FOR MORE INFORMATION

David Kirkpatrick
Phone: 847-285-6782
Cell: 847-409-0519
e-mail: dkirkpatrick@avma.org

Studies detail possible benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs with arthritis

Schaumburg, IL

— A series of studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) offers new insights into the possible benefits derived from feeding foods containing high omega-3 fatty acid concentrations to dogs with osteoarthritis.

The results of the three studies, according to contributing author Dr. Kevin Hahn, director of research and chief medical officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., show that the dogs that were fed the foods experienced less pain associated with the disease and greater mobility.

“Many of us write off mobility problems in dogs as a part of the aging process,” Hahn said. “These studies demonstrate that feeding a food containing omega-3 fatty acids to a dog with osteoarthritis significantly improves mobility and quality of life. All three studies showed significant mobility improvement as assessed by either pet owners, veterinarians, or both.”

The studies, published in the January 1, 2010, and March 1, 2010, issues of JAVMA, included 274 dogs with osteoarthritis that took part in clinical studies at dozens of privately owned veterinary clinics and two university veterinary clinics. The researchers focused on three areas: the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs; the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with the disease; and the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis.

In the first study, dogs with chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis showed improvements in their ability to play and rise from rest at six weeks after being switched to a diet containing high concentrations of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. The second study showed that limb strength in dogs improved with omega-3 dietary intervention, Hahn said.

In the third study, veterinarians were able to reduce the dosage of carprofen, a common NSAID used for pain relief in dogs with osteoarthritis, while still providing pain relief to dogs that were fed food supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids.

These studies show that omega-3 fatty acids provide pain relief and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis. They also indicate that proper use of a food containing a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids may result in a lower dosage of medication required to manage joint pain and improve mobility in a dog with osteoarthritis. This finding is especially important because it allows veterinarians to better understand that complications that may arise from pain relief medications could be reduced when the medications are used in combination with proper nutrition.

“First and foremost, dog owners should always rely on their veterinarian when making decisions regarding their pet’s health,” Hahn said. “But it’s also very important for dog owners to know that osteoarthritis can be a silent and unrecognized problem that affects both the pet’s and the owner’s quality of life. With proper nutritional intervention, we can enrich and lengthen that special relationship between people and their pets.”

If you’ve ever searched online for prescription pet medicines, you’ve no doubt seen eye-catching, attention-grabbing claims. They sound convincing in their promises of convenience and lower prices. But are these claims really true?

Internet sites that sell pet drugs can be reputable pharmacies. However, others are fronts for businesses breaking Federal, State, and sometimes, International laws. Illegal online pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. These medicines may not contain the actual drug, or the correct amount of drug, may contain contaminants, may not work as well due to age or being stored in conditions that were too hot, cold, or humid, and may not have the proper directions for use. If you are unhappy with ordered products, illegal online pharmacies may fraudulently leave you with no way to get your money back. In the end, you may find buying prescription pet medicines online costly to your pet’s health and your wallet.

If you find a cheaper medicine online, ask your veterinarian to consider matching the price. Many veterinarians are willing to competitively charge based on the online price you’ve found (and can show proof of). You should also know that neither the drug maker nor your veterinarian will stand behind a product’s guarantee if you purchase the product online.

If you still want to purchase your pet’s prescription medicines online, remember there is no fool-proof way to tell if an online pharmacy is legal. However, you can protect yourself by doing your homework and being online pharmacy A.W.A.R.E.

A— Ask Your Veterinarian

Before you purchase online, talk with your veterinarian! Your veterinarian supports you and wants what’s best for both you and your pet. Ask your veterinarian questions, like: “Do you trust the internet pharmacy site?”, “Have you ever worked with the company?”, and “Have other clients used that site?” If any of the answers are “yes,” what were your veterinarian’s experiences?

W—Watch for Red Flags

When buying from online pharmacies, keep an eye out for red flags. Be careful if the…

• Site does not require veterinary prescriptions for prescription drug orders.

Websites that sell prescription veterinary medicines without valid veterinary prescriptions for them are breaking the law. Under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, a pharmacy can’t sell you a veterinary prescription drug without a valid prescription or other type of order from a licensed veterinarian. Online questionnaires or consults don’t take the place of valid veterinary prescriptions. Sites that sell drugs without requiring valid veterinary prescriptions rob both you and your pet of the protection provided by a veterinary physical exam.

