FVMA Advocate Issue 4, 2014 by FVMA

F V M A ADVOCATE ISSUE 4 - 2014

www.fvma.org

87th President of the

Florida Veterinary Medical Association

Donald H. Morgan, DVM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 7207 Monetary Drive Orlando, Florida 32809 Phone – (407) 851‑3862 Toll Free – (800) 992‑3862 Fax – (407) 240‑3710 info@fvma.org | www.fvma.org

Officers Dr. Donald H. Morgan President Dr. Richard M. Carpenter President-Elect Dr. Richard B. Williams Treasurer Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn Past President Mr. Philip J. Hinkle Executive Director

District Representatives Dr. Alex M. Steverson District 1–Big Bend Dr. Richard C. Sutliff District 2–Northeast Dr. Marc A. Presnell District 3–Central Dr. Rachel Klemawesch District 4–Tampa Bay Dr. Marc D. Pinkwasser District 5–Treasure Coast Dr. Ronald W. Todd Jr. District 6–South Florida Dr. Mary Smart District 7–Southwest Dr. James M. Brechin District 8–Northwest Dr. Kelly J. Sloan-Wade District 9–Space Coast Dr. Stephen Shores AVMA Delegate Dr. Ernest C. Godfrey AVMA Alternative Delegate Dr. Amanda House FAEP Representative to the FVMA Executive Board Ex Officio Dr. James W. Lloyd, Dean College of Veterinary Medicine

t is a real pleasure serving as your president during an exciting year so far, for the FVMA. We have remained focused on growth and serving our members, and I am happy to be able to share some important outcomes for veterinary medicine in Florida and our association. With expert and prudent guidance from your FVMA Legislative Committee, we successfully got our proposed legislation passed and signed into Florida law on May 12, 2014. This is a major accomplishment for the association who had worked to reestablish sales tax exempt status for therapeutic diets since 2010. That year the Florida Department of Revenue, in a review of the Florida Sales Tax Exemption Statutes, determined that the law did not support tax exempt status for therapeutic diets, also known as “prescription diets.” The department’s interpretation on review, was that contrary to their commonly referred to name, “Prescription Diets” were not government regulated drugs that require a Federal Caution Label in order to be classified as a prescription. The department’s interpretation of the law changed a practice that had always been in place, and required that sales tax be charged for these specialty animal foods. This new law effectively restores sales tax exempt status to therapeutic veterinary diets, thereby bringing welcomed financial relief of some $2.6 million annually to our clients, the pet loving/ owning population in our state. At the federal level, the Veterinary Medical Mobility Act (H.R. 1528) (VMMA) was passed and signed into law by President Obama on August 1. Co-sponsored by Florida’s Representative Ted Yoho, the VMMA benefits our members who practice large animal veterinary medicine, who make house calls, our pets, farmers, and ranchers. It allows us to care for our animal patients beyond our clinics. By amending the Controlled Substances Act, it permits us to carry controlled substances outside of our primary places of registration as well as across state lines into other states, where we are also licensed to practice. The FVMA was a strong advocate in procuring the support of Florida’s members of congress for this important initiative. Looking forward, we are planning our executive board retreat with the mission of strategic and vision planning for the next five years, along with an executive board orientation, involving a nationally recognized facilitator. The workshop is scheduled to be held in November. And last but not least, it is with great pride that I invite members to join me in heartily congratulating FVMA Executive Director Phil Hinkle for being named Executive of the Year by the American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives (ASVMAE). He was honored by the ASVMAE’s “Best in the Business Awards Program” during the AVMA conference held in July in Denver, Colorado. Congratulations Phil, on this prestigious honor, on behalf of my fellow Executive Board members, membership, and staff of the FVMA! Yours in service,

FVMA Staff

Sandra P. Brooks Accounting/Membership Director Kelly Callihan Meeting and Membership Development Director Amber Coon Executive Administrative Assistant Ann Deal Executive Project Manager Ralph E. Huber Industry Relations Director Alssa Mathews Multimedia Art & Design Director Beni Jean Price Financial/Membership Coordinator Diana Ruiz Meetings and Events Coordinator Ann Wade Communications & Public Relations Director

