December 15, 2019

AVMF awarded $1.5M from estate

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation was awarded over $1.5 million from a personal estate in October.

The gift was awarded to the foundation from the James and Geraldine Summers Fund. The money will be distributed over the next 10 years through the Dayton Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Dayton, Ohio.

The money will be used to build up the AVMF and ensure the future growth and sustainability of the organization and its efforts to impact the lives of animals, AVMA members, and veterinary students. For more information go to the AVMF website.

Shortage of cancer drug could affect pets

A shortage of a chemotherapy drug could affect children receiving treatment. The shortage may start affecting animals that rely on the drug, too.

Earlier this year, Teva Pharmaceuticals, the largest manufacturer of generic drugs in the world, announced it would discontinue the production of a generic version of vincristine, a chemotherapy drug used to treat many cancers found in children, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Veterinarians also use the drug to treat cancer in dogs, and the lack of the drug in the market could prove challenging for professionals in human and animal medicine.

The Food and Drug Administration lists the reason for Teva’s decision as business related.

Pfizer manufactures a branded version of the drug and is now the only company producing the medication. The company has reportedly increased production and plans to expedite shipment of the cancer treatment. At press time in early November, the FDA listed the status of the drug as in shortage, with the next deliveries due in November and December.

University of Illinois offers opioid CE

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is giving training on opioid prescribing.

Instructors from the CVM offer one-hour continuing education courses. At press time, the university was providing two courses with plans to soon release a third. The first course is free, and the second costs $45.

The lessons give information on subjects such as pain management, risks and benefits of prescribing practices, and acute and chronic pain syndromes.

Illinois requires that veterinarians who prescribe controlled substances also complete CE on safe opioid prescribing practices, and at least 14 other states have similar or related requirements, according to AVMA information. Arizona, for example, requires CE on opioid abuse or addiction, and Texas requires CE on drug abuse, diversion, inventory, and security.

The AVMA information on CE requirements is available at the Veterinary CE Requirements by State webpage. 

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