JAVMA News

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.12.1604
Volume/Issue:
Volume 242: Issue 12
Online Publication Date:
15 Jun 2013
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Veterinary MARIJUANA?

With pet owners already using the drug as medicine, veterinarians need to join the debate

By R. Scott Nolen

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(Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Miles was dying.

The 12-year-old black Labrador Retriever-type dog had developed a splenic tumor that eventually metastasized to the liver and lungs. Miles was given two months to live and tramadol for the pain.

But, Miles’ owner didn't like the way tramadol affected her pet. “Every time we gave it to him, he would just sleep; he wouldn't even move. He'd just lay there like he was dead,” said Denise, who asked that her real name not be used.

Sitting outside a West Hollywood, Calif., café with Miles at her feet, Denise recalls how a friend suggested she try a glycerin tincture of marijuana that is sold as a pet medicine in dozens of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout Los Angeles. Within an hour after she gave Miles the tincture, the dog's appetite returned, and he was no longer vomiting. “It couldn't have been a coincidence,” Denise said.

“The other great thing is that in the last couple of weeks, Miles has been going to the beach, he's been running, he's being himself,” she continued. “If Miles was on the tramadol, he'd be in bed, and he wouldn't be enjoying anything or eating anything, and he'd probably be dead. I'm just really grateful we found this.”

Though initially hesitant about giving her pet an unapproved drug, Denise figured where's the harm? Miles has terminal cancer and would die soon. Besides, people can't overdose on marijuana, she reasoned. “I wasn't that worried. I was actually pretty excited, because it has been used with human cancer patients for pain and nausea,” Denise said.

If the tramadol had worked, Denise says she wouldn't have considered giving her dog marijuana. Now a “true believer” in marijuana's therapeutic effects for at least some animal ailments, Denise says she will recommend the drug to other pet owners. “People need to understand that this isn't about getting my dog high,” she said. “It's about improving his quality of life.”

The times, they are a-changin'

States have been chipping away at the federal prohibition on medical marijuana since 1996, when California voters approved a referendum allowing patients to receive a doctor's recommendation to grow or possess marijuana for personal use. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have since passed similar laws permitting marijuana to be used medicinally in people. And in 2012, Colorado and Washington state legalized recreational marijuana use.

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Denise says marijuana has improved Miles’ quality of life since the dog developed terminal cancer.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

The federal government, however, has not followed suit. Federal law currently prohibits all uses of marijuana, and anyone violating the law faces serious legal penalties. Even in those states where medical marijuana use has been approved, officers with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration periodically raid medical marijuana dispensaries, seizing their assets and shutting them down, even if only temporarily.

Differences in state and federal marijuana laws aside, public attitudes about the drug are in flux. In April, the Pew Research Center reported that, for the first time in four decades, most Americans (52 percent) favor legalizing marijuana. In addition, 77 percent of those surveyed said marijuana has legitimate medical uses. Such sentiment is notable, given the Food and Drug Administration's position that marijuana is neither safe nor efficacious for treating any human or animal disease.

Scheduling conflict

Marijuana has been classified as a schedule I controlled substance since 1970. Schedule I is the most restrictive of the federal Controlled Substances Act categories and is reserved for drugs with no currently accepted medical uses and a high potential for abuse. Heroin, LSD, and ecstasy are schedule I drugs, for example, while cocaine, methamphetamine, and morphine are schedule II drugs.

Scientists have identified more than 60 chemicals, or cannabinoids, unique to marijuana. Although whole marijuana is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, cannabinoid-based drugs are available by prescription in the United States. Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid used as an anti-emetic and adjunct analgesic for neuropathic pain. It is also approved for the treatment of anorexia and weight loss in AIDS patients.

The regulatory hurdles for clinical research on schedule I drugs are so high as to act as a deterrent. Numerous physician and health care organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Public Health Association, and National Association for Public Health Policy, are urging the federal government to reschedule marijuana to allow more research that could yield new cannabinoid-based medications.

If it's good enough for me

Denise is probably not typical of the millions of U.S. pet owners. She is part of what is likely a small community who use marijuana for their pets because they see it as a safe, natural, and effective alternative to “man-made” drugs. Should legal and social prohibitions associated with marijuana use continue easing, more and more pet owners might come around to this line of thinking, and Denise's views could one day be less unorthodox than they are now.

Ernest Misko had never experimented with marijuana until his doctor recommended the 77-year-old Chatsworth, Calif., resident try it for his chronic back pain. Misko was so amazed with how good his back felt afterward that when his aged pet cat, Borzo, had difficulty walking, Misko started feeding the cat the same marijuana tincture Denise used. Within a few days, Borzo appeared to be pain-free and was moving much better, according to Misko.

“I don't get high from (marijuana), but the pain goes away. So I tried it on my cat, my 24-year-old cat, who's feeling better,” Misko said.

Becky Flowers came to believe in marijuana's healing powers for animals in a similar fashion. The Southern Californian's pet horse, a 20-year-old Paso Fino named Phoenix, had had degenerative ligament disease for several years. But nearly a year ago, the condition worsened. Phenylbutazone, glucosamine, Cavallo boots, cold and warm wraps—whatever Flowers tried, it didn't help the horse for long. Eventually, Phoenix lay on her side and stopped eating and drinking.

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States where medical marijuana is legal

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Before resorting to euthanizing Phoenix, Flowers fed the horse marijuana. After all, Flowers herself had found marijuana to be a more effective analgesic than the medication she had been prescribed for pain associated with spinal spurs, arthritis, and several recent wrist surgeries. “Cannabis offers more relief to me than Norco, so why wouldn't it also help Phoenix?” she reasoned.

Within an hour of ingesting a small amount of marijuana, Phoenix was walking, eating, and drinking, according to Flowers. She boils the marijuana plant, then makes the abstract into a butter that she feeds the horse once a day.

“With cannabis, I don't worry about potential liver damage as with bute. I also don't worry about her overdosing, as I only give her a small amount. She never appears panicky or disoriented. She's just her normal, happy Phoenix,” she said, adding that her Chinese Crested dog Tripper no longer chews on his feet since Flowers started mixing a small amount of marijuana into the dog's food once a day.

The crusader

Since 2011, some 300 people have told Dr. Douglas Kramer about having experimented with medical marijuana for a pet. Prior to that, Dr. Kramer had worked at a small animal practice in California, where clients would occasionally admit to giving marijuana to an animal companion for a medical reason. He now runs his own mobile practice in the Los Angeles area focused exclusively on pain management and palliative and hospice care.

Dr. Kramer didn't think much of marijuana's potential to help animals until his pet Siberian Husky developed terminal cancer.

“Nikita was wasting away, and she'd stopped eating,” he recalled. “I'd exhausted every available pharmaceutical pain option, even steroids. At that point, it was a quality of life issue, and I felt like I'd try anything to ease her suffering.” Dr. Kramer began feeding Nikita a small amount of marijuana. The dog's appetite returned, and she appeared more comfortable during her final months.

Now, Dr. Kramer finds himself at the forefront of an effort to bring veterinary medicine into the national debate about medical marijuana. On the basis of his review of medical marijuana research, Dr. Kramer believes there's ample evidence to support using marijuana in veterinary patients as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for postoperative or chronic pain and also for palliative care.

“I don't want to come across as being overly in favor of giving marijuana to pets,” Dr. Kramer noted. “My position is the same as the AMA's. We need to investigate marijuana further to determine whether the case reports I'm hearing are true or whether there's a placebo effect at work. We also need to know what the risks are.”

Pet owners aren't waiting on the science, however. Dr. Kramer's survey shows they're feeding marijuana to pets to treat behavior-based disorders, including separation anxiety and noise phobia, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and feline immunodeficiency virus infection; for management of pain, nausea, and seizures; and as an appetite stimulate. Cannabis oil is also being used topically to treat tumors.

Physicians in states where medical marijuana is sanctioned are exempt from prosecution by the state for recommending the schedule I drug to patients. Such protections do not apply to veterinarians, for whom it is illegal in every state to prescribe or recommend marijuana to treat a patient.

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Phoenix's degenerative ligament disease had stopped responding to conventional therapies, and the horse was no longer walking, eating, or drinking. Before resorting to euthanasia, Becky Flowers fed her horse a small amount of marijuana. Phoenix's condition quickly improved, according to Flowers, who says the horse is “doing incredible.” (Courtesy of Becky Flowers)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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After marijuana relieved Ernest Misko's back pain, he started feeding the drug to his geriatric pet cat Borzo when the animal had difficulties walking. Within a few days, Borzo was walking normally again. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Dr. Kramer sympathizes with veterinarians leery of openly considering marijuana's potential as a veterinary drug. Besides the social stigma the drug carries, the only experience most veterinarians have with pets and marijuana is being presented with patients that have ingested toxic amounts of the drug. Nevertheless, Dr. Kramer is frustrated that so many of his colleagues haven't been more engaged in an area with real and potential animal welfare impacts.

