News

In general, the right of confidentiality belongs to the client, and you can't release information about your client or the care of a patient until your client provides written authorization or waives that right, says Dr. John Scott, attorney. But, Dr. Scott says, there are a few times when you?ll have to open your files.

Nutramax Laboratories introduces a new Web site that will allow Web visitors to become aware and make use of information related to animal health and wellness.

Minneapolis — The American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Executive Board took one more step in a proposed $1.6-million remodeling plan.

Nestle Purina introduces Pro Plan's line of cat food that contains protein levels at 40 percent or higher, the highest level of protein available in any dry cat food brand, the company says.

For millennia, people used yew alkaloids as both a method of suicide and a chemical weapon during hunting and warfare.

OVERLAND PARK, KAN.-Fort Dodge Animal Health announces the licensure of West Nile Innovator DNA, a vaccine for horses to aid in the prevention of viremia caused by potentially deadly West Nile virus (WNV).

The Sharper Image introduces the Treat and Train, a canine training device.

Sharn Veterinary introduces Tidal Guard? to monitor a patient's vital signs.

Boston — The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine now can investigate and prosecute unlicensed veterinary medical practice.

Veterinary medicine stands at the crossroads. "I think the next five to 10 years may be the most important time in the history of veterinary medicine. Its most important challenge is to re-establish its social responsibility," reports Dr. Lonnie King, director of the Office of Strategy and Innovation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and dean of Michigan State University's veterinary school.

Four days ago, just as we were preparing to go to press with this issue, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast. Floodwaters have wreaked unimaginable devastation and sorrow. Our hearts break for the victims of this disaster.

Agri-Pro Enterprises of Iowa introduces PupLight, a collar-attachable light that guides the way for owners and dogs.

MinXray Inc. introduces the newly designed compact x-ray table, the XRT300.

West Lafayette, IND. — Researchers at Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine found that acrolein, a carcinogen, is present at high levels in spinal tissue several days after an injury.

The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) announced its affiliation with VetCentric? as an MVMA-preferred provider.

Novartis developed the Play More magazine, available to veterinarians and pet owners.

Bitebuster introduces extreme gauntlet, protective gloves made from Kevlar and nitrile rubber.

Vitality Systems introduces Chondro-Flex DS soft chews formulated for the health and maintenance of canine joints.

Washington —When Dr. Michael Chaddock attended a recent luncheon for Sen. Sam Brownback, he was escorted to a seat beside the lawmaker and briefed him on the nation's need for more rural DVMs.

Overpopulation cannot be solved unless we understand the factors that lead to planned and unplanned births.

Vedco introduces the first FDA-approved generic carprofen caplets to the veterinary profession.

Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative bacterium that is most commonly associated with a self-limiting febrile condition in the cat lasting for two to three days. It has been suggested that bartonellosis is an arthropod transmitted disease, and there is an increased prevalence of the disease among flea-infested feral cats, especially kittens. Bartonellosis is a zoonotic disease and immunosuppressed humans such as people with HIV, those undergoing chemotherapy, or children, are particularly at risk. The route of transmission is mainly cat scratch or bite (SJ. Ettinger, EC. Feldman: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6th ed. Vol. 1, Pg 702).

Not every veterinarian can be a staff correspondent for a major media network. But every veterinarian can borrow a chapter out of Dr. Debbye Turner's book when it comes to local media presence and community involvement.

V?toquinol USA Inc. introduces Epakitin, a nutritional supplement that can improve the quality of life in pets with chronic kidney disease, the company says.

Agri-Pro Enterprises of Iowa introduces PetBuckle? Safety Systems for safety in pet travel.

Reproduction is the area where mini owners are most likely to need veterinary assistance.

Ortho Dog introduces a line of hip braces, wrist wraps and hock holders for dogs suffering from joint pain recovering from surgery or are on medication for pain relief and inflammation due to arthritis.

Miltex Inc. introduces Monsel's and Lugol's iodine solutions, ideal for colposcopy, LEEP/LLETZ, laser and cervical biopsy applications and are packaged in ready-to-use kits containing 12 to 8 ml bottles and swab applicators.

With all the sophisticated technology now available in private practices, many specialists are pursuing careers in this sector-but not this lifelong academician. "I wouldn't trade the variety of my workweek for a life outside of academia."

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), also known as consumptive coagulopathy or defibrination syndrome, is an acquired disorder of the hemostatic system that results in the pathologic activation and disequilibria of normal hemostasis and fibrinolysis, leading to potentially fatal consequences. This syndrome is common in critically ill veterinary patients and is always secondary to an underlying disorder that increases systemic thrombin and plasmin activities.