Medical

The number of heartworm cases continues to climb in parts of the United States.

Columbia, Mo. -- A veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Missouri identified a genetic link between cats and humans for two forms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a discovery that could lead to gene-based therapies benefiting cats and humans.

Ames, Iowa- An NIH-affiliated organization doled out more than $4 million in grants to two veterinary researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) to further study Parkinson's disease.

Veterinarians are making huge strides in managing patient pain. But as the number of treatment modalities has increased, the amount of information veterinarians must learn and apply has also ratcheted up.

Canine hip dysplasia affects millions of dogs each year. Abnormal development in the dysplastic hip causes damage to the articular cartilage of the joint, resulting in osteoarthritis, severe pain and eventually debilitation.

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (ISPAH) is partnering with equine practitioners and UC Davis to improve the strategies veterinarians use to attack equine respiratory issues-identifying diseases before they spread in order to target specific pathogens with tailor-made vaccines and better biosecurity programs.

Denver - A Colorado bill that would have required microchips or identification tags for cats in large cities died in the state house.

Manhattan, Kan. - We have all seen the sloppy, wet kiss from dog to owner. But who is really at risk?

Oakland, Ore. - The first veterinary case linked to the nationwide peanut-products recall was reported.

National Report - Federal and state veterinary officials continue to look for the source of an outbreak of contagious equine metritis that now affects at least 575 horses in 45 states.

Sacramento, Calif. -- A bill with a history going back to February 2007 that was scrapped by lawmakers in September and would have required mandatory sterlization of dogs and cats older than 6 months has reappeared on the California Senate floor.

National Report -- The recall of pet foods made with peanut products possibly contaminated with Salmonella has been growing since the outbreak started in January and now includes several bird-food products.

A tax on veterinary services is officially off the table in California.

Denver, Colo. -- Legislation introduced last month in Colorado that would have limited the number of dogs breeders could keep and mandate veterinary certification exams for commercially bred dogs has been set aside indefinitely.

National Report -- Another company voluntarily recalled a number of pet foods products made with peanut ingredients from a Georgia plant in the wake of a national Salmonella outbreak that has made one dog and hundreds of people sick.

The first case of a dog sickened from tainted peanut products has been reported on the West Coast.

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois may declare ear cropping and tail docking "animal torture" if a bill introduced in late January is passed.

Albany, N.Y. -- All dogs in New York may have to be microchipped and identified in a state registry if a new bill makes it out of committee.

Lancaster, Calif. -- Several dog breeds will have to go under the knife in the next few weeks when a municipal law requiring sterilization by breed takes effect.

More than 1 million dogs and cats are at risk for becoming homeless, the ASPCA believes.

Topeka, Kan. - As part of the Pet Dental Health Month, Hill's Pet Nutrition is co-sponsoring the 15th annual Pets Need Dental Care, Too campaign.

Raleigh, N.C. - The Labrador Retriever is again the nation's most popular purebred dog, but it has nothing to do with the recent movie, "Marley and Me."

National Report - Investigators tracing a wide-ranging outbreak of contagious equine metritis (CEM) made important discoveries and took steps to halt the infectious reproductive disease, but after nearly two months the origin remains elusive and quarantines and testings continue.

Denver - Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would require cat owners in the state' largest cities to microchip or tag.

Denver - Canine cancer is the subject of an online presentation from Morris Animal Foundation.

Please review management of difficult-to-regulate diabetic cats.

Urocystoliths are commonly voided in the urethra of male dogs where they often become lodged adjacent to the caudal aspect of the os penis.

Madison, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting for a clinical trial designed to evaluate pain relief in post-surgical patients.

Three new breeds were added to the roster of American Kennel Club-registered dogs for 2009, and open breed registration for each will be available until 2012.

Rockville, Md. -- The list of recalled products containing peanut derivatives, compiled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has grown over the last few days, with seven additional pet-food products being added.