Feline Tick
Panel Available from NCSU Diagnostic Lab
The Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Lab at NCSU-CVM now offers a Feline Comprehensive Tick Panel in addition to the Canine Comprehensive Tick Panel. The feline panel includes PCR testing for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, cytauxzoonsis, ehrlichiosis, hemotropic mycoplasmosis, and rickettsiosis as well as serology (IFA) targeting three Bartonella species. Also, since a recent serologic survey on feline sera identified exposure rates of 1% to 5% per year for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species, serological testing (ELISA) for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Borrelia, and heartworm has been added to the Feline Comprehensive Panel. For more information, visit cvm.ncsu.edu/vhc/csds/ticklab.html.
Zoetis Introduces Financial Management Service
The Companion Animal Division of Zoetis, Inc has partnered with Fee Technology, Inc, of Austin, Texas, to offer Profit Solver to veterinary practices 
nationwide. Profit Solver, an exclusive small business financial management service, provides a simple way for small animal clinics and hospitals to remain financially viable. The program helps veterinarians and practice managers make accurate and informed decisions about how best to manage costs, pricing, and new equipment purchases. The patented technology allows practices to determine profitability based on their own specific circumstances and includes comprehensive training by Fee Technology consultants. For more information, visit zoetisus.com/solutions/pages/profitsolver.aspx.
NEW DEXDOMITOR 0.1 for Small Dogs and Cats
Zoetis, Inc has announced a lower concentration of DEXDOMITOR, a sedative and preanesthetic. The 0.1 mg/mL solution is designed to be more convenient for veterinarians to accurately administer doses for dogs less than 20 pounds and cats less than 7 pounds. This will allow veterinarians and their staff to perform minor procedures that can be difficult to perform if an animal is struggling or resisting being held by staff members. Since DEXDOMITOR 0.1 is one-fifth (1/5) the original concentration, dose volumes can be more accurately measured without the need for dilution. Sedation and preanesthesia protocols can, therefore, be tailored to the individual patient. For more information, visit zoetisus.com/products/dogs/dexdomitor-01/index.aspx.
Register for the 2014 ACVS Surgery Summit
The ACVS Surgery Summit will be offered in San Diego, California, from October 15 through 18. The 2014 event will offer more than 300 hours of 
continuing education, including a broad array of seminars, 25 hands-on laboratories, cutting-edge panels, and the latest in research advances, as well as the opportunity to network with internationally renowned surgical and allied medicine specialists. To register and learn more, visit acvs.org/surgery-summit/.
IVERHART PLUS Available Again
Virbac Animal Health is pleased to announce the return of IVERHART PLUS Flavored Chewables that are effective in preventing heartworm infections in dogs and treating and controlling roundworms and hookworms. They provide a cost-effective, generic alternative in an effort to make heartworm prevention available to more dogs. Paul Hays, CEO of Virbac, said he was “very appreciative of the support of dog owners, veterinarians, and distributors who transitioned dogs to our product with added benefits, IVERHART MAX Chewable Tablets, while IVERHART PLUS Tablets were not available.” Virbac products are offered to pet owners exclusively through veterinarians. Learn more at virbacvet.com.
AAFP Releases New Guidelines, Video Series
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) have released the AAFP/ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats, endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association. The guidelines may help clinicians identify the causative factors of house soiling and include a cat owner questionnaire that is customizable for clinic use. In addition, the AAFP will provide pet owner education with the launch of its new three-part video series, which highlights why it is important for owners to take their cats to veterinarians. For more information, visit catvets.com.
Survey Raises Concerns about Tick Control
Merial, the maker of FRONTLINE Plus, has announced the results of a pet owner survey showing that 63% of people who purchased flea control products or flea control/heartworm preventive products believed the products would kill ticks, when in fact they were not effective against ticks. While pet owners appear to understand the need to use products that kill ticks, many are misinformed about the products they are currently using. In fact, 30% of people who say they would only purchase a product that kills ticks had purchased products that are not effective against ticks. “Fleas and ticks are two very different parasites,” said Dr. Michael Murray, DVM, Merial, adding that the FRONTLINE Plus brand is effective in killing both parasites. For more information on the survey, visit frontline.com.
VetGirl Offers RACE-Approved CE Webinars
VetGirl—a multimedia service that provides veterinary continuing education through podcasts, webinars, videos, and blogs—regularly hosts RACE-approved continuing education webinars. Upcoming webinars include August 20: Communicating Value for Preventive Dentistry, presented by Wendy S. Myers from 7 pm to 8 pm EST (6 pm – 7 pm CST) andAugust 27: Hot Weather Advisory! Management of Heat Stroke in Dogs, presented by Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC, from 7 pm to 9 pm EST (6 pm – 8 pm CST). Total RACE-approved CE credit hours are 1 hour and 2 hours, respectively. Webinars are available at vetgirlontherun.com/webinars; to register for a free 30-day trial subscription, visit vetgirlontherun.com/trial-member-webinar-review.
RECALL
Hospira Announces Nationwide Recall of IV Fluids
Hospira, Inc is initiating a voluntary nationwide user-level recall of one lot of Lactated Ringers and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 1000 mL, Flexible Container, NDC 0409-7929-09, Lot 35-118-JT, Expiry 1NOV2015. This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure and is due to one confirmed customer report where particulate was identified within the solution of the primary container, indicative of mold. Analysis of the primary container indicated a puncture, causing the primary container to leak. As of July 10, 2014, Hospira has not received reports of any other adverse events associated with this lot, nor has identified any quality issues with retention samples. However, anyone with an existing inventory should stop use and distribution, quarantine the product immediately, and call Stericycle at 1-888-912-8457 to arrange for the return of the product. For clinical inquiries, please contact Hospira at 1-800-441-4100 or medcom@hospira.com. To report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the FDA, visit fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.
Canine Cushing’s Disease—Share Your Experience
The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is encouraging veterinarians in the U.S. to participate in a prospective survey study on breed differences in clinical features in canine Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism, HAC). The study’s goal is to test the hypothesis that prevalence of clinical signs and physical examination findings are not the same among different breeds. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete for each patient diagnosed with spontaneous HAC. All participants who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $160 Amazon voucher and will be notified of the results of the study once available. For more information, contact michael.bennaim@aht.org.uk. To take the survey, visitbit.ly/aht-cushing before October 2014.
New Soft Chew for Canine Ost
eoarthritis Pain Management
Bayer HealthCare, LLC, Animal Health Division has launched Quellin (carprofen) soft chewable tablets to help alleviate the pain associated with canine osteoarthritis, one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs that affects 20% of dogs older than one year of age. Quellin is a meat flavored, soft chew that is designed to be readily accepted by dogs, and provide pet owners with an easier method of administering the drug at home—leading to greater compliance. For more information, visit quellin.com.