Study Indicates Fish May Feel PainApril 29, 2009 Researchers from Purdue University and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science say they have proven that fish feel pain in what they say is the first study to systematically investigate thermonociception in unanaesthetized fish. The findings could raise questions about slaughter methods and how fish are handled in research, said Joseph Garner, D.Phil, an assistant professor of animal sciences at Purdue. The study, published online April 18 in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, has prompted fresh calls for angling to be banned in some countries, according to U.K. publisher MailOnline. To test the hypothesis that goldfish perceive heat as aversive, the researchers attached small foil heaters to 16 goldfish and slowly increased the temperature. A safety cut-off temperature of 50 degrees Celsius was built into the test apparatus. Half of the fish were injected with morphine beforehand while the other half received saline. The researchers believed that those with the morphine would withstand higher temperatures before reacting if they felt pain. Instead, both groups responded to the heat with an escape response at about the same temperature, with a mean baseline of 38 degrees Celsius. Two hours later, however, the researchers noticed that …
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AAHA Freezes Helping Pets FundApril 28, 2009The American Animal Hospital Assn. Foundation has temporarily suspended grants from the Helping Pets Fund because of a financial crunch. Grant requests have nearly tripled since November, so the disbursement was faster than anticipated, according to the foundation. “By temporarily suspending the grants, we will help provide long-term stability for the AAHA Helping Pets Fund,” said Kate Crumley, DVM, chairwoman of the foundation's board of trustees. “We remain steadfast in our belief that thousands of pets will benefit in the future from this short-term stoppage.” The foundation expects to resume grants in July, or sooner with adequate financial support. “We have ambitious goals to grow the Helping Pets Fund in order to help more pets in need of health care,” Dr. Crumley said. “All donations are greatly appreciated and will help meet the growing demand.” Since its inception in 2005, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund has awarded more than $800,000 to help more than 3,000 pets receive veterinary care. Click here for donation details. <HOME>
Swine Flu Not Present In U.S. Pigs; Veterinary Precautions Still EncouragedApril 28, 2009 Although the number of U.S. human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection has climbed to 40, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest figures, it still has not been detected in any U.S. pigs. “At this point, it appears to be human-to-human transmission only,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. “We’ve been in contact with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and there have been no reports of outbreaks among animals, although their members are certainly aware of what’s happening and are stepping up surveillance for the virus with federal and state animal health officials.” For instance, the AASV on April 26 released information specifically geared toward veterinarians. Among its key points: The virus is currently transmitting person to person and does not involve pigs for transmission. . The virus is not known to be in U.S. pigs. . The swine influenza virus is a zoonotic disease and appropriate precautions (i.e. hand-washing, mask and gloves during necropsies and personal equipment such as N95 respirators and goggles) should be implemented to minimize the risk of infection and disease transmission.
Omental Lengthening 101April 24, 2009 The omentum is very useful in the abdomen as is. It can be even more useful in distant places by using a lengthening technique. After exteriorizing the spleen and the omentum, the dorsal leaf is retracted cranially to free it up from the pancreas, where it attaches. Hemostasis can be achieved with 3-0 or 4-0 PDS ligatures. When the dorsal leaf is extended caudally, you now have a wide, beautiful leaf of omentum. Need an even longer flap? You can create an inverted L-shaped incision caudal to the gastro-splenic ligament, on the left side of the patient. The left lateral half to two thirds of the omentum’s width is thus separated. Again, hemostasis is achieved with double ligatures. The caudal third of the omentum is preserved to insure vascularization of the pedicle. The omental extension can now be used in various distant places through a tunnel, for example in the abdominal wall and under the skin. It can also be used in the thorax. For a complete description, refer to Page 222 in the third edition of “Small Animal Surgery,” by T.W. Fossum (Mosby Elsevier, 2007). The chapter “Surgery of the Integumentary System” …
Products Help In Equine Oral ExamsApril 24, 2009 Equine dental technician Christine Griffin’s most essential tool is her new Enova Medical Technologies cordless headlamp. The device cost $800 and enables her to see inside a horse’s mouth better than any other lamp she’s used. "The lamp is brighter and it doesn’t get hot," she says. "You can really see so you won’t miss anything. And that’s much better for the horse." Griffin works in Ramona, Calif., with veterinarian Lisa Grim, who purchased a mobile dentistry unit from veterinarian Tom Allen of Missouri when he upgraded. The mobile unit allows horses to be treated more safely. They can be placed in stocks, which they can lean against. "They stay calmer, so you need less sedative," Griffin said. Horses are kept cleaner during procedures, as opposed to when services are performed in the stable or in the field. Exams are easier because the unit can be darkened so the veterinarian or technician can better see problems. Among the other benefits of the mobile unit are a state-of-the-art periodontal unit and a digital radiography machine. The rigs are custom-built by trailer manufacturers working with veterinary equipment companies. Turnbow …