• Site has no licensed pharmacist available to answer questions.

Can someone answer your questions about your pet’s medicines?

• Site does not list physical business address, phone number, or other contact information.

If something goes wrong with your order, can you get in contact with them?

• Site is not based in the US.

If an out-of-country site fraudulently takes your money, there’s not much the US government can do to help you get your money back.

• Site is not licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy where the business is based.

If the business is based in the US, check to see if it is properly licensed in the State where it is based by contacting that State’s Board of Pharmacy. Contact information for each State Board of Pharmacy is available on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website:http://www.nabp.net/ftpfiles/NABP01/ROSTER.pdf.

• Site does not protect your personal information.

Keep yourself safe from identity theft!  Make sure the site you use is secure.

• Site’s prices are dramatically lower than your veterinarian’s or other website’s prices.

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

• Site ships you medicine that you didn’t order or that looks very different from what your pet normally takes.

Don’t give these medicines to your pet!  Contact the site immediately!

A—Always Check for Site Accreditation

In 2009, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) created a voluntary accreditation program called Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites).  The Vet-VIPPS program helps you identify online pharmacy sites legally selling veterinary prescription products. Vet-VIPPS accredited online pharmacies:

• are appropriately licensed in each state where they ship drugs

• are operating legally on the Internet

• have successfully completed a 19-pointreview and online survey

• undergo yearly review and re-accreditation

• undergo NABP on-site surveys every three years

In addition to following Federal and State licensing and inspection requirements, Vet- VIPPS accredited pharmacies must also meet other strict criteria, including protecting patient confidentiality, quality assurance, and validity of prescription orders.

R—Report Problems and Suspicious Online Pharmacies

If your pet has a problem with a medicine purchased online (for example, a reaction to the medicine or the medicine not working), first contact the medicine’s maker.  To report adverse drug events directly to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) call 1-800-FDA-VETS.  For a copy of the reporting form (FDA Form 1932a) and for more information on how to report problems, visit the following website:

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm055305.htm.

Protect yourself, your pets, and others! Don’t fall victim to illegal online pharmacies.  Report suspicious online pharmacy sites to FDA and NABP at:

FDA: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ucm059315.htm

NABP: http://www.nabp.net/

E—Educate Yourself about Online Pharmacies

The best defense you have against illegal online pharmacies is education. Do your homework and be online pharmacy A.W.A.R.E. before you purchase your pet’s medicines online.  An informed consumer is an empowered consumer.

For more information about purchasing pet medicines from online pharmacies, visit CVM’s website at:

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary, or call CVM at 1-240-276-9300.

Whenever your pet needs prescription medicines, your veterinarian is your best,

most reliable source, because your veterinarian:

• physically examined your pet and knows your pet’s medical and treatment history,

• knows which medicines are safest for your pet,

• educates you about potential side effects associated with your pet’s medicines,

• shows you how to properly use the medicines prescribed for your pet,

• stores prescription medicines in the clinic according to label directions, and

• uses current, unexpired medicines.

Be Online Pet Pharmacy AWARE:

A- Ask your veterinarian

W-Watch for red flags

A-Always check for site accreditation

R-Report suspicious online pet pharmacies

E-Educate yourself about online pharmacies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 11, 2010 – Nature’s Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10.  No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.

The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

• 3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
• 6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
• 2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions.  The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement.  If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle.  Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella.  However, additional subsequent testing found the “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, “Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature’s Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.  In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature’s Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a ‘test and hold’ period before being released for sale.”

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product.  People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day,
7 days a week at 800-374-3142.  Or, consumers can email Nature’s Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com.

View article…

Micki and Ammo

The first time I met Micki Petrovish was the summer of 2008 in Twin Bridges, MT. She was a bundle of energy and excitement and very friendly, as I was in a strange town far out of my regular range of Mississippi. Micki wore a Montana cowboy hat and a constant smile. We talked about our young dogs who were running in the PRTA field trial. Micki had a young chocolate female entered in the derby at 8 months old……OH BOY, I thought, you’re in for a surprise. Well, I was at least partially right! Yes, Micki and husband, Bill, and a little chocolate female named Ammo were in for quite a ride!

