Clinical Practice
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Never too late
4/20/2018
Beginning a veterinary career after 50
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Product rebates to veterinarians spur tax questions
4/9/2018
For honesty's sake, report the money, accountant advises
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Cannabis for veterinary patients gets research attention, funding
3/29/2018
Stigma begins to lift but legal questions persist
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Veterinarians might be liable if vouching for traveling support animals
2/27/2018
United Airlines' new policy ambiguous about responsibility for disturbances
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UK veterinarians cautious on plan for new school
2/16/2018
Low wages, long hours in profession a concern
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Attempt fails to change Washington law on nonprofit veterinary clinics
2/12/2018
Bill would have let humane societies, animal-control agencies broaden services
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Second veterinary business allies with Petco to run in-store clinics
1/18/2018
The Pet Vet plans operations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas
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Petco stores now house veterinary clinics
1/10/2018
Texas, California and Colorado are first
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Alan Abrams: 'All I wanted to do was give back'
12/21/2017
Embattled CEO defends foundation as complaints mount
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Hurricane Maria's effects minimal on veterinary drug supply
12/18/2017
But sterile IV bags reportedly on back order
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FDA backs off veterinary drug compounding approach
11/7/2017
Limbo on intractable issue continues
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Alan Abrams, figure with checkered past, heads dubious veterinary charity
11/2/2017
Complaints pile up about Dr. Steve Abrams Memorial Foundation — Petsavers Inc.
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Key veterinary euthanasia drugs in short supply
10/20/2017
FDA takes steps to ease the problem
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Mars antitrust remedy 'not even a drop in the bucket'?
9/26/2017
Deal puts 2,000 practices under one owner
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Labor union for veterinary workforce makes national push
9/21/2017
Associates, technicians, support staff would be represented
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Publisher Time Inc. enters veterinary-discount realm
9/11/2017
Club gives pet owners 25 percent off medical services
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Physical therapy for pets poses conundrum
9/5/2017
Regulators struggle to weigh skills of veterinarians, physical therapists
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Should botanical medicine be a formal veterinary specialty?
8/25/2017
As Sept. 1 deadline for comments nears, practitioners debate
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Canine cough outbreaks reported in multiple regions
8/18/2017
Unidentified cause propels laboratories into research mode
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Fast-spreading cough strikes dogs in Montana
8/1/2017
Some infections lead to pneumonia, death
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Veterinary herbal medicine supporters seek recognition
7/18/2017
ABVS invites feedback; comment period ends Sept. 1
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Burglar to veterinarians: Don’t display lavish stock of flea-tick products
7/13/2017
Prisoner shares his views in letter
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Low thiamine suspected in cat illnesses linked to BFF food
6/9/2017
Veterinarian relates how cases arose in Australia and persist despite recall
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The dark side of modern X-ray equipment
6/8/2017
Veterinarians find digital radiography expensive, maddening
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Veterinarians seek adventure, perspective working abroad
5/23/2017
U.S. practitioners find many options among English-speaking countries
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‘Smart’ collars for animals proliferate
5/5/2017
Claims of health benefits as yet unproven
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Confusion ensues during veterinary-compounding discussion
5/2/2017
California regulators grapple with applying new rules
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Suspect admits to burglarizing veterinary clinics
4/18/2017
Lured by value of flea-and-tick products
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Veterinarians doubt validity of ImmuneIQ allergy test
4/5/2017
Hair and saliva analysis fooled by fake fur
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California lawmaker proposes tax break on veterinary bills
3/23/2017
AB 942 goes to hearing Monday
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Marketer of generic heartworm drug for dogs promises stable supply
3/15/2017
Brand-name Immiticide was plagued by shortages; will Diroban be different?
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Veterinarians identify thiamine-deficient cats, prompting pet food recall
3/6/2017
Signs include cluster seizures, twitching, imbalance, down-bent neck
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Britain: 94 percent of dogs now microchipped
2/8/2017
Long education period, financial aid credited for high compliance with mandate
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Pet cremation: questions and answers for veterinarians
1/4/2017
Don't underestimate importance of death-care
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Ban on powdered gloves coming Jan. 18
1/3/2017
FDA cites numerous health dangers
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Aggressive pets adopted out in quest to save animals’ lives
11/17/2016
Has no-kill philosophy gone too far?
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When safety, learning conflict in veterinary school
11/16/2016
On aggressive patients, school policies differ widely
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How veterinarians handle aggressive patients
11/15/2016
Bites can be life-altering
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Pot for pets poses quandary for veterinarians
11/4/2016
Clients ask but animal doctors can’t prescribe
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Ex-Banfield leaders buy practices as ‘LegacyVet’
10/18/2016
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Veterinary clinic opens at a Florida Wal-Mart
10/17/2016
Practice owners are first to lease space from retail giant
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Hemopet ‘1,000 percent going to stay in business’
9/21/2016
Failure of tax-exemption quest doesn’t doom canine blood bank
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Massachusetts hustles to adopt new rabies approach
8/17/2016
Veterinarians welcome relaxed, science-based rules
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Canine blood bank seeks sales-tax relief
8/12/2016
Proposed California law would exempt only nonprofits
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Pet pharmacy Rx transfers: supporting the competition?
