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- Scientists manipulate monkey behavior with light impulses
Scientists altered monkey behavior by using blue-light impulses, which selectively stimulated certain brain neurons while leaving others untouched, causing specific eye movements in the monkeys. It is a landmark study in the field of optogenetics, the study of the casual connection between behavior and brain activity. The findings could lead to new therapies for human neuronal disorders including Parkinson's disease, depression, addiction and others. ScienceDaily
(7/26)
- Zoo confirms goat herd contracted Johne's disease
The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich., confirmed that their pygmy goat herd had become infected with mycobaterium avium paratuberculosis, also known as Johne's disease, and was euthanized to prevent suffering and to stop the infection from spreading to other animals. The disease, which causes intestinal thickening and ultimately death, is present in about 60% to 70% of the state's goat herds, according to the zoo's veterinarian, Tara Harrison. The Lansing State Journal (Mich.)
(7/26)
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In celebration of the 20-year partnership between AVMA GHLIT and New York Life Insurance Company, we are making available a special offer on Long-Term Disability coverage for eligible AVMA members! This special offer is only available from now until September 30, 2012. Click here to receive more information on this offer. |
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- Equine veterinarian shares Olympic experience
Veterinarians are not usually thought of as Olympic participants, but they are an integral part of the U.S. equestrian team. A panel of veterinarians, led by Dr. Brendan Furlong, evaluates horses to ensure they are fit, giving the team a better chance at a medal. "The best thing I can tell a rider is, 'You don’t worry about your horse -- your horse is absolutely fine,' " said Furlong, who is marking his fifth Olympic Games with the team. Hunterdon County Democrat (Flemington, N.J.)
(7/27)
- Veterinarian: There are advantages to buying local
Veterinarian Lori Eidson writes that many veterinarians own small businesses that need support from local consumers in much the same way as farmers markets and other individually owned businesses. Instead of buying medications online or from big-box pharmacies, where staff may lack important knowledge of veterinary medicine and pharmacology and efficacy of medicines is not guaranteed, Dr. Eidson recommends purchasing from local veterinarians who know you and your pet best. KyForward (Lexington, Ky.)
(7/26)
- Feline hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of thyroid hormone, is relatively common in aging cats and may explain changes in behavior, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, among other signs, writes veterinarian Andrew Riebe. Findings from a physical exam including a heart murmur and palpably enlarged thyroid gland along with a blood test measuring hormone levels provide veterinarians with a diagnosis. Dr. Riebe explains the advantages and drawbacks of available treatment protocols for feline hyperthyroidism, including a new food that alleviates the condition if fed exclusively. WANE-TV (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
(7/26)
- Cats more likely to trigger allergies than dogs
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 10% of people have pet-induced allergies, and cats are twice as likely to cause symptoms as dogs. Experts say intact, male cats register the highest itch-inducing protein, called Fel d 1, a protein so small and light that it remains airborne for hours and has been found in the absence of cats, even in the Arctic. MyHealthNewsDaily.com
(7/26)
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Dogs' social lives and disease risks
Interacting with other dogs is an important component of development for our canine companions. But there are health risks that need to be addressed whenever dogs mingle. The AVMA has issued guidance for dog owners on how to keep their pets healthy when socializing with other dogs. Visit the AVMA's website to view the guidance.
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 | We are born charming, fresh, and spontaneous and must be civilized before we are fit to participate in society."
--Judith "Miss Manners" Martin, American journalist and author

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