Home Walt's Keyboard

Website Sponsors

WSAVA Monthly NEWs – May, 2008

WSAVA Member Association Updates

USA - The Charlie Bild VIP (Very Important Practitioner) Program

The College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida has established a program to honor the memory of Dr. Bild while providing unique learning experiences for students, staff, and practitioners. Known as the VIP Chair (Very Important Practitioner), the program brings selected veterinary practitioners to the college's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for one-to-three-month visits. The VIP veterinarians work closely with college staff and students and are of particular benefit to undergraduates facing the transition to professional practice. Drawing on their experiences in the profession, the practitioners give lectures on such topics as ethics, practice management, public demands of professionals, and effective communications. At the same time, they are able to advance in their own clinical fields and gain teaching and learning opportunities through hospital and clinical rounds, faculty and student seminars, continuing education courses, and conferences at the University of Florida Health Science Center.
There have to date, been close to 30 participating practitioners representing eight different countries spanning five continents; three of these have been past or present WSAVA Executive Board members and include Drs. Larry Dee, Luis Tello, and Claudio Brovida.

Here is Dr. Brovida’s summarized personal account of his experience:
Last year in Seattle during the ACVIM forum, I spoke to Dr. Michael Schaer about my will to follow some good internal medicine activity. He proposed for me to participate in this program for three months; however, due to my business I was only able to attend for five weeks - but it was a fantastic opportunity!
They offered me a comfortable apartment about two km from the school, all the security cards to allow me to move around the School anywhere at anytime, and a monthly salary of 1000$ USD. This allowed me to do what I have been waiting for, for a long time - to study some subjects more deeply, follow the internal medicine cases, attend the morning rounds and lectures, discuss veterinary medicine with colleagues, and to follow anything that would interest me or fulfill my professional needs. I had a fantastic time there.
This is the most unique opportunity that I have ever found during all my professional life and it is open to any veterinarian in the world. The program itself consists of the participation in the school activity /life for three months and offers 1000 USD a month to the recipient as well as an apartment a few minutes walk from the school. Any veterinarian with a particular interest could attend and this could also be a wonderful CE opportunity for academic colleagues from less developed part of the world.

Pictured: Dr. Claudio Brovida with Drs. Michael Schaer (left) and Colin Burrows (right) who are members of the Charlie Bild Advisory Committee.

To apply, interested individuals should send a letter of intent (including preferred months and services that they would like to participate in), biographical information, and three letters of reference to the Charlie Bild VIP Program at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information visit their website at http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/pr/broch/bild.htm or feel free to contact Drs. Dee, Tello, or Brovida.

BSAVA May 2008

WSAVA World Congress Dublin 2008 Update

Program Overview
The 2008 WSAVA/FECAVA Congress will be held in the Royal Dublin Society Convention and Exhibition Centre. The RDS founded in 1731 to promote the development of agriculture, arts, science, and industry. It is fitting that a Veterinary Congress promoting the advancement of veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and veterinary management should be held here.
The scientific program includes state of the art lectures and more than 200 lectures from 70 different speakers. The lectures are designed to provide the most recent information on current topics of clinical interest from world renowned veterinary scientists and clinicians in more than 20 different disciplines.
Lectures will be delivered at three different levels; advanced/specialist, general companion animal and new to/refresher companion animal medicine. Renowned international speakers include:
• Simon Platt (neurology)
• Michael Schaer (Canine and Feline Medicine)
• Margie Scherk (Feline Medicine)
• Peter Irhke (Dermatology)
There will also be two days of free communications and one day of pre congress CE events; feline medicine, emergency care and avian medicine.
The wide range of continuing education opportunities offered will not only be educational but also the Congress will provide a venue for renewal of old acquaintances and the creation of new collaborations and friends.
We will explore interesting subjects in the areas of Canine and Feline Medicine and Surgery, Ophthalmology , Cardiology, Neurology, Exotics, Oncology, Dermatology, Infectious Diseases and Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

MANAGEMENT
There will also be a short program devoted to Management topics such as Stress and the Vet, Human Resource Management, Work-life Balance, current international concepts on Vet Nurses working in Practice, Starting a Small Animal Practice, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing.

FECAVA SYMPOSIUM
The FECAVA Symposium will take a brave step and look at why the Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing professions have such a high incidence of stress and suicide and what can be done to prevent this.

VETERINARY NURSING CONFERENCE
On the Saturday and Sunday Veterinary Nurses can attend a conference which will be practical as well as informative for the backbone of every small animal practice. There will be "How To Sessions", sessions on Marketing, ideas on what to do to grow the practice, Refresher courses that would also interest trainees studying for exams and much more.

Exhibition Space
An extensive trade exhibition will take place during WSAVA 2008. The exhibition will showcase the latest products and developments in the companion animal veterinary area and will be the focal point of the congress. Over 100 organizations and 50 companies are confirmed participants

Social
Expect an Irish welcome from day one with Irish music, dancing and song. The social programme promises to be great fun whether you have come by yourself, with your friends or your family. Join us for nights on the town, a grand Irish Céilí (Irish dancing session in which you will be encouraged to join in), a dinner banquet in the leafy surrounds of University College Dublin and an Opening Ceremony which promises a bit of gambling, horses, dogs and people!
Take time out from lectures and meet up with friends in the comfort of the coffee bays or on the sunny green grass of the 40 acres in the Royal Dublin Society grounds.