7/14/2016
Veterinarian pushes Vets First Choice for greater transparency
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Reports of jerky-treat illnesses down but not out
5/16/2016
FDA counts more than 6,200 dogs, 26 cats, three people affected to date
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House subcommittee to consider pet-prescription rules
4/28/2016
Proposed ‘Fairness to Pet Owners Act’ a subtext of hearing Friday
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Zeuterin marketer falters two years after U.S. debut
4/22/2016
Sales of injectable sterilant for dogs come up short
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Wrist pain: occupational hazard for veterinarians?
4/6/2016
Practitioners susceptible to hurting thumb tendon sheath
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Electronic stethoscopes aid veterinarians with hearing loss
3/22/2016
Iconic medical tool goes digital
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Drug options for low thyroid in dogs to shrink sharply
3/10/2016
FDA targets long-used but unapproved medications
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Report rekindles debate on rural veterinary workforce
12/21/2015
Methodology questioned in provocative study on Appalachia
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Veterinarians stress about ketamine's future
11/19/2015
WHO assesses bid to schedule anesthetic drug
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When is veterinary telemedicine permitted?
11/9/2015
Sussing out legality as websites and apps proliferate
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Oregon to lift veterinary clinic ownership limit
10/13/2015
New law adds facility registration, routine inspections
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California bans OTC antibiotics in food animals
10/12/2015
Also requires periodic training for veterinarians on ‘judicious use’ policy
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Veterinary community rallies to combat burglaries
9/25/2015
Thieves target flea, tick, heartworm products
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Coming soon: credit-card security changes
9/18/2015
Merchants using outdated equipment may be on hook in fraud cases
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Veterinary generics squeezed by blocking agreements
9/8/2015
Zoetis, Merial bar big distributors from selling competing generic drugs
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Dog toxicant xylitol appearing in peanut butters
9/3/2015
Manufacturers asked to warn of sweetener's risk to pets
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Popular as ever, veterinary compounding poised for change
8/6/2015
Following long limbo, FDA proposes new approach
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New entrants to pet microchip market draw critics
7/29/2015
Are chips with ‘900’ codes unreliable or unfairly targeted?
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Entrepreneur finds pet microchip problem unsolvable
7/16/2015
Owner apathy, tangled industry leads Check the Chip to give up
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Unreliable Apoquel supply irks veterinarians
6/25/2015
Zoetis panned for empty promises, shoddy communication
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Veterinary clinic recovering from deadly fire
6/19/2015
Rebuilding can take years
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Study: Pets overdue for rabies shot still protected
6/12/2015
Rabies compendium update to reflect discovery
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FTC: Pet-medications market could be more competitive
5/27/2015
Consumers would benefit from broader prescription portability, report says
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Veterinarians field temporary Immiticide shortage
5/20/2015
Increased usage led to backorder, Merial says
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Sea lions need greater medical attention this season
4/22/2015
Veterinary care in demand for stranded, starving young
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Facial-recognition apps scout lost pets
4/15/2015
Tool supplements tags, chips
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Accidental pet exposures to hormones: purveyors respond
4/2/2015
Reactions range from nonchalance to concern
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American-made jerky tied to illness in dogs
3/30/2015
Cases of acquired Fanconi arise despite treat-market shift
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Deadline nears to join pet jerky class action
3/24/2015
Owners have until April 1 to submit claims
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Fur loss in dogs linked to owners’ hormone use
3/17/2015
Veterinarian suspects unwitting exposure persists
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Veterinarians field owners’ fears about Beneful
3/9/2015
Potential class action lawsuits solicit media attention
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MRI explodes at Oradell Animal Hospital
3/6/2015
Contract worker reportedly critically injured; hospital evacuated
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Recognizing sexual abuse in animals
3/5/2015
FBI to categorize animal cruelty in national crime database
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Veterinary internships lack uniform quality
2/24/2015
Concerned about exploitation, AAHA offers new accreditation option
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Reports of jerky pet treat illness ebb in U.S.
2/19/2015
International puzzle persists
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MWI sale reflects trend in pet-related industries
1/27/2015
Veterinarians wonder how service, prices will fare
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Interceptor parasite preventive returning to market
1/20/2015
New owner Elanco cites popular demand
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Ownership of Sentinel antiparasitic line poised to change
10/31/2014
Virbac seeks Novartis veterinary drugs in transaction with Eli Lilly
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Court fight effectively discredits Yelp, veterinarian says
9/30/2014
Rehearing request pending in class-action appeal
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Controlled-drugs disposal options expanded
9/23/2014
New federal rules take effect Oct. 9
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What to do when veterinary patient’s owner needs care
9/12/2014
Researchers offer advice for ticklish condition
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Comprehensive pet microchip registry data elusive
9/8/2014
One search engine defunct; another incomplete
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Veterinarians, schools emphasize yearly pet checkups
8/15/2014
Survey finds more pet owners concerned about cost of care
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Veterinarians unveil new technique for jaw reconstruction
8/8/2014
Idea grows from collaboration between UC Davis medical scientists and engineers
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Most veterinarians reduce prices so animals can get care, survey finds
7/16/2014
Few practices track discounts systematically
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VCA Inc.: Gentle giant or takeover threat?
7/11/2014
Views of chain veterinary hospital owner span the spectrum
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Scope of practice at center of Supreme Court case
6/24/2014
Authority of professional licensing boards in question
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Pet treats: Does 'Made in USA' mean safe?
