Medical

Technological advances and practitioner compliance appear to have lessened the risk of cancer in veterinarians, although potentially carcinogenic exposures are still an unfeigned threat to the profession.

George Anyon, a philosopher, penned this thought, "Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more." What is the meaning of this aphorism? Is there a difference between knowledge and wisdom? How does this thought apply to our role as veterinary practitioners?

Lake Tahoe, Nev. - Laughter is the best medicine - even dogs will tell you that, report researchers at Sierra Nevada College.

West Lafayette, Ind. - With the help of an experimental procedure under way at Purdue University, a dog whose rear legs were paralyzed after being struck by a car has regained the use of the legs.

Richmond, Va. - The health benefits of interacting with companion animals will be analyzed at a center launched by the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Washington - Nearly half of the total animal health product sales (45 percent) comes from the companion animal sector.

The Association of Avian Veterinarians and the Alliance of Veterinarians for the Environment are spreading the word via posters that cat abandonment should be abandoned and that cats are best kept in-house.

Atlanta - Although salmonella has traditionally been associated with chicken, cats and other animals can shed Salmonella in their feces, and then spread the bacterial infection to humans, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Alameda, Calif. - The joint efforts of the California Veterinary Medical Association, 1,042 veterinarians in California and a $5.6 million grant from the Maddie's Fund, have resulted in the spaying and neutering of 100,000 feral cats.

Los Angeles - An ABCNews/Beliefnet poll reveals that 43 percent of Americans believe pets are heaven-bound (40 percent do not, 17 percent were unsure.)

Boston - Pharmacia Animal Health is underscoring its commitment to the companion animal segment of the veterinary market with the HEAL program (Help Educate Animal Lovers).

Tokyo - A Japanese gadget claiming to interpret emotionally-charged "barks" has a veterinary behaviorist trying to translate its authenticity.

Dr. Byron Blagburn takes a look at the advancements made in heartworm prevention and the impact they have made.

Madison, Wis. - University of Wisconsin researchers think they might have the answer to why some dogs die after receiving anesthesia for surgery.

London - Scientists at the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition have engineered a new pet food that could reduce the rates of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or "doggy Alzheimer's," cancer and other age-related diseases in animals.

Fort Collins, Colo. - Colorado State University's (CSU) pet loss support program, Changes: Support for People and Pets, has been renamed The Family Support Service.

Vancouver, B.C. - In his opening remarks, an international animal welfare chair poked jabs at cosmetic surgery practices in the U.S. and Canada that are willfully defended by kennel clubs, dog shows, breeders and pet owners.

Building confidence has its harrowing moments whether learning to drive or doing belly C-section

Sacramento, Calif.-Although ferrets may live peaceably in most other states, California officials hands a $1,000 fine to any daring ferret owner they catch in the state.

St. Lucia-The International Veterinary Assistance Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit group of veterinarians organized in May, has earmarked more than $60,000 in veterinary resources of its volunteers to promote stray animal management on the Caribbean island here.

New Haven, Conn.-Initial results of a study of dogs with advanced cancers that were treated with intravenous doses of Vion Tapet} vector indicate anti-tumor response in 24 percent of cases, according to Mario Sznol, M.D., Vion vice president of clinical affairs.

New training center unveils plethora of opportunities for veterinarians interested in root of oral complications

Bill Swartz, DVM, builds his small animal practice on service

San Antonio, Texas-The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) honored five DVMs at its 68th annual meeting here.

Ann Arbor, Mich.-The Animal Cancer and Imaging Center, based in Rochester Hills, Mich., was expected to open an 8,000 sq. ft. cancer center here, July 1.

Minneapolis-The Minnesota Senate passed a bill that would deem it a felony-level offense for anyone to intentionally torture or kill pet animals.

Manhattan, Kansas-Veterinarian Brad Fenwick at Kansas State University (KSU) plans to better acquaint himself with the DNA of about 8,000 racing greyhounds over the next several years.

Gainesville, Fla.- Veterinarians at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (UF) aimed to reverse a dog's violent sleep disorder after successfully treating it with seizure medication.