NEWS from Around the World

Cats Reduce Heart Attack Risk CBC News Online February 22, 2008
A US study suggests having a cat at home could cut your risk of a heart attack by almost a third. The finding suggests that the stress relief pets provide to humans is heart-healthy. Researchers analyzed data on more than 4,400 Americans, age 30 to 75, who took part in the US government's second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, which ran from 1976 to 1980.
A little more than half of the study participants either owned a cat or had owned a cat in the past while the rest had never done so. Researchers tracked the rates of death in the entire group from all causes, including heart and stroke. The cat owners had a 30 per cent reduction in heart attack risk than participants who didn't own cats, said the study's lead author, Dr. Adnan Qureshi of the Minnesota Stroke Institute.
But dog lovers shouldn't feel left out, he stressed. Dogs would probably bring people the same kind of benefit, Qureshi said, but the numbers of dog owners in the study wasn't big enough to count statistically.

WSAVA Monthly NEWs - April, 2008

An Update on WSAVA Continuing Education (CE) Activities

Successful WSAVA stream during The North American Veterinary Conference (TNAVC) 2008

The WSAVA partnered up with affiliate member TNAVC to host a stream on soft-tissue surgery during the last TNAVC Congress in Orlando. In addition to impeccable organization, huge attendee numbers, and excellent social and exhibitor programs, TNAVC also delivers a solid scientific program. On Wednesday January 23, the WSAVA sponsored a stream on soft-tissue surgery and the attendance was enormous. The large room was filled completely (more than 300 people) to see Dr. Ron Bright and Dr. Gary Ellison perform at their best. After useful tips on intestinal surgery, gastric-dilatation-torsion (GDV's) were discussed in detail. Did you realize that feeding a dog from an elevation increases the chance of GDV's in large-breed dogs? Many more need-to-know facts were elucidated during the exciting morning program. In the afternoon, skin surgery was presented in a clinical and humorous way. Last but not least ,15 minute topics including using the omentum and suction to improve healing of difficult wounds finished a wonderful day. The day was chaired by the vice president of the WSAVA, Prof Jolle Kirpensteijn, who could not resist to add a couple of remarks towards the speakers and the topics too. Thanks to our close cooperation with the TNAVC, the WSAVA was able to reach a large audience of American practitioners and introduce our common goals.

BSAVA April 2008

South Africa CE Report – Lawson Cairns

My objective for 2007 was to provide CE for veterinarians in regions not currently serviced by the various excellent CE programs provided by drug companies, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), and National Veterinary Clinical Groups. It should be understood from the outset that in the poorer economic and social areas, the main veterinary activities are focused on economically important animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and (on a different level) wild life. WSAVA CE activities complemented existing programs while taking into account the change that is occurring from large animal to the companion animal practice. It was therefore deemed important to try and “whet the veterinary appetite” companion animal practice and the satisfaction it can bring. Additionally, in the developing countries a large portion of the veterinary population is in the state service but could eventually provide the companion animal services, especially once their education is updated.

I would like to pay tribute to the assistance which Intervet has provided - both financially and logistically for WSAVA CE in South Africa. Also, I have worked closely with Animal Aid for Africa (AAA) who had been providing CE for some years now and their willingness to share all their know-how has been of mutual benefit to each of us and more especially to the veterinarians in our region.

The SAVA has an African Continuing Professional Development Forum that meets once or twice per year and that includes the WSAVA, WVA Commonwealth Association, and AAA who work cooperatively to assist one another.

2007 CE Activities

• 7th - 11th June – Kenya
Prof. Fred Reyers flew to Kenya to travel together with an Intervet-affiliated company and addressed in excess of 300 veterinarians on the subject of “Rabies” and then spent a considerable amount of time answering questions on many diverse subjects. The area covered in travel between venues was large and I want to thank Intervet for allowing us to “tag along” and covering travel and accommodation expenses.

• 27 – 28th June - Animal Aid for Africa
AAA ran a two-day seminar in Johannesburg attended by 45 veterinarians from the Republic of South Africa and other countries in the region. WSAVA provided 500 Dollars in sponsorship. Virbac brought in Dr. Helen Zulch to provide a presentation on “Aspects of Dermatology”. Excellent colour notes were handed out and were very well received.

• 9th – 10th September – Madelane in RSA/border Mozambique, Swaziland
AFVAC, in conjunction with AAA, sponsored Christian Demon who addressed the students at the university in Madagascar as well as 16 practitioners. The plans are for a full congress next year with better attendance expected. This is a very poor country but there are a number of very wealthy residents and we have seen a companion animal clinic built, which will contribute to the much needed welfare of companion animals.

• 30th September
Intervet supported lectures and lunch for 20 veterinarians and students who drove up from Mozambique as well as 10 Veterinarians from Swaziland. A few local State veterinarians also were in attendance. The effort made by these attendees to travel in difficult circumstances to attend this type of meeting must never be under estimated. Dr. Lobetti lectured on “Liver and skin”, and Dr. Viljoen lectured on “Eye Diseases”. I have received several letters of thanks and enthusiasm for the meeting and enthusiasm for the next series of CE lectures on anesthesia and pain control.