6/10/2014
Illness linked to Chinese-made jerky spurs label changes
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Profusion of pet food choices cooks up confusion
6/2/2014
A veterinarian offers some thoughts
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Canadian anti-spam law affects email across borders
5/23/2014
Veterinarians advised to seek client consent on electronic communications
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Insect repellent, antiviral drug detected in jerky pet treats
5/16/2014
Whether illnesses stem from the contaminants is unknown
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Veterinary private-practice sector makes modest rebound
5/13/2014
Revenues rise, mostly through price increases
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VCA Antech prevails in breach-of-contract suits
5/1/2014
Laboratory services provider continues suing veterinarians
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Map tracks veterinary infectious disease cases in real time
4/18/2014
Veterinarians encouraged to report illness in dogs, cats, horses
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Lawmaker behind proposed Fairness to Pet Owners Act aims to inform consumers
3/14/2014
Congressman heading toward retirement reintroduces bill
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A colleague’s suicide opens our Pandora’s box
3/10/2014
Tragedy spotlights vulnerabilities in veterinary profession
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Help exists for those struggling to pay veterinary bills
3/4/2014
Charitable groups offer to defray expenses
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Equine hospital by New York racetrack revived
2/27/2014
Cornell University signs lease-buy agreement
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Veterinarians receiving loan repayment awards say program makes a difference
2/13/2014
But states have difficulty evaluating its effect on shortage areas
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Veterans’ service dogs receive full medical insurance
1/30/2014
Insurance company promises immediate payment to veterinarians
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Printing 3-D models eases complicated veterinary surgeries
12/20/2013
Auburn University radiologist promotes new tool
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Unusual dog leads veterinarian on unusual path
11/26/2013
How a sick shar-pei puppy steered clinician to research
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Does illegal OTC drug use by pet owners contribute to heartworm resistance?
11/18/2013
Differing rules for pet, livestock antiparasitic products questioned
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When people’s delusions affect pets
11/6/2013
Imaginary infestations may not be rare
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FDA calls on veterinarians to help solve jerky mystery
10/22/2013
Agency cites continued lack of awareness among public
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Veterinarians find their personal contact information listed online
10/17/2013
Directory-maker acknowledges misstep
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Study: Dog treats likely culprit in Australian outbreak
10/15/2013
Many patients recovered simply by stopping treats
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Online veterinary pharmacy automates drug recommendations
10/2/2013
Legal marketing tactic or unlicensed medical practice?
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Veterinarians skeptical canine circovirus alone is sickening dogs
9/10/2013
Practitioners with suspect cases urged to contact state officials
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Pharmacist admonished in veterinary case
9/5/2013
He needlessly alarmed pet owner about prescription, regulators found
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Heartworm drug resistance: It's real
8/19/2013
All preventive drugs on market implicated, scientists say
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Navigating bewildering array of pet antiparasitics
8/15/2013
Experts advise against one-size-fits-all approach
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Veterinarians concerned about FDA’s hydroxyethyl starch warning
7/17/2013
U.S. regulators impose limits on HES; proposed European ban in flux
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Returning to clinical work after leave takes practice
7/15/2013
Planning makes a critical difference
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Veterinary clinics scrutinize CareCredit in wake of investigation
7/12/2013
Merchant expense, new rules, reputation questioned
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Ultrasound salesman given one year’s probation
6/11/2013
Restitution paid; 12-year prison sentence suspended
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Pet spay-neuter studies spotlight health risks, benefits
5/23/2013
Timing of surgeries may be critical
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Veterinarians see eye-to-eye to help kitten with birth defect
5/16/2013
Colleagues bridge distance to provide restorative eyelid surgery
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Vetsulin back with label changes
5/3/2013
Surprising new instructions: ‘shake’ drug to mix
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Zoonotic disease dangers present legal risks to veterinarians
5/2/2013
Communication key to mitigating liability, experts say
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Panel airs FDA restrictions on livestock antibiotics use
4/25/2013
Achieving greater veterinary oversight not simple
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Once mum, gum maker to disclose xylitol content
4/16/2013
Company responds to dog poisoning complaint
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Rise of veterinary chain ownership begets Canadian group purchasing
4/10/2013
Uniform pricing tradition gives way
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Lab that found antibiotics in jerky continues search
4/3/2013
Testing treats singly was possible key to discovery
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Banfield expansion brings new stand-alone clinics
3/28/2013
Eight in Portland, Ore.; other cities possible
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Ease of Web publishing raises potential for copyright breach
3/11/2013
Ignorance doesn't diminish liability
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Group purchasing activity on upswing in veterinary medicine
2/28/2013
Organizations proffer bulk discounts to independent practices
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Changing insulin brands may disrupt diabetics
2/5/2013
Problems in veterinary patients highlight heedless switching
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Could pet deworming regimen fuel parasite resistance?
1/29/2013
Veterinarians ponder implications for heartworm and gut worm infections
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VIN solicits jerky-associated illness reports
1/15/2013
Research veterinarians seek solution to mystery
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Veterinary prescription problems aired with regulators
1/12/2013
Pharmacy boards urge veterinarians to file complaints
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When microchips muddle pet ownership status
12/13/2012
Laws outdated; veterinarians caught in middle
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Is the doctor in?
12/5/2012
Veterinarians grapple with demand for extended hours
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‘Sentience’ statement rouses debate among veterinarians
12/3/2012
AAHA adopts controversial classification of animals
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Will relaxed marijuana laws produce more stoned dogs?
