News

The idea "Sometimes you can judge a bottle by its wrapping" (April 2008) described using colored Vetwrap (3M) to identify plastic bottles in the lab and exam rooms instead of using ink since ink smears when it gets wet.

National Report -- Nearly 2,500 newly named veterinarians marched into the work force last month. In all, the nation?s 28 veterinary colleges reported 2,481 new DVM grads. The number has remained flat for about the last two decades, says Dr. Michael Chaddock of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). \

Lyles, Tenn. - More than 700 animals were confiscated following a puppy mill raid that is believed to be the largest in Tennessee history.

Shaumburg, Ill. - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is calling for stricter adherence to humane animal handling guidelines and standards after a new video, taped by an undercover Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) employee, shows abuse to cows at a New Mexico livestock auction.

Guelph, Ontario - The University of Guelph has received a $5 million, 10-year promise of financial support from Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. for the Ontario Veterinary College's (OVC) health center.

Miami Fla. - A Miami veterinary specialty hospital and artist Darek Pala are auctioning 10 of Pala's paintings to raise funds to help four Miami area pet shelters provide care for animals that need advanced specialty procedures.

June 26, 2008 St. Paul, Minn. - A charitable foundation established by the American Association of Bovine Practioners (AABP) in September 2006 has been given the green light by the Internal Revenue Service.

Denver - The veterinary profession is experiencing a higher rate of turnover than the national average for all industries, and low starting wages and minimum benefits may be to blame.

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Pullman, Wash. - The equine infectious anemia (EIA) virus forces horses that acquire it to be quarantined for life or euthanized, but a new study being conducted at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine could provide clues as to how the virus leads to life-long infection.

Washington - The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, addressing the preventive use of antimicrobials in food animals and reiterating the necessity of antibiotic use in livestock for ensuring food safety.

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Columbia, Mo. - A new method for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in dogs has been developed by a University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine researcher. The treatment is supposed to be less invasive with fewer complications.

This week Dr. Fitzgerald discusses why he thinks that even in 2008 the customer is always right.

Washington - A panel of lawmakers want reform of the horse racing and breeding industries following several high-profile equine breakdowns like Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby.

Schaumburg, Ill. - Beginning June 25, Dr. Karen E. Felsted will take over as the chief executive officer for the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI).

San Antonio, Texas - The American Heartworm Society intends to survey more than 40,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals this summer to record the number of dogs diagnosed and treated for heartworm disease as part of the group's three-year plan to increase awareness heartworm awareness.

Greensboro, N.C. - Making sure patients get the full course of any take-home medications always is a concern. Now, a free new online tool can assist veterinary practices and their clients so pets get their medications on time.

Reno, Nev. - Maddie's Fund launched a new campaign in northern Nevada to promote regular veterinarian visits.

Columbia, Mo. - A program aimed at helping graduating veterinarians pay back student loans and addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians is getting under way at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Fitzgerald takes on the importance of time management in his latest blog.

New York - Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, professor of surgery and director of the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University, was named a co-recipient of the second annual Elastikon Equine Research Award for his work on a project aimed at enhancing the safety of racetracks for horses.

Sacramento, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made several state appointments, including veterinarian John Hadlock to the Colorado River Fair board of directors.

Shaumburg, Ill. - To help veterinarians and the public better understand animal-welfare issues, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) launched its first Web section devoted to animal-welfare information.

Shaumburg, Ill. - The American Veterinary Medical Foundation will award $200,000 to the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) program for disaster preparedness and response at the state level.

Sausalito, Calif. - The tide has changed at the Marine Mammal Center (MMC) in Sausalito, Calif., with the appointment of Jeff Boehm, DVM, as the new executive director.

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida A&M University broke ground May 28 on a new $1.2 million animal health-care facility to support its new veterinary-technology program that begins this fall.

Indianapolis - Three horses on a south-central Indiana farm recently tested positive for equine infectious leukemia (EIA), prompting the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to issue an alert.

Morristown, N.J. - Actavis Totowa LLC, a U.S. manufacturing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group, initiated a Class I nationwide recall of Digitek for oral use.