Rottweilers are most prone to canine osteoarthritis
Rottweilers are the most predisposed dog breed to suffer from osteoarthritis, according to research from the Royal Veterinary College. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease diagnosed in dogs. The study, covering 455,557 dogs, was the largest ever conducted into the condition in dogs under veterinary care. Among other findings:
- Old English sheepdogs and Dogue de Bordeaux are very prone to the condition.
- 5 percent of the dogs involved in the study had osteoarthritis, equating to about 200,000 dogs across the United Kingdom.
- Dogs that were above average weight for their breed were 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
Merck announces Dog Flu Prevention Week
Merck Animal Health selected April 16 to 22, 2018, as Dog Flu Prevention Week, an annual reminder to pet owners to protect their social dogs, either for the first time or for revaccination. Thousands of cases of highly contagious dog flu have been confirmed across the United States over the past year. The newest strain, H3N2, was responsible for most of the cases. Dog Flu Prevention Week will be held during the third week of April annually, kicking off the discussion around vaccine-preventable diseases in conjunction with World Animal Vaccination Day on April 20. More information is available at www.dogflu.com.
AVMA membership surpasses 91,000
American Veterinary Medical Association reached a record high this year with more than 91,000 veterinarians counted as association members, equating to 3-in-4 U.S. veterinarians. The achievement was announced in April at AVMA’s board of directors meeting. A recent AVMA performance survey found an increase in member satisfaction as more members recommended the association to veterinary colleagues.
AAHA weaves emcee role into conference
The American Animal Hospital Association’s senior veterinary officer, Heather Loenser, DVM, will take on the title of content weaver during the Connexity conference. The event is scheduled for Sept. 13 to 16, 2018, in Denver. Throughout the conference, Dr. Loenser will observe educational sessions, work closely with keynote speakers and learning facilitators, and spark conversations with attendees. At the end of each day, she’ll weave together the key concepts from each session into a cohesive message. “This model is unique because it allows every guest to truly take advantage of the entire conference and learn not only from our facilitators, but from each other,” said AAHA’s CEO, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (emeritus).
Midmark launches imaging training program
Midmark Animal Health introduced the 2018 Animal Health Imaging Training promotion to help veterinary professionals learn new dentistry skills to use on canine and feline patients. During the promotion, Midmark is offering a free, onsite X-ray positioning course with the purchase of eligible products. Free Midmark installation is also provided on eligible products during the promotion. More information is available at 800-MIDMARK (ext. 107575) or www.midmarkanimalhealth.com/wise2018.
Innovetive Petcare hosts leadership meeting
Innovetive Petcare, Inc., which owns and operates veterinary practices across the United States, held its spring leadership summit in Austin, Texas, on April 5 to 7. Twice a year, the company brings veterinary practice managers and leaders together for training and development. The spring 2018 summit focused on human resources best practices.