News

Phoenix - A 19-year-old man entered a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic armed with a gun and looking for drugs and money, but hours after releasing four employees held at gunpoint, he left with nothing but handcuffs and felony charges, according to police.

The American Veterinary Medical Association's Governmental Relations Division received leadership's guidance to act on a long list of federal initiatives.

Meanwhile, Honey Sweets growled, barked and snapped repeatedly at imaginary veterinarians.

Fort Collins, Colo. - More than 69 percent of U.S. swine producers use a veterinarian, with five out of 10 large operations employing a DVM on staff. Overall, approximately half the sites polled turn to a local practitioner for care.

Beijing, China - China has reached a deal with the United States to improve import safeguards, after tainted wheat-gluten from the country spurred the largest pet-food recall in U.S. history.

Norwell, Mass. - An imported dog carried a larvae species never before detected in the Western Hemisphere into the country.

Corvallis, Ore. - A team of Oregon State University (OSU) scientists successfully used nanotechnology to detect and define cancer tumors, introducing a less invasive way to fight cancer in humans and animals.

Schaumburg, Ill. - Dr. Lyle Vogel is the American Veterinary Medical Association's new assistant executive vice president, replacing Dr. Jan Donlin, who left the job in July. He now ranks second in command behind Dr. Ron DeHaven, executive vice president.

Raleigh, N.C. - A committee to review and update the state practice act is expected to present a draft of suggested changes to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) for approval next month.

Portland, Ore. - The Oregon veterinary state board says it will discipline certified veterinary technicians (CVT) who fail to renew their licenses but continue to perform their duties.

GAITHERSBURG, MD. - Consumers are driving a new animal-welfare agenda, says Humane Society of the United States front man Wayne Pacelle. And he wants veterinarians to join his cause by spearheading a new veterinary association.

Professor A: Well, Terry-may we call you Terry?-you aspire to a degree in veterinary medicine?

A 2-year-old 32.1-lb (14.6-kg) intact male mixed-breed dog from a local animal shelter was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals soft tissue surgery service for castration and surgical treatment of phimosis due to a congenitally stenotic preputial orifice.

In this case report, two dogs ingested an unknown volume of Clorox Regular-Bleach (The Clorox Company) containing 6.15% sodium hypochlorite and subsequently developed marked hypernatremia and hyperchloremia as well as numerous other biochemical abnormalities.

AVMA Animal Welfare Committee to review measure

Which philosophy about animals most closely aligns with your own?

Local hotels can be a great source for clinic towels and blankets.

New Mexico - New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association (NMVMA) officials want to better define what constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine through the state's practice act.

A nationwide network of veterinary toxicology laboratories, each with similar testing capabilities and an efficient communication system, could become one of the best weapons to help ward off another major pet-food crisis, even helping protect the human food supply against a serious poisoning outbreak.

Naples, Fla. - It took Dr. Randy Eisel, of Naples, Fla., 10 hours to neuter 56 cats last month. His goal: to raise spay/neuter awareness and earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Washington Township, Pa. - Despite taking two bullets to the back, a local veterinarian argues the shooter - his 18-year-old son - had no intention to cause harm and should not be given jail time.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) leaders want members' feedback concerning whether the group should purchase its own building.

Oklahoma City - An Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) task force is looking into proposing legislation that would provide state regulation for pet-production facilities.

Sacramento, Calif. - The California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) former insurance broker is accusing the group and an ex-executive of using confidential documents in a "scheme" to start its own insurance business.

Executive Board members authorized $72,185 from the American Veterinary Medical Association's contingency fund and $150,000 from its reserve fund to support some of the following

Atlanta, Ga. - The end of a state clause that eased licensing requirements for veterinary technicians could cause more staff shortages for Georgia DVMs.

Atlanta - The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association has two New Year's resolutions: showcase the importance of veterinary medicine to the public and bolster its flat membership.

I have enjoyed Dr. Miller's cartoons and writings over the years.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Veterinary Medical Association's Executive Board adopted a policy designed to steer local municipalities away from regulating veterinary procedures.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must establish an early-warning and surveillance system by this fall to identify adulteration of the nation's pet-food supply and any future outbreaks of illness associated with pet foods.