“The veterinary community needs to address the issue, but we don't want to talk about it, even though it's clear our clients are giving marijuana to their pets, with good and bad effects,” he said.

Some may dismiss Dr. Kramer's views as a product of his culturally and politically liberal West Coast environment, but he isn't alone. For several years, Dr. Brown (not his real name) has practiced at a small animal hospital in Ohio. Many of his patients are geriatric pets or cancer patients. Even before the medical marijuana movement commenced in the 1990s, clients were asking about giving marijuana to their sick pets, according to Dr. Brown.

“I caution that I cannot legally give them advice about marijuana, and they understand that. We can talk about the situations in which people use it,” he said. No client, he added, has ever brought up marijuana while conventional treatment options were still available.

Like his California colleague, Dr. Brown is frustrated by the predominant view among veterinarians that marijuana is only a toxic plant. “There is no distinction made that there are many, many strains of cannabis, each with their own potential medicinal properties based on their cannabinoid profile,” he said. “Some of the newer strains that seem to have less-intoxicating properties and higher pain-relieving properties may be very useful in animals.”

Toxic effects

Dr. Dawn Boothe wouldn't be surprised if veterinarians are one day treating patients with FDA-approved analgesics made from cannabinoid derivatives.

“My gut reaction is they do probably provide some therapeutic effect benefit,” said Dr. Boothe, director of the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. “But,” she quickly added, “I'm never going to say there's enough benefit that marijuana should be given to pets. I'm saying there's enough justification that we need to study it.”

Dr. Boothe thinks veterinarians shouldn't discount marijuana's potential as an animal therapy simply because it's a controlled substance or a plant; after all, the same can be said about morphine. Whereas morphine's pharmacological effects on humans and animals have been thoroughly studied, Dr. Boothe said that's not the case for marijuana, which is why giving the drug to a pet as medicine is actually putting the animal at risk.

The public shouldn't assume marijuana affects humans and animals in the same ways, nor should they assume, that because marijuana is a natural substance, it isn't harmful.

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Dr. Douglas Kramer, shown here in a West Hollywood, Calif., medical marijuana dispensary, is convinced of the plant's potential as a veterinary drug. He says veterinarians should advocate for less-restrictive regulations on marijuana research, possibly leading to new cannabinoid-based medications for animals. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

“When people say something is natural and therefore safe, my immediate response: ‘Natural to what?'” Dr. Boothe said. “Marijuana certainly doesn't occur naturally in animals or people, and that's why the body develops ways of ridding itself of compounds introduced to it.”

Dr. Boothe referred to a study from a 2012 issue of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care that found the number of marijuana toxicosis cases at two Colorado veterinary hospitals quadrupled during a five-year period when the number of state medical marijuana registrations substantially increased. Researchers reported two dogs died after eating baked goods containing marijuana.

The chances of this trend being unique to Colorado are remote, according to Dr. Boothe, who sees this as one more reason the veterinary profession can no longer sit on the sidelines as the rest of the country debates medical marijuana.

“Veterinarians do need to be part of the dialogue. We should be kept in the loop in terms of translational medicine aspects,” she said. “I can see a well-designed, controlled clinical trial looking at the use of marijuana to treat cancer pain in animals. That would be a wonderful translational study, with relevance to both pets and their people.”

Report finds benefits to foreign accreditation

Task force still has questions about accreditation process

By Malinda Larkin

An AVMA task force assigned to evaluate the impact of the AVMA Council on Education's accreditation of foreign veterinary schools concluded that the practice benefits U.S. and foreign practitioners alike.

At the same time, members of the AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation requested further clarification of some accreditation standards, demonstrating the complicated nature of the accreditation process.

The task force's 25-page report was released May 2 after the AVMA Executive Board gave the green light during its April 18–20 meeting.

Board members planned to listen to feedback from the council, AVMA House of Delegates, and AVMA members before discussing, at their June 6–8 meeting, whether to continue foreign school accreditation.

Global health network

The task force was created by the AVMA Executive Board in response to concerns expressed by the Texas VMA, which submitted two resolutions—one in 2010 and another in 2011—to the House of Delegates asking for a review of the COE's accreditation of foreign veterinary schools. The 2011 resolution was passed by the HOD, and the AVMA Executive Board created the 11-member task force in August 2011.

Once task force members set to work, they quickly realized that evaluating the impact of foreign school accreditation on the veterinary workforce in the U.S. was not part of their charge, in that the COE cannot consider workforce or economic issues when making accreditation decisions.

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A student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine practices her surgical skills on a Rossie model. The AVMA Executive Board will discuss in June whether to continue accrediting foreign veterinary schools such as Ross'. (Courtesy of Ross University SVM)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Doing so could jeopardize the council's recognition by the U.S. Department of Education as an accreditor of veterinary schools. Further, it could raise concerns that the AVMA was acting in an anti-competitive manner and invite legal and liability issues for the Association.

“I think some people were hoping maybe the accreditation process may be a way of stopping international schools from being accredited, but the COE can't consider that,” said Dr. James R. Coffman, former dean of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and chair of the task force. “People are becoming more aware that they're not issues that can be related to accreditation. This will not alleviate concerns, but it will at least not tie it to the accreditation process.”

Instead, the task force focused on other areas. Dr. Coffman said the most important area of consensus for the task force members was that international accreditation has many important features. According to the report, some of the impacts of international accreditation include the following:

  • • Providing a leadership role in shaping world veterinary medical standards to the benefit of the entire profession, including the veterinary profession the United States.

  • • Improving human and animal health in the United States by addressing emergent and zoonotic diseases, food safety, and public health on a global basis.

  • • Improving the overall veterinary infrastructure around the globe.

“For example, (foreign accreditation) creates a network of institutions that are well-acquainted and have reliable certification in teaching entry-level students, which contributes to an international network of veterinary expertise” that is needed in cases where diseases cross borders, Dr. Coffman said.

Furthermore, the report showed that for the 4,214 students who took the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination in 2012, the pass rate for students from COE-accredited schools was about 92 percent, but just 37 percent for students from nonaccredited schools.

“This strongly suggests that foreign school accreditation accurately identifies schools with a high quality of education, as measured by the NAVLE,” according to the report.

Dr. Donald G. Simmons, director of the AVMA Education and Research Division from 1996–2007, can attest to this fact, saying the schools that received accreditation were as good as, or better than, some U.S. veterinary institutions.

“The council did not in any way go out and recruit institutions or anything like that. The council just responded to requests from foreign institutions, and accreditation is based solely on their ability to comply with the standards,” he said.

Dr. Simmons said these schools often pursued COE accreditation for two reasons: to be compared with U.S. colleges and, in some cases, to allow them to recruit U.S. students to their programs.

“But I think one of the most important parts of foreign accreditation is it opened up discussions for understanding the profession in different countries. That's why we worked with Mexico for years to understand their processes before (UNAM) even applied,” he said. “It was more than just going to the institution: ‘How do we understand your culture and educational process?’ There's more value to accreditation than just for the institution.”

Plenty of confusion

Despite being a major topic of discussion, accreditation remains as mystifying as ever to most veterinarians.

For example, it may not be widely understood that the COE standards are designed to represent a minimum standard for entry-level veterinarians and that while all COE-accredited schools meet the standards, some exceed them.

Task force members noted: “Lack of familiarity with the intricacies of the accreditation process can contribute to individual perceptions of uneven application of accreditation standards, and such misunderstanding can be exacerbated by the necessary confidentiality adhered to by the COE.”

It should come as no surprise, then, that task force members asked for clarification in some areas of the accreditation process.

For one thing, they want the COE to make clearer the criteria for determining whether a veterinary school is part of a larger institution of higher learning—as required by Standard 1—or is a free-standing institution and, thus, not eligible for accreditation. Some AVMA members, for instance, have suggested that the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, which is located in St. Kitts, West Indies, may not qualify.

Dr. David E. Granstrom, director of the AVMA Division of Education and Research, points out that if Ross, which also runs a medical school, was not considered an institution of higher learning by the USDE, the COE wouldn't be allowed to accredit its veterinary school.

Also, the task force sees a contradiction in the role the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination plays in accreditation. Although the test is not required for accreditation, there is a pass-fail threshold for schools whose graduating students generally take the examination. The task force believes that this use of the NAVLE creates an inconsistency that the COE should address.

Dr. Granstrom says the accreditation process includes a number of other outcomes assessment measures aside from the NAVLE, such as surveys of employers, alumni, and students as well as assessment rubrics that require faculty to observe students performing and mastering certain tasks.

However, he added that the council recently approved a new way to use NAVLE results. Instead of requiring a pass rate of 80 percent, each institution must fall within a 95 percent confidence interval around the pass rate for all accredited programs.

And finally, task force members believe that the accreditation standard on research, in conjunction with the supporting language in the COE Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual, should be reviewed.

