Weekly News – 12/07/2010
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| Veterinary Advantage would like to thank its sponsors in promoting excellence in animal health sales including Abbott Animal Health, Ansell, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Bovie Medical Corporation, Covidien, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, and UltiCare. |
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Top Stories AAHA survey shows recession’s impact Pfizer CEO Kindler steps down Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health convenes international otitis advisory board Dechra Pharmaceuticals acquires UK-based pharma company scil adds Internal Fracture Fixation and a TPLO class for beginners to CE course offerings AVMA revises Veterinarian’s Oath AVMA condemns threats by animal rights activists against scientist Hospital admissions for dog bites increase Christmas decorations could pose threats to pets Holiday safety for cats VIN report highlights work-life balance for veterinarians EPA announces label changes for spot-ons Senate passes food safety bill Paul Allen gifts $26 million to global animal health research |
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Products to Watch Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health introduces Protazil FDA approves Equidone Gel (domperidone) for the prevention of fescue toxicosis Mare ovulation drug gets FDA approval Elanco Animal Health’s Optaflexx approved for topdress application to beef cattle Norbrook Laboratories introduces HEXASOL INJECTION Abaxis, Inc. launches automated fibrinogen test |
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Sales Pat Malone’s tip-of-the-week |
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Stock Watch Stock Watch |
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Top Stories |
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AAHA survey shows recession’s impact According to new data from the biennial survey on compensation and benefits by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), owner salaries took a slight dip in the recessionary periods of 2001-2003 and 2007-2009, while associate veterinarian salaries have continued to rise almost unabated since 1997, increasing a 88 percent from 1997 to 2009. By comparison, owner salaries increased by 38 percent during the same period. Other data from the survey showed a change in the types of benefits that practices are offering. Experts say the rise in associate’s pay could be due to a combination of associate veterinarians’ wanting to hold on to their jobs without the risk of buying into a practice, and the lack of jobs available to new veterinarians. Former AAHA president John Tait, DVM, MBA, CFP, said the data probably reflect the economy in general more than anything. |
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Pfizer CEO Kindler steps down Pfizer Chief Executive Jeffrey Kindler announced his retirement, and the company named head of global biopharmaceutical operations Ian Read president, chief executive officer, and director. Kindler led Pfizer in its Wyeth acquisition. Kindler said he is resigning to recharge his batteries and prepare for the next challenge in his career. The unit that Read oversees has accounted for 85 percent of annual revenue. He has been with the company since 1978. |
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Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health convenes international otitis advisory board Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health convened an international otitis advisory board, comprising more than 50 specialists from around the world to share their knowledge on otitis externa (ear infection) in dogs and discuss future trends. The meeting, chaired by Nicolas Renard, Global Marketing Director for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, was held this fall in the New York City area. In addition to the United States, nations represented included France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy and The Netherlands. The advisory board also visited the Merck Drug Discovery Facilities located in Kenilworth, N.J. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the world leader in the field of otitis externa management, also presented its most recent product introduction: POSATEX™ (1% Orbifloxacin, 0.1% Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and 0.1% Posaconazole, Otic Suspension). |
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Dechra Pharmaceuticals acquires UK-based pharma company Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC announced that it has acquired the entire issued share capital of Genitrix Limited (“Genitrix”) from its owner managers. The consideration is being funded from Dechra’s existing cash resources. The acquisition of Genitrix, a veterinary pharmaceuticals company based in Billingshurst, UK, is consistent with Dechra’s strategy to grow its international veterinary pharmaceutical business, the company said in a released statement. “Genitrix range of equine and companion animal products enhances and complements our UK product portfolio,” said Ian Page, Chief Executive of Dechra. “Furthermore the recently approved canine epilepsy product, Libromide®, provides future growth opportunities through potential mutual recognition in Europe. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year following ownership.” |
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scil adds Internal Fracture Fixation and a TPLO class for beginners to CE course offerings scil animal care company, inc., announced new continuing education courses for 2011. In addition to scil’s Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Workshop, scil will also offer the veterinary industry Internal Fracture Fixation and TPLO Made Easy courses through scilvet Academy, its world-wide continuing education program. scil’s Internal Fracture Fixation class offers the opportunity to review classifications and nomenclature of fractures, bone healing, fracture forces and selecting appropriate implants. scil’s TPLO Made Easy course will teach the attendee to evaluate and diagnose canine cruciate disease. scil will officially launch its new CE schedule on Jan. 1, 2011. scil will support the course attendees with detailed procedure instructions and best practices, in-clinic training, and a full line of Aesculap surgical tools and implants designed to support these orthopedic surgeries. Registration for 2011 courses opens Jan. 1, 2011. To view a full listing of scilvet academy CE courses for 2011, visit scil’s website at www.scilvet.com. |