• 25th – 26th October - Veterinary Association of Namibia (VAN)
VAN held their annual congress at the Swakopmund Hotel and Conference Centre. 80 veterinarians attended which was a phenomenal turn-out for such a large country with a population of only 2.5 million. Their interest and enthusiasm was great. Dr. Martin Briggs addressed the group for 3 hours on “Aspects of Dermatology”. My attendance was to both introduce Dr. Briggs on behalf of WSAVA as well as to welcome VAN to WSAVA on behalf of Dr. Romberg our president as VAN’s membership was ratified in Sydney. VAN is a very well organized and motivated group.

With the exception of the Madelane trip it has not been possible to do purely WSAVA lecture courses so my efforts have focused on combining WSAVA CE speakers/lectures with already organized CE events. This has worked very well for us and has meant that a large number of veterinarians have been assisted by WSAVA CE efforts without spending large sums of money. Southern Africa has a very limited WSAVA CE; despite this, we have managed to provide CE assistance to 471 Veterinarians at an average cost of $12.50 per person. However, it will be hard to continue at our current budget and so would welcome any donations, which will be directly applied to CE programs (see planned events below) that will benefit the welfare of pets and vets in the Southern African regions.

My grateful thanks to BSAVA, AFVAC, and NACAM (Netherlands Association of Companion Animal Medicine) who have already agreed to help.

Plans for the next year (funds permitting) are to repeat a day or weekend at Malelane for Mozambique, Swazi, and local State veterinarians, rovide a speaker for Madagascar’s Congress via AFVAC, repeat trip to Kenya but spending more time in Nairobi, support Mozambique congress with a lecturer if this event does indeed take place, and to expand contacts in Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and anywhere else.

WSAVA CE in South America – Luis Tello

In fall of 2007, the Uruguay’s Small Animal Veterinary Association (SUVEPA) held their CE program for 2007. The speaker was Carlos Larsson, professor of dermatology at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Larsson delivered 6 hours of CE about the most critical issues in small animal’s dermatology: pyoderma, immune-mediated diseases (e.g., Lupus and Pemphigus), and the current diagnoses and treatment of allergic diseases. 110 veterinarians were in attendance along with a small number of students, and the CE program was very topical due to the high incidence of dermatological diseases in the country. Some practitioners estimate that around 30% of the case load in private practice is due to skin problems. Thanks to our sponsors Bayer, Hill’s, and Intervet who also had company representatives in attendance.

In April 2008 Dr. Jesus Ramirez, Professor at the University Autonoma of Mexico, will lecture on soft-tissue surgery for veterinarians from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Dr Ramirez is well-known within Latin American countries and has already lectured in almost every country in the region. He has a vast experience in the field of surgery, having trained at different universities and specialist centers in USA and Europe. The tour is already organized and we wish Dr Ramirez the best experience during his South American Tour.

WSAVA CE in Asia – Roger Clarke

Taiwan February 2007
Dr Graeme Allen, a registered specialist in Radiology and ultrasound who practices in Sydeny Australia was the guest speaker for the WSAVA CE lecures in Taipei, Taiwan, hosted by the TVMA and sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. The lectures were held in a large youth venue in Taipei known at “17” and Dr Allen spoke to over 200 Taiwan vets on various aspects of ultrasonography and radiology. The lectures were well received and the WSAVA program is now an accepted part of the TVMA annual scientific meeting.

Malaysia and Thailand March 2007
The Convener of WSAVA CE in Asia, Dr Roger Clarke visited Malaysia and Thailand in March 2007 to speak to the veterinary practitioners and veterinary students on various common soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical procedures. Dr Clarke is a registered specialist small animal surgeon in Australia and a fellow of the Australian College of veterinary scientists (FACVSc) in small animal surgery, and has spoken in Malaysia and Thailand on several occasions. Both these countries are progressing well with organizing local CE and are very supportive of the WSAVA CE program. This lecture tour reached approximately 300 veterinarians.

Sri Lanka, June - July 2007
The WSAVA CE program assisted a visit to Sri Lanka's University of Peradenaya Veterinary School in Kandy, by Dr. A. D. J. (Dave) Watson formerly of the University of Sydney, Australia. The visit was jointly funded by the WSAVA CE program sponsored by Bayer, Hill’s, and Intervet and the Australian small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA). The host Association was the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, continuing education program. Dr. Watson spoke to both final year students and practitioners over an extended period of 5 weeks in June and July. His lectures were on problem-oriented medicine, fluid therapy, renal disease, and antibiotic therapy.
During these lectures contact was made with approximately 200 students and 100 practitioners and field workers. Dr Watson generously donated his time free of charge.
Dr Watson's visit is part of an ongoing program to assist Sri Lankan vets commenced by the Commonwealth Veterinary Association in 2006. We hope that the WSAVA and ASAVA can continue to help this program.