The standard currently states that “The college must maintain substantial research activities of high quality that integrate with and strengthen the profession program.” But, Dr. Coffman said, clarification is needed as to what is meant by “substantial” and “high quality.”

Currently, a COE subcommittee is looking at the standard to better define the elements of acceptable research programs, with results expected possibly as early as this summer. Any additional research metrics approved by the council will be added to the next version of the self-study template, which is published in the COE policies and procedures manual, Dr. Granstrom said.

Resource allocation

Though the task force came to a number of conclusions, it was not asked to make a recommendation on whether to continue foreign accreditation, which ultimately will be determined by the AVMA Executive Board.

Dr. Janver D. Krehbiel, AVMA Executive Board chairman and former COE member, said he feels the report was well-organized and included good illustrations that might be helpful for people in understanding the accreditation process.

The report also “gives us a sense of the extent to which there are benefits to foreign accreditation and how it impacts the veterinary profession, AVMA members, and the level of veterinary education globally,” he said.

Dr. Krehbiel said this impression was reinforced when AVMA leaders met with members of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe after the Executive Board meeting in April.

“They (spontaneously) indicated that they appreciated our involvement and interest in veterinary education globally. That's certainly consistent with AVMA's mission and strategic plan and what we as a profession think is important,” Dr. Krehbiel said.

When the board gathers to address whether to continue foreign accreditation, one of the factors it will consider are the resources required to keep the process going, and task force members did look at how much the AVMA spends on foreign accreditation.

According to a report released by the AVMA in late 2011, budgeted expenses for all of the AVMA's international activities in 2012 came to only 2.06 percent of the Association's total expense budget, whereas budgeted income for international activities represented 2 percent of total budgeted income.

The financial impact of foreign accreditation has the potential to decrease further as the COE could begin sharing responsibility—and cost—with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

“I think these are all questions that the board will look at very carefully. (Foreign accreditation) is an involved process, but we have some pretty thoughtful folks on this board, and we will be very conscientious in this review,” Dr. Krehbiel said. “The feedback from the COE and from the HOD and from blogs and members who have an interest in the topic will be critically important for the board to discuss and consider before making a decision.”

Statistics shed light on international education

Foreign graduates constitute 10% of U.S. workforce

By Malinda Larkin

The AVMA Council on Education has been accrediting veterinary schools outside the United States and Canada for more than 40 years, yet foreign veterinary school accreditation didn't really become a hot topic of conversation until three foreign schools were recognized in 2011.

These institutions—National Autonomous University of Mexico School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, known as UNAM, in Mexico City; Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, West Indies; and St. George's University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies—had been petitioning for AVMA COE accreditation for years. But once they were approved, some practitioners became concerned about the potential for increased job competition by immigrating professionals, potential effects on wages in this country, and the possibility that accreditation standards might be diminished.

Current statistics from the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which proctors the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, and the AVMA database, which includes all veterinarians known to the AVMA, show that foreign accreditation recognizes existing, well-performing international programs. They also reveal that many of the graduates from some of the biggest foreign institutions are already U.S. citizens.

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Percentages of students at foreign veterinary schools who are U.S. citizens (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Pass or fail

Not every foreign veterinary school operates the same way. Some attract a fair percentage of U.S. students, while others do not. For example, UNAM has no U.S. citizens in its program, and most of the Australian schools do not attract many Americans.

On the other hand are the Caribbean schools. Ross has a mean annual class size of 320 to 375, and St. George's classes range from 130 to 150 every year. Each student body is typically composed of 85 to 97 percent U.S. citizens. However, these two schools have been in existence since 1982 and 1999, respectively, and have always sent most of their graduates back stateside.

This is evident when comparing the number of veterinary students who took the NAVLE during the 2009–2010 academic year with the number who took it during the 2011–2012 academic year.

Successful completion of the NAVLE is one requirement for licensure, as established by all state veterinary regulatory boards, and taking the exam is generally considered to indicate a desire to practice in the United States.

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Pass rates for the NAVLE as a function of school of graduation (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

After the two Caribbean schools were accredited, the number of fourth-year students from nonaccredited foreign schools who took the NAVLE dropped by 322, while the number of fourth-year students from accredited foreign schools jumped by 356, representing a re-classification of students from Ross and St. George's. Overall, there has been just a 1 percent increase in the number of students taking the NAVLE for the first time and passing the test from 2009–2011 to 2011–2012.

Furthermore, the pass rate for fourth-year students from nonaccredited foreign schools decreased by 23.1 percent in that time frame, whereas the pass rate decreased only 2.5 percent for fourth-year students from foreign accredited schools, attesting to the fact that Ross and St. George's students performed well on the licensing examination both before and after accreditation. The number of nonaccredited foreign school students who failed the examination bottomed out at 39 percent in 2010–2011 and climbed rapidly to 63 percent the next year.

Ironically, the accreditation of UNAM brought about the most concern that its graduates would flood the U.S. market (see JAVMA, May 15, 2010, page 1031) as it has one of the largest veterinary classes, with the most recent graduate class totaling 335. Yet, “maybe one or two” UNAM students have taken the NAVLE since the institution became accredited in October 2011, according to Dr. John Boyce, executive director of the NBVME.

On the home front

Looking at the bigger picture, AVMA data suggest that international graduates, including American citizens, represent about 10 percent the U.S. veterinary workforce.

The AVMA maintains a database that includes all veterinarians known to the Association—whether living inside or outside the U.S‥ The current total as of the end of 2012 was 117,048 veterinarians, and of that number, 99,019 were of working age (70 or younger) and living in the United States.

Of the latter figure, 88.4 percent (87,567) are graduates of the 28 U.S. veterinary schools, 3.6 percent (3,579) are from foreign veterinary schools with high proportions of U.S. citizens (ie, Ross, St. George's, or St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine on Grand Cayman, British West Indies), and 6.9 percent (6,855) are from other foreign veterinary schools. The AVMA database does not have school information for the remaining 1 percent of individuals.

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The University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences in Denmark is one of two foreign institutions actively pursuing accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education. (Courtesy of University of Copenhagen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Furthermore, of the 6,855 foreign school graduates, 1,900 had graduated from COE-accredited schools and 4,955 had graduated from other programs.

What's more, the AVMA only tracks graduation school of individuals in its database. The Association does not track citizenship or nationality, nor does it track all graduates from foreign veterinary schools.

Future impact

The COE currently accredits 46 veterinary schools—28 in the United States, five in Canada, and 13 in other foreign countries. The council can conduct a maximum of 12 site visits annually, though it typically conducts only seven per year, including one or two site visits to foreign veterinary schools. Site visits are required once every seven years for schools to maintain accreditation.

According to the AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report: “For the future, if all foreign colleges that have expressed interest and appear to have a realistic expectation of meeting the standards were accredited, the total number of accredited programs would increase to 51 (including two domestic schools that have expressed interest).”

The most likely candidates among the foreign schools would be the National Veterinary School of Lyon in France, which will have a comprehensive site visit Sept. 22–26, 2013, and the University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences in Denmark. Their annual class sizes are 125 and 150, respectively, and neither currently has any U.S. citizens enrolled.

Board looks at big picture

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(Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

The AVMA Executive Board met April 18–20 to deliberate on matters of workforce and education as well as a variety of other professional issues.

The board received the results of the U.S. Veterinary Workforce Study that it had commissioned (see JAVMA, June 1, 2013, page 1444) and the report of the AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation (see page 1610).

Board members established an AVMA Task Force on Continuing Education (page 1617), discontinued an arrangement relevant to assessment of foreign veterinary graduates (1618), adopted several new environmental policies (1619), and took several actions in the realm of research.

The board approved a $32.1 million budget for 2014, with income projected to exceed expenses by about $790,000.

The April meeting included a number of strategic discussions. Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA CEO, presented a report summarizing progress on the AVMA strategic plan. The report is available at www.avma.org/about/governance.

Following the meeting, representatives of the AVMA and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe met.

Representatives of the AVMA have been meeting with FVE representatives at federation assemblies in Europe for the past several years to discuss issues of mutual interest. This year, the AVMA invited FVE representatives to AVMA headquarters for the first time.

The AVMA and FVE had issued joint statements in 2011 on judicious use of antimicrobials, animal welfare, and veterinary education. The AVMA and FVE currently are developing a joint statement on the essential role of veterinarians in protecting animal, human, public, and environmental health.

Task force to develop vision for AVMA continuing education

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Attendees at the 2012 AVMA Annual Convention participate in an interactive lab. One question for the new continuing education task force is whether the AVMA should create more interactive sessions or workshops. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

By Katie Burns

A new task force will develop a vision for the AVMA's future offerings in continuing education and assess the AVMA Annual Convention.

The AVMA Executive Board approved establishing the Task Force on Continuing Education on a recommendation from the Convention Management and Program Committee.

According to background materials, committee members and staff in the AVMA Convention and Meeting Planning Division have been discussing the shifting expectations and developing opportunities for member CE.