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AVMA revises Veterinarian’s Oath The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has revised the Veterinarian’s Oath to stress the importance of animal welfare. The revision, approved by the AVMA Executive Board at its meeting this month, is as follows: “Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.” “The Veterinarian’s Oath reflects every veterinarian’s aspirations for themselves and the veterinary profession,” says Dr. Bruce Nixon, Chair-Elect of the Animal Welfare Committee. “It’s a promise that each veterinarian makes at graduation, so these words have tremendous meaning. The Animal Welfare Committee recommended these changes to emphasize that veterinarians have responsibilities not only to animal health but also to animal welfare.” “These changes make it clear that the scope of veterinarians’ efforts toward improving animal welfare include not only treatment, but also prevention of suffering and promotion of good welfare, which is consistent with today’s approach to veterinary practice,” adds Dr. Gail Golab, Director of the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Division. |
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AVMA condemns threats by animal rights activists against scientist Citing its policy on the use of animals in research, testing and education, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) condemned the recent actions of animal rights activists who have targeted a University of California research neuroscientist. The scientist’s work includes the use of nonhuman primates to research biochemical factors that contribute to methamphetamine and tobacco addiction in adolescents, as well as to better understand cognitive problems that contribute to behavioral, speech and reasoning disabilities in schizophrenics. “Rigorous standards have been established to protect the animals involved in biomedical research and to assure they are treated humanely. Institutions and researchers are subject to federal oversight to confirm those standards are appropriately applied and that such research is not only valuable but necessary,” says Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. “Our nation was founded on principles that encourage open and honest debate. But America has no room for terrorist activities that threaten not only that discourse but the lives of our scientists and their families. We condemn all acts of violence, vandalism and intimidation directed toward individuals and facilities engaged in the ethical use of animals for research.” |
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Hospital admissions for dog bites increase According to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of people admitted to the hospital because of dog bites increased by 86 percent – from 5,100 to 9,500 hospital stays – between 1993 and 2008, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. On average, 866 people had to go to the emergency department daily and 26 people, on average, were admitted to the hospital daily for treatment of dog bites in 2008. This AHRQ News and Numbers is based on data in Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays involving Dog Bites, 2008. The report uses data from the agency’s 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) and 1993-2008 data from its Nationwide Inpatient Sample. |
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Christmas decorations could pose threats to pets A Mississippi State Professor warned pet owners to be aware that Christmas decorations can pose hazards to curious animals in a recent article. Dr. Walter Mullen, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, listed some of the potential hazards, including holiday plants (several are toxic to pets, including poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies); ornaments (glass ornaments can result in injury should they be chewed or fall and break); decorative strands such a tinsel (when pets swallow strand-like decorations, the material may remain in the intestines for extended periods of time and result in abdominal pain); and Christmas trees (trees must be secured and animals shouldn’t have access to its water). Mullen wrote: “While veterinary emergency services are available in most areas, evaluating your home environment and taking a few preventive measures can protect four-legged family members and help ensure a safer holiday season.” |
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Holiday safety for cats Cats need to be cared for more than dogs during the holidays, according to a recent article. They are smaller than dogs and far more easily hassled and startled as compared to dogs. For example, chocolate is extremely dangerous for both animals but can easily be lethal for cats even in smaller doses. Cats are great climbers and usually have full run of the house, which means they are going to explore Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. If you have a real Christmas tree in the front garden, make sure it is well-watered so that the pine leaves do not dry out and fall. These sharp leaves can puncture the internal organs if ingested, they are also poisonous. Confetti, tinsel, ribbons, wraps, and other such decorative stuff should be securely anchored to the Christmas tree, preferably at the top. Electric wiring is a hazard; keep lights on only when required. Apply a cat repellant to prevent your curious feline from getting too close to the lights. Check decorative stuff for their potential toxicity if ingested by your cat, for example artificial snow is toxic, don’t use it. Consider placing your cat with pet-sitters for a few days if you feel that will keep the animal out of harm’s way and let you enjoy Christmas that much more freely. |
