USDA gives limited approval for canine melanoma vaccine
VIN Consultant Philip J. Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM, Head of the The Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic at The Animal Medical Center of New York, and his colleagues conducted a clinical trial studying the effects of a DNA vaccine on recurrence of malignant melanoma in dogs. The melanoma vaccine, developed through a partnership with Merial, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and AMC, has been granted limited approval by the USDA. Learn about melanoma, treatment options and the new vaccine by reading Phil's recent rounds presentation, Of Mice and Men (and Dogs!): Xenogeneic DNA Vaccines for Canine Malignant Melanoma. Congratulations, Phil! We are very proud of you for what you have achieved for our patients and for reinforcing how fruitful collaborations between veterinary and human medical researchers can be!
Pet Food Recall:
News and Updates
The good news is that the FDA believes all the affected wheat gluten has been traced and no more recalls are expected. Hopefully, this means that the number of newly affected patients will rapidly diminish. We are all hopeful that there will be no unexpected long-term effects.
APOLOGY FROM VIN - Midday on Monday, April 9, there was a 40 minute period when VIN was unavailable. We hope this didn't cause you a major inconvenience. Thanks for using VIN!
Saddle Thrombus Kitties - Help Solve the Problem!
FATCAT is the first clinical trial examining the efficacy of clopidogrel (Plavix®) in preventing recurrence of feline aortic thromboembolism. This trial is being conducted by Dr. Dan Hogan at Purdue University and has been largely funded by the Morris Animal Foundation. The VIN Foundation is assisting Dr. Hogan with data collection. Let's lead the way in clinical trial participation and, as a community, help advance the way we practice medicine. Check and see if one of the many listed clinical trials might make new or novel therapies available for your patients!
Featured Book:
Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 4th Edition, Withrow, Vail, 2007
New in VeterinaryPartner:
Texas Farm Radio:
Managing Acute Spinal Cord Injury - Examining the Controversy
Recent investigations have defined the significance of both the primary and secondary pathophysiological mechanisms in spinal cord injury (SCI). With this understanding, modern neuroscience techniques have made advances towards more effective treatment interventions with the real prospect of improving long term functional outcomes in both humans and animals. This review will discuss the pathophysiology and neuroprotective aspects of the initial medical management in patients with acute SCI, with a focus on clinically evaluated therapeutic interventions and the relevant controversies that surround the issue.
Outbreaks of enteric disease associated with animal contact: not just a foodborne problem anymore
In the past 10 years, an increasing number of outbreaks of enteric disease associated with animals in public settings, such as fairs and petting zoos, have been reported. Fifty-five of these outbreaks that occurred in the United States during 1991-2005 are reviewed in this article. Lessons learned from these outbreaks and recommendations for prevention are also discussed.
Sialolithiasis In Equids, A Report On 21 Cases
The aetiology of sialolith formation is uncertain. It is suggested that an organic nidus enters via the ostium and lodges in the duct, with or without concurrent bacterial infection, and then calcium salts (mostly carbonates) are deposited around it. Progressive deposition results in a predominately calcium carbonate calculus (up to 10 cm or more in length) laid down in concentric layers.
Pansteatitis and severe hypocalcaemia in a cat
While severe hypocalcaemia is occasionally seen in cats, the association with pansteatitis has not been reported previously. In man, a cause-and-effect relationship between calcium soaps and hypocalcaemia is recognised, though the association is rare.
A Question For The VIN Community: Privacy Concerns In A Public Forum
It has occurred to me that we (myself included) are giving advice to people that could change their lives and careers and the lives of people around them in a pretty "devil-may-care" way. I know some will say that posters should be smart enough to read the posts and make their own decisions. That's true, but sometimes people come here stressed and emotional, and they read 10 posts telling them to quit and they are affected. So, my question is how do we live in this community together when essentially someone is always watching? Anonymous posting is sometimes helpful, but people close to the situation can probably identify the poster. How much responsibility do we have, when we answer posts, to really consider what we say?
Ureterocele Diagnosed In An 8 Year Old Dog With A Three Week History Of Polyuria/Polydipsia
The contrast agent certainly shows hydronephrosis and hydroureter, but I'm getting a distinct picture of a bladder within a bladder, which obviously communicate since there is dye in both. The dog had to be born with this condition, but how could it have remained hidden for so long without any signs of kidney disease or even urinary tract infection?
Pros And Cons Of At Home Euthanasia
With the importance of the human-animal bond growing, I think how we do euthanasias is becoming more important. To some owners, that includes at-home euthanasia. I do think it helps bond the client to you and your clinic.