“We think it's time to step back and take a global look,” said Dr. Ron Banks, committee chair. “Are we headed the right way?”

Among questions to be addressed are the following:

  • • What should the AVMA's role be in providing CE to members?

  • • Should the convention be the primary source of CE that the AVMA provides?

  • • What topics and types of CE should the AVMA offer?

  • • Which CE formats match the current learning styles of members?

Kelly Fox, director of the convention division, said the convention committee and AVMA staff have been looking into ways to extend the reach of the convention beyond the four days on-site.

At the same time, the committee and staff are assessing the breadth of sessions at the convention. The convention currently offers multiple sections with many hours of CE within each section, and the task force will look to determine the right mix of sections and hours.

The AVMA already provides some educational opportunities beyond the convention. Multiple divisions have offered webinars on various subjects, for example, and the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams offer training in disaster response.

“We really are branching out in lots of different areas with education and trying to determine where we should be,” Fox said.

Dr. Banks noted that the demographics of AVMA members are changing. “We're not entirely certain that providing education the way that we've been doing it is the best way. We don't know whether the political aspect, the social aspects of the convention, should or should not be tied with CE. I think at this point, though, we're really just asking questions.”

July 1 is the deadline for nominations to the CE task force. Details are available at www.avma.org/Members/Volunteer by clicking on “Current Volunteer Opportunities.”

AAVSB closing one of two certification options

By Greg Cima

A program that certifies that graduates from veterinary schools not accredited by the AVMA Council on Education are ready to practice in the U.S. will, at least temporarily, close one of its two paths toward that certification. Robyn Kendrick, executive director of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, said the change would not affect those already participating in her organization's Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence. The program would stop accepting candidates for the certification pathway that ends in a clinical skills examination, while those already on that path will be able to complete their certification this year, as long as they became eligible for the examination by May 31.

Most PAVE participants already choose the program's other pathway, which ends with evaluated clinical work at a COE-accredited university, and that pathway will be not be affected. Of the nearly 1,200 veterinarians who have earned PAVE certification since the program began in 2002, only 53 took the examination-based path, Kendrick said. PAVE certification is recognized by veterinary licensing authorities in 38 states, Australia, and New Zealand.

In April, the AVMA Executive Board voted against extending an agreement that had, since March 2012, let those in PAVE's examination-based pathway take the same three-day Clinical Proficiency Examination used by the educational equivalence certification programs run by the AVMA and Canadian VMA. Under that agreement, the AVMA administered the examination to candidates in both the AVMA certification program and PAVE.

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The AVMA Executive Board decided not to extend a short-term agreement with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards involving the Clinical Proficiency Examination. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

From 2006 through 2011, PAVE had used a two-day examination developed by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Kendrick said the AAVSB suspended offering that examination because of the small number of PAVE candidates who were taking it.

Dr. Nathan D. Voris, who chairs the AVMA Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates, which oversees the AVMA certification program, said the agreement with the AAVSB was intended to provide short-term help so that no PAVE candidates would be inconvenienced or disenfranchised when PAVE's previous final examination became unavailable. But the AVMA commission members were uncomfortable with the proposal to extend the agreement, because of concerns that doing so could leave testing gaps.

Dr. Voris noted that the commission has gradually removed materials from the AVMA program's final examination in favor of incorporating them into the Basic and Clinical Science Examination that precedes it. For example, he said the earlier test now includes radiographic interpretation, which has therefore been removed from the final examination.

While PAVE also involves a veterinary science test prior to the final examination, Dr. Voris said extensive study would be needed to determine whether that test and the AVMA program's final examination together cover all needed knowledge and skill areas. The commission members also had concerns because they did not know what the AAVSB planned for PAVE's future.

Candidates in the certification programs have been the primary concern, Dr. Voris said.

“We're all colleagues as veterinarians, and, on a short-term basis, we were very comfortable helping PAVE bridge their gap,” he said.

Kendrick stressed that the AAVSB board of directors supports PAVE, as do the veterinary state member boards. She noted that those directors have been discussing the certification program's future, and the AAVSB understands it has an obligation to continue operating that program to the benefit of its member boards, past participants, and those who want to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S.

Industries, pests among policy topics

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A new AVMA policy supports efforts to remove, control, or eradicate feral swine. (Courtesy of Chris Jaworwoski/Alabama DCNR)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

By Greg Cima

The AVMA supports research on the mining and drilling industries, elimination of feral hogs, and use of the least-damaging pest control.

In April, the AVMA Executive Board approved those new policies, expanded support for availability of alternative disinfectants during animal disease emergencies, and shortened the policy on vaccination principles.

Environmental issues

The board members approved the following policy on extractive industries, including mining, drilling, dredging, and quarrying:

AVMA POLICY

Extractive industries

AVMA supports objective scientific research on extractive industries’ impacts on animal health, foods of animal origin, and the environment.

Dr. Robert H. Poppenga, chair of the AVMA Committee on Environmental Issues, which proposed the policy, thinks discussions on the subject began with concerns about hydraulic fracturing and related animal and public health issues. That led to talk about other extractive industries, such as those involving oil sands and mines, and the effects of those industries on wild and domesticated animals.

Dr. Poppenga said uneven amounts of information are available on the effects of exposure to products associated with the various extractive industries. For example, he said the effects of petroleum on the environment have become known because of oil spills, whereas less information is available on the long-term consequences of hydraulic fracturing and its associated waste products.

Committee member Dr. Brant Schumaker said that the environmental effects of fuel development have been of concern, studies on some of those industries are in their infancy, and much of the available information is anecdotal.

“Certainly, there is potential in any extractive industry for health effects,” Dr. Schumaker said. “We just wanted to promote science-based studies.”

The policy supports building a body of literature that is based on controlled scientific experimentation, if possible, or at least epidemiologic studies with controls for bias, Dr. Schumaker said.

The board also passed the following CEI-recommended policy in support of eliminating feral swine:

AVMA POLICY

Policy on feral swine

The AVMA fully supports scientifically based regulation and/or legislation at the federal, state, and local level which:

  1. Facilitates the removal of all feral swine from private and public lands to safeguard and protect animal, human, and ecosystem health; and

  2. Funds research into scientific methods for control and eradication of the feral swine population.

Dr. Peggy Anne Hawkins, who represents swine practice on the CEI, said the group considered the issue because the animals pose disease risks and damage wetlands, wooded areas, and fields.

“The policy is very simple from the AVMA point of view that we do not want to see feral swine being encouraged,” she said. “We would like to see them eradicated, basically.”

Feral swine carry diseases such as pseudorabies, which has been transmitted to domesticated swine, Dr. Hawkins said. She cited a 2007 outbreak in Wisconsin and the resulting difficulty in moving animals out of the state.

If feral swine became infected with foot-and-mouth disease, they could transfer the disease to domesticated animals, with devastating results, Dr. Hawkins said.

“The swine industry is at risk—at huge risk—because of these feral swine,” Dr. Hawkins said.

The board also approved the CEI-recommended policy “Integrated Pest Management,” which advocates for controlling pests through the use of methods that are the most economical and least hazardous to people, property, the environment, and nontarget animal species.

Broadening, condensing policies

Board members also approved replacing a policy, “Citric Acid as a Disinfectant for FMDv,” with a broader policy, “Disinfectants for Foreign and Emerging Animal Diseases.” The AVMA now advocates that the Environmental Protection Agency allow emergency uses of disinfectants that are not registered with the agency during foreign and emerging animal disease outbreaks, provided those disinfectants are shown to be effective and safe.

The previous policy advocated that the federal government allow use of citric acid as an emergency disinfectant against FMD, and such use has been approved.

A revised version of the AVMA Vaccination Principles passed by the board provides guidance on vaccine administration that is similar to that in the previous version. However, the policy no longer includes guidance on subjects such as multiple-dose vials, regulatory issues, and vaccine licensing and labeling.

AVMA supporting student research, evaluating AJVR

The AVMA Executive Board took several actions in April within the realm of research, including actions to support research by veterinary students and to evaluate the quality of the AVMA's American Journal of Veterinary Research.

The board approved spending $30,000 annually to support veterinary students conducting summer research projects across the country. Every year, the AVMA will provide each of five students with a $5,000 stipend along with $1,000 to attend the Merial/National Institutes of Health National Veterinary Scholars Symposium, the culmination of the projects.

Dr. Janver D. Krehbiel, board chair, spoke in support of the growing summer research program as a way to start students on a path toward a career in research. According to background materials, about 200 students who wish to conduct summer research projects cannot do so each year because of a lack of funding.

One goal in the 2012–2015 AVMA Strategic Plan is to advance scientific research and discovery, with an objective being to “support increased exposure of veterinary students to the value of research.”

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation supports the Veterinary Scholars Symposium with $20,000 annually, including sponsorship of the Young Investigator Award for veterinarians in postdoctoral programs.