Micki and Bill, now living in Townsend, MT, on Moose to Goose Ranch, both had field trial dogs years before and were ready to jump back into it. They decided to buy a chocolate female and looked far and wide for a nice litter. Deb Wehner of Santa Fe Labs in Rogersville, MO, had a chocolate litter, but most of the pups were spoken for already when Micki called. Wing Magic’s Louisiana Roux MH QAA was the sire and Deb’s Tyra, GMPR Santa Fe’s Contender Tyra MH, the dam, so Micki told Deb that she would be interested if one pup would become available. Fortunately for them…..it did!

From the very first day Ammo arrived on Moose to Goose ranch she showed her amazing talent for retrieving. By the time she was 4 months old, she was keeping up with the big dogs by doing 400+ yard marks and doing them very well. Micki entered Ammo in her first derbies at six months old and  jammed two of them. Ammo had her first derby win just two months later at 8 months of age! She hit the derby list at 11 months and finished 2008 at a little over a year old with 13 derby points, and a whole year left to compete!

Bill and Ammo after their win in Memphis surpassing the All-Time High Point Chocolate record

I kept running into Bill and Micki and saw what competitors and true sportsman/woman they were. At each trial after running Ammo in the derby they would stay and help out at the other stakes. In April of 2009 they came to the Memphis trial where Ammo again won the derby and became the All-Time High Point Chocolate derby dog then with 36 points.

Ammo at Midwest Illinois

When they weren’t sticking around to help out, Bill and Micki would drive overnight to run two derbies in one weekend. The next time I ran into them was in May at the Midwest Field trial at Charlie Hines’ farm, and again Ammo placed high with a second and now 50 total derby points. The points built fast and furious over the next several months, and by September 2009 Ammo had surpassed all of the high point derby dogs of the past. By winning the derby at the Michiana Retriever Club trial the weekend of September 25th, Ammo became the All-Time High Point Derby dog with 119 total derby points! The previous record high point derby dog was in 1997 with 115 derby points earned by FC AFC Chena River Ripple owned by Leonard Ferucci MD and runner up with 108 points, NFC AFC Candlewoods Tanks A Lot.

Not ones to slow down, Bill, Micki, and Ammo continued their travels and winning ways with a total of 18 wins and 144 All Time Derby Points! One INCREDIBLE year, one INCREDIBLE couple and ONE INCREDIBLE DOG!

UPON THE WINGS OF AN ANSWERED PRAYER – All Time High Point Derby Dog and CHOCOLATE!!

Please click this link to watch a photo slideshow of AMMO!

Aero is out of the 2000 National Retriever Champion, NFC AFC Maxx’s Suprise, owned by Sherwin Scott, and Irwin and Susan Purtell’s FC AFC Morgan LeFae Of Buckshot.

Congratulations to all!

This win also qualifies Chance for the 2010 National Amateur Championship in Klamath Falls, OR. Chance is out of the Calvert’s FC AFC CFC CAFC JAZZTIME’S FREQUENT FLYER and John and Sharon van der Lee’s CNFC CNAFC CLUBMEAD’S STEEL MAGNOLIA.

Chance has also been busy on the sire front himself with many offspring now coming on strong in the derbies. Click here to see Chance’s progeny!

Congratulations to all!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Michael San Filippo
Phone: 847-285-6687
Cell: 847-732-6194
e-mail: msanfilippo@avma.org

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

Schaumburg, Ill.— Fido’s or Fluffy’s bad breath could be more than a smelly annoyance; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.

To address the significance of oral health care for pets, several veterinary groups are sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month in February. Sponsors include the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, American Veterinary Dental College, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, Veterinary Oral Health Council and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc.

According to the AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression.

Although daily tooth brushing is advised for dogs and cats, only 2 percent of dog owners follow through. In addition, 65 percent of dogs with stage one periodontal disease often go untreated because veterinary health care teams do not recommend needed treatment options like dental exams, professional dental cleaning and dental x-rays.

AVMA President Dr. James Cook warns pet owners trying to save money in the current economic crisis not to skimp on regular veterinary care for their pets.

“Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets,” said Dr. Cook. “Twice-a-year checkups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening.

“Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet.”

Pet Dental Health Campaign spokesperson Dr. Linda J. DeBowes, DVM, veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic, Seattle, concurs.

“The expenses associated with professional dental treatment may be significant; however, if this preventive care is not done, the cost to the owner may well be much higher in diagnostics and management of dental disease,” Dr. DeBowes said.

In addition to professional dental care, Dr. DeBowes advises pet owners to make oral home care part of their pet’s routine as a way to prevent tooth decay.

Veterinarians can help pet owners begin a pet dental care routine at home, and encourage them to continue regular veterinary check ups to monitor their pets’ oral health.

To view the AVMA’s instructional video on dental health and tooth brushing, visit www.avmatv.org orwww.avma.org. The Web site www.petdental.com also has resources for pet owners on how to provide proper dental care for their pets and games and activities for kids.

ProHeart 6 was released in June 2001 by Fort Dodge Animal Health as an innovative preventative for canine heartworm disease for six month and treat existing larval and adult canine hookworms. The active ingredient in ProHeat 6 is Moxidectin, a macrocyclic lactone, which had been thoroughly evaluated in multiple animal species and is approved for use in cattle, swine, sheep, dogs and horses in 70 countries.

Unlike other heartworm preventatives in dogs, ProHeart 6 was the first to be administered as a subcutaneous injection which provided a sustained-release of Moxidectin for six months of heartworm protection. ProHeart 6 was specifically developed to overcome poor compliance of monthly treatments and provide an avenue of continuous protection against heartworm infection.

Shortly after the initial launch, Fort Dodge receive several reports of allergic-type reactions. Reactions ranged from mild to severe and even many deaths. Efforts were made to reduced the number of adverse events, but after continued FDA concerns Fort Dodge voluntarily removed the product from the market in September 2004. The recall prompted regulatory authorities in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe to further review the safety of ProHeart 6, but these authorities have allowed continued marketing of the product in those countries. In late 2004 ProHeart SR 12 was the market leader in Australia with a 47% market share.

Further studies have been conducted in the U.S. by Fort Dodge since including additional toxicologic and pharmacologic evaluations which suggest the potential allergenic nature of some ProHeart 6 residual solvents. Fort Dodge made changes in the manufacturing process and there has since been a decline in adverse events in the International market. The FDA even created an independent Advisory Panel to review safety data on ProHeart 6.

In June 2008 the results of the additional toxicologic studies coupled with the low adverse event frequency in International markets lead to a restricted return of ProHeart 6 to the U.S. market. In addition Fort Dodge put into place a Risk Minimization Action Plan (RiskMAP) for the first 12 months of the products return. The RiskMap objectives were to provide comprehensive veterinary training, consent forms and information to owners, and to provide quarterly reports to the CVM (Center of Veterinary Medicine). Any adverse events would be reported and discussed with the CVM monthly.

The FDA’s Veterinary Medical Advisory Committee will now meet in March to discuss the current RiskMap for ProHeart 6 based on data generated in the first 18 months of marketing under the RiskMAP. The CVM will be presenting the results of their analysis of 18 months of data generated under the RiskMAP and are seeking feedback from their expert panel.

The meeting is open to the public and interested persons may present data, information, or views, orally or in writing, on the issues pending before the committee. Written submissions may be made to Aleta Sindelar, CVM (HFV-3), FDA, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 on or before March 17, 2010.

Oral presentations from the public will be scheduled between approximately 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on March 24. Interested persons should notify Aleta Sindelar on or before March 9, 2010 and submit a brief statement of the general nature of the evidence or arguments they wish to present, the names and addresses of proposed participants, and an indication of the approximate time requested to make their presentation. Time allotted for each presentation may be limited. The contact person will notify interested persons regarding their request to speak by March 10, 2010.

Additional background information will be made available and posted in advance of the meeting as soon as it becomes available. Up-to-date information on the VMAC meeting is also available on the FDA Advisory Committee Information Line at 1-800-741-8138 or 301-443-0572 (code number 3014512548).

FDA welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If special accommodations are required due to a disability, please contact Aleta Sindelar at least 7 days in advance of the meeting.