Friday, January 10, 2003What do you want to know TODAY?  
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Are you going to the NAVC?
Stop by VIN's booth (#1835-1839) and say hello. We'd love to meet you in person!

Imaging and Telemedicine Survey!
Click the link on VIN's Front Page to participate, then read the results. It's fun.

Planning on Attending the 2003 Western Veterinary Conference?
Need a break from your daily life? (You've seen those commercials: "It's VEGAS, baby!") Sign up for the 75th Annual Western Veterinary Conference. (Yep, it's the WVC's Diamond Jubilee!) Register online at www.westernveterinary.org. It's fast and easy!

Waltham USA Sponsors Student Access
Please take a moment to send a big "Thank You!" to Waltham (ThankYouWaltham@VIN.com) for their generous support of the VIN Student Member program



Investigation on the Use of 0.3% Tacrolimus Lotion for Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study
In this pilot study, tacrolimus lotion was well tolerated but only mildly effective. The response to treatment in dogs was less marked than what has been reported in humans, where improvement was marked and rapid. The differences in response might be due, in part, to the fact that this study used a lotion, while the human trials used an ointment.

Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in 36 dogs with Histologically Confirmed Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis
The fact that severe hypoaminoacidaemia is documented to occur in all cases of superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) in which plasma amino acids have been measured makes it likely that this metabolic derangement is directly contributing to the cutaneous lesions seen in affected dogs.

Evaluation of Sedative and Cardiorespiratory Effects of Romifidine and Romifidine-Butorphanol in Cats
We conclude that romifidine alone (100 ug/kg) or a combination of romifidine (40 ug/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) induces the same degree of sedation, but prior administration of atropine is indicated to prevent bradycardia in cats when a romifidine-butorphanol combination is used.

Cross-Sectional Study of Serum Antibodies Against Sarcocystis neurona in Cats Tested for Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii
Domestic cats are not likely to play a substantial role as intermediate hosts in the natural life cycle of S neurona. Results indicate that natural infection of domestic cats may occur, and small animal practitioners should be aware of this fact when evaluating cats with neurologic disease.



Use of Protein Electrophoresis; Trache Tubes in Birds
I would love to see scientific studies that show that an elevation of this section of the EPH corresponds to this disease, but until that happens, my interpretation of elevated values in the EPH means inflammation/infection.

Pharmacists, Compounding
There are some problems with pharmacists providing services for veterinarians. Many of them fail to recognize the interspecies variation in how drugs are absorbed and metabolized, toxicities, etc. There is also a lot of compounding taking place with no proof of safety and/or efficacy.

Raising Fees and a Lesson in Profit Margin
Raise your fees and provide great customer service. It is not cost that is important - rather it's the perception of value.

Best Time For Blood Draw (Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide)
One study found that - for phenobarbital - a random sample was sufficient in 90% of dogs. But because I don’t know how to identify the other 10% of dogs, I still try to get a trough sample. For bromide, the elimination half-life is so long that a random sample is fine.

 

Sunday Rounds
Sunday, January 12, 10 pm ET -
Join Katrina Mealey, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, DACVIM, for a lively discussion on Transdermals: Are They Only Skin Deep?
Rounds Room

Virtual Coffeehouse
Tuesday, January 14, 9:30 pm ET -
More crazy clients today? Stop by and blow off some steam.
Rounds Room

How To Course, Part 2
Wednesday, January 15, 9:30 pm ET -
Learn how to use VIN's Message Boards and Associate in part 2 of this FREE three part course. Email Nate@VIN.com to sign up. (PSST! Want to get a head start? Check out the How To Course tutorial. It's in the VINDEX on VIN's Front Page!)
Rounds Room

Recent Rounds
* D-Dimers and What They Tell Us
* Practice Finances
* Care of the Bitch During Pregnancy
* UFOs: Unidentified Fever Origins



Abstract Of The Week:
Clinical Features and Outcome in Dogs and Cats with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Website Of The Week:
Comparative Ophthalmology, and more....

Book Review:
Lasers in Medicine and Surgery: The Veterinary Clinics Of North America

From VIN's Bookstore:
Ophthalmology

Survey of The Week Results:
* This Week's Survey - Imaging & Telemed
* Nasal Mites
* Euthanasia Procedures
* FATE
* Veterinary Career Survey, Part 1

From the Boards:
* Giving Calcium Subcutaneously
* Tetanus, Puppy
* DDAVP Administration
* Solu-Medrol For Spinal Injuries



Understanding LASERs And Other Bright Ideas

  • Are you intrigued by the idea of adding LASER surgery to your practice?
  • Do you know how to pick the best equipment?
  • Do you know all the variables that will can affect your success?

Let VIN CE throw a little light on the subject for you!

The Understanding Lasers And Other Bright Ideas CE course will give you the basic information you need to get started with this exciting addition to veterinary practice.

At the end of this course, you'll have:
1. A knowledge of how to apply a LASER to achieve the desired tissue effect.
2. A background in new clinical applications in veterinary practice.
3. An understanding of basic safety techniques and guidelines.
4. The ability to valuate whether a this tool would be a reasonable investment for your practice.
5. An understanding of the principles of surgical lasers and their effects on tissue.

Visit the Understanding Lasers and Other Bright Ideas course page for more information on this CE course and sign up today!

Instructors:
George M. Peavy, DVM, DAVP, Assistant Director, Beckman Laser Institute, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
Barbara R. Gores, DVM, DACVS, Southwest Veterinary Specialty Center, Tuscon, AZ.

Course Dates:
Feb. 16th - March 1st, 2003
Interactive session: Sunday; Feb 23rd, 2003; 9:30 - 11:30pm ET (USA)


VIN This Week Archives
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