On a recommendation from the Task Force on the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the board approved developing and administering two surveys to assist in determining whether the AJVR is meeting the needs of its target audiences.

The Task Force on the AJVR is seeking answers from the journal's target audiences to two questions: “What do you want the AJVR to be?” and “How well is the AJVR delivering on those expectations?”

The first survey will explore whether the AJVR meets the expectations of the veterinary research community, and the second survey will explore whether the AJVR meets the needs of readers and AVMA members.

The board also approved revising the charge of the task force, which had originally been to develop a process to evaluate the quality and direction of the AJVR. The charge now extends to determining whether the AJVR is meeting the needs of its target audiences and making recommendations regarding the journal's mission, scope, and quality.

In another action, the board approved spending $7,000 in 2013 and $8,000 in 2014 and 2015 for the AVMA to participate in the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research's Roundtable on Science and Welfare in Laboratory Animal Use.

According to background materials, the roundtable will foster communication and problem solving among representatives of constituencies with interests in the use of laboratory animals in research and testing.

Board makes appointments

The AVMA Executive Board recently named the following individuals to the entities indicated, representing the designated areas. The duration of each term varies.

Animal Welfare Committee

Humane or animal welfare organization, alternate—Dr. Rebecca Rhoades, Deland, Fla.; American Association of Bovine Practitioners, alternate—Dr. Jan Shearer, Ames, Iowa; American Animal Hospital Association, alternate—Dr. Jennafer Glaesemann, Fairbury, Neb.; American Association of Avian Pathologists—Dr. Michael Martin, Cary, N.C.; AAAP, alternate—Dr. Kate Barger, Davidson, N.C.; American Association of Equine Practitioners, alternate—Dr. Clara Mason, Winfield, W. Va.; Zoo and wildlife medicine—Dr. Julia Napier, Omaha, Neb.; Zoo and wildlife medicine, alternate—Dr. Julie Langenberg, Baraboo, Wis.; American Association of Feline Practitioners—Dr. Paula Monroe, Chouteau, Okla.; AAFP, alternate—Dr. Nancy Suska, Alexandria, Va.; Aquatic animal medicine, alternate—Dr. Donald Stremme, Cape May Beach, N.J.; American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners—Dr. Cindy Wolf, St. Paul, Minn.; AASRP, alternate—Dr. Sarah Lowry, Lockport, N.Y.; Association of Avian Veterinarians—Dr. Elizabeth Mackey, Watkinsville, Ga.; American Association of Swine Veterinarians—Dr. Michelle Sprague, Audubon, Iowa; AASW, alternate—Dr. Angela Baysinger, Bruning, Neb.; Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, alternate—Dr. Emily McCobb, Hudson, Mass.; American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners, alternate—Dr. Leanne Alworth, Athens, Ga.

Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee

Diagnostic services (academic, private, or government diagnostic laboratory)—Dr. Kevin Snekvik, Palouse, Wash.; State or federal regulatory veterinary medicine—Dr. Myron Kebus, Madison, Wis.; Aquatic animal conservation medicine (wildlife, zoo, aquarium, marine mammals)—Dr. James Wilson, Logan, Utah

AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust

At large—Drs. James Brandt, Nokomis, Fla., and James Peddie, Ventura, Calif.

AVMA Political Action Committee Policy Board

Area 3, Western states—Dr. Eva Evans, Las Vegas

AVMA PLIT

At large—Dr. Kent McClure, Round Hill, Va.

Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee

Aquaculture and seafood medicine—Dr. David Starling, Ames, Iowa; American Association of Bovine Practitioners, alternate—Dr. Angela Daniels, Dalhart, Texas; American Association of Feline Practitioners—Dr. Colleen Currigan, Chicago; AAFP, alternate—Dr. Susan Gogolski, San Antonio; American Association of Equine Practitioners—Dr. Craig Barnett, Paola, Kan.; AAEP, alternate—Dr. Cara Wright, Sarasota, Fla.; American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners—Dr. J. Chris Duemler, Brodhead, Wis.; American Association of Swine Veterinarians—Dr. James Kober, Holland, Mich.; AASV, alternate—Dr. Todd Williams, Ottumwa, Iowa

Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues

Uniformed services—Dr. Kristina McElroy, Jefferson City, Mo.; Food animal practice—Dr. Matthew Edson, Mount Holly, N.J.; Poultry medicine—Dr. Jarra Jagne, Ithaca, N.Y.

Committee on Environmental Issues

Aquatic medicine—Dr. Ilze Berzins, Minneapolis

Committee on International Veterinary Affairs

Council on Education—Drs. L. Garry Adams, College Station, Texas, and John Pascoe, Winters, Calif.

Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities

Veterinary technicians—Kelsie Dolezal, Chicago, and Anna Headrick, Wheaton, Ill.; clinical veterinary medicine, large animal—Dr. Martha Mallicote, Micanopy, Fla.

Early Career Development Committee

Recent graduates—Drs. Will McCauley, Charlotte, N.C., and Doreen Turner, Bourbonnais, Ill.; American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives—Charlene Wandzilak, Hummelstown, Pa.

Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates

Canadian National Examining Board—Dr. Nicole Gallant, Summerside, Prince Edward Island; Council on Education—Dr. Ronald Gill, West Salem, Ill.

Food Safety Advisory Committee

American Association of Extension Veterinarians—Dr. Robert Wills, Starkville, Miss.; AAEV, alternate—Dr. Kerry Rood, Providence, Utah; American Association of Bovine Practitioners, alternate—Dr. William McBeth, Morgantown, Pa.; American Association of Swine Veterinarians, alternate—Dr. Brad Leuwerke, Janesville, Minn.; American Association of Avian Pathologists, alternate—Dr. Charles Hofacre, Athens, Ga.

Legislative Advisory Committee

American Association of Avian Pathologists, alternate—Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown, Salisbury, Md.; American Association of Bovine Practitioners—Dr. Cary Christensen, Overland Park, Kan.; American Association of Food Safety Veterinarians—Dr. Michael Gilsdorf, Sykesville, Md.; AAFSV, alternate—Dr. Rex Holt, Hoschton, Ga.; Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges—Dr. Deborah Kochevar, North Grafton, Mass.; AAVMC, alternate—Dr. James Thompson, Knoxville, Tenn.

Member Services Committee

Recent graduates—Dr. Lindsey Hornickel, St. Paul, Minn.; private clinical practice—Dr. Kenneth Greiner, Elbow Lake, Minn.; Academic veterinary medicine—Dr. Willie Reed, West Lafayette, Ind.

State Advocacy Committee

Area 3, Western states—Dr. Richard Sullivan, Torrance, Calif.; American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives—Michelle Wagner, Reno, Nev.

Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee

At large—Drs. Mark Olcott, Frederick, Md.; Roger Saltman, Cazenovia, N.Y.; and Link Welborn, Tampa, Fla.

AVMA director of international affairs

Dr. René Carlson, Chetek, Wis.

Liaison representatives

American National Standards Institute Accredited Standard Committee Z136 for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI ASC Z-136)—Dr. Kenneth Sullins, Leesburg, Va.; National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research—Dr. Michael Newman, Decatur, Ala.; European Board of Veterinary Specialties—Dr. Robert Murtaugh, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Annual meeting of voting members

The AVMA Executive Board approved holding the annual meeting of AVMA voting members in conjunction with the opening session of the AVMA Annual Convention, at 6 p.m. CDT July 19 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago.

Generic cattle drug's sale halted after complaint

Action follows lawsuit alleging likely “off-label” use

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(Photo by Greg Cima)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

By Greg Cima

Federal authorities have halted sales of a generic drug to treat respiratory disease in cattle as they reconsider its approval.

The review is a response to a petition and lawsuit by the sponsor of the original patented drug, Bayer Healthcare, which argued that the generic alternative often would be used in an “off-label” manner. As cited in court documents, that use is a patented label application on the Bayer drug through mid-2015.

The company's arguments are not based on the patent, but rather, on a claim that the Food and Drug Administration broke the law by approving a drug likely to be used in a way contrary to the label.

The FDA is prohibiting marketing, sales, and shipment of Norbrook Laboratories’ Enroflox 100 for use in cattle during the agency's review of that generic drug's approval. It was approved earlier this year for use in cattle and swine and is a competitor of Bayer's Baytril 100.

In April, U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer had granted a request by Bayer for a temporary order that the FDA suspend approval of Norbrook's product. Later that month, court documents state that the FDA decided it was in the public interest to review the approval of the generic drug, and Collyer remanded the case to the agency and ended the lawsuit.

While the brand-name drug was labeled for administration to cattle in a single dose or over multiple days, the generic was labeled for administration to cattle only over multiple days, according to court documents. Bayer's patent on a single-dose administration expires in June 2015.

