Dr. Kramer On: Bronchial Stenting
By Dr. George Kramer, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists
One of the long-standing problems in dogs that have severe chronic valvular disease and secondary cardiomegaly is tracheal elevation and a presumptive compression or collapse of the left mainstem bronchus. That's something that clinically has been discussed and treated for years, but there has been really no work done looking at the extent of the disease or the mechanisms behind the collapse -- whether it's just the mainstem bronchus or whether other airways are involved.
So, over the last year, I have been doing a clinical research project where we identified dogs that have been coughing with cardiomegaly and no evidence of pulmonary edema.
We selected a group of dogs that were coughing, had severe chronic valvular disease, but had no evidence of pulmonary edema, collapsing trachea, or lower airway disease on their chest radiographs. We then enrolled them in a study to do bronchoscopy and look down the trachea and into their bronchial tree to assess any degree of collapse or disease that might be present.
And what we found in these dogs was that they all had …
 |
 |
|
Continuing Education Lecture On "New Cardiac Drugs"
All veterinarians and their staff are cordially invited to attend a continuing education lecture presented by Dr. George Kramer, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) on "New Cardiac Drugs" to be held on Thurs., Aug. 14, at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, 3250 Veterans Hwy., Bohemia, NY. Cocktails and dinner will be served at 7 PM followed by the lecture from 8-10 PM. The lecture -- which provides 2 CE credits for NYSVMS -- is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, manufacturers of Vetmedin® (pimobendan). Please RSVP at 1-631-285-7780 by Thurs., Aug. 7.
FDA Approves First And Only Single-Dose Antibiotic
For Dogs And Cats
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer Animal Health's Covenia (cefovecin sodium), the first and only antibiotic for dogs and cats available in a single veterinarian-administered injectable dose. Convenia provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment in a single dose for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats, which is the number one reason pets are prescribed antibiotics. By relieving pet owners of the often-impractical responsibility of giving pills to their pets several times a day for weeks at a time, Convenia is said to ensure that the antibiotic course of treatment is completed on time. According to Pfizer, Convenia is well-tolerated, and its safety has been demonstrated in adult dogs and cats as well as in puppies and kittens. The most common side effects seen with Convenia are similar to those seen with other antibiotics, including vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
Veterinary Turnover Rates Higher Than National Average
The veterinary profession is experiencing a higher rate of turnover than the national average for all industries, and low starting wages and minimum benefits may be to blame. "While paying low wages and keeping benefits to a minimum may save you money now, the cost is high in the long run," says DVM John Albers, executive director of the American Animal Hospital Association. "You need to provide above-average compensation and benefits to attract and keep above-average employees." Veterinary turnover statistics were revealed in the newly updated fifth edition of the Compensation Benefits report. Average practice turnover was reported at 29.7% compared to the national all-industry average of 12%-15%. Broken down into specifics, the report shows that the turnover rate for associate veterinarians was 20% and 13% for managers. Technicians turned over at a rate of 35%, with other practice staff reaching up to a 44% turnover rate, according to the report.
|
|
 |
QUIZ : What’s Your Diagnosis?
History: An 11-week-old, female, intact French bulldog presented for evaluation of a grade II/VI heart murmur. She had a history of giardia and dermatophytosis and had been treated with Albon and dips.
On physical exam, she weighed 2.6 kg and was quiet, alert, and responsive. Abnormal findings consisted of a grade IV/VI systolic heart murmur with the point of maximal intensity (PMI) at the left 3rd intercostal space near the sternal border. No arrhythmias were detected and pulses were strong, however, bilateral jugular pulsations could be seen in the jugular furrows.
The lung sounds were normal and the patient was eupneic. Multifocal alopecia was found on the dorsum, head, and rear legs.
CHALLENGE: WHAT IS YOUR ECG EVALUATION AND PLAN?
|
|
Funny Bone
|
Events Calendar
Thursday, August 14
CE lecture on "New Cardiac Drugs"
by Dr. George Kramer, DACVIM (Cardiology)
at Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists.
Click here for details.
Click here for other state, national, and global veterinary events in August.
Thursday, September 11
Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA)
Monthly Meeting
http://livma.org/
September 18-21
Intl. Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium 2008 (IVECCS)
Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Kramer on:
9/18, 8 AM “Cardiac Imaging In The ICU”
9/18, 9:15 AM “New Cardiac Drugs”
9/18, 11 AM “Arterial Thromboembolism In Cats”
9/20, 1:30 PM “Diagnosis & Treatment Of Arrhythmias In The ICU”
Click here for other state, national, and global veterinary events in September.
October 2-5
NYSVMS Veterinary Conference
www.nysvms.org/
Thursday, October 16
Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA)
Monthly Meeting
http://livma.org/
Click here for other state, national, and global veterinary events in October.
Thursday, November 13
Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA)
Monthly Meeting
http://livma.org/
Click here for other state, national, and global veterinary events in November.
Thursday, December 4
Long Island Veterinary Medical Association (LIVMA)
Monthly Meeting
http://livma.org/
Click here for other state, national, and global veterinary events in December.
About Atlantic Coast
Veterinary Specialists
At Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, our commitment is to provide you — the referring veterinarian — and your clients, the best and the latest in modern veterinary medicine.
Whether it is through our mobile ultrasound service or through our referral and emergency services available, Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists is here to work with you as a partner on those difficult and challenging cases. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please feel free to call any member
of our Board Certified staff for help and assistance.
About your Subscription
Forward to a Friend
Unsubscribe
Contact Us |
|
| |
|