United Kingdom Reports SVC OutbreakApril 24, 2009 The United Kingdom has reported an outbreak of spring viraemia of carp (SVC) in a shipment of ornamental goldfish imported from China. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) released an alert announcing the outbreak on April 24 after receiving notification of the incident from the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs According to OIE, a total of 19 boxes containing 11,110 live red cap oranda goldfish were imported legally to the United Kingdom from China in March. The fish reportedly arrived with appropriate health certification. On clearing border inspection, 16 boxes were shipped to Northern Ireland while three stayed in England. A sample of fish was tested for SVC as part of a routine surveillance program for imports of SVC-susceptible fish. The sample fish tested positive for the infectious viral disease. As a result, all of the fish were destroyed and the sites holding the fish were disinfected. Chinese authorities have been informed of occurrence. <HOME>
JAVMA Editor-In-Chief Emeritus DiesApril 23, 2009 Janis Audin, DVM, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, died April 22 following a three-year battle with a long-term illness. She was 58 years old. Dr. Audin was appointed with the emeritus status on March 22, not only to recognize her accomplishments, but also as a pathway that would enable her to continue contributing to the Publications Division and the AVMA scientific journals. AVMA said she was delighted over that prospect, but her health failed rapidly in the ensuing month. Dr. Audin continued to work from AVMA headquarters until mid-February and then went on medical leave where she continued to provide direction to the Publications Division and leadership input to the association from home. “Her contributions to the journals, to the AVMA and the profession were profound, and we will be forever grateful,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the AVMA. “Even though we will all miss Janis tremendously, let’s celebrate and honor her life and realize how fortunate we were to have known her and worked with her. Between the professional journals, which she lived for, and the many lives she has …
Florida Compounder Reports Error In Medication For Dead Polo HorsesApril 23, 2009 Franck’s Pharmacy in Ocala, Fla., reported April 23 that it incorrectly prepared medication used to treat the 21 horses that died April 19 shortly before the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Palm Beach County, Fla. “As soon as we learned of the tragic incident, we conducted an internal investigation that was led by an outside lawyer and, upon its conclusion, we immediately alerted the state Department of Health and Board of Pharmacy,” Jennifer Beckett, chief operations officer of Franck’s Pharmacy, said in a statement released to the media. “The report, which we are furnishing to these agencies, concluded that the strength of an ingredient in the medication was incorrect.” The statement did not specify the ingredient. “We extend our most sincere condolences to the horses’ owners, the Lechuza Polo team and the members of the United States Polo Association,” Beckett said. In Caracas, Venezuela, meanwhile, Lechuza Polo issued a statement saying that the Merial Ltd. injectable Biodyl, reported by some newspapers as being the vitamin supplement used, “is not the issue in this instance.” “A Florida-licensed veterinarian wrote a prescription for a compounded substitute vitamin supplement containing vitamin B, potassium, …
VCA’s Same-Store Sales Down 2.7 PercentApril 22, 2009 VCA Antech Inc.’s same-store revenue declined by 2.7 percent in the first quarter ended March 31. The same-store gross profit margin increased to 18.8 percent from 18.5 percent. The Animal Hospital Division reported revenue of $238.4 million in the first quarter, compared to $226.1 million in the year-ago period. The 5.4 percent increase was driven by acquisitions made in the past 12 months. The Los Angeles company made nine acquisitions during the quarter, marking historical combined annual revenue of $20.9 million. VCA Antech’s Laboratory Division reported revenue of $77.5 million in the first quarter, compared to $76.7 million in the year-ago period. The Medical Technology Division saw first-quarter revenue of $9.2 million, down from $13.8 million. Overall, VCA Antech reported net income of $32.9 million on revenue of $315.9 million in the first quarter, compared to $32.2 million and $307.8 million, respectively, in the year-ago period. The company also affirmed its 2009 financial guidance: revenue of $1.36 billion to $1.39 billion and net income of $135.2 million to $141.1 million. <HOME>
Penford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsApril 22, 2009Penford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsPenford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsnewslinePosted: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 5:03 p.m., EDT Penford Food Ingredients Co., a Centennial, Colo.-based manufacturer of ingredients for the processed food industry, has partnered with chemical and biotechnology company Lonza Group Ltd. to expand its line of functional dog treats. Penford unveiled the dog treats, which contain Lonza's L-carnitine product, Carniking, on April 20 at the 2009 Petfood Forum in Chicago. Carniking plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism, according to Penford. The product also reportedly provides other benefits, such as managing weight and supporting healthy heart and liver function. "The addition of Carniking is a natural step to bring customers chew treats for dogs that not only deliver on providing oral care benefits, but can also be a convenient way for the consumer to supplement their pets with key functional ingredients," said Jeff Smith, vice president of business development for Penford. Penford plans to formulate and manufacture injection-molded dog treats containing Carniking for clients, who would take the dog treats to market, Smith said. Penford's production process ensures that the heat-sensitive L-carnitine is retained in the finished product. Basel, Switzerland-based Lonza …