11/29/2012
Pets eating pot nothing new but reports are up
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Veterinary hospice movement growing
10/31/2012
End-of-life care addresses emotional bonds
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Injectable sterilant for dogs returning to market
10/19/2012
New owner must overcome drug’s rocky history
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‘The Incredible Dr. Pol’ asserts innocence despite board discipline
10/8/2012
Star of reality TV show placed on probation
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Pet treat investigation expands beyond chicken jerky
8/17/2012
FDA cites rise in complaints about duck, sweet potato products
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Climbing back on the proverbial horse
8/15/2012
After attack or injury, return to veterinary work may be daunting
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Can MDs and DVMs bridge the cultural divide?
7/24/2012
Physician champions concept of 'zoobiquity'
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Helping Pets Fund closes
7/19/2012
AAHA cites decline in donations
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Veterinarians advise avoiding chicken jerky dog treats
5/25/2012
Attention to 6-year-old mystery intensifies
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Veterinarian opens up about going undercover
5/22/2012
Flea-product diversion adventure twisted, turned
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Golden-ticket scheme delivers prized information
5/15/2012
Veterinarian’s diverted flea product shows up nationwide
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Veterinarian investigates illicit diversion of flea products
5/8/2012
Gray-market sales veiled by deception, intrigue
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Veterinarians ponder ideal number of daily appointments
5/7/2012
Personality, staff, community expectations shape preferences
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Merial: PureVax for ferrets coming back this week
4/30/2012
Backorder of distemper vaccine stirred worries
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California veterinarians ready to testify against lay dentistry
4/16/2012
Scope-of-practice battle wages over teeth cleaning
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‘Why are vets so expensive?’
4/13/2012
Practitioner tackles sensitive question
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Veterinary clinic owner pays heavy price for military service
3/5/2012
Financial recovery elusive following deployment
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Veterinarians serve family-health role in suspected zoonoses
2/10/2012
To test or not to test; that is the question
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Awareness of xylitol toxicity in dogs still lacking
1/31/2012
Reported cases of poisoning on the rise
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Veterinarians confront Internet pharmacy PetMed Express
1/16/2012
Company acknowledges: ‘Some mistakes were made’
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Spike in dog-flu reports attracts media attention
12/22/2011
Actual incidence is undefined
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Veterinary accreditation papers missing? Call USDA
11/17/2011
Agency says applicants should have documentation by now
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Hiring new graduates a profitable pleasure, veterinarians attest
11/14/2011
View counters a stereotype
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Loan broker accused of bilking veterinarians now sells wellness plans
11/10/2011
Ron Paterson draws more complaints
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Merial knows, diverting veterinarians assert
11/4/2011
Maker of Frontline denies the company condones, encourages diversion
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‘Free’ Hill’s cat food samples not exactly free
10/24/2011
Veterinary clinics report accepting samples triggers orders for more
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Independent voice of digital radiology silenced?
10/13/2011
DVMInsight's sale to Idexx viewed by some as contradiction
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Veterinarian campaigns for awareness of mammary gland cancer
9/30/2011
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Waste disposal, veterinary style
9/16/2011
Two new web resources address safe handling practices
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VCA's buy of Vetstreet raises worries about control of clinic data
9/1/2011
New owner says it will not inspect clinic information
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Complaints mount against gray-market broker WTF Wholesale
8/29/2011
Problems open view into world of flea product diversion
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Entest to use veterinary practices as revenue driver, research venue
8/23/2011
Concerns about setup point to potential conflicts of interest
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States consider controlling rabies vaccination intervals
8/12/2011
Veterinarians question interference with medical discretion
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Immiticide supplies run dry
8/9/2011
New guidance from the American Heartworm Society expected
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Jerky treats for dogs still suspected in illness
7/8/2011
Veterinarians advise caution in choosing snacks
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Con artist or lending lifeline? VetFinance Group under scrutiny
6/23/2011
Veterinarians allegedly bilked by broker Ron Paterson
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Veterinary technicians: Opportunities, but at what cost?
6/9/2011
Support staff cite low wages, spotty professional respect
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Researcher promotes awareness of accidental hormone exposure in pets
6/8/2011
VIN tallies more than 100 case reports since 2003
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Russian veterinarian becomes impromptu seal expert
5/31/2011
Stranded pups show up three years in a row
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Mandatory canine health checks to impact Wisconsin veterinarians
5/5/2011
New rule aimed at 'breeder farm' puppies takes effect June 1
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Online veterinary pharmacies exploit cross-border regulatory gaps
4/25/2011
Canine heartworm prevention drugs sold without required prescription
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Veterinarians explore promoting wellness
3/23/2011
Proponents say preventive medicine not just about vaccinations
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Fearing overseas radiation, Americans seek potassium iodide for pets
3/18/2011
Veterinary experts say medication isn’t warranted
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Rabies shots: Pets protected but what about people?
3/17/2011
Many veterinary personnel not current on their own vaccinations
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Thrift commerce meets veterinary medicine in GroupDVM
2/10/2011
Company uses 'power in numbers' to leverage deals for veterinarians
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What makes an ideal relief veterinarian?