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VIN report highlights work-life balance for veterinarians VIN News Service recently chronicled online discussions among VIN members of the tight work-life balance that exists for most veterinarians. At least 14 studies from around the world have found a higher suicide rate among veterinarians than the public. A study published in Occupational Medicine last June indicated that suicides among veterinarians in the United Kingdom are three times the general population rate. VIN said in the article it is “teeming with acknowledgments that veterinary medicine can be a demanding and high-stress profession.” Veterinarians on VIN say there’s a way to mitigate such stresses: delegate, delegate, delegate. “You really can’t do it all,” says Dr. Michelle Vitulli, whose Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Virginia started with one site and has expanded to four. She says growing her business taught her to let go. “Going from one practice to two practices was a huge challenge. I didn’t have a lot of procedures in place to handle that 100-percent growth,” she recalls. “That initial expansion … forced me to find what people are good at and delegate more.” Some tips on delegating include using licensed veterinary technicians to prep animals for surgery, having assistants in exam rooms to update patient records and training office staff to handle a wide range of client interactions such as providing test results, summarizing treatment plans and giving estimates. Other suggestions for optimizing time at work include computerizing records, bringing in practice managers who can suggest ways to streamline workload and generate new business, and taking continuing education courses to improve efficiency or business leadership. |
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EPA announces label changes for spot-ons The Environmental Protection Agency in October announced some common issues with spot-on flea treatments for pets and some common changes that need to be made to pet spot-on labels. The announcement came after the EPA spent months reviewing public comments, product labels and Data Evaluation Reports – designed to better characterize individual incidents reported by registrants in aggregate summaries. To date, it also has met with eight manufacturers: Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division, The Hartz Mountain Corp., Pfizer Animal Health, Central Life Sciences, Merial Ltd., Sergeant’s Pet Products Inc., PetLogic L.L.C. and Summit VetPharm. The EPA also identified some common problems and solutions. For example, to address dosing concerns, companies should provide additional directions for use, especially on the largest product size, on what to do for very large animals. Companies should consider lower weight limits as well. Companies also should list potential side effects in plain language on the product label based on incidents most commonly seen. These should appear on package inserts and the back panel so consumers know before they buy the product what the potential side effects are. Each product registration will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the mitigation measures are adequate for the product. |
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Senate passes food safety bill The Senate voted 73-25 to pass S. 510, a bill estimated to cost $1.4 billion over the next five years to increase FDA’s inspection of domestic and imported food, move the inspection to a risk-based system based on mandatory food safety plans, and give the agency mandatory recall authority, according to a Feedstuffs report. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) applauding the Senate vote and urged the House to adopt the Senate version, which AFIA said improves on the House version passed in 2009. The National Grain and Feed Assn. (NGFA) also urged the House to approve, without amendment, the version adopted today by the Senate. If the House acts quickly to finalize the food safety legislation, it would go to the President’s desk before Congress adjourns. The White House has indicated President Obama will sign the Senate bill, according to Feedstuffs. |
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Paul Allen gifts $26 million to global animal health research Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft Inc., has made the largest gift to Washington State University in the school’s history, $26 million to support programs and fund construction of the university’s School for Global Animal Health. Part of the gift will be used to complete the matching portion of the funding for construction of the $35 million School for Global Animal Health Building, which is partially funded through a $25 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Construction on that 62,000 square-foot research building began on the Pullman, Wash., campus in June; completion is expected in spring 2012. As a result of the gift, the university announced that the School for Global Animal Health will be renamed the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health and the new building will be named the Paul G. Allen Center for Global Animal Health. |
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Products to Watch |
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Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health introduces Protazil Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health announced the availability of Protazil – the first and only alfalfa-based top-dress, antiprotozoal pellet indicated for the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona (S. neurona) in horses. Protazil is an easy-to-administer, alfalfa-based pellet containing 1.56 percent diclazuril that is fed as a top-dress on the horse’s daily grain ration. This formulation is designed to eliminate the tubes and mess clients face with other EPM treatment products. Each container of Protazil comes with an easy-to-read calibrated scoop, allowing for flexible dosing based on the weight of each individual horse. |
