Clinical Practice
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Regulators' clarification of California veterinary drug counseling law falls short
2/22/2019
Posting by veterinary medical board leaves most questions unanswered
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Diet-related heart problem reported in 325 dogs
2/19/2019
FDA update summarizes investigative findings to date
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Hill’s aims to repair reputation amid vitamin D-related recall
2/15/2019
Veterinarians struggle with situation; class action lawsuits filed
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Mending broken hearts in dogs
2/14/2019
Canine mitral valve repair surgery comes to U.S.
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Study finds pet 'stress scan' gives unreliable results
1/31/2019
Glacier Peak Holistics provided readouts on stuffed-toy fur
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Calif. veterinarians await answers on drug-counseling law
1/28/2019
State Veterinary Medical Board has yet to provide guidance on new mandate
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Data harvest by Schein, Vets First Choice draws fire
1/24/2019
Veterinarians upset by user agreements, errant emails, as merger looms
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175-year-old veterinary clinic in Detroit going strong
1/14/2019
Oldest known animal hospital in U.S. dates to horse-and-buggy era
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California veterinarians must counsel clients on pet drugs
1/3/2019
New state law mandates guidance on prescribed medications
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Single supplier suspected in major pet food recall
12/20/2018
Did formulation mishap lead to vitamin D spike?
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Ex-Banfield execs spin off from 'impersonal behemoth'
12/13/2018
Leaders say new veterinary company is 'completely different'; reviews mixed
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Pace of UK veterinary consolidation stutters
11/29/2018
Pets at Home hospital closures anticipated
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UK investigates unusual feline TB cases
11/21/2018
Infected cats had no access to the outdoors
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A controversial model of pet insurance lives on in Britain
11/14/2018
Three years in, insurer's 'preferred' network of specialists has grown
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Trupanion relationships with veterinarians under scrutiny
11/1/2018
Washington insurance regulators examine rewards program
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Veterinary technicians get boost from major employer
10/26/2018
Banfield, world's largest clinic chain, commits to elevating licensed support staff
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Alert on pet flea control draws questions, few answers
10/5/2018
FDA says drugs containing isoxazolines linked to neurologic side effects
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Virulent disease in rabbits surfaces in Ohio
9/28/2018
Case is first in U.S. caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2; source unknown
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Source of respiratory illness outbreak in dogs uncertain
9/17/2018
Reports of mutated parainfluenza virus are questioned
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The dwindling supply of academic radiologists
9/6/2018
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Unconventional dog foods suspected in heart disease
9/4/2018
Investigators scrutinize grain-free kibble with exotic proteins
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California OKs bill to let veterinarians discuss cannabis
8/30/2018
First-of-its-kind legislation on path to governor's desk
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Practice records hold big promise for veterinary research
8/24/2018
Public efforts to harness clinic data lag behind private initiatives
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With merger, Schein, Vets First Choice to amass clinic data
8/22/2018
Veterinarians worry uncontrolled data flow could undermine profession
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Pfizer suspends sales of injectable opioids for veterinary use
7/31/2018
Leading supplier cites multiple manufacturing reasons
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USP tackles ‘hot mess’ — veterinary compounding
7/19/2018
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Cannabis status 'constantly, rapidly changing'
7/12/2018
Prospects improve for legal veterinary involvement
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Support staff unionize at two veterinary hospitals
6/21/2018
Pro-union votes are a first for Mars-owned VCA and BluePearl
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Mars buys another European veterinary-practice group
6/12/2018
Conglomerate to acquire AniCura as well as Linnaeus Group
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Mars Inc. buys British veterinary-hospital chain
6/8/2018
Linnaeus Group adds 87 sites to Mars' spreading ownership
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California bill on animal physical rehabilitation dies
5/25/2018
Effort fails to sidestep veterinary medical board objections
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British veterinary practices undergo rapid consolidation
5/1/2018
Trend similar to that in US
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Henry Schein, Vets First Choice to form new company
4/23/2018
Ongoing consolidations remake veterinary landscape
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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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Scrutiny of secondary topical hormone exposures deepens
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Veterinary regulators poised to define parameters of lay dentistry
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Stakeholders across America watch as Texas takes on controversial issue
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Supplies of injectable butorphanol tartrate to normalize, veterinary insiders report
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Pfizer Animal Health assures commitment to manufacture Torbugesic
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Veterinarians report mysterious link between dog food and hypercalcemia
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Initial analysis: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Diet contains normal levels of calcium, vitamin D
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Propofol shortage hits veterinary medicine
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Just say 'no' to telephone solicitors
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IV furosemide vanishing from veterinary market
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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
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Issues safety alert on topical estrogen spray product Evamist
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Veterinarian plans to rebuild following clinic fire
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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
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Positive reinforcement improves employee morale
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Hormone replacement skin products affect users’ pets, confound veterinarians
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PreveNile recall marked ‘urgent’
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Heartworm treatment drug remains in short supply
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Brand-name buprenorphine production up
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Sago palm poisoning cases increase
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Ornamental plant becoming popular nationally
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Lawsuits proliferate against makers of topical flea and tick products
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EPA safety review spurs concerns; veterinarians suspect owner education lacking
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Dog aspirin takes hits from critics