China, September 2007
Dr Colin Dunlop, a veterinary anaesthetics specialist from Australia was the Guest speaker at the China WSAVA CE program sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. Dr Dunlop commenced the lecture tour in Beijing on September 14th where he spoke to the Beijing SAVA (BJSAVA) and them went to Shanghai to speak to the members of the Shanghai SAVA (SHSAVA) and in Shenzen to the Guangdong vets (GDSAVA). Before returning to Australia, Colin also spoke to the Hong Kong vets at an evening seminar. Anaesthesia is critical to the performance of high quality small animal surgery and on this tour, Dr Dunlop reached an audience of over 500 Chinese vets and Colin concentrated on introductory inhalation anesthesia, a field that needs development in Asia.
Dr Colin Dunlop is a diplomate of the ACVA and a Fellow of the ACVSc and a registered specialist in small animal anaesthesia who works in specialist practice in Sydney Australia. Colin is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker and he also manages a commercial business providing anaesthetic equipment to the veterinary profession in Australia.

India, December 2007
Following the success of this tour Colin kindly consented to speak in India in December 2007. Colin was accompanied in India by his wife, Dr Georgina Child, a registered specialist veterinary neurologist. Dr Georgina Child is a Diplomate of the ACVIM and is engaged in referral specialist practice in Sydney, Australia.
The Indian tour commenced in Delhi on 1st and 2nd December at a combined meeting of the newly formed Federation of Small Animal Practitioners Association of India (FSAPAI), hosted by at the Delhi Small Animal Veterinary Association. This was followed by the WSAVA CE program hosted by the Pet Practitioners of Mumbai (PPAM) and sponsored by Bayer, Hills and Intervet. The 2 day meeting was a great success attended by over 200 Indian vets. On their return to Australia via Mumbai the speakers kindly gave a short seminar at the Bombay University Veterinary School (founded 1886) the oldest and first Vet School in India. The lectures were given in the newly refurbished but antique lecture theatre at the school and they were very well received. The speakers were thanked by Dr Sunita Patel, the President of PPAM, the first woman president of this association.

The Convener of WSAVA CE in Asia, Dr Roger Clarke, accompanied and assisted the speakers on this occasion. Dr Clarke welcomes any indications of interest from experienced lecturers who would be willing participants in this worthwhile program. He can be contacted at: rogerclarke@pobox.com

Morocco – January 2008 – Prof Hassan Bouayad
Through the support of WSAVA, the AMVAC held a CE course on cardiology in Rabat, Morocco January 11-12, 2008. The delegates were very interested and satisfied. We are very thankful to the WSAVA for its help and support.
Through WSAVA we would like to thank the president of AFVAC, Dr Carlotti, the president of GECA, Dr Rousselot, and our speakers, Dr. Drouard and Dr. Collet, for all they did to ensure the success of this event.
On behalf of the AMVAC committee and all the delegates, we would like to thank all of you and we are looking forward to organizing future CE sessions in order to improve veterinary practice in Morocco.
Attached is a picture of the speakers, the delegates and the AMVAC committee taken after the lecture.

WSAVA World Congress Dublin 2008 Update

The “jewel” of WSAVA CE activities – the WSAVA World Congress – is fast approaching with a scientific and social program that is sure to provide something for everyone, including the backdrop of beautiful Dublin, Ireland. In addition to the core Scientific Program, there are a number of Congress-associated CE programs providing additional beneficial scientific sessions for veterinarians wanting to hone their skills in the disciplines/topics covered, including:

Satellite Meetings

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care: It’s a Shocking Time – Wednesday, August 20, 2008
This pre-conference day provides “state of the art” practical education in important aspects of critical care delivered by two world-class speakers. Prof Lesley King and Dr. Kate Hopper will cover various forms of shock, including hypovolemic and hypoglycemic shock in dogs and cats with case examples, in this day-long critical care symposium.

European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery – Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Drs. Neil Forbes and Stephen Smith present a full day of avian medicine topics that include diagnostic modalities ranging from clinical pathology to radiography and endoscopy, supportive in-hospital care techniques, and case-based presentations.

European Society of Feline Medicine – Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Topics covered in this day-long symposium include updates on pleural effusion, select endocrine diseases, renal disease, and hepatic diseases presented by four world-renowned feline experts - Drs. Mark Jackson, Michael Schaer, Kit Sturgess, and Margie Scherk – that culminates in a round table discussion.

International Elbow Working Group (IEWG) – Wednesday, August 20
The IEWG is an affiliate member of WSAVA and will host this pre-conference session that features Prof Dr H van Bree, Dr N. Fitzpatrick, Prof Dr A. Hedhammer (past WSAVA Iams Saki Patsaama Award winner), Prof. H. A. W. Hazewinkel (past WSAVA Iams Saki Patsaama Award winner) and Dr. B. Tellhelm presenting updates on the genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of canine elbow diseases.

Spaces are limited so visit the Dublin WSAVA World Congress website today to register online (http://www.wsava2008.com/)

WSAVA Monthly NEWs - March, 2008

WSAVA News Bulletin available on WSAVA website

The WSAVA semi-annual (published once to twice per year) is now available in a pdf format at www.wsava.org by following the News Bulletin link in the left hand column. The News Bulletin provides WSAVA news and highlights from the latter part of 2007 and has been recently redesigned into a more pleasing and user-friendly format.

WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports

Introducing Dr. Diane Sheehan – Newest Member of the WSAVA Executive Committee (pictured at right)
The newest WSAVA board member Dr. Diane Sheehan was born in New Zealand, studied science at Massey University, Palmerston North, and then moved to Australia and graduated from the University of Queensland with a degree in Veterinary Science. Following graduation she began work in small animal practice in Brisbane, Queensland Australia and then became a partner and director, taking a particular interest in dermatology and internal medicine.
Diane became involved in veterinary politics as Australian Veterinary Association Queensland Division President, followed by President of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association. It was while in this position that the idea of Sydney hosting the WSAVA Congress 2007 was raised and the rest they say is history. She was the Chair of the Congress Organising Committee for Sydney 2007 working with a team of talented, driven veterinarians that produced a successful Congress, scientifically, socially, and financially.
She has over 15 years experience in finance and business roles with various organisations and small business and has a particular interest in practice management, she graduated with an MBA(Masters of Business Administration) from University of Queensland, 2006. Diane is looking forward to the role of WSAVA Treasurer working with the Board to attract new member bodies and delivering value to member organisations and support for continuing education and projects. She enjoys working closely with others to reach desired outcomes in line with organisational goals and strategy. Diane has two delightful children – Kaitlin 16 and Patrick 13.

Hills Sponsorship of WSAVA Activities

The WSAVA have signed a four year sponsorship contract with an option of renewal (with the exception of the congress sponsorship) with Hills Pet Nutrition commencing on the 1st of January 2008 in which they will sponsor the following activities:-

1. WSAVA World Congresses – Hill’s will be the exclusive WSAVA Congress Prime Partner. This sponsorship runs for three years with an annual review upon which this agreement will be extended for another year
2. WSAVA Global Continuing Education Program
3. WSAVA Renal Standardization Project together with Bayer Animal Health
4. WSAVA Website and News Bulletin
5. WSAVA/Hills Mobility Award
6. WSAVA/Hills Health Care Award

We are extremely indebted to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their loyal support of the WSAVA and our profession and I would like to thank Dr’s Hein Meyer and David Watson for their effort in this regard.

WSAVA Website and News Bulletin

Bayer Animal Health have agreed to co-sponsor this activity of the WSAVA together with Hill's Pet Nutrition for 2008. Our sincere gratitiude to Dr’s Norbert Mencke and Joy Olsen for their support.

WSAVA Renal Standardization Project

Through the most generous sponsorship of Bayer Animal Health and Hills Pet Nutrition this very exciting project has finally come to fruition. With the acquisition of essential diagnostic equipment (Aperio scanning equipment) and Dr’s Larry Cowgill and David Polzin and their committee members will be able to commence work on this project shortly.
Glomerular disorders are an important cause of kidney disease in dogs and cats, but their diagnostic evaluation, classification, and management remain enigmatic and uncharacterized compared to other renal pathology. Accurate identification and appropriate treatment of canine glomerular diseases can be expected to yield consequential improvements in clinical outcomes for this large cohort of affected animals. In human beings, specific glomerular diseases are characterized (and thus are identified) by their light microscopic, immunopathologic, and electron microscopic features which are correlated with the particular clinical and clinicopathologic findings that are exhibited by affected patients. Diagnosis of a patient’s glomerular disease provides insights into the disorder’s pathogenesis and prognosis, as well as guidelines for appropriate treatment. While veterinary pathologists have attempted to characterize glomerular diseases in dogs in a similar manner, they have based their diagnoses primarily on light microscopic findings. These efforts largely have failed to yield a consensus nomenclature, morphologic characterization, and adequate and accurate results. This failure underscores the importance of a uniform classification scheme based on expanded immunologic and ultrastructural evaluation in renal disease diagnosis. The purpose of this initiative is to employ the use of all three diagnostic modalities, as used in human nephropathology, to accurately characterize glomerular disease in proteinuric dogs, and to relate these findings to clinicopathologic presentation and outcome. Our long-term goal is to better understand and evaluate and thus optimize the medical management of dogs with proteinuric renal disorders by identifying distinct glomerular diseases for which specific prognoses and therapeutic guidelines can be provided.
This proposal achieves this objective by systematically evaluating tissue specimens obtained from proteinuric dogs and cats world-wide and to collect information about the clinical and clinicopathologic features of their illnesses. Results of these evaluations will be collated and interpreted by a team of veterinary nephrologists and pathologists who will use existing standards for classifying the morphology of human glomerular disease to formulate pathologic diagnoses correlated with the clinical features of the diseases in affected dogs and cats. The clinical utility of the diagnostic scheme will be established by prospective study of initially at least 100 cases, and ultimately of 500 cases.
Anticipated outcomes of this project are: 1) identification of a large cohort of dogs and cats in which the clinical outcome of well defined glomerular disorders treated with standard care can be determined, 2) creation of the diagnostic infrastructure needed to conduct controlled clinical trials of therapy for dogs and cats with glomerular diseases, and 3) publication of a book that describes and illustrates canine glomerular diseases using the diagnostic scheme that is developed.