2/10/2011
Answers as numerous as practice styles; flexibility is key
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Vetsulin’s removal from market could be temporary
2/8/2011
Intervet ceases production due to bacterial contamination concerns
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Study: Veterinarians can reverse decline in visits
1/27/2011
Report identifies contributing factors and ways to counter the trend
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Physicians and veterinarians to share perspectives
1/7/2011
“Zoobiquity” conference aims to bridge medical divide
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Veterinarian saves cat; stranger saves cat's owner
12/30/2010
Tale of generous acts heartens spirits
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Veterinarians scramble for mainstay chemotherapy drug
12/20/2010
Doxorubicin hydrochloride in short supply
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California veterinarians target unlicensed care
12/14/2010
Conflict between profession, lay practitioners intensifies
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Veterinarian's recipe for stone soup serves up aid, cooperation
11/30/2010
Pay-it-forward idea fosters collegiality within profession
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Raw food diets for pets chock-full of controversy, complexity
11/22/2010
Veterinarians' views run gamut as movement gains steam
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Canine Health Institute closing its doors
11/18/2010
Veterinary center for pain, rehab, imaging, neurosurgery was unique
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Clinic owner struggles with ultrasound-equipment vendor
11/17/2010
Amerisource Medical blames veterinarian’s location for shipment delay
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Dying stray hits generosity jackpot
11/15/2010
Adopter made instant commitment to save injured dog
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DEA wants propofol elevated to scheduled status
11/10/2010
Change likely to impact veterinary practices
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Frontline, ProMeris not going OTC, manufacturers say
11/8/2010
Veterinary market research survey gives confusing message
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Navigating credit card security requirements
10/21/2010
Compliance isn't cheap or easy
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Accidental hormone exposures prompt proposed drug label changes
10/11/2010
Seller of topical hormone Evamist awaiting FDA review
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Recall issued of certain Blue Buffalo dog foods
10/8/2010
Excess vitamin D in food linked to illness in pets
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Health credit programs: safety net or predatory lending?
10/4/2010
NY state investigation puts veterinarians on the defensive
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VIN unveils recall center for veterinarians, consumers
9/27/2010
Site intended to act as information resource
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Calif. spay/neuter program breeds skepticism among veterinarians
9/23/2010
State attempts to tackle pet overpopulation by selling specialty license plates
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Germ that causes cat scratch disease not necessarily mild
9/20/2010
Veterinary professionals at risk of Bartonella infections
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Veterinary regulators poised to define parameters of lay dentistry
9/9/2010
Stakeholders across America watch as Texas takes on controversial issue
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Scrutiny of secondary topical hormone exposures deepens
9/9/2010
Veterinarians to be surveyed; FDA fields reports involving pets and children
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Supplies of injectable butorphanol tartrate to normalize, veterinary insiders report
9/3/2010
Pfizer Animal Health assures commitment to manufacture Torbugesic
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Veterinarians report mysterious link between dog food and hypercalcemia
8/31/2010
Initial analysis: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Diet contains normal levels of calcium, vitamin D
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Propofol shortage hits veterinary medicine
8/26/2010
Clinics turn to alternatives with production of PropoFlo, Rapinovet stopped
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Just say 'no' to telephone solicitors
8/23/2010
Clinic owners describe latest scheme involving Discover, Legal Club of America
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IV furosemide vanishing from veterinary market
8/12/2010
Medication on back order for months, distributors say
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With friends like these …
8/6/2010
The perils of Facebook; how to protect your practice
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FDA investigating accidental hormone exposure problem
7/29/2010
Issues safety alert on topical estrogen spray product Evamist
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Veterinarian plans to rebuild following clinic fire
7/19/2010
Smoke claims lives of pets in N.Y. practice
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Clinic security increases after technician’s rape, murder
6/29/2010
Veterinarians urge safety precautions in the face of the unimaginable
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"Click and treat" for staff appreciation
6/15/2010
Positive reinforcement improves employee morale
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Hormone replacement skin products affect users’ pets, confound veterinarians
6/10/2010
Symptoms include swollen vulvas, enlarged mammaries, fur loss
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PreveNile recall marked ‘urgent’
5/4/2010
Reactions behind recall remain mystery
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Heartworm treatment drug remains in short supply
4/15/2010
FDA must approve manufacturing facility, Merial reports
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Brand-name buprenorphine production up
4/14/2010
Extended shortage has had veterinarians scrambling
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Sago palm poisoning cases increase
4/7/2010
Ornamental plant becoming popular nationally
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Lawsuits proliferate against makers of topical flea and tick products
3/26/2010
EPA safety review spurs concerns; veterinarians suspect owner education lacking
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Dog aspirin takes hits from critics
3/15/2010
Veterinarians question efficacy, safety of common drug's use in canine patients
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Bayer opens flea product sales to retail outlets
2/10/2010
Citing diversion, company ends policy of selling only through veterinarians
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New feline thyroid drug raises safe-handling questions
2/1/2010
Experts say warnings apply to all forms of methimazole
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Life-like model for teaching endoscopy unveiled
1/13/2010
FRED dog promises to reduce need for live-animal training
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Bah Humbug? Veterinarians risk Scrooge label despite charitable acts
12/28/2009