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Bayer opens flea product sales to retail outlets
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New feline thyroid drug raises safe-handling questions
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Experts say warnings apply to all forms of methimazole
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Life-like model for teaching endoscopy unveiled
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FRED dog promises to reduce need for live-animal training
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Bah Humbug? Veterinarians risk Scrooge label despite charitable acts
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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
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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
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Outbreak spells death for at least 65 cats; adoptions suspended
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Collagen source dries up in veterinary medicine
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C.R. Bard reportedly no longer sells to veterinarians
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Colleges grow with satellite clinics
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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
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Benzyl alcohol acted like glue, sticking pet to plastic
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New microchip search tool debuts
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Veterinarians Without Borders takes stock in Liberia
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Education, rabies vaccinations at the top of their list
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New company aspires to clean up pet microchip mess
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Gaps in the identification system targeted
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Rebirth tied to new Vancouver lab
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Virbac recalls Iverhart Plus
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Internet tool aims to simplify search for pet microchip registry information
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New service free to users
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Fla. clinic sees outbreak of hemorrhagic diarrhea in dogs
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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
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Public supports work with $400,000 in donations
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Clostridium botulinum not detected, pet food maker says
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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
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First FDA-approved canine cancer drug to hit market in early 2010
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ACVIM issues consensus statement on EHV-1
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Report calls for more research
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From bathtub to the Baltic Sea
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Cats susceptible to neurological problems when fed irradiated diets
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Australian outbreak is the latest of at least three
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Virbac recalls VeggieDent chews in Australia
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New mystery arises in cases of Fanconi-like syndrome
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Australian researchers consider possible link to dental chews
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Veterinarian speaks out concerning Bulldog health problems
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Web site intended to educate potential owners
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Nutro recalls dry cat foods due to incorrect mineral levels
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Decision made 'out of an abundance of caution,' company says
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FDA approves Vetoryl Capsules for Cushing's disease
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New molecular entity treats pituitary- and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
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Flea product swap causes a flap
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Summit's strict anti-diversion contract kicks in
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Veterinary medicine embraces interpersonal skills training
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What to do with the seal in your bathtub
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An inside look at parasiticide product diversion
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HSUS to take Prop 2-like action to Ohio
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Veterinarians gear up for talks to thwart high-stakes conflict with activists
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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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Veterinary charity highlighted by economic woes
3/30/2009
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Contest honors those who make house calls
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Winners include some who work with animal rescue, injured wildlife
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Veterinary Behaviorists Question Dominance Theory in Dogs
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Position Irks Some Trainers
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New center aspires to help dogs that might otherwise be euthanized
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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
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New group focuses on ferrets, rabbits and other small pets
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Glycopyrrolate shortage?
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Surviving a scandal
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Dr. Joshua Winston comes out clean after going through the legal wringer
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FDA alerts veterinarians to new ivermectin directions
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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
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Drug remains available in 100mg, 200mg tablets
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Arson suspected at Washington practice
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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
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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
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Achieving greater veterinary oversight not simple
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April 25, 2013
By: Edie Lau
For The VIN News Service
 VIN News Service photo
About 70 people attend a gathering organized by the FDA at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., to discuss plans to have veterinarians oversee the use of many antibiotics given to livestock. Olympia, Wash. — In the conversation about reducing use of antimicrobial drugs on American livestock, the focus has shifted from why to how.
That’s generally how the discussion went this week, at least, during the second of five meetings scheduled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) around the country to hear comments on its call for veterinarians to oversee most antimicrobial drug use in ranch and farm animals.
“If we can make something work that does not create a big burden or enormous cost to the industry — we’ll just have to roll up our sleeves and work together,” said Jack Field, executive vice president of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association.
The FDA’s proposal to require prescriptions or “veterinary feed directives” (VFDs) for a variety of antibiotics given to livestock is one of multiple steps the agency said it is pursuing to stem the rise of drug resistance in pathogens.