2 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Donald H. Morgan, DVM

In this Issue.... 3 | In Remembrance... 6 | Meet Our President 10 | Member Spotlights 12 16 20 22

| | | |

Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act 2nd Annual TGAVC The Ebola Virus and Pets Vesicular Stomatitis In Colorado

23 | Update On UF CVM’s Animal

Technical Rescue In Florida 24 | AHS Announces Findings Of 2013 Heartworm Incidence Survey 26 | Practice Pulse 30 | Classified Advertisements

In Remembrance

WADE G. GARDNER, DVM

ith great sadness, the FVMA mourns the passing of FVMA Past President Wade G. Gardner, DVM of Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Wade Gardner passed away at his home on Sunday, August 31, 2014. He was 82 years old. Dr. Gardner was president of the FVMA in 1986, and remained a respected leader in the veterinary profession until his passing. For his dedication as a professional, and for his service to his profession, the FVMA presented Dr. Gardner with the Gold Star Award in 1981 and 1984, and honored him in 1999, with the FVMA Lifetime Achievement Award. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957, as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced in Dayton, Ohio for one year, then moved to Lakeland in 1958, where he opened Lakeland Veterinary Hospital in 1962.

Dr. Gardner dedicated much of his time to service in other professional and civic groups. He was also past president of the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society (RVMS) and Downtown Lakeland Lions Club. He was the founder and past president of Highlands Future, Inc., a group dedicated to responsible development in the Lakeland Highlands area, and was also a founding member of the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, which has provided emergency veterinary care in Polk County for the past 30 years. Active in the establishment of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, he served the college as a member of the Dean’s Council, and helped to establish the RVMS Scholarship, the oldest active award for veterinary students at the college. Dr. Gardner has been described as a “man set apart from the rest; a man of convictions and courage.” He always knew he wanted to be a veterinarian, and as a practitioner he displayed an incredible work ethic, exemplified by a story carried by the Lakeland Ledger on September 2, 2014. The opening line of the story immediately relays a deep sense of a man who was a dedicated veterinarian. The story starts, “The swans of Lakeland lost their patriarch Sunday.” It goes on to tell how Wade G. Gardner, DVM worked as the City of Lakeland’s probono veterinarian who cared for the city’s swans since 1958. He also cared for county and city police dogs, and for family pets for more than half a century. And although he retired in the mid-1990s, he continued to provide consulting services for the swans. Dr. Gardner will be profoundly missed by his community, as well as the fraternity of veterinary professionals represented by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne. He is survived by his sons: Gary, wife Loraine of Sacramento, New Mexico; Gregory, wife, Patty of Lakeland; Geoffrey, wife Lisa of Lakeland. Grandchildren Jameson, wife Theresa; LaShelle, Ashley, and Evan. Greatgrandchildren Alyssa, Sarah, Jordan, and Parker. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 5, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, Florida. Expressions of condolence may be sent to the Gardner family at 5711 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33813. Link to Dr. Wade G. Gardner Obituary http://www.heathfuneralchapel.com/ Link to the Lakeland Ledger Story http://www.theledger.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909900/0/search

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In Remembrance John C. Barck, DVM

Lawrence O. Pultz, DVM

Dr. John C. ‘Jack” Barck, 81, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on May 9, 2014, following a prolonged illness. He was memorialized on June 28, in a ceremony at Settle-Wilder's New Smyrna Beach Chapel, with the Reverend Robert C. Brown, Coronado Community United Methodist Church, officiating. A long-standing member of the FVMA, Dr. Barck retained his FVMA membership beyond his retirement from Veterinary Medicine in 2004. He was a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, and he served in the Army Veterinary Corps for 30 years. During his distinguished veterinary and military career, Dr. Barck served as commander and deputy staff veterinarian in Vietnam, chief of the food inspection veterinary service in the Office of the Surgeon General, and European command veterinarian in Heidelberg, Germany. He retired from the military in 1992, with the rank of colonel. Dr. Barck was known for his expertise in food safety and quality assurance, and he received the surgeon general’s “A” proficiency designator for professional excellence in a recognized veterinary specialty. On his retirement from the military in 1992, Dr. Barck was honored with both the AVMA President’s Award and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Society Recognition Award. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Ribbon.

Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Pultz, 66 years, of Town and Country Veterinary Clinic in Oviedo, passed away on July 23, 2014. Dr. Pultz operated his clinic in eastern Seminole County for 30 years. Described as a “John Wayne” type, a tall, strong man who wore a cowboy hat, the doctor would readily respond to a call during the night to care for a sick animal. Lawrence Oliver Pultz was born in Puerto Rico and grew up on the island's now-closed Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. He attended Kansas State University where he earned his undergraduate degree and then attended veterinary school, serving in the U.S. Air Force in between. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1973, and that same year he married Martha who he met at the university. For a while, Dr. Pultz practiced in Puerto Rico in both small and large animal medicine, including race horses. Returning to Florida in 1980, he and his family settled in Winter Springs in 1981, then opened the Oviedo practice in 1984. Dr. Lawrence O. Pultz is survived by his wife Martha and his daughter Jennifer, sons Christian and Lawrence, both of Casselberry, his daughter Wendy Fox of Kansas City, Missouri., a granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter. His funeral service was held on August 1, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Winter Springs. His family requests memorial donations in Dr. Lawrence Oliver Pultz's name to Shriners Hospitals for Children and/or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Rosenberg Integrative Cancer Treatment and Research Institute. http://www.newhopeforcancer.org.

Dr. Stedman “Ted” Hall Carr Jr., of Dunedin, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014, after an extended illness. He was a member of the FVMA beyond his retirement in 2005, and was active in many professional, civic and church activities. He is credited for his work to develop and advance dentistry and dermatology in small animals, and he frequently lectured across the country. He donated his extensive research materials to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Carr was instrumental in the development of the Pinellas County Animal Services, and helped to establish procedures for the licensing of dogs. He served as Adjunct Professor of Biology at St. Petersburg Jr. College, and was a certified scuba instructor. Dr. Carr was born on October 18, 1931, in Wallace, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry, and attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University. He owned and operated the Gulf Coast Animal Hospital, later renamed the Veterinary Hospital of Clearwater, from 1958, until his retirement in 2005.

He was a published author, professional researcher, member of various professional organizations, lecturer, sailor, diver, fisherman, woodworker, and artist. As an avid scuba diver and lover of the sea and marine life, Dr. Carr was instrumental in selecting the site for the 1981 scuttling of the historic US Coast Guard Cutter “Blackthorn” for the creation of an artificial reef off the Tampa shore. Dr. Carr was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rrada S. Carr, and sister, Barbara Carr Stevens. Surviving are daughters Catherine C. Christophillis (Tikie), Sharon R. Salichova (Denek), Julia B. Bernsee (Mike), and son Thomas M. Carr (Rita). Dr. Carr is also survived by nine grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Pinellas County Humane Society, 3040 Florida 590, Clearwater, FL 33759.

Stedman Carr Jr., DVM

www.fvma.org | 4

Meet our President

Donald H. Morgan, DVM

A discussion

FVMA President | 2014-2015

WITH OUR PRESIDENT

Dr. Morgan with Philip J. Hinkle, FVMA Executive Director

FVMA ADVOCATE: What are your goals for the FVMA this year? DR. MORGAN: On taking office, I had three main goals for the FVMA in my year as president. Number one, would be to plan and conduct an executive board retreat with the mission of strategic and vision planning for the next five years, along with an executive board orientation involving a nationally recognized facilitator. Secondly, was to establish the FVMA as the sole credentialing body for Florida certified veterinary technicians. This means, the FVMA would be responsible for record keeping for all certifications and continuing education credits for each certified veterinary technician. And thirdly, would be to appoint a task force to conduct a review and update of the FVMA By-Laws, and develop a more complete Policies and Procedures Manual. The FVMA is the voice of veterinary medicine in Florida with 3600 active members, and very financially successful with an annual budget of over 2.5 million dollars. We have an active executive board and 16 working committees that guide the FVMA throughout the year. With a statewide organization of this magnitude it is difficult to serve the needs of all its members. Therefore, it is paramount to educate our team about governance, fiduciary responsibilities and board leadership through strategic planning and orientation. Hopefully, all planning and training will lead to a continued