Bayer officials had said in a 2006 petition to the FDA that about three-quarters of cattle treated with Baytril 100 for bovine respiratory disease received a single-dose treatment. The petition cited a survey of 300 veterinarians who administer the drug.

Company officials argued in the petition that most buyers of a generic alternative would administer that drug in a single dose, even if the generic drug were labeled only for multiple-day treatment. They also said a company manufacturing a generic version of the drug would promote such extralabel use.

The FDA did not provide a final response to the petition, which was still pending when Enroflox 100 was approved earlier this year, court documents state. Staci Gouveia, a spokeswoman for Bayer, said her company filed the suit because the FDA did not respond to the petition and because Bayer sees the generic drug's approval as illegal.

Bayer further argued in court documents that, with approval of the generic drug, Bayer would lose money, employees, and research and development resources.

Chip Whitlow, marketing manager for Norbrook, said the company was declining to comment because of the ongoing proceedings.

Survey finds young adults less likely to adopt pets

Forty-six percent of adults ages 18 to 34 are more likely to purchase a pet from a breeder or pet store than to consider adoption, versus 31 percent across age groups, according to a national survey on pet adoption by Best Friends Animal Society.

The survey also found that nearly four of 10 young adults, in comparison with three of 10 people across age groups, think animals in a shelter are not necessarily at risk and will remain in a shelter until adoption. Forty-six percent of young adults, in comparison with 33 percent of the total surveyed, think shelter animals are less desirable than animals from breeders.

“We were sad to learn that to some extent, animals in shelters are stereotyped by young adults as damaged goods,” said Gregory Castle, chief executive officer and co-founder of Best Friends. “The fact is that every day in this country, perfectly wonderful family pets land in shelters through no fault of their own, all of whom need and deserve a home of their own.”

Americans do love their pets, according to the survey. Nine of 10 people consider themselves pet lovers, whether or not they own a pet. Nevertheless, only 66 percent believe in regular veterinary check-ups, and just 65 percent believe in getting their pets spayed or neutered.

The survey found that most people are advocates of pet adoption (86 percent), praise the virtues of providing an animal with a home (82 percent), think they save money adopting over purchasing (46 percent), and see it as a benefit that shelter animals are already spayed or neutered before adoption (55 percent). Yet, only six of 10 say they would first look to adopt over purchase.

AAHA, AAFP release guidelines on fluid therapy

The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners on May 1 released the new AAHA/AAFP Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

“Our hope is that we have removed the barriers for veterinarians who currently are not embracing fluid therapy to do so now,” said Dr. Tracey Jensen, contributing author. “There are many conditions and situations where the patient can benefit from fluid support. We see this as a win-win-win: a win for the patient by receiving better medical care; a win for the client with quicker resolution of illness, decreased anesthesia risk, and overall decreased veterinary expense; and a win for the practitioner with increased positive case outcome.”

Dr. Kate Knutson, AAHA president, said, “The fluids committee did a great job of distilling medical information into a concise and easy-to-understand document.”

The document covers general principles and patient assessment, maintenance and replacement fluid therapy, fluid administration during anesthesia, fluid therapy in the sick patient, changes in fluid volume, changes in fluid content, changes in fluid distribution, and equipment and staffing.

AAHA is offering a free Web conference on the new guidelines from July 1–14. Details are available at www.aahanet.org/webconf.

The guidelines are available at www.aahanet.org/Library/Guidelines.aspx.

Critical care specialists designate trauma centers

The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has provisionally designated nine veterinary hospitals as veterinary trauma centers in a new initiative to improve outcomes in small animal trauma cases.

The ACVECC Veterinary Committee on Trauma seeks to create a network of lead hospitals that will seed development of trauma systems nationally. The hospitals will work collaboratively to define high standards of care and disseminate information.

The expectations for veterinary trauma centers in terms of patient care include providing around-the-clock care for every aspect of case management and availability of specialists seven days a week for consultation in the fields of emergency and critical care, surgery, and radiology.

The ACVECC designated the following as veterinary trauma centers:

  • • Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Irvine

  • • VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital

  • • BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Tampa, Fla.

  • • University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Urbana

  • • Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Mass.

  • • University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, St. Paul

  • • North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh

  • • Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus, N.J.

  • • University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia

Community

Michigan State administrator takes top post at Florida

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Dr. James W. Lloyd

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

A search for a new dean at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine has concluded with the appointment of veterinarian and agricultural economist Dr. James W. Lloyd.

Dr. Lloyd most recently served as associate dean for budget, planning, and institutional research at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He replaces Dr. Glen F. Hoffsis, who is retiring.

Dr. Lloyd starts in July and will be the veterinary college's sixth dean.

“Together with the leadership team, I look forward to working with both internal and external stakeholders to build on the college's existing strengths in research, teaching and service, and to expand the college's recognition as a respected leader in academic veterinary medicine,” he said in a May 1 UF press release.

While at Michigan State, Dr. Lloyd served not only as associate dean but also maintained joint appointments as a professor in the veterinary college's Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and the agriculture college's Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, and as an adjunct professor in the Eli Broad College of Business.

Dr. Lloyd has secured grant funding for veterinary education and animal health projects and for his research interests, which include nontechnical behaviors that contribute to veterinarians’ success, markets for veterinary medical services, and financial dimensions of veterinary education.

He has delivered more than 330 presentations and workshops, including sessions on leadership development, management of teaching hospitals, curriculum, and academic admissions.

During this time, he also taught preclinical and clinical courses, with an emphasis on epidemiology, food safety, herd health management, production medicine, veterinary medical career development, and veterinary practice management.

Dr. Lloyd is an active member of professional veterinary organizations including the AVMA, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and VetPartners, a practice managers’ and consultants’ association. He served on the Michigan VMA Executive Committee for four years and was president in 2010.

He earned his DVM degree and a doctorate in agricultural economics from MSU in 1981 and 1989, respectively.

Accolades

Massachusetts VMA

On March 16, the Massachusetts VMA celebrated its 129th anniversary and held its annual awards dinner, honoring three members.

Dr. Adam Arzt (UP ‘89) of Milford received the 2012 Distinguished Service Award for his years of selfless dedication and service to the MVMA. He has been a member since 1989 and has served on several committees. Dr. Arzt established Metrowest Veterinary Associates in 1992 in Milford, Mass.

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Dr. Karen Komisar

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Dr. Karen Komisar (OSU ‘84) of Danvers was honored with the 2012 Merit Award for being instrumental in the development of the animal care and veterinary technology programs at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Mass. Dr. Komisar is a homeopathic practitioner who runs the Veterinary Homeopathy clinic in Danvers. She is certified by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.

Dr. Carol Cookingham (COR ‘79) of Lowell was honored for 22 years of service and dedication as the editor of the MassVet News. The newsletter is published nine times a year and informs members about the association's activities and news from the greater veterinary profession.

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Dr. Carol Cookingham

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

National Academies of Practice

The National Academies of Practice, an interdisciplinary organization of health care practitioners and scholars, held an April 5–6 forum on “Interprofessional Healthcare: Working Together for Healthy Aging.” Dr. John R. Herbold is 2013–2014 president of the NAP.

The NAP elected the following six individuals as new members of the Veterinary Medicine Academy.

Dr. Lisa A. Conti (FL ‘88) is deputy commissioner and chief science officer for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She also has a consulting business, Global One Health Solutions, focusing on veterinary and environmental public health. Previously, she served with the Florida Department of Health for 23 years, including as director of environmental health and as state public health veterinarian. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

Dr. Richard Evans (IL ‘79) is medical director of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, Calif., a rehabilitation and research center for marine mammals. He worked previously at the Orange County Vector Control District and the Orange County Health Care Agency in California; at a small animal, exotic, and wildlife practice in California; and at Ralston Purina Co. He was the founding president of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. He also is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Rebecca A. Johnson, PhD, directs the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine and is a professor at the university's Sinclair School of Nursing. She studies the relocation of older adults and the health benefits of interactions between humans and companion animals. She is president of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations and serves on the executive boards of Pet Partners and the International Society for Anthrozoology.

Dr. Indu Mani (COL ‘95) practices at Natick Animal Clinic in Natick, Mass., and serves as the editor of Clinician's Brief. She also is a member of the advisory board for the One Health Initiative website. Her professional interests include all aspects of internal medicine, particularly infectious and zoonotic diseases. She earned her doctorate from Harvard University in 2002 in virology, specializing in the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1.

Dr. Clarence Rawlings (IL ‘67), past president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, spent 30 years on the staff at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine before transitioning from professor to professor emeritus in 2004. He continues to practice part time as a surgeon and a consultant. He directs training symposia in veterinary endoscopy at the university and provides endoscopic training at veterinary hospitals throughout the United States. He co-edited the third edition of “Small Animal Endoscopy.”