In livestock, the agency is targeting two aspects of antimicrobial use: First, it plans to curtail feeding of antimicrobial drugs to promote animals’ growth. Second, it plans to require a veterinarian’s authorization before giving animals certain antibiotics to prevent or treat medical conditions.
The targeted drugs are those that are important in human medicine. They come under any of seven classes: animoglycosides, lincosamides, macrolides, penicillins, streptogramins, sulfonamides and tetracyclines.
Dr. Craig Lewis, an FDA veterinary medical officer, estimated that dozens of drugs fall into the affected classes. Those that are given to animals in their feed will require a VFD, while those given to animals in their water will require a prescription.
Lewis said drugs in classes for which no versions exist for human patients, such as ionophores, will remain available without veterinary authorization and may be used for the purpose of making animals grow faster — a phenomenon he described as something of “a miracle use of the drugs.”
“You essentially feed the animal this antibiotic in food, and they eat less food and grow more,” he explained.
Public health officials particularly are concerned about this type of use because it applies typically to large groups of animals, heightening the opportunities for drug resistance to develop in pathogens exposed to those drugs, said Dr. Bill Flynn, deputy director for science policy at the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine.
Flynn pointed out that injectable forms of the antibiotics will remain available over the counter. “Right now, our focus is on feed and water products,” he said.
While livestock producers historically have had over-the-counter access to a variety of antimicrobial drugs for therapeutic and production purposes alike, the shift to requiring veterinary oversight has been underway for decades.
Flynn said the agency has since the late 1980s required prescriptions or VFDs on new antimicrobial drugs. And since the early 2000s, he said, “we’ve been formally assessing every new product for animal use for ... the risk of resistance development. What we’re doing now is a look back at older products that have been on the market prior to the assessment process.”
The agency plans to publish final guidance on veterinary oversight before the end of the year, allowing drug makers three years to revise product labels to reflect the changes. For now, the revisions are voluntary.
Asked in an interview what happens if all manufacturers of the targeted antibiotics don’t comply voluntarily, Lewis hinted that the action could become mandatory. “After those three years (of transition), all options are on the table,” he said.
The veterinary pharmaceutical industry as a whole has supported the plan since it first was announced last spring. A statement provided Tuesday by the Animal Health Institute, a trade group for animal drug makers, reiterated that support, noting: “The careful, judicious use of antibiotics to address animal disease and disease threats to keep food animals healthy is an important link in the food safety chain. Healthy animals produce safe and healthful food.”
Active support from AHI and other influential players in the veterinary establishment, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), represents a shift from a few years ago, when the industry and profession tended to downplay the scope of antibiotic use in livestock and its potential contribution to drug resistance in pathogens.
 VIN News Service photo
Panelists listen to public comments about government plans to restrict the use of antimicrobial drugs on ranches and farms; from left, Drs. Bill Flynn and Craig Lewis of the FDA; Dr. David Dargatz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Christine Hoang of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
With major parties now agreeing that the concept of restricting antibiotic use is sound, the central question is how to execute the plan. A chief concern is that a significant number of livestock producers don’t have a veterinarian — either because none practices in the vicinity or because they choose to forgo the expense, or both.
Ed Field, executive director of the Washington Cattle Feeders Association, told the FDA panel Tuesday that producers, especially those with small operations, often rely on someone other than a veterinarian for medical advice and medicine.
“Some producers don’t have the desire, funding or whereabouts to consult with a veterinarian,” Field said. “I’m on the feedlot. A lot of them come to me, because we’re the experts at treating cattle, and say, ‘I’ve got (an animal with) a snotty nose, what do I do?’ I might give them a syringe of medication.”
Another common scenario involving an apparently minor illness, he said, is that a producer will ask the advice of employees at a feed store that carries medication. “Something like that, if that’s going to require that a small producer has a relationship with a veterinarian, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
Washington rancher Rick Nelson testified to the need for producers to watch their expenses. “If I have an orphan calf I need to give medicated milk replacer, the calf’s worth $50 and it costs me $150 to have a veterinarian see the calf, well, you know what’s going to happen,” Nelson said.
Veterinarians have concerns about expenses, as well. Dr. Fred Gingrich, a mixed animal practitioner in Ohio, told the VIN News Service in a telephone interview that if veterinary oversight means physically examining every affected animal, that would be prohibitively inefficient and expensive.
“I cannot economically justify getting in my truck and driving for an hour for a guy who has 10 cows,” Gingrich said. “I’m there 15 minutes, and I drive an hour back. I bill him for 15 minutes of my time, and it took up two hours and 15 minutes.”
