Author: wsvma

15 June

AVMA ambassador program links local veterinarians with federal legislators

wsvma   |   Professional News

WSVMA president Dr. Paul DeMaris along with WSVMA members Drs. Mike Bellinghausen, Jim McCutchan and Annie Norling met with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene on behalf of the AVMA Political Action Committee as part of the Association's new Ambassador Program designed to foster relationships between local veterinary leaders and their members of Congress. DelBene is Congresswoman from the 1st congressional district. They met to discuss various issues including the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program, the impact of tax cuts and the Jobs Act...

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15 June

Veterinary Board of Governors to consider rulemaking for client consultations

wsvma   |   State Regulatory

The Veterinary Board of Governors is considering amending existing rules and adding a new section of rule to establish what kind of consultation veterinarians should provide to clients when treating and providing drugs for animal patients. Outlining appropriate consultation by veterinarians when providing treatment and drug therapy could result in better, more informed choices in the care and treatment of animal patients. The rulemaking is based on a petition received last year from a pet owner who lost his dog after...

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15 June

Prescription mandates: new bill, same problems

wsvma   |   Legislative

For several consecutive congressional sessions, the AVMA has led the charge to defeat legislation that would require veterinarians to provide written copies of all prescriptions for companion animals – even if not requested or wanted by the client. The misleadingly named “Fairness to Pet Owners Act” has had several sponsors over the years and has been introduced once again in both the House and Senate. Despite some language changes, the effect would be the same as in years past: this bill...

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15 June

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Another EHV Case Confirmed in King County, Washington – The Horse In Washington state, it takes $26.87 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment  - Seattle Times Neutering Causes Behavior Problems in Male Dogs – Psychology Today WSU selects National Park Service chief veterinarian to lead hoof rot research – TDN News Report: Hospital consolidation continues to reshape pet care landscape - AAHA Wildfires: Preparation and Evacuation Tips for Horse Owners – The Horse   Posted June 15, 2018...

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08 June

Number of bats with rabies on the rise

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Virologists at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory routinely test bats for rabies virus if known or suspected contact with people has occurred. Typically, 200 - 300 bats are tested each year. Last month, four bats tested positive for rabies, the highest number identified in the month of May since 1998. In June, one bat has tested positive for rabies so far. During the summer months, when bat encounters typically occur, veterinarians may receive calls from people who have had contact...

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08 June

Unionization for staff at Seattle Blue Pearl location

wsvma   |   Practice Management

After months of preparation, eligible employees at Blue Pearl in north Seattle last week voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the National Veterinary Professionals Union (NPVU). It’s NVPU’s first contract. Efforts began in April when signature cards requesting representation by NVPU were collected from 86% of the non-supervisory hospital employees followed by a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to supervise an election. Of the 52 eligible employees, 92% voted in favor of the contract. Going forward, the staff will...

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08 June

Food allergies in pets are rarely a thing

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Banfield Pet Hospital® released its 2018 State of Pet Health® Report, which explores the science behind the three most common atopic dermatitis conditions in pets: flea, atopy and food. With food allergies in humans being reported at an all-time high, veterinarians are seeing pet owners become increasingly concerned about food allergies in their pets. However, according to the report, food allergies are diagnosed in relatively few of our patients, just 0.2 percent of dogs and 0.1 percent of cats. More commonly,...

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08 June

This Weeks Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Massive canine clinical trial set for cancer vaccine – Scientific American Pet Cancer Prevention Tips – Morris Animal Foundation Practical tips for talking about money with clients – Veterinary Team Brief UPDATE: USDA Confirms Additional Case of Virulent Newcastle Disease in Backyard Birds in California – USDA APHIS Predicting Future Zoonotic Disease Outbreaks – The Scientist New Rapid Rabies Test Could Revolutionize Testing and Treatment – CDC...

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01 June

Avian infectious laryngotracheitis outbreak alert in King County

wsvma   |   Animal Health

WSDA has received a report of an avian infectious laryngotracheitis outbreak in a small poultry flock located in King County. Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) can be transmitted from acutely infected chickens to the upper respiratory tract and eyes of other birds. Birds that recover from ILT are believed to be infected for life and the avian herpesvirus can be recrudesced when infected birds are stressed, leading to infection of exposed, uninfected/unvaccinated poultry. Gaps in the biosecurity program are responsible for most...

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01 June

Senate Bill 6196 and expanded veterinary services by WA shelters

wsvma   |   Legislative

In January, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington authored legislation, Senate Bill 6196, that would grant registered animal care and control agencies and humane societies in Washington the ability to provide full veterinary services to low income pet owners who fall below the 80% median income level. The intent of the legislation is to expand the law that currently limits shelter organizations to sterilization, vaccination and electronic identification. When a bill is introduced in the legislature that would affect veterinarians and...

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