News
Improving Staff Utilization: Doing More with Less
Improved staff utilization is a more critical element of successful practices now than ever before. Practices that want to become more profitable can no longer just count on fee increases to achieve this goal. Improved profitability and patient care must come from improved business practices.
Cage Project Sponsored by OAHF Aids Sea Lions on Oregon Coast
A team of scientists, veterinarians and volunteers have deployed a custom-built “capture cage” in Newport to temporarily sequester sea lions that have become entangled with rope, fishing line and other materials so they can be untangled. The Oregon Animal Health Foundation, the charitable arm of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, provided a $5,000 grant for the project.
Recommendations for Horses Exposed to Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) or Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM)
Cases of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) have been identified in horses that recently attended a cutting horse event in Ogden, Utah held from April 29 to May 8, 2011. This article contains more information and recommendations for dealing with horses who may have been exposed.
NCVEI and VetPartners Offer Benchmarking Tools for Referral Practices
Citing growing need in the veterinary profession for data about emergency and specialty practices, the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) and VetPartners announce the release of financial and operational metric benchmarking tools designed specifically for referral practices.
OnceptTM Canine Melanoma Vaccine Receives USDA Approval
Vical Incorporated today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted the company's licensee Merial Limited full licensure for its ONCEPT™ canine melanoma vaccine, a therapeutic DNA vaccine designed to aid in extending survival of dogs with oral melanoma.
Equine Dentistry Changes in Oklahoma, Other Legislative Updates
In what could establish a major precedent nationwide, Gov. Brad Henry of Oklahoma signed a bill that removed the practice of equine dentistry from a veterinary procedure to an animal husbandry act. Under the bill, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry would enforce provisions of the new law.
American Regent Recalls Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 0.9% 30 mL Multiple Dose Vials
American Regent is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of the three lots listed below of the following product: Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 0.9%, 30 mL, Multiple Dose Vials.
FTC "Red Flags Rule": DVMs Expected to Be Exempted
The "Red Flags Rule," which the Federal Trade Commission will begin enforcing December 31, 2010, requires creditors to develop programs to prevent, detect, and mitigate identity theft. Veterinarians are expected to be exempted from this requirement with legislation now awaiting the president's signature.
Cryptococcus gattii: Cases in Oregon
In 1999, a rare fungus was identified in British Columbia and, in 2004, the first case of the fungus in a human was identified in the Pacific Northwest. The fungus, Cryptococcus gattii, (or C gattii), is a new strain of the fungus, which, in very rare cases, causes a treatable infection in humans and animals.
USDA Veterinary Service Policy on Pets Arriving in US from Haiti
Due to the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, there may be an increased number of pets coming into the US. The following USDA-Veterinary Service (VS) policy should take effect immediately and remain in effect for the next 10 days for animals arriving at US ports from either Haiti or the Dominican Republic. During this period, the USDA-VS has waived the requirements for health certificates for dogs.