Gingrich said the situation potentially will inject tension between veterinarians and their clients. “There will be producers who are pissed off that the veterinarian will not prescribe something over the telephone,” he said. “It pits producers against veterinarians; cattle are in the middle of it.”
At the FDA meeting, one speaker suggested that veterinarians might see the new requirement as a moneymaking opportunity.
In response, Dr. Fred Muller, a cattleman, bovine veterinarian and Northwest director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, said he and his organization favor the action, but not because of the income it may generate. “Our real intention in supporting some of these changes is to make sure we still have access to these products and access to these tools to help producers and livestock," he said. " … Our goal is to protect these products so we have them (for use in the future).”
In a similar vein, responding to questions about how much livestock antibiotic use contributes to the overall drug resistance problem, Lewis of the FDA said: "Every single use of these (antimicrobial products) can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. So the use of your hand sanitizer here can make it harder to treat your calves, and the use of milk replacer to your calf can make it tougher to treat your kids. They’re all interrelated."
Muller expressed confidence that the veterinary oversight system can work. “We will adapt to the situation, and I think we’re very capable of providing those services,” he said.
The key, Muller said, is in allowing veterinarians flexibility and discretion. Veterinarians should, for example, be able to treat patients as groups and classes as well as individuals.
“If you were to say we had to write a VFD for every group of cattle that entered a feedlot, it would cripple the work we do,” Muller said. “ … We understand the groups, which are being weaned, which are moving into feed pens; we understand the risks (for each). I think it’s more than reasonable that we’re (having) to write VFDs for that farm and for specific classes of animals … but I don’t think I should need to write a VFD every month when we wean a group of cows and move them out to a feed pen. The process doesn’t change from group to group that gets weaned and moved out to the yard.”
FDA officials are in the process of amending existing rules for VFDs, which allow for orders to be written only for specifically identified animals. One proposed change is to allow veterinarians to issue standing orders good for up to six months, limited by an approximate number of specified animals.
By setting a six-month time frame, Flynn said, the agency is “kind of forcing the issue that minimally, the vet and producer have to discuss the issue every six months.”
Lewis said in an interview that exactly what constitutes appropriate veterinary oversight is something the FDA will look to professional groups such as the AVMA to characterize. After all, he pointed out, the FDA doesn’t regulate veterinarians; states do, through professional licensing boards and through practice statutes. In turn, many states look to the AVMA for guidance on their practice acts.
Dr. Christine Hoang, assistant director of the AVMA Scientific Activities Division, said the association has updated its Model Practice Act several times during the past year in part to address the antimicrobial veterinary oversight issue.
“It allows for more flexible practice for a large animal veterinarian,” said Hoang, speaking as a panelist at the gathering. Changes she cited include:
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Allowing for “patient” to mean a group of animals, not necessarily only individuals.
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Allowing for a veterinarian to visit the “operation” where an animal is managed, not necessarily the “premises” where the animal is located.
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Allowing “sufficient knowledge” of a patient to be supplemented through consultation with a producer, consideration of local disease epidemiology and a review of health records.
Hoang said the AVMA also is incorporating into its Principles of Veterinary Ethics a statement that absent a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, “veterinarians should not be prescribing any sort of drug, and that would include antimicrobials. We do believe veterinarians should be involved in the process when antimicrobials are used.”
Types of questions and suggestions from veterinarians to producers that the FDA hopes to engender generally, Flynn said, are: “Is this really the right drug to be using in this instance? Is this how we should be using it? Maybe there are some changes you can be making in management practices to prevent the need to use these products.”
He said, “We’re putting a fair amount on the veterinarian to take on, but it’s something that veterinarians are trained to do.”
Three more outreach meetings are scheduled as follows:
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May 8: The Natural Resource Research Center, USDA Animal and Plant Health & Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Centers for Epidemiology & Animal Health, 2150 Centre Ave. (Building B, Gray’s Peak Conference Rooms A & B), Fort Collins, Colo.
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May 21, Best Western Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center (Amphitheater II), 920 West Sioux Ave., Pierre, S.D.
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June 4, Texas A&M University (Memorial Student Center, Room 2406A), Joe Routt Boulevard and Houston Street, College Station, Texas.
Plan details are posted online. The FDA will accept written comments for 60 days following the final meeting. Comments may be submitted electronically or by mail to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane Room 1061, Rockville, Md. 20852. Comments should reference Docket No. FDA-2012-N-1046.
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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