Growing need for free care can conflict with business side of practice
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Pets Best flap revives debate about merits of pet insurance
12/15/2009
DVMs concerned Aetna policy portends a future similar to human health insurance issues
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Virulent systemic feline calicivirus suspected in Indianapolis shelter
12/2/2009
Outbreak spells death for at least 65 cats; adoptions suspended
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Collagen source dries up in veterinary medicine
10/26/2009
C.R. Bard reportedly no longer sells to veterinarians
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Colleges grow with satellite clinics
10/21/2009
Ventures breed hostility from private sector in some cases
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Dog stuck in crate highlights rare risk of spot-on flea treatment
10/7/2009
Benzyl alcohol acted like glue, sticking pet to plastic
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New microchip search tool debuts
9/22/2009
Two search engines now available, but neither is complete
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Veterinarians Without Borders takes stock in Liberia
9/8/2009
Education, rabies vaccinations at the top of their list
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New company aspires to clean up pet microchip mess
8/26/2009
Gaps in the identification system targeted
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Rebirth tied to new Vancouver lab
8/24/2009
Move meant to revive ideals of Idexx-acquired Central Laboratories for Veterinarians
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Virbac recalls Iverhart Plus
8/20/2009
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Internet tool aims to simplify search for pet microchip registry information
8/19/2009
New service free to users
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Fla. clinic sees outbreak of hemorrhagic diarrhea in dogs
8/10/2009
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Veterinarians Without Borders starts first major international project this summer
6/25/2009
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Researchers study duration of immunity for rabies vaccines
6/18/2009
Public supports work with $400,000 in donations
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Clostridium botulinum not detected, pet food maker says
6/17/2009
FDA action that stripped Evanger's ability to ship pet food based on paperwork flap, company says
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Oncologists express high hopes for Pfizer’s newly approved Palladia
6/16/2009
First FDA-approved canine cancer drug to hit market in early 2010
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From bathtub to the Baltic Sea
6/12/2009
Rescued seal pup returns to the wild
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ACVIM issues consensus statement on EHV-1
6/12/2009
Report calls for more research
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Cats susceptible to neurological problems when fed irradiated diets
6/8/2009
Australian outbreak is the latest of at least three
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Virbac recalls VeggieDent chews in Australia
6/4/2009
Action spurred by link to kidney disorders in dogs
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New mystery arises in cases of Fanconi-like syndrome
5/28/2009
Australian researchers consider possible link to dental chews
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Veterinarian speaks out concerning Bulldog health problems
5/27/2009
Web site intended to educate potential owners
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Nutro recalls dry cat foods due to incorrect mineral levels
5/21/2009
Decision made 'out of an abundance of caution,' company says
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FDA approves Vetoryl Capsules for Cushing's disease
5/15/2009
New molecular entity treats pituitary- and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
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Flea product swap causes a flap
5/8/2009
Summit's strict anti-diversion contract kicks in
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Veterinary medicine embraces interpersonal skills training
5/4/2009
Compassion, empathy can be taught, experts say
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What to do with the seal in your bathtub
4/21/2009
Online advice helps Russian veterinarian save endangered pup
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An inside look at parasiticide product diversion
4/7/2009
Veterinarians respond as drug companies fail to control distribution lines
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The flea market
4/6/2009
Exploring the diversion of parasiticides from manufacturers, veterinary offices to Web sites, store shelves
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HSUS to take Prop 2-like action to Ohio
4/6/2009
Veterinarians gear up for talks to thwart high-stakes conflict with activists
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Veterinary charity highlighted by economic woes
3/30/2009
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Contest honors those who make house calls
2/25/2009
Winners include some who work with animal rescue, injured wildlife
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Veterinary Behaviorists Question Dominance Theory in Dogs
2/5/2009
Position Irks Some Trainers
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New center aspires to help dogs that might otherwise be euthanized
2/2/2009
Rehab, pain management and imaging under one roof in Houston
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Can we eat it?
1/23/2009
Pet food 'human grade' claim examined
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Reports show veterinary practices hurting
12/24/2008
Veterinarians feeling nation's longest recession in a quarter century
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Treatment for Cushing's syndrome to hit market
12/17/2008
FDA approves trilostane for canine patients
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Application deadline nears to certify for exotic mammal specialty
12/16/2008
New group focuses on ferrets, rabbits and other small pets
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Glycopyrrolate shortage?
10/17/2008
It's still in stock, distributors say
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Got ultrasound?
10/8/2008
Pitfalls emerge as general practitioners take on diagnostic imaging
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Surviving a scandal
9/16/2008
Dr. Joshua Winston comes out clean after going through the legal wringer
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FDA alerts veterinarians to new ivermectin directions
9/10/2008
Merial changes instructions for Eqvalan Liquid for Horses
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Potential Salmonella contamination prompts Pedigree recall
8/13/2008
Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Southern California, Las Vegas affected
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Theophylline production held up by FDA, manufacturer says
8/11/2008
Drug remains available in 100mg, 200mg tablets
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Arson suspected at Washington practice
8/7/2008
Employee charged with setting the blaze
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Veterinarians face atropine shortage?