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FDA approves Equidone Gel (domperidone) for the prevention of fescue toxicosis The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of Equidone Gel (domperidone) for the prevention of fescue toxicosis, a disease that can cause serious reproductive problems in horses. Equidone Gel, the first FDA-approved drug to prevent fescue toxicosis, is a dopamine antagonist (D2 receptors) that works at the cellular level to block the agonistic action of toxins produced by an endophytic fungus living on fescue grass. Equidone Gel is administered orally by syringe once a day. Fescue is a type of grass and makes up over 35 million acres of pastureland in the United States. The endophytic fungus, called Neotyphodium coenophialum (previously known as Acremonium coenphalium), lives on the grass and produces toxins that interfere with the hormones involved in pregnancy and milk production. Mares grazing on tall fescue pastures infected with the toxin can suffer from the following: increased length of pregnancies; difficulty giving birth; mare and foal deaths; weak, stillborn, or immature foals; agalactia (absent milk production after birth); retained placentas; premature separation of the placenta at birth; and increased placental weights and thickness. |
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Mare ovulation drug gets FDA approval Thorn BioScience, a subsidiary of CreoSalus Inc., has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its SucroMate Equine, indicated to regulate ovulation in mares. The injection increases the likelihood of conception during breeding for both natural bred and artificially inseminated horses, according to the Louisville, Ky.-based company. It is the first FDA approved drug of its kind developed and manufactured in Kentucky, the company noted. SucroMate will be manufactured in CreoSalus’ Class 5 aseptic clean room under the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Process. |
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Elanco Animal Health’s Optaflexx approved for topdress application to beef cattle Elanco Animal Health announced that the FDA has granted approval for feeding Optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride) to beef cattle as a topdress to increase live weight gain and improve feed efficiency during the final 28 days to 42 days of the finishing period, while maintaining beef’s natural taste, tenderness and juiciness. As a result, cattle feeders of any size may now feed Optaflexx as a topdress or in a complete feed to increase live weight gain and improve feed efficiency by helping cattle better utilize nutrients. That flexibility is the cornerstone of Elanco’s introduction of Flexx Feeding — a focus on the many ways feeding Optaflexx can fit into real-world management practices. For example, feedyards can feed the topdress just once a day to provide an approved dose of Optaflexx ranging from 70 mg/head/day to 400 mg/head/day in a minimum of 1 lb/head/day Type C medicated feed (90 percent dry matter, maximum 800 g/ton ractopamine).* This allows managers to target pens of cattle with unique needs – such as pens with Holstein steers or low-consuming cattle. At the same time, feedyard managers can see savings when feeding Optaflexx just once a day, like mixing fewer partial batches of feed, reduced extra labor costs and lower feed-manufacturing costs. |
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Norbrook Laboratories introduces HEXASOL INJECTION Norbrook Laboratories, Ltd. introduced HEXASOL INJECTION, the only medication on the U.S. market that combines the long-acting antibiotic oxytetracycline (active ingredient in Noromycin™ 300 LA & 300 PRO LA™) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) flunixin meglumine in one convenient dose. HEXASOL INJECTION is indicated for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia associated with Pasteurella spp. and for the control of associated pyrexia (fever) in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. The duel-action formulation of HEXASOL INJECTION offers veterinarians and cattle producers a practical choice when combined antibiotic and antipyretic action is indicated. Key attributes of HEXASOL INJECTION include proven safe and effective ingredients, the convenience of a SQ or IM dosing option and a relatively short withdrawal time prior to slaughter of 21 days. All presented at lower dose volume, and more economically, than competitive products with combined antibiotic and antipyretic ingredients. |
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Abaxis, Inc. launches automated fibrinogen test Abaxis, Inc. Animal Health announced the launch of the first automated fibrinogen test. The new VetScan VSFibrinogen Test will provide rapid, automated fibrinogen testing without the hassles, delays and cost associated with the “old, manual protocol” of testing or using commercial lab services. The new test is designed for use with the simple and portable VS-specialty analyzer – delivering lab-quality results in your office or barn-side. The many benefits realized with the VSFibrinogen test include quantitative results in less than 15 minutes, state-of-the-art micro fluidic technology, and minimal required maintenance. The VetScan VSis also available with carrying case for portable, in-field use. |
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Pat Malone’s tip-of-the-week Unconscious Competence When many of us started our sales careers we were unconsciously incompetent – we didn’t know what we didn’t know. The school of hard knocks raised us to conscious incompetence – we knew when we screwed up. Over time experience, product knowledge, training, etc has raised us to conscious competence – and we think we are done. Wrong. An amateur will practice until they get it right, professionals (sales leaders) practice until they can’t get it wrong – Unconscious Competence. Pat Malone is a senior partner at the Par Group and can be reached at (770) 493-7188 or patrick.malone@thepargroup.com
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2010-12-07 09:54
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