NEWS From Around the World

Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations (FASAVA) – the birth of a collective veterinary association dedicated to the betterment of small animal veterinary medicine in Asia
FASAVA arose from a realization by a core group of Asia-Pacific veterinarians that there was a need for an international small animal veterinary group to act as a forum for their specific regional needs. Five years ago (in 2002), a group of veterinarians from various Asian small animal veterinary associations came together at the 27th WSAVA Congress in Grenada, Spain, to discuss formation of this group. As the Chairman of WSAVA CE in Asia, Dr. Roger Clarke was asked to facilitate the initial discussions, which took place at the annual WSAVA Congresses, and was instrumental in bringing together the small animal veterinary associations of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malyasia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Taiwan. These meetings culminated in a final decision to form FASAVA at a WSAVA-sponsored CE meeting in Taipei in 2005. A constitution and rules based on the Federation of Asian Veterinary Association (FAVA) model were drawn up with appropriate modifications and adopted by the founding members of the group and sent to all interested parties. It was unanimously decided at this historic meeting to hold the 1st FASAVA meeting in conjunction with the WSAVA 2007 Congress in Sydney Australia with the 2nd Congress to follow in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009; the 3rd FASAVA meeting has since been scheduled to occur in conjunction with the 2011 WSAVA World Congress in Jeju, South Korea. Dr. Roger Clarke was elected as the inaugural chairman and Assoc. Prof. Parntep Ratarnakorn from Thailand was elected Chairman-Elect.
The Current Situation: Asian veterinary associations do not share a common language, but share a common geographical region in which small animal veterinary medicine is a relatively new and rapidly growing area of interest. FASAVA held their first Council meeting in Sydney in 2007 with invitations for membership sent to all regional Asian small animal veterinary associations; to date, membership includes Australia, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, New Zealand, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
The future: With the goodwill of its member associations, FASAVA will give all Asian small animal veterinary associations a regional small animal meeting with sufficient size to attract world-class speakers. This is already evident in the 2009 meeting, which boasts not only a roster of world-renowned speakers, but also concurrent tracks sponsored by the North American Veterinary Conference (TNAVC; a WSAVA affiliate member) and an Animal Welfare track provided by WSAVA. Eventually, FASAVA will take over the role of the WSAVA CE program and facilitate the provision of regional CE for the various member associations. FASAVA will act as a common Asia-Pacific forum for companion animal practice, allowing solutions to regional issues to be addressed and resolved collectively.

WSAVA World Congress Dublin 2008 Update

Registration open!
Important Dates to Remember:
• 1st April 2008 - close of Free Communication/Abstract submission (see website for full details)
• 9th May 2008 - close of discounted early registration

Accommodation:
To avoid disappointment, why not book your accommodation now. A full list of congress hotels is available on the website www.wsava2008.com

Getting To Dublin:
Over 90 airlines serve Dublin Airport with over 150 destinations. There is an extensive short and medium-haul route network: several domestic Irish routes, over thirty routes to the UK, and a large network of routes to continental Europe. In addition to this, there are numerous direct flights to North America and the Middle East. With cheap direct flights to Dublin from Europe and USA/Canada (www.aerlingus.com) and even more options for UK visitors (www.ryanair.com; www.flybmi.com) getting to Dublin couldn’t be easier! For a full listing of flight details, visit www.dublinairport.com.

Visa Requirements:
No visa requirements for EU passport holders. All non-EU citizens should contact their local embassies for specific requirements. An official letter designed to assist in meeting administrative requirements in some countries, will be sent to any participant upon request. However, this invitation implies no obligation, financial or otherwise, by the WSAVA 2008 Organising Committee. Email wsava2008@ovation.ie for more information.

WSAVA Monthly NEWs - February, 2008

WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports

WSAVA GI Standardization Group
The WSAVA GI Standardization Group met at the 2007 ECVIM Congress in Budapest, Hungary to set the stage for the completion of several projects that they have underway during the next 3 – 12 months. The Group has produced a manuscript titled International Standards for the Histopathological Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Inflammation in the Dog and Cat, which has been submitted to the Journal of Comparative Pathology for peer-review and anticipated publication in 2008. The manuscript is a 57-page monograph that will be the first systematic characterization, featuring both text and pictorial representation, of the inflammatory and morphological changes within the stomach, small intestine, and colon of the dog and cat due to a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. It is the Group’s belief that following publication, the monograph will serve as the sole standard reference for clinicians, internists, and pathologists in their diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders. At the ECVIM Congress, the Group also presented one research abstract titled Sensitivity of Endoscopic Biopsy Sampling for the Detection of Gastric and Intestinal Lesions, which it intends to publish in its entirety during 2008. This will represent the second in a series of peer-reviewed publications emanating from the Group. The full abstract is available through the WSAVA website, among other avenues. The group is also currently testing the WSAVA Histopathology Standards they have developed by applying the monograph guidelines to an archive of 253 slides with over 2,500 tissue biopsies from nine different institutions in six different countries with study completion and publication expected in 2008.
During the past year, the Group’s Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines were endorsed by the American and European Comparative Gastroenterology Societies and are available on the WSAVA website for viewing and clinical use. Additionally, the Group has been asked by the ACVIM Board of Regents to prepare an ACVIM Consensus Statement on Guidelines for Histopathological Assessment of Intestinal Inflammation in the Dog and cat for the 2008 ACVIM Forum in San Antonio. ACVIM Consensus Statements are designed to provide veterinarians with guidelines regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment of animal diseases. The foundation of the Consensus Statement is evidence-based medicine, but if such evidence is conflicting or lacking, the appointed panels provide interpretive recommendations on the basis of their collective expertise. Topics of statements and panel members to draft the statements are selected by the Board of Regents with input from the general membership. The Group will present its preliminary report at a Full Plenary Session at the ACVIM Forum on June 7, followed by a more formal publication of our Consensus Statement in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the Fall of 2008.
The Group will also present a one-hour “final report” of its work at the WSAVA 2008 Congress in Dublin, Ireland.

