ProHeart 6 RiskMAP
Zoetis, Inc, revised the Risk Minimization Action Plan (RiskMAP) for ProHeart 6 (moxidectin), the sustained-release injectable heartworm preventive for dogs, based on a review of safety history over a 4½-year period. The updated RiskMAP allows use in healthy dogs older than 7 years; permits administration by a trained, certified veterinary technician or assistant; and removes the client consent signature requirement. Veterinarians can now offer 6 months of uninterrupted heartworm protection to all healthy dogs ages 6 months and older, and provide greater peace of mind to their owners according to J. Michael McFarland, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations for Zoetis. To obtain additional information, including a copy of the product labeling or full prescribing information, visit ProHeart6dvm.com or call 1-888-ZOETIS1 (963-8471).
Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released the 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report, endorsed by the International Society of Feline Medicine and published in the September issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. This report provides practical recommendations to help clinicians select appropriate vaccination schedules for their feline patients based on risk assessment. The recommendations rely on published data and consensus from a multidisciplinary panel of experts in immunology, infectious disease, internal medicine, and clinical practice. To view the 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report, visit catvets.com/guidelines.
Postoperative Pain Control in a Patch
Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Recuvyra transdermal solution for dogs. Recuvyra contains the active ingredient fentanyl and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the control of postoperative pain associated with surgical procedures in dogs. A single dose (1.2 mg/lb) applied to the dorsal scapular area of dogs prior to surgery controls pain for 4 days. The product uses a patented transdermal drug delivery technology. In clinical trials, 98.4% of dogs treated with Recuvyra received effective pain control in orthopedic and soft tissues surgeries (as measured by the Glasgow Pain Scale). More information about Recuvyra can be found by contacting an Elanco sales representative, distributor representative, or by calling 1-888-545-5973.
Study
Pet Wellness Report
A data review of canine patients presented for routine wellness visits over a 5-year period found 31% of the 7827 dogs in the study were identified as having laboratory panel abnormalities consistent with a range of conditions, including endocrinopathies, renal disease, hepatic disease, anemia, or other morbidities. A similar number of dogs were found to have health risks based on the accompanying health risk assessment questionnaire. The study was conducted by Zoetis, Inc, as part of the company’s new Pet Wellness Report, the first broadly available health risk assessment created specifically for dogs and cats. Of note, 10% of pet owners responding do not give heartworm preventive at all and 30% miss doses or have gotten off schedule; 26.6% responded yes to pets exhibiting signs of osteoarthritis. Pet owners who took their dogs for yearly wellness exams were much more likely (4.23x, or 423%) to get regular dental exams for their dogs. For more information, visit PetWellness Report.com.
Education
Veterinary Technicians
Penn Foster offers an affordable alternative to earn a fully AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician Associate degree. As a career-focused online educator, Penn Foster’s degree program offers students the chance to earn a degree at their own pace, without accumulating any debt. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 52% growth rate over the next decade in the veterinary professions, indicating a need for well-trained technicians. For more information, visit pennfoster.edu.
American Heartworm Society Resistance Statement
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) has issued a statement, which can be downloaded at http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pdf/ Resistance_statement_FINAL.pdf, regarding recent research concerning the development of strains of heartworm resistant to macrocyclic lactones (MLs). Key points include: the findings do not demonstrate widespread ineffectiveness of available heartworm preventives; MLs continue to be effective in the vast majority of cases; appropriate, on-label usage of MLs is paramount; inappropriate use can contribute to the development of resistant strains. By following label recommendations for the use of these products, and monitoring patients appropriately, veterinarians can play a vital role in maintaining the effectiveness of ML medications. The AHS guidelines recommend year-round administration of ML preventives as well as annual testing. The guidelines also recommend a specific treatment protocol for heartworm-positive dogs that includes administration of doxycycline and a 3-dose regimen of melarsomine.
Practice Management Software
ImproMed, LLC, a subsidiary of Henry Schein Animal Health, released Advantage+ version 30.375, a practice management software tool that helps animal health professionals maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality of care to patients. Updates to inventory management, invoicing, medical records, prescriptions, report generation and setup features are designed so that day-to-day office procedures are simpler and easier. The latest version includes updates to the Appointment Book, provides faster turnaround time for payment, and enables animal health professionals to capture a digital signature using a Topaz signature device. ImproMed Advantage+ users can download the latest release notes for v30.375 on the iCAN at impromed.com/ican, or by contacting ImproMed Customer Support at 800-925-7171 or support@impromed.com.
Partnering with Roosevelt Elementary School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, ImproMed, Inc, donated 50 backpacks that included supplies, such as crayons, glue, pencils, markers, scissors, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, and rulers in time for the start of the school year.
Continuing Education
Podcast Service
VetGirl, LLC, a subscription-based podcast service offering RACE-approved veterinary continuing education, is now available. Founded by Justine Lee, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC and ABT, CEO, and Garret Pachtinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, COO, VetGirl allows veterinarians to learn “on the run,” with 3- to 5-minute podcasts. This multi-media experience provides cutting-edge clinical tips and reviews, not only through podcasts, but also through webinars, videos, and blogs. Learn more by visiting vetgirlontherun.com. Today’s Veterinary Practice readers receive a 10% discount; turn to page 47 for details.
Award Winner
My Vet’s the Best Contest
Pets Best Insurance named Dr. James Bogdansky of the Country Club Animal Hospital in Miami as the latest winner of the agency’s nationwide My Vet’s the Best contest, awarding him $1000 to treat animals in need. For 22 years, Dr. Bogdansky and his family have been actively involved in rescuing and adopting a multitude of species in Dade County, including birds, dogs, cats, ducks, rabbits, turtles, skunks, and snakes. Dr. Bogdansky has also worked alongside various rescue and animal welfare organizations, such as Cat Network, PAWS 4 YOU and The House Rabbit Society. For more information about the My Vet’s the Best contest, visit petsbest.com/blog/my-vets-the-best-contest.