Day: June 11, 2008

Phone: 847-285-6781 Cell: 773-494-5419 e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.org SCHAUMBURG, Ill. To help veterinarians and the general public understand the complexity and passion behind animal welfare issues, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has launched its first Web section devoted entirely to animal welfare information. “This new section of the AVMA Web site will play an important role in helping people understand the AVMA’s science- and ethics-based approach to animal welfare,” explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. “Ultimately, as it grows and evolves, we envision an in-depth resource that people will return to, again and

The Food and Drug Administration announced June 5 the limited reintroduction of ProHeart 6 to the U.S. veterinary market. The injectable canine heartworm medication had been voluntarily recalled in 2004 after the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine raised serious questions about the drug’s safety. The agency said it is allowing the drug’s limited return to the veterinary market as part of a risk minimization and restricted distribution program designed to manage the re-introduction of ProHeart 6 to provide for safe, appropriate use of the product while minimizing risk to dogs. For more info click here

Veterinarians who use the human drug Digitek (digoxin tablets, USP, all strengths) to treat their patients should be aware that a Class I recall has been issued because of the possibility the tablet strength may be doubled. The Food and Drug Administration warns that this increase in tablet active ingredient could result in life-threatening adverse drug reactions in some animals. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine issued the warning and notification May 16 after the manufacturer initiated a nationwide recall April 25. Recalls are voluntary actions by the firm involved. The FDA declares a recall Class I