Dr. Jill E. Sackman (MSU ‘85), a diplomate of the ACVS, is a health care consultant at Numerof & Associates Inc., a management consulting firm in St. Louis. Previously, she had been global director of regulatory and preclinical affairs for Johnson & Johnson and was on the faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She has worked in research on implantable materials and in design and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

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Dr. John R. Herbold

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Lisa A. Conti

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Richard Evans

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Rebecca A. Johnson, PhD

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Indu Mani

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Clarence Rawlings

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Jill E. Sackman

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

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Dr. Dennis Lawler

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

The NAP also inducted Dr. Dennis Lawler (IL ‘74), who became a member of the Veterinary Medicine Academy in 2012. He is an adjunct research associate at the Illinois State Museum and a research associate with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His research and clinical background includes animal reproduction, genetics, aging, and population medicine. He was part of an international research team that explored the genetics of size in dogs and was a co-principal investigator in a study of lifetime reduction of energy intake in dogs.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine recognized three alumni at its annual conference.

Dr. Adam C. Eichelberger (GA ‘03) of Aiken, S.C., was recognized with the Young Achiever Award. He joined Clemson University in October 2010 as an extension and field veterinarian for its livestock poultry health division and the South Carolina state veterinarian's office. Dr. Eichelberger currently is the interim director for Clemson's animal health programs.

He also is an adjunct professor of animal and veterinary science, a trained foreign animal disease diagnostician, a board member for the South Carolina Horsemen's Council, and a member of the board of directors for the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. He is diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists.

Dr. John E. Hayes (GA ‘63) of Ruckersville, Va., was honored with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Dr. Hayes is a mixed animal practitioner who owned, and later sold, two practices.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hayes has provided low- or no-cost veterinary care to animals whose owners could not otherwise afford care. He also has been extremely active in shelter medicine and has worked to raise the standard of care provided at shelters in his region. In 2007, he helped open the Madison-Greene Humane Society's low-cost spay and neuter clinic, where he still works weekly and remains on call—all at no charge. Dr. Hayes also mentors professional colleagues as well as students who want to become veterinarians. He was instrumental in launching a foundation to provide scholarships and loans to veterinary students.

d3306307e1406

Dr. Adam C. Eichelberger

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

d3306307e1414

Dr. John E. Hayes

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

d3306307e1422

Dr. Susan Lawson Fubinl

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 12; 10.2460/javma.242.12.1604

Dr. Susan Lawson Fubini (GA ‘80) of Ithaca, N.Y., received a Distinguished Alumna Award. She is a professor and section chief for large animal surgery at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She joined Cornell's faculty in 1983 following the completion of her large animal surgery residency at the university. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Obituaries: AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember

Deidra L. Blackmon

Dr. Blackmon (TEX ‘10), 33, Dish, Texas, died March 3, 2013. She practiced small and exotic animal medicine at Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas in Grapevine. Earlier in her career, Dr. Blackmon worked at Parkside Veterinary Clinic in Keller, Texas, for a year. She was a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and Texas VMA. Memorials toward the Dr. Deidra Blackmon Memorial Fund may be made to Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas, 2700 W. State Highway 114, Grapevine, TX 76051; www.aehnt.com.

Eugene D. Dillon

Dr. Dillon (TEX ‘45), 89, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, died March 4, 2013. He owned a practice in Beaumont, Texas, for several years. Early in his career, Dr. Dillon served in the Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; a daughter; and a son.

Donald A. Dreessen

Dr. Dreessen (ISU ‘57), 85, Mount Prospect, Ill., died March 23, 2013. A small animal practitioner, he owned Mount Plaines Animal Hospital in Mount Prospect for 40 years prior to retirement in 1999. Earlier in his career, Dr. Dreessen worked in Wisconsin and the suburbs of Chicago. He was a life member of the Illinois State and Chicago VMAs. Active in civic life, Dr. Dreessen was a past president and past district governor of the Mount Prospect Lions Club. He received several Lions Club honors, including the District Governor Award, an International Leadership Certificate, and an International President Certificate of Appreciation. Dr. Dreessen served in the Air Force during World War II and the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Marie; a stepson; and a stepdaughter. Memorials may be made to Lions of Illinois Foundation, 2814 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

John K. Flanagan

Dr. Flanagan (OKL ‘78), 64, Texhoma, Okla., died April 3, 2013. Beginning in 1987, he served in Haiti with Christian Veterinary Mission, assuming a variety of roles in ministry and development work that included programs dealing with livestock and disease control. During that time, Dr. Flanagan also served as staff veterinarian at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti for nine years.

Following graduation, he joined the Army Veterinary Corps as a captain and served two years as group veterinarian in Fort Bragg, N.C. Dr. Flanagan then practiced mixed animal medicine at Marlow Veterinary Clinic in Marlow, Okla., for seven years. He was a member of the Oklahoma VMA, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, and American Association of Swine Veterinarians. In 2011, Dr. Flanagan was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His wife, Jan, and two sons survive him. Memorials toward a fund in his name may be made to Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133; www.cvmusa.org/Flanagan.

Loretta K. Gage

Dr. Gage (COL ‘89), 61, Los Lunas, N.M., died Jan. 17, 2013. A small animal practitioner, she most recently worked at Vet-Co of Valencia in Los Lunas. Dr. Gage authored “If Wishes Were Horses: The Education of a Veterinarian.”

Memorials may be made to Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia St. S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108.

Richard T. Goldston

Dr. Goldston (TEX ‘67), 68, Pinellas Park, Fla., died Feb. 24, 2013. In 2001, he established Parkview Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he worked until retirement in 2012, focusing on geriatric medicine. He authored the book “Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat.” Prior to that, Dr. Goldston practiced at Skyway Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg. Early in his career, he was a research associate and an instructor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Georgia. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Dr. Goldston was also a past president of the Florida VMA and Pinellas County VMS.

Dr. Goldston received the FVMA Gold Star Award in 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1981; was named Florida Veterinarian of the Year in 1992; received the FVMA Distinguished Service Award in 1999; and was honored with the FVMA Champion of Veterinary Medicine Award in 2011. In April 2013, the FVMA posthumously awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Goldston is survived by his wife, Sharon, and a daughter. Memorials may be made to Suncoast Hospice, 6770 102nd Ave., Pinellas Park, FL 33782; Second Chance for Strays Inc., P.O. Box 5032, Clearwater, FL 33758; or Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, P.O. Box 10688, Tallahassee, FL 32302.

John D. Hall Jr.

Dr. Hall (GA ‘72), 65, Crownsville, Md., died Nov. 30, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Anne Arundel County, Maryland for 40 years.

Dr. Hall was a member of the Maryland VMA. His wife, Megan; a son; and three daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD 21401; or Annapolis City Recreation and Parks Department, 273 Hilltop Lane, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Harold E. Hedlund

Dr. Hedlund (ISU ‘45), 90, Wahoo, Neb., died April 4, 2013. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Wahoo from 1945 until retirement in 1983. Dr. Hedlund then worked as the assistant track veterinarian at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, serving in this position until 1990.

He was a past president of the Nebraska VMA and served as a delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates from 1962–1965. Dr. Hedlund was a member of the Masons, Lions Club, and American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Betty; one son; and three daughters. One daughter, Dr. Cheryl S. Hedlund (ISU ‘77), is a member of the veterinary faculty at Iowa State University.

John G. Herring Jr.

Dr. Herring (GA ‘50), 97, Thomasville, N.C., died March 4, 2013. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Thomasville prior to retirement in 1980. Dr. Herring was a life member of the North Carolina and Georgia VMAs and a member of the North Carolina Academy of Small Animal Medicine. He was a past president of the Thomasville Lions Club and a past director of the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Herring served in the Army during World War II. His daughter and son survive him.

Lyle R. Kowalski

Dr. Kowalski (MSU ‘78), 63, Davison, Mich., died Oct. 26, 2012. He practiced small animal medicine at Davison Veterinary Hospital for 30 years. Dr. Kowalski was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

Dr. Kowalski is survived by his wife, Susan. Memorials may be made to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 1259 El Camino Real, Suite 150, Menlow Park, CA 94025.

Wesley D. Knutson

Dr. Knutson (IL ‘61), 87, Atkinson, Ill., died Dec. 14, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Minooka, Ill., from 1986 until retirement in 2005. Following graduation and until 1972, Dr. Knutson was in large animal practice in Alpha, Ill. He then worked for Salsbury Laboratories in Charles City, Iowa, during which time he established its swine health division. Dr. Knutson continued his career in pharmaceuticals and swine operations for various other companies before returning to private practice in 1986. Known for his expertise in swine medicine, he served as a consultant for swine operations, research, and heart valve transplantation and replacement.

Dr. Knutson served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion. His wife, Carol; a daughter; and three sons survive him.

James L. Meiczinger

Dr. Meiczinger (COR ‘67), 69, Hermon, Maine, died March 2, 2013. A small animal practitioner, he co-founded Penobscot Veterinary Hospital in Bangor, Maine, in 1971. Beginning in 2006, Dr. Meiczinger worked there part-time. Earlier in his career, he practiced at Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta, Maine. Dr. Meiczinger was a member of the Maine VMA. His wife, Linda; three sons; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693 B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401; or Animal Orphanage of Old Town, P.O. Box 565, Orono, ME 04473.