Why Won't People Pay For Care For Exotic Animals?
You'll find that a large number of these people are expecting euthanasia because that is what their last vet did with a hamster. They were "educated" to believe that there is no testing/treatment that can be done, so let's put him out of his misery. Many of these people will be shocked to know that you can get blood, you can do radiographs, and you can treat appropriately. So it is just for these people that you want to "WOW" them with your exotics knowledge as they walk in the door. Handouts, books, pictures, and plaques tell them you know what you are talking about and that wanting to do tests is not just to take their money but to help their pet.
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 Virtual Coffeehouse
Tuesday, April 10, 9:30 pm ET
Have you finished your USA tax return? Stop by and tell us!
This Week's Rounds Schedule -- use the Coffeehouse link to join the discussion.
How to Use VIN: Part 2
Wednesday, April 11, 9:30 pm ET
Want to be an efficient VINner? Email Nate@VIN.com for more information about this three-session course.
AAFP Rounds
Sunday, April 15, 8 pm ET
Join Jerry Thornhill, DVM, DACVIM, for Acute Renal Failure.
To attend, go to the AAFP Rounds area and click Classroom.
Sunday Rounds
Sunday, April 15, 9 pm ET
Join Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, DACVD, for A Faster, Easier, and More Profitable Way to Intuitively Diagnose and Treat Allergies.
This Week's Rounds Schedule -- use the Rounds link to join the discussion. Recent Rounds
 Abstract Of The Week:
Functional Outcome Following Hemilaminectomy without Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Disease in 51 Non-ambulatory Dogs
What's Your Diagnosis?
* Ophthalmology Case: 14
* Case Archives
Associate - Updated and New:
* Want to know the difference between tick paralysis in the United States vs Australia? It's all in the Associate!
Website Of The Week:
The Compendium of Veterinary Vaccines for Transboundary Diseases, and more ...
Book Review of the Week:
Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants
You may purchase this book in the VIN store. Get More From VIN!
* How Do I...Email Another VINner?
* Read The "How to Use VIN" Tutorial
* How Can I ... Learn Associate?
* How Can I ... Become a Super-Duper VIN User?
* How Can I ... Post an Image on the Message Boards?
eVetsites Tip of the Week:
Add a Pet Food Recall Linked Page
Upcoming Conferences
Looking to attend -- or contribute a paper to -- a veterinary conference? Check out the On The Road With VIN folder, or the Press Releases folder, to see what conferences are coming up and to visit their web sites! Links to information about upcoming conferences include: NAVDF, ABVP, VOOJAARSDAGEN and CVC East.
From the Boards:
* Approach To Pruritus Cases
* Dipping Pig Syndrome
* What's On Your Crash Cart?
* Coping With Ringworm In A Shelter
OSHA & Practice Safety
This course is designed for the Practice Owner, Manager or Administrator who desires to understand OSHA's Standards as well as practical ways to implement them in a veterinary practice. We attempt to avoid debating the merits of any particular requirement and focus on how to achieve compliance! This course will cover ALL aspects of a hospital safety program, not just the Hazard Communication Standard. The participants will be provided with many downloadable resources, including the actual text versions of applicable standards. Instructor:
Philip Seibert, CVT Dates:
April 16 – July 9, 2007 Real-time sessions: Mondays: April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, mid-term break. Class resumes June 4, 11, 18, 25, and July 2; 9:30 – 11:00 pm ET CE Hours: 15 Tuition:
Member/$340, Non-Member/$452
Course open to VIN and VSPN members.
Tuition fee includes printed manuals (valued at $72).
For veterinary students interested in taking this course, you are required to purchase the printed manuals at a discounted rate of $55, so please include billing information in your course registration. - Please register early to receive printed manuals prior to the course start date.
- The course manuals will not be needed for the Week 1 class.
Required Textbooks:
The Complete Veterinary Practice Regulatory Compliance Manual is a comprehensive reference tool for the practice administrator, covering not only OSHA standards, but a complete range of regulatory issues, including controlled substances and pharmacy operations, labor and employment issues, and ADA compliance. In addition, you'll also receive a copy of Safety Issues for the Veterinary Practice Staff. This self-paced workbook is ideal for training new and existing members of the practice team on the issues important to them and to OSHA! Both books are included in the registration fee for the course. Recommended Textbooks: None To find out more about this course:
Visit the OSHA & Practice Safety page. To register, scroll to the bottom of the course information page and choose the Enroll Now link.
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