8/1/2008
Penn Veterinary Supply says it has the drug in stock despite backorder claims
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Florida practices need pharmacy permits
7/18/2008
New law, effective Jan. 1, is designed to stave off drug diversion
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Quality vs. Quantity
7/17/2008
Armed with advanced technology and a duty to save lives, knowing when to embrace death remains a gray area for some veterinarians
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Major blood banks merge
7/11/2008
Animal Blood Bank Inc. and Midwest Animal Blood Services Inc. join to bring new products to the market
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A veterinarian offers some thoughts
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June 2, 2014
By: VIN News Service staff
For The VIN News Service
 Photo courtesy of Dr. Kamran Khan
A veterinary practice owner in Wisconsin, Dr. Kamran Khan worked as a certified veterinary technician for four years before earning his DVM degree from Ross University in 2010. Editor’s note: Pet-food aisles these days are an explosion of brands and varieties. Heated competition for pet owners’ attention and wallets reached a new high this month, with Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. and The Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. suing and countersuing one another and slinging insults in public.
Veterinarians have a panoramic view of diets because they see patients that eat a range of fare. For a snapshot of that experience, The VIN News Service asked Dr. Kamran Khan to share his thoughts on pet food. Khan owns Animal Hospital of Chetek in Wisconsin and is an adjunct instructor at Globe University, where he currently teaches veterinary hematology and small animal nutrition to veterinary technician students. Dr. Jennifer Larsen, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, contributed information to some responses.
Question: I've owned pets all my life, but I'm more confused than ever about the healthiest food for dogs and cats. How do I choose among all the options?
Answer: The simple answer to this question is, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If your pets are doing well on their current diet, there is no need to change. Do not let the advertisements fool you.
If you are choosing a food for a new pet or you must change your pet’s diet (perhaps because of a pet food recall), I recommend feeding the highest quality of food that you can afford. What is a high-quality diet? This is almost impossible to decipher without contacting the manufacturer and analyzing every nutrient source in their product. For most pet owners, this is impractical, but for those who wish to pursue this route, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has an excellent, unbiased (I think) set of questions to ask a manufacturer. (See page six of this document.)
An easier route is to ask your veterinarian. It is best to make dietary decisions on an individual basis rather than say “All Chihuahuas should eat diet X,Y or Z.”
In selecting brands, I generally like the major manufacturers, not because they are necessarily better than the smaller companies but because they are readily available. So when you run out of food on Sunday evening, you likely will be able to pick up more food without having to abruptly change your pet’s diet. Your pet’s gastronintestinal system becomes used to digesting a certain type of food; an abrupt change can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. We recommend transitioning to a new diet over the course of one to two weeks.
When browsing options, look for and read the nutritional adequacy statement (NAS). This will tell you if 1) the food claims to be complete and balanced; 2) which life stage it is intended to support; and 3) the method used to substantiate the “complete and balanced” claim. Foods that are not labeled as treats yet do not provide essential nutrients in sufficient quantities must have an NAS that says, “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.”
Nutritional guidelines for pet food are established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO.
Q: Tell me more about AAFCO. Are its standards credible — that is, free of commercial influence?
A: AAFCO is a commonly misunderstood entity. It is not a regulatory agency nor a governmental body, though members of the government do participate in AAFCO. AAFCO has no power to monitor or enforce its guidelines and model regulations, which are not laws unless or until individual states adopt them. Animal feed laws fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and individual states. AAFCO provides guidance on feed ingredient definitions and labeling requirements. It sets standards for determining the energy density of feeds and substantiation of “complete and balanced” claims. I tend not to be concerned about whether it is affected by commercial influence, because everything is. (Unless the brand you are feeding was given away free, it, too, is influenced commercially.) My perception is that AAFCO guidelines are minimum standards. If a pet food company doesn’t even take the time to follow AAFCO guidelines, I would recommend avoiding it.
Q: How can eating the exact same thing in kibble form day after day be healthy?
A: If the kibble is complete and balanced, then your pet is getting everything it needs from a nutritional standpoint. Certainly you should mix in a few treats (in moderation) for enrichment, but eating the same food is perfectly healthy.
In fact, as a bit of health nut myself, I try to eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every single day. I eat a variety at dinner only because my wife does not want to eat the same thing over and over.
Q: Could a food be a poor choice for a neighbor's pet but not mine?
A: Absolutely. Every animal is different. Each individual (even within the same breed or the same litter, for that matter) has a unique metabolism. Some pets will be allergic to certain ingredients, while others may not. And then there are lifestyle differences. If your pet is constantly going for runs, and maybe does some agility training, it may need a more calorically dense food than your neighbor’s pet that may live a more sedentary lifestyle. Some pets may thrive on what I would consider a low-quality food, and I have seen dogs become obese while being fed high-quality foods.
I often use the example of one of my employees. She eats candy all day long and manages to maintain an ideal body weight, while I spend every lunch hour at the gym and have to watch what I eat very carefully to maintain a healthy body weight. We all have different metabolisms and different nutritional needs; our pets are no different. Q: Is there a real quality difference between expensive and cheap foods? In pet food, do you get what you pay for?
A: Yes and no. Some very expensive foods are not very high quality, and some cheaper foods are fairly high quality.
Q: The FDA advises people to wash their hands after handling pet food. Why is it safe for my pet to eat something that I should treat as a contaminant?
A: The FDA is following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which recommend we wash our hands after touching our pets or their food. This is a good idea, as pet foods may contain bacteria that could cause illness in people.
Q: Should I look for foods described as "human grade"? Does that mean that the food is something I could safely eat?
A: No. Your pets are not people. They do not need "human grade" food. Also, human food, too, gets recalled from time to time, so being manufactured as if for human consumption does not necessarily make the product any safer for your pet.
