An Important Update on The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission

As my friends know, I am the official mascot of The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission. My person writes a blog for them, just like mine. Her blog is vefm.blogspot.com. She wanted everyone to know that VEFM did receive official, tax-exempt status from the IRS several weeks ago. However, the IRS is very slow at updating their web site, so, if anyone is disturbed by the fact they cannot find VEFM listed on the IRS list of charities, they can confirm their 501(C)3 status by calling the IRS (toll-free) at 1-877-829-5500. The corporate name is: The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission LTD (EIN: 26-3396722)For more information, visit this page on the IRS web site:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html

Diabetes Mellitus Part 1: Diagnosis

My veterinarian/human thought has seen several cases of diabetes recently, so when this article came out in the latest issue of Clinician's Brief, she thought it would be helpful to share it. I was happy to hear that German shepherds are one of the breeds listed that are at decreased risk of diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus Part 1: Diagnosis

http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/column/consultant-call/diabetes-mellitus-part-1-diagnosis

Important Cat Food Recall

I know I'm not a cat, but my person has many cat friends, so I am passing this on.....
Certain lots of Premium Edge Cat Food have been recalled, due to a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency is treatable and reversible in cats, but can cause some alarming neurological signs, such as staggering and a strange flexing (downward) of the head and neck. Here is the recall notice from Diamond Pet Foods--http://www.premiumedgepetfood.com/promotions/66/

A New Witch Hunt In Massachusetts???

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This disturbing story appeared in the newsletter of Best Friends.org

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"A New Witch Hunt in Massachusetts:

"The City of Mashpee will hear an alarming breed discriminatory bylaw at its Annual Town Meeting on October 19, 2009. This disturbing bylaw includes claims that certain breeds have “a strong instinct for dominance” and a prey drive that results in “aggressive pursuit of . . . human children”. These statements made in Section 1 of the proposed bylaw are reckless and entirely unfounded. Even more appalling is subparagraph (i) under Section 4 of the proposed bylaw. It reads: 'In the event [a pit bull type dog has] a litter, the owner or keeper (i) must deliver the puppies to the Town Kennel for destruction. . . . Any pit bull puppies kept contrary to the provisions of this subsection are subject to immediate impoundment and disposal. . . .'."

For the complete article, go to the following web address:

http://network.bestfriends.org/News.aspx?pID=12799

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Recall of 2 lot #'s of 85 lb plus size of Iverhart Plus Chewables

The following is an excerpt from an article that was posted in The VIN News Service:

Virbac recalls Iverhart Plus

August 20, 2009
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service

Virbac Animal Health has recalled Iverhart Plus flavored chewable tablets for dogs after routine stability tests showed that samples from two lots did not contain sufficient amounts of ivermectin to give dogs weighing 85 pounds or more six months of parasite protection.

The company, which sent out a letter to distributors last Friday, reports that lots 090093 and 090095 of the heartworm preventative, sold between March 20 and April 5, are affected.

A third lot, 090073, initially was named in the recall, but subsequent tests revealed the related product was not subpotent....

The rest of the article can be found at the following link: http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13680