Radean S. Miskimins

Dr. Miskimins (ISU ‘52), 86, Mitchell, S.D., died Feb. 27, 2013. He owned a mixed animal practice in Mitchell from the mid-1960s to 1984. Dr. Miskimins also raised cattle, owned a feed store, and operated a livestock auction barn in Brookings, S.D. Earlier in his career, he practiced in Kimball, S.D., and served as an inspector for the Kimball Livestock Auction. He was a veteran of the Army, serving as a 2nd lieutenant in the South Pacific. Dr. Miskimins is survived by his wife, Betty, and four sons. One son, Dr. Dale W. Miskimins (ISU ‘78), serves on the veterinary faculty of South Dakota State University.

Bob L. Myers

Dr. Myers (KSU ‘63), 79, San Diego, died Jan. 7, 2013. He practiced small animal medicine in Tulsa, Okla., prior to retirement. Dr. Myers was a veteran of the Marine Corps. His four daughters and two sons survive him.

George F. Nixon

Dr. Nixon (OSU ‘54), 84, Venice, Fla., died April 2, 2013. He practiced small animal medicine at Alliance Animal Hospital in Alliance, Ohio, from 1954 until retirement in 1991. Dr. Nixon was a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. Active in civic life, he served on the Alliance Board of Health for 13 years and was a member of the Alliance Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, June, and three daughters. Memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238; www.tidewell.org.

Milton Regenbogen

Dr. Regenbogen (TEX ‘42), 94, New York, died Dec. 1, 2012. A small animal veterinarian, he practiced in the Upper West Side of New York City for several years. Dr. Regenbogen is survived by two daughters.

Ben F. Schlegel

Dr. Schlegel (ISU ‘50), 92, Fayetteville, Ark., died Feb. 16, 2013. Known for his expertise in poultry health, he worked for Eli Lilly and Company in Fayetteville prior to retirement in 1991. Before joining Eli Lilly in 1960, Dr. Schlegel practiced large animal medicine in Lake Park, Iowa, for 10 years. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Dr. Schlegel's two sons and three daughters survive him.

Charles J. Stark

Dr. Stark (PUR ‘73), 68, Zionsville, Ind., died March 4, 2013. From 1975 until retirement in 2011, he was a partner at Lafayette Road Veterinary Hospital and West 56th Street Veterinary Hospital, small animal practices in Indianapolis. Dr. Stark also helped establish the Airport Animal Emergency Clinic in Indianapolis and served on its board of directors. Early in his career, he practiced mixed animal medicine in West Brookfield, Mass. Dr. Stark was a past president and a past district representative of the Central Indiana VMA, helping to organize continuing education for veterinarians in the state and playing an important role in drafting the CE guidelines. He was a member of the Indiana VMA and received its President's Award in 1998. Dr. Stark's wife, Larrianne, and two sons survive him. Memorials toward the Dr. Charles Stark Memorial Scholarship may be made to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Development Office, Attn: Becky Hershey, Lynn Hall, Room 1177-A, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Jerald F. Stewart

Dr. Stewart (TEX ‘76), 64, China Spring, Texas, died Feb. 8, 2013. A small animal practitioner, he owned Northside Animal Hospital in Waco, Texas, for 36 years. Dr. Stewart is survived by his wife, Pam; two sons; and a daughter. Memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Road, Waco, TX 76708.

William G. Young

Dr. Young (GA ‘59), 82, Titusville, Fla., died April 23, 2013. A small animal practitioner, he retired from Young's Animal Hospital in Titusville in 1997. Prior to establishing his practice in 1961, Dr. Young worked in Youngstown, Ohio. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Dr. Young was a past member of the Titusville City Council. His wife, Jane; a son; and two stepdaughters survive him. Memorials may be made to National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
15 Jun 2013
  • View in gallery

    (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

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    Denise says marijuana has improved Miles’ quality of life since the dog developed terminal cancer.

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    States where medical marijuana is legal

  • View in gallery

    Phoenix's degenerative ligament disease had stopped responding to conventional therapies, and the horse was no longer walking, eating, or drinking. Before resorting to euthanasia, Becky Flowers fed her horse a small amount of marijuana. Phoenix's condition quickly improved, according to Flowers, who says the horse is “doing incredible.” (Courtesy of Becky Flowers)

  • View in gallery

    After marijuana relieved Ernest Misko's back pain, he started feeding the drug to his geriatric pet cat Borzo when the animal had difficulties walking. Within a few days, Borzo was walking normally again. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Douglas Kramer, shown here in a West Hollywood, Calif., medical marijuana dispensary, is convinced of the plant's potential as a veterinary drug. He says veterinarians should advocate for less-restrictive regulations on marijuana research, possibly leading to new cannabinoid-based medications for animals. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

  • View in gallery

    A student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine practices her surgical skills on a Rossie model. The AVMA Executive Board will discuss in June whether to continue accrediting foreign veterinary schools such as Ross'. (Courtesy of Ross University SVM)

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    Percentages of students at foreign veterinary schools who are U.S. citizens (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

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    Pass rates for the NAVLE as a function of school of graduation (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

  • View in gallery

    The University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences in Denmark is one of two foreign institutions actively pursuing accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education. (Courtesy of University of Copenhagen)

  • View in gallery

    (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

  • View in gallery

    Attendees at the 2012 AVMA Annual Convention participate in an interactive lab. One question for the new continuing education task force is whether the AVMA should create more interactive sessions or workshops. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)

  • View in gallery

    The AVMA Executive Board decided not to extend a short-term agreement with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards involving the Clinical Proficiency Examination. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

  • View in gallery

    A new AVMA policy supports efforts to remove, control, or eradicate feral swine. (Courtesy of Chris Jaworwoski/Alabama DCNR)

  • View in gallery

    (Photo by Greg Cima)

  • View in gallery

    Dr. James W. Lloyd

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Karen Komisar

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Carol Cookingham

  • View in gallery

    Dr. John R. Herbold

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Lisa A. Conti

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Richard Evans

  • View in gallery

    Rebecca A. Johnson, PhD

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Indu Mani

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Clarence Rawlings

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Jill E. Sackman

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Dennis Lawler

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Adam C. Eichelberger

  • View in gallery

    Dr. John E. Hayes

  • View in gallery

    Dr. Susan Lawson Fubinl

(Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Denise says marijuana has improved Miles’ quality of life since the dog developed terminal cancer.

States where medical marijuana is legal

Phoenix's degenerative ligament disease had stopped responding to conventional therapies, and the horse was no longer walking, eating, or drinking. Before resorting to euthanasia, Becky Flowers fed her horse a small amount of marijuana. Phoenix's condition quickly improved, according to Flowers, who says the horse is “doing incredible.” (Courtesy of Becky Flowers)

After marijuana relieved Ernest Misko's back pain, he started feeding the drug to his geriatric pet cat Borzo when the animal had difficulties walking. Within a few days, Borzo was walking normally again. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Dr. Douglas Kramer, shown here in a West Hollywood, Calif., medical marijuana dispensary, is convinced of the plant's potential as a veterinary drug. He says veterinarians should advocate for less-restrictive regulations on marijuana research, possibly leading to new cannabinoid-based medications for animals. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

A student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine practices her surgical skills on a Rossie model. The AVMA Executive Board will discuss in June whether to continue accrediting foreign veterinary schools such as Ross'. (Courtesy of Ross University SVM)

Percentages of students at foreign veterinary schools who are U.S. citizens (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

Pass rates for the NAVLE as a function of school of graduation (Source: AVMA Task Force on Foreign Veterinary School Accreditation report)

The University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences in Denmark is one of two foreign institutions actively pursuing accreditation by the AVMA Council on Education. (Courtesy of University of Copenhagen)

(Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Attendees at the 2012 AVMA Annual Convention participate in an interactive lab. One question for the new continuing education task force is whether the AVMA should create more interactive sessions or workshops. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)

The AVMA Executive Board decided not to extend a short-term agreement with the American Association of Veterinary State Boards involving the Clinical Proficiency Examination. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

A new AVMA policy supports efforts to remove, control, or eradicate feral swine. (Courtesy of Chris Jaworwoski/Alabama DCNR)

(Photo by Greg Cima)

Dr. James W. Lloyd

Dr. Karen Komisar

Dr. Carol Cookingham

Dr. John R. Herbold

Dr. Lisa A. Conti

Dr. Richard Evans

Rebecca A. Johnson, PhD

Dr. Indu Mani

Dr. Clarence Rawlings

Dr. Jill E. Sackman

Dr. Dennis Lawler

Dr. Adam C. Eichelberger

Dr. John E. Hayes

Dr. Susan Lawson Fubinl

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