I have a similar aversion to the terms “holistic” and “premium.” The terms are unregulated, and to my mind, any company that uses them cares more about marketing than quality. Q: Are meat byproducts to be avoided, in your opinion? Why or why not?
A: There is absolutely nothing wrong with meat byproducts. The term sounds bad, so companies use it in advertising in order to charge a lot more for “byproduct free” foods, when those foods actually may be nutritionally deficient compared with foods containing byproducts.
AAFCO defines meat byproducts as “Nonrendered nonmeat (not striated muscle) including but not limited to lungs, spleens, kidney, brains, livers, blood, bone, fatty tissue and stomach and intestines without contents; does not include hair, horns, teeth or hoofs."
Livers and kidneys are highly nutritious organ meats. And if you ever watch a Nature show, you will see that the first thing a lion or wolf goes after is the organs. Byproducts often have far more nutritional value than “real meat,” but because pet food companies have spent tens of millions of dollars convincing pet owners that byproducts are bad, people tend not to believe me. Even some of my own students still think byproducts are bad. It’s hard to counter good advertising.
Q: What’s the deal with grain-free?
A: MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING. Pure and simple, marketing so companies can charge more money for food your pet probably does not need. I remember a few years ago when grain-free first came out, various representatives from food companies would come to the hospital and explain to us why their food was still good even though it had grain, and they would have all this research showing that grain is perfectly safe. A few years later, those same companies came out with grain-free diets. Why? Because they sold well. It had nothing to do with what was good for the pet. Of course, grain-free is not harmful either, so if someone wants to pay an extra $20 for a bag of food, that is quite all right.
Grain-free often is marketed as a good diet for pets with dermatologic conditions. Oftentimes, owners will tell me that their pets’ allergies cleared up after switching to a grain-free diet. While I absolutely believe that their allergies did improve, it is far more likely that their pet was allergic to chicken or beef; the main protein in the grain-free product is likely lamb or fish. Are some pets allergic to grains? Absolutely. But beef allergies are far more common. Again, the best advice is to feed your pet its current diet as long as it is doing well on it. Q: What’s the difference between chemical preservatives and natural preservatives?
A: A few years ago, chemical preservatives got a bad name when products such as BHT and BHA became associated with kidney disease or cancer. I do not know if these claims are true. Regardless, today most manufacturers use more natural preservatives such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Using vitamins as preservatives is more expensive, but if it makes people more comfortable, I am all for it. Q: Is food coloring unhealthy?
A: Food coloring is perfectly safe to eat, but the use of it in pet foods is completely unnecessary. It is added to make the product look appealing to the people buying the food. To me, this suggests the company is more focused on marketing, and not necessarily on what is best for your pet.
Q: What are signs that a food isn't right for my pet?
A: If your pet is overweight, has loose stools, persistent flatulence or a poor coat (oily, dull, dry, flaky, etc.), you should consider switching food. This should be done only after consulting your veterinarian, as any of those conditions also could be indicative of a medical problem. Q: What do you feed your pets?
A: I feed my cats Hill’s Metabolic Advanced. Both of my cats are overweight (they learned to wake up the kids if I don’t feed them at night), but they have at least stopped gaining weight since I made the switch. I also am a lazy pet owner, and I like the convenience of a dry cat food.
Q: What about homemade pet food? Is it difficult to provide a complete diet for a dog or cat when making its meals yourself?
A: Homemade pet foods can work, and some of them work very well. It comes down to what the pet’s owner wants and has the time to do. Making a balanced diet at home should be done only under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist. The most important thing to remember is to not cut corners or substitute items. Doing so could leave your pet with a nutritional deficiency. With cats, make sure they’re getting enough taurine – without this amino acid, cats will die. Recipes for homemade pet diets are available. Before using one, I would recommend having it assessed for nutritional adequacy. Q: What is the relationship between pet food companies and veterinary students and veterinarians? Should I worry whether my veterinarian is profiting from the sales of a particular brand or brands of food?
A: Should you worry? Yes and no. This is a very difficult dilemma. Yes, companies such as Hills and Purina sponsor a lot of continuing education on nutrition for veterinarians, and yes, veterinary students are often given gifts by these large companies. (I still use the backpack Hill’s gave away my first semester of veterinary school.)
But does this mean veterinarians will automatically recommend their products? Well honestly, it depends on your veterinarian. I would say the vast, vast, vast majority of us (probably 99.9 percent) recommend food based on what we believe is best for your pet. As much I like my Hill’s backpack and my Purina pens, those trinkets cannot buy my integrity. Veterinarians read studies that these companies produce, and we are trained to recognize a good study from a bad one.
And what of profiting? Well, this is a business. So yes we (at least hospital owners) make money on selling pet foods. But guess what — so does Walmart, so does the pet store, so does every other person in the pet industry. The same pet food representatives who give veterinarians freebies are also giving stuff away to pet store owners and their employees. So the question becomes, whom do you want to get your information from, the high school senior working at the pet store, or your veterinarian?
If you are worried about conflicts of interest, ask your veterinarian about alternatives to the food sold in the hospital. There usually are similar foods out there, and most of us will gladly tell you this. Food revenue makes up a very small portion of our operating income. I’d much rather recommend a food that I do not sell than risk losing the trust of a client.
VIN News Service commentaries are opinion pieces presenting insights, personal experiences and/or perspectives on topical issues by members of the veterinary community. To submit a commentary for consideration, email news@vin.com.
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