WSAVA World Congress Dublin 2008 Update
As reported in the January WSAVA News, the WSAVA 2008 Congress in Dublin, Ireland has a robust and exciting scientific program that includes more than 200 lectures from 70 different speakers in more than 20 different disciplines. Lectures will be delivered at three different levels: advanced/specialist, general companion animal, and new to/refresher companion animal medicine and include three State-of-the Art Lectures (SOTALs). This will be complemented by two days of free communications/abstracts and one day of pre-congress, satellite events hosted by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery, and European Society of Feline Medicine. Visit the Congress website (accessible through www.wsava.org) for the full scientific program and for Congress registration.
But what about the wonderful Congress venue – Dublin and Ireland? While the social programs and congress tours will give attendees a taste of Ireland, there is so much more to see and do for those with the opportunity to spend some extra time exploring their new surroundings. Inhabited for almost 7,000 years, Ireland is an historic island nation, located on the eastern edge of the North Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is recognized as the third largest island within the European continent. The word 'Ireland' originates from the term Ériu, which is Éire in the modern Irish language that conveys the meaning of ‘land'. It is divided up into 32 counties, 26 of which are known as the Republic of Ireland and the remaining six, Northern Ireland. Dublin is the capital city. The terrain tends to be mountainous near coastlines with the midlands being dominated by flat countryside resulting in a land of beautiful and contrasting scenery. The highest peak of Ireland is Carrauntuohill, which is even called as the Carrán Tuathail by the natives, is elevated to a height of about 3,414 feet. The region is intersected by one of the longest river in town known as the River Shannon, that stretches to about 386 km along the land area. The island is nicknamed with the term "Emerald Isle" due to its lush vegetation, mild climate that covers an area of 32,591 square miles.
Nearly 5 million people inhabit this 83,168 sq. km island with 1.5 million living in the capital city of Dublin. Over many centuries this land has experienced a number of incursions and invasions, resulting in a rich mixture of ancestry, culture and tradition. It's known worldwide for fine linen, lace, china, glassware, along with many ales and spirits. In this land of green (the home of Saint Patrick and the Shamrock), all visitors are welcome.
Dublin lies on the east coast of Ireland, with greater Dublin bounded to the north by the Howth Hills and to the south by the Dalkey headland. The river Liffey winds its way through the city centre. Further south of the city lie the Wicklow Mountains with their breathtaking valleys and waterfalls. The city originally came to life as a Viking settlement over one thousand years ago. After the Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12th century, the town developed into an administrative capital, establishing a parliament and government subject to the British Crown. In the early 20th century, Ireland gained independence and Dublin became the political, economic and cultural capital of a fledgling nation. After many years of growth and improved infrastructure, Dublin has emerged as a thriving capital with a prosperous, vibrant population and an illustrious educational and cultural past.

Visa Requirements
No visa requirements for EU passport holders. All non-EU citizens should contact their local embassies for specific requirements. An official letter designed to assist in meeting administrative requirements in some countries, will be sent to any participant upon request. However, this invitation implies no obligation, financial or otherwise, by the WSAVA 2008 Organising Committee. Email wsava2008@ovation.ie for more information.

Call for Abstract/Free Communication Submission
Submissions are only accepted online and must be completed by 5pm on 1st April 2008. All will be peer-reviewed, submissions will be accepted as oral presentations only, and more than one abstract from the same author is welcome. Presentation of a Clinical Research Abstract at Congress 2008 will entitle the presenting author to free registration on the day of presentation.
For complete Congress details, including online registration, accommodation information, and abstract submission, visit the Congress website by way of the www.wsava.org

WSAVA Monthly NEWs - January, 2008

33rd WSAVA and 14th FECAVA Congress Dublin Ireland 20-24, 2008

The Veterinary Ireland Companion Animal Society (VICAS) will host the World’s companion animal veterinarians at the 33rd WSAVA Congress and 14th European, FECAVA Congress in 2008 in Dublin, Ireland from August 20 to 24, 2008.

With over 400 members, VICAS is a growing organization and wish to take this opportunity to invite all our overseas colleagues to an exceptional Congress. The Congress will have a distinctive Irish flavour making attendees’ stay in Ireland a valuable and informative experience.
The 2008 WSAVA/FECAVA Congress will be held in the Royal Dublin Society Convention and Exhibition Centre. The RDS was founded in 1731 to promote the development of agriculture, arts, science, and industry and so it is fitting that a veterinary Congress promoting the advancement of veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, and veterinary management should be held here.

The scientific program includes state of the art lectures and more than 200 lectures from 70 different speakers. The lectures are designed to provide the most recent information on current topics of clinical interest from world renowned veterinary scientists and clinicians in more than 20 different disciplines. Lectures will be delivered at three different levels: advanced/specialist, general companion animal, and new to/refresher companion animal medicine and include three State-of-the Art Lectures (SOTALs):
• Antioxidant deficiencies in hospitalized dogs & cats – L. Trepanier, USA
• Interpreting tests for thyroid disorders – C. Mooney, Ireland
• Genetic advances in neurological disease – J. Penderis, UK
There will also be two days of free communications/abstracts and one day (Wednesday, August 20) of pre-congress, satellite events hosted by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery, and European Society of Feline Medicine.

Additional CE Opportunities Include:
• A short program devoted to management topics such as stress and the veterinarian, human resource management, work-life balance, current international concepts on veterinary nurses working in practice, starting a small animal practice, entrepreneurship, and marketing.
• The FECAVA Symposium will take a brave step and look at why the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions have such a high incidence of stress and suicide and what can be done to prevent this.
• On the Saturday and Sunday, veterinary nurses can attend a conference which will be practical as well as informative for the backbone of every small animal practice. There will be "How To Sessions", sessions on marketing, ideas on what to do to grow the practice, refresher courses that would also interest trainees studying for exams, and much more.
• Animal Welfare – How can we enrich the environment in small animal practice? This subject which is so basic to our daily work is considered from a very practical practice perspective. For instance how do veterinary practices measure up, how stressed are veterinary patients, and how do veterinarians and their staff deal with it, and are exotic pets an ethical and welfare dilemma?. Then the welfare of working and sporting dogs is considered along with biting dogs.

The wide range of CE opportunities offered will not only be educational but also the Congress will provide a venue for renewal of old acquaintances and the creation of new collaborations and friends through a lively social program including:

WSAVA 2008 Gala Dinner - Friday 22nd August
In the leafy surrounds of University College Dublin campus, the WSAVA 2008 dinner will take place on Friday, August 22. The five-course banquet in the O'Reilly Hall will be preceded by a champagne reception in the airy conservatory overlooking the campus lake. The evening will conclude with a performance by "Boogie Nights", Ireland’s Number 1 Party Band, who are guaranteed to get the pulses racing,and the dance floor heaving!

Traditional Irish Céilí Night - Saturday 23rd August
The Traditional Irish Céilí Night on Saturday, August 23 will be a party night to remember at WSAVA Ireland 2008. The host venue will be Trinity College Dublin, the oldest university in Ireland. The College stands on a self-contained site of architectural riches, cobbled squares, and green spaces in the very heart of Dublin City. Tickets for this event include a spread of the finest Irish cuisine, an all-you-can drink bar, and a fabulous array of Irish musicians with fiddles, flutes, tin whistles, accordions, and bodhráns who are sure to keep the crowd dancing all evening long.

Additionally, a number of congress tours are available to attendees, and provide a wonderful opportunity to explore beautiful Dublin and its historic surroundings. Options include:
• Discover the Hidden Secrets of Dublin – Half Day Walking Tour
• The Wild Rover Tour – visit the Guinness brewery and Old Jameson distillery
• Malahide Castleand North Dublin Coastal tour
• Wicklow – A full day tour of the “garden of Ireland”

Call for Abstract/Free Communication Submission
Research Abstracts and Free Communications are considered to be an extremely valuable component of the annual WSAVA Congress. They consist of a series of 12-minute oral presentations (plus 3 minutes for discussion) on recent research into various aspects of clinical medicine and surgery.
Submissions are only accepted online and must be completed by 5pm on 1st April 2008. All will be peer-reviewed, submissions will be accepted as oral presentations only, and more than one abstract from the same author is welcome. Presentation of a Clinical Research Abstract at Congress 2008 will entitle the presenting author to free registration on the day of presentation.
For complete Congress details, including online registration, accommodation information, and abstract submission, visit the Congress website at www.wsava2008.com

News from Around the World

New York—The American Kennel Club® has urged Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Ranking Member Saxby Chamblis (R-GA) to include in the Senate farm bill an amendment to be proposed by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) which would increase penalties for those who sponsor, attend, or engage in animal fighting ventures. The amendment expands and strengthens the current prohibition in the federal Animal Welfare Act against sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture.

For decades, the AKC has strongly condemned dog fighting, and has urged rigorous enforcement of statutes prohibiting it.

While federal law already prohibits dog fighting, the proposed farm bill amendment would expand and strengthen the current prohibition to include those who knowingly “sponsor” or “attend” a dog fight. Additionally, it would make it unlawful to buy, sell, possess, train, or transport any dog or other animal for the purpose of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture. The Amendment defines a “dog fighting venture” as an event that involves a fight between at least two animals, including at least one dog, which is conducted for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment. It includes language assuring that hunting cannot be construed as an animal fighting venture.