VSSI introduces new glass panel doors for modular kennel runs
VSSI, Inc. has announced new glass panel doors for the company’s modular kennel runs. Available in either a “swing” or sliding door style, the glass panel design provides open view boarding for owner comfort or full-view observation. The glass is scratch resistant, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing. Doors in either swing style or the company’s new industry exclusive sliding design are still being offered in stainless-steel rod construction. VSSI kennel runs are constructed of medical grade type 304 stainless steel. Units are available in three or four foot widths and five or six foot lengths. Multiple units can form an interlocking system in a choice of configurations.

Ansell introduces Derma Prene® IsoTouch® Micro surgical glove
Ansell’s new Derma Prene® IsoTouch® Micro surgical glove is a latex-free, micro-thin glove that is safe to use for latex-sensitive (Type I) healthcare professional and patients. Derma Prene® IsoTouch® Micro is ideal for delicate procedures in ophthalmic, micro and cardiovascular surgery, without the risks associated with natural rubber latex sensitization. The synthetic polyisoprene, powder-free surgical glove offers exceptional dexterity, tactical sensitivity and outstanding strength and barrier protection. The gloves are produced on new, ergonomically-designed formers, which enhance fit and comfort and reduce hand fatigue and stress. They are green in color for instant identification as free of natural rubber latex, and can also serve as an underglove.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats with VIDALTA® reduces thyroid hormone concentrations, report says
The treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats with VIDALTA® - a once-daily oral formulation of carbimazole - reduces thyroid hormone concentrations, bringing them back into the normal range, and improves clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, a new article reports. In this one-year study, published by Dr. Regis Frenais, research scientist at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, and colleagues in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice, the efficacy and safety of a controlled-release tablet formulation of carbimazole (VIDALTA®) was investigated in cats. The effects of carbimazole were studied in 44 aged cats (average age 14 years), suspected to have hyperthyroidism based on clinical signs and confirmed by a serum total thyroxine concentration above the upper limit of the reference range (=50 nmol/L). Serum thyroxine concentrations dropped from presentation to within the reference range after 10 days of treatment and had decreased further by the end of the study. In addition, clinical signs improved or resolved in almost all of the cats within a few weeks after starting treatment and remained stable thereafter. Hyperthyroidism is a common multi-systemic metabolic disease in cats that usually has an insidious onset. It is caused by endogenous hypersecretion of thyroid hormones due usually to a benign tumour (adenoma) of the thyroid gland. The main clinical signs include weight loss, restlessness, depression and apathy and aggression.

Boehringer Ingelheim introduces new Vetera West Nile virus vaccines
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) introduced its VeteraTM West Nile virus family of vaccines, the only vaccines containing the North American Equine E159TM 2005 horse isolate representative of the virus that is most likely to infect horses today. The Vetera family of vaccines includes protection against West Nile virus; Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis; and tetanus, in a variety of combinations.

IDEXX Reference Laboratories introduces RealPCRTM Testing for canine and feline H1N1 influenza virus
IDEXX Reference Laboratories introduced its latest RealPCR^TM test for canine and feline H1N1 influenza virus. The IDEXX H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR^TM Test is offered in response to concern about the spread of this disease, helping veterinarians diagnose and manage patients with suspected respiratory infection. Also referred to as swine flu, H1N1 was confirmed for the first time in October as the cause of death of a ferret. H1N1 infection has since been confirmed as the cause of respiratory disease in a number of cats and ferrets, which are believed to have contracted the virus from their owners. While there is no evidence these pets spread the virus to other animals or people, the potential exists for the H1N1 virus to infect companion animals, including dogs, as a result of close contact with infected family members. Offering the H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test with the Feline Upper Respiratory Disease and Canine Respiratory Disease RealPCR^TM panels will help practitioners identify and differentiate multiple causes of respiratory infection for improved diagnosis and patient management, the company said. Veterinarians should consider running the H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test on patients with suspected respiratory disease or those with suspected H1N1 infection. The IDEXX H1N1 Influenza Virus RealPCR Test is included with the Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (URD) and Canine Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCR panels at no additional cost. A stand-alone test is also available.

IDEXX introduces the IDEXX Equine Diarrhea RealPCR^TM Panel
IDEXX Reference Laboratories recently introduced the IDEXX Equine Diarrhea RealPCR^TM Panel. The new panel gives equine veterinarians 10 results from one sample, improving practitioners’ ability to quickly identify the cause of their patient’s diarrhea and recognize coinfection in order to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. The IDEXX Equine Diarrhea RealPCR Panel detects equine rotavirus, equine coronavirus, Clostridium difficile toxin A, Clostridium difficile toxin B, Neorickettsia risticii, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin A, Lawsonia intracellularis, Rhodococcus equi, Cryptosporidium spp. and Salmonella spp.

Medical Illumination International introduces SYSTEM TWO surgery lighting
Medical Illumination International introduced the new SYSTEM TWO series of surgery lighting, featuring an all newly-engineered and vastly improved mounting system, with added capabilities and smoother, more stable articulation. SYSTEM TWO is offered in traditional halogen-bulbsource models and in the all new “MH” metal halide series. The MH provides the most efficient, coolest output of any surgery lighting system, the company said. Truly a “green” engineering achievement, the MH operates at 74 percent less electricity than its halogen counterpart, but with far better color correction (4300º K). Additionally, the MH features a 10,000-hour rated bulb life and, most importantly, the light output is virtually cold. All SYSTEM TWO lights are offered in the complete range of mounting options for ceiling, wall mount and portable models. For more information, visit www.medillum.com.