I fully expect that Piedmont's current portfolio of proprietary drugs will significantly grow and disrupt the indication areas we are targeting," said Roland Johnson, the company's founder and CEO. "This (Baytril) approval is yet another stepping stone toward that objective."
New-mover marketing makes a lasting bottom-line impactAugust 6, 2018Pursuing the entrepreneurial dream of small business ownership is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, particularly in the veterinary industry. Inevitably, there will be speed bumps along the path to success, not the least of which is attracting new clients. One of the best ways to gain the attention of potential customers is to capitalize on new movers. Successfully implementing new-mover marketing campaigns can make a notable difference in a veterinary clinic's long-term success. New-mover marketing professionals partner with local businesses to create an enticing welcome package for new movers. As a family settles into a new home, they will find a convenient collection of special offers delivered right to their door that encourage the family to patronize local businesses. Even in today's increasingly technological world, marketing offers for new movers that are delivered directly to mailboxes consistently outperform email and mobile offers. Market trends indicate Americans are on the move More than 40 million Americans will move this year alone, and one in three renters move at least once each year. Today's economy is quite robust—meaning companies are hiring and people are frequently moving to pursue new job opportunities. Boomerang buyers also are coming out in full force. Those …
WSAVA-endorsed paper encourages healthier breedingAugust 6, 2018The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has announced its support of a position paper launched in June 2018 by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA). The paper, a response to the explosion in popularity of breeds with exaggerated traits, genetic disorders, and those with extreme brachycephalic conformation, such as French and English bulldogs and pugs, calls for health and welfare to be given priority over looks and offers detailed recommendations to address increased demand for and supply of these dogs. Measures to reduce demand, supply Address demand for brachycephalic and other affected breeds through educating owners about the health issues they face Work with influencers to encourage owners to choose a healthy, high-welfare dog suitable for their lifestyle Introduce the mandatory registration of breeders, prebreeding screening programs, and the sharing of data on conformation-altering surgeries and caesarean sections Educate stakeholders and revising breeding standards and practices to put the health and welfare of dogs first In addition, FVE and FECAVA have produced an infographic that explains the causes and consequences of extreme breeding and lists a number of …
Boehringer Ingelheim calls for 2018 Equine Research Awards proposalsAugust 6, 2018Boehringer Ingelheim is accepting proposals for the 2018 Advancement in Equine Research Awards for Equine Respiratory Disease Research. Veterinarians, diagnosticians, and public and private researchers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are eligible to submit proposals for research programs that help advance the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of equine disease. Boehringer Ingelheim will present five separate $15,000 awards focused on two specific disease topics. Proposals must address either equine infectious respiratory disease or equine asthma syndrome for consideration. Proposals must be submitted by Sept. 15 and will be reviewed by an independent review board that will peer review and select proposals based on probability of successfully completing the project, potential for impact to the equine industry, originality, and scientific quality. The awards will be announced at the 64th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention scheduled for Dec. 1-5. Those wishing to participate in the awards program must submit a proposal, a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation by Sept. 15 to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., Attn: Dr. Steve Grubbs, 2018 Advancement in Equine Research Awards, 3902 Gene Field Rd., St. Joseph, MO 64506. Launched in 2011, more than $455,000 has been awarded to date …
AVMF offers resources, seeks support for colleagues affected by California firesAugust 3, 2018As massive wildfires rage across California, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AMVF) is working to help veterinary colleagues and animals in need. The Carr Fire, a week old, is the sixth most destructive fire in California history, destroying nearly 1,000 structures and claiming several lives. With less than 30 percent containment achieved and continued hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, it's expected to worsen before headway is made. The AVMF has been in contact with several area animal clinics that are not only inundated with emergency cases, but also caring for animals that residents could not take with them when evacuating on a moment's notice. The AVMF, which grants to veterinarians to ensure emergency medical care of animal victims and relief grants to help veterinarians and veterinary students who require basic necessities due to a disaster, is seeking support in its efforts to help as many colleagues as possible. Donations to the AVMF Disaster Relief Fund can be made at avmf.org/donate. Use the AVMF Code "Disaster Relief" when filling out the donation form. Disaster preparedness reminder These fires serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. There's no better time than now …
VCA offering free boarding for pets amid California wildfiresAugust 3, 2018VCA Animal Hospitals throughout northern California are offering free boarding assistance for small animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and pocket pets, to families impacted by the area wildfires, including the Carr, Ferguson, Mendocino and Lake County fires. Despite the disastrous effects of the Carr Fire in the Redding area, two hospitals not directly in the evacuation zone remained open to care for the needs of patients. "Following the initial days of this devastating situation, our teams from all three local hospitals are proud to have cared for over 300 displaced pets and will continue to welcome more as long as space is available," said Art Antin, COO of VCA. "All of us are concerned for the welfare of families and their pets across Northern California and are ready to help those in need." Boarding assistance at participating Northern California VCA Animal Hospitals is based on space availability. Pets should be current on vaccinations, but in case they are not, VCA veterinarians will update vaccinations free of charge. VCA will also offer a free health assessment exam for pets that have been evacuated or displaced due to the fires. Pet owners who have been evacuated due to …
Morris Animal Foundation announces second National Dog Day campaignAugust 3, 2018Since 2004, National Dog Day has been observed on Aug. 26 to encourage dog ownership of mixed-breed and purebred dogs, and to remind us all that canine companions deserve to live long, healthy lives. That's why for the second year in a row, Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is running a campaign this month through Aug. 26, in which an anonymous donor will match all gifts made to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. The $32 million study gathers information on more than 3,000 golden retrievers throughout their lives to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for cancer and other canine diseases. Its primary goal is to reveal potential risk factors that may lead to the development of four types of cancers common in golden retrievers: hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma. Donations can be made to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study at MAF's website here.
