News, cutting-edge trends, best practices, and products for companion animal veterinary professionals.
ARTES Biotechnology and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Announce Collaboration
ARTES Biotechnology has announced a collaboration with the global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. ARTES specializes in recombinant protein production and vaccine development from microbial expression systems, and its expression system Hansenula polymorpha is a preferred technology for affordable mass vaccination and is recommended by the World Health Organization for these purposes. In combination with ARTES’ METAVAX platform, this collaboration offers a new and economical approach to low-cost mass production of safe and effective vaccines required in the veterinary field. For more information, visit artes-biotechnology.com.
Nominations Open for the 2016 Petplan Veterinary Awards
The Petplan Veterinary Awards, which celebrate North America’s most praiseworthy pet health pros, are now open for nominations. Submit your nominations to help Petplan reward veterinary professionals in the following categories: Practice of the Year, Veterinarian of the Year, Veterinary Technician of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year, Receptionist of the Year, and Pet Parent of the Year. Beginning April 6, 2015, for each nomination submitted, Petplan will donate $1 to 1 of 3 charities that benefit animals (Adopt-a-Pet.com, GreaterGood.org, or MorrisAnimalFoundation.org). Learn more at gopetplan.com/vet-awards#sthash.ymtIxISD.dpuf.
Project V.E.T.S. Seeks Donations From Individuals, Hospitals
Project V.E.T.S., based out of Boulder, Colorado, collects donated veterinary equipment, technology, and supplies (V.E.T.S.), which it distributes globally to veterinarians working in nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The recipients, including 70 organizations throughout the world, are veterinarians and hospitals whose missions are to work with companion animals, wildlife, or working animals to improve animal health and welfare. Project V.E.T.S. accepts donations from individuals, manufacturers, veterinary and human hospitals, and other organizations. To learn more, visit projectvets.org.
Vetnique Introduces Glandex As Oral Supplement
Vetnique Labs introduces Glandex, an oral supplement specifically designed for anal gland problems in dogs and cats. Glandex provides anal gland and digestive support and helps pets maintain healthy anal glands by producing bulky and firm stools so anal glands empty naturally. The supplement also contains key ingredients to target the underlying inflammation and allergies that trigger anal gland problems. Glandex’s proprietary formula contains a fiber blend, natural anti-inflammatories, and a probiotic, and it is formulated as a palatable once-a-day powder. For more information, visit glandex.com or call 800-643-7558.
New AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats Now Available
Due to the advances in pain management for companion animals, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have expanded on the information provided in the 2007 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. The 2015 Guidelines represent a consensus of expert opinions that summarize and offer a discriminating review of new research and knowledge, and they are particularly helpful for busy clinicians because they consolidate current recommendations and insights. To access the full set of guidelines, visit catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/pain-management-guidelines.
NAVC Institute 2015 Registration Now Open
The NAVC Institute 2015, which takes place July 26 to 31, is now open for registration. Those who register before midnight on May 31 will save $200. The NAVC Institute offers immersive hands-on skills training for veterinary professionals who wish to elevate the value of their services. The Institute provides a multi-day, small-class, in-residence approach with guidance from renowned, board-certified experts. Course options include ABVP Specialty & Recertification Examination Preparation; Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation; Clinical Behavior: Getting Answers to Your Cases; Feline Medicine: Finessing the Feline; Oncology, Cytology & Hematology in Your Practice; Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Practical Techniques in Soft-Tissue Surgery; and Small Animal Ultrasound. Learn more at navc.com/institute/navc-institute-2015.
USDA Grants Conditional License for First Immunotherapy to Delay the Recurrence of Fibrosarcomas in Cats
Merial has announced that it received a U.S. Veterinary Biological Product Conditional License from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Feline Interleukin-2 Immunomodulator, indicated to delay post-surgical recurrence of feline fibrosarcomas in adult cats with stage 1 disease. When administered in proximity of a tumor, Interleukin-2 stimulates immune responses involved in the rejection of tumors in cancer patients. Feline Interleukin-2 Immunomodulator has been approved with a conditional license from the USDA and will be available for use by veterinary oncologists. This conditional license is based upon USDA requirements for demonstration of safety and a reasonable expectation of efficacy. Additional test studies are in progress. For more information, please call Merial Veterinary Technical Solutions at 1-888-MERIAL-1, option 1, then option 4.
Trupandion Announces Voting for Recipients of Member Donation Program
In addition to their Shelter Support and Volunteer Programs, Trupanion has established the Member Donation Program to facilitate $1 monthly donations to pet-focused nonprofit organizations that coincide with members’ premium payments. Last year, Trupanion members donated $104,197 through the Member Donation Program to animal welfare organizations, including The American Humane Association, The Farley Foundation, and the National Canine Cancer Foundation, and Trupanion is now calling on all pet-passionate supporters to help decide the next nonprofit recipients. Over the next 2 months, voting will be open to the public to select the next animal welfare nonprofits that Trupanion will support. The 3 nonprofits that receive the most votes will be added to Trupanion’s TruGiving Program recipient list. For more information, visit Trupanion.com/TruGiving.
