Pain Relief for Felines 4 Months of Age
Novartis Animal Health announces Onsior (robenacoxib) tablets are now approved for use in cats 4 months of age and older. Onsior tablets are indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration in cats >= 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) for a maximum of 3 days. The tissue selectivity of Onsior continues to provide 24 hours of safe and effective pain relief—all in a single daily dose. For more information, visit us.onsior.com.
Irap Therapy—Improved Process
Dechra Veterinary Products introduces Orthokine vet irap 10, offering improved technology for processing autologous conditioned serum (ACS). Orthokine vet irap 10 can be used in most centrifuges currently used in veterinary clinics without the additional cost of a special rotor; requires a smaller collection volume (10 mL versus 60 mL); has a shorter incubation period than irap plus, allowing same day administration of the finished ACS. The product formerly referred to as irap plus will now be marketed under the name Orthokine vet irap 60, yet the product remains exactly the same. For more information, visit dechra-us.com.
New York State Veterinary Conference Adds Spring Dates
Mark your calendars for May 16-18, 2014 when the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine will host the spring New York State Veterinary Conference. The focus will be on companion animal medicine. Please join more than 2575 veterinarians at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook, NY for 19 hours of continuing education, networking, and an expanded exhibit hall. For more information, visit vet.cornell.edu/education/conferences/NYSVetConf/nysvcSpring2014.cfm.
ASPCA Reveals Top 10 Animal Poison Concerns
In a new report released by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reveals the top 10 calls into the APCC in 2013 involved the following toxins, ranked in order of call volume: 1. Human medications, 2. Insecticides, 3. Over the counter medications, 4. Household items, 5. Human foods, 6. Veterinary medications, 7. Chocolate, 8. Rodenticides, 9. Plants, and 10. Lawn and garden products. For more information about the top toxins of 2013, and other household items that could harm pets, visit aspca.org/apcc.
Groundbreaking Observational Study to Help Find a Cure for Canine Cancer
Morris Animal Foundation is currently looking to enroll 3000 purebred golden retrievers for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS), the largest and longest observational research study ever initiated to improve the health of dogs. Additionally, Morris Animal Foundation is searching for interested veterinarians to become study partners to examine enrolled dogs and encourage owners of eligible golden retrievers to enroll. The goal of the study is to evaluate the influence of genetics, diet, and environment on the incidence of cancer and other canine diseases. Partnering veterinarians are asked to complete a few tasks each year: Perform annual exams, recruit eligible golden retrievers, and care for additional health events. For more information or to participate in the study, veterinarians should visit caninelifetimehealth .org or call 855-447-3647 to speak with a member of the GRLS team.
Proven Human Cancer Treatment Now Available for Dogs
Abbott Animal Health announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conditional approval of Paccal Vet-CA1 (paclitaxel for injection), one of the most frequently used chemotherapeutics for the treatment of a wide range of cancers in humans for the past 20 years. Paccal Vet-CA1 is specifically formulated for use in dogs, and provides veterinarians with a new treatment option for canine squamous cell cancer (a type of skin cancer) and mammary cancer. For more information, visit abbott.com.
Petplan Announces Winners of 2014 Veterinary Awards
Petplan hosted a dinner at Western Veterinary Conference in February to honor the finalists and announce the winners of its annual Veterinary Awards. Now in its third year, the Petplan Veterinary Awards honor the important work of America’s veterinary professionals who go above and beyond, providing pets with exceptional care and clients with exceptional customer service. For more information on the awards or for information on nominating a worthy individual or practice for a 2015 award, please visit gopetplan.com/vetawards.
Practice of the Year— Animal Hospital of North Asheville, Asheville, NC
Veterinarian of the Year—Dr. Kim Slensky, Hope Veterinary Specialists,Malvern, Pa.
Practice Manager of the Year—Kristen Hoffman, Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Clinic (VSEC), Levittown, Pa.
Veterinary Technician of the Year—Megan Brashear, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, Portland, Ore.
Track a Dog’s Key Vital Signs—Access Personalized Data—Receive Relevant Information
VOYCE, wearable technology for pets, earns “Best of CES 2014” at the Consumer Electronics Show for i4C Innovations, makers of the device. Developed by bio-medical engineers, dog experts, and Cornell University, VOYCE is worn comfortably around a dog’s neck and monitors key vital signs including heart and respiratory rates, along with other wellness indicators (eg, activity, rest, and calories burned). VOYCE subscribers can readily access their dog’s personalized data and information, virtually anytime and anywhere, through a desktop or mobile device. Additionally, they will have the ability to share that information with their veterinarian, pet service providers, and across social networks. i4C Innovations has partnered with LifeLearn, Inc, a leading veterinary content provider, to deliver exclusive, member-only access to thousands of articles written by top practicing veterinarians, board certified specialists, behaviorists, and other experts. This gives VOYCE subscribers the opportunity to learn about their dog’s behavior, nutrition, training, and health. For more information, visit mydogsvoyce.com.
Hero of the Year Award Winner
HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service, a product from Merck Animal Health, announced Theresa Strader, founder of Colorado-based National Mill Dog Rescue, as the winner of its Hero of the Year Award. She was chosen because of her outstanding dedication to companion animals and the significant impact she has made in her community. As founder of National Mill Dog Rescue, Strader has rescued nearly 8,000 dogs from puppy mills across the United States. Not only does she save the dogs, but also rehabilitates and finds homes for them across the country. Dedicated to creating a greater awareness of the commercial dog breeding industry and advocating for animals in need, Strader uses social media and speaking engagements, as well as educational programs and materials, to get her message out. In honor of her service and commitment to companion animal health and welfare, HomeAgain will make a $10,000 donation in her name to the National Mill Dog Rescue. For more information, visit homeagain.com.
Go “Green” with Chemical-Free Cleaning System
Alpha Tech Pet is proud to be the exclusive distributor of the Lotus PRO aqueous ozone generator to the animal care marketplace. The Lotus PRO turns ordinary tap water into aqueous ozone—a powerful natural cleaner, stain remover, deodorizer, and sanitizer—and is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ozone is 50% more powerful than chlorine and up to 3000 times faster at destroying microorganisms. Once generated, the solution maintains its efficacy for up to 12 hours and destroys microorganisms in 4 minutes or less. Lotus PRO is easy to install, takes up little space, is extremely economical (only 19¢/gallon of solution), is environmentally friendly, safe for use around animals, and comes complete with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. For more information, visit alphatechpet.com/lotuspro.aspx or call us directly at 800-222-5537. Mention “Ozone Clean” for a 5% discount off your first order.
$100,000 Available to Fund Feline Pain, Osteoarthritis, Joint Health, and Kidney Disease Research
The Winn Feline Foundation and Zoetis call for research proposals to address the assessment of pain, osteoarthritis, joint health and kidney disease in cats. Consideration will be given to proposals investigating novel biomarkers for assessing acute or chronic adaptive pain and maladaptive (ie, neuropathic or functional) pain in cats. Biomarkers for assessing osteoarthritis progression are also of interest. Scientifically sound projects that investigate the cause and progression of osteoarthritis in cats will also be considered, regardless of biomarker assessment. Additionally, because methods for early detection and progression of feline chronic kidney disease are urgently needed, Zoetis and the Winn Feline Foundation are also soliciting proposals to identify systemic or urinary biomarkers for early detection or progression of chronic kidney disease. To apply for the Winn Feline Foundation/Zoetis grant, visit winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/Researchers.html. The deadline for submissions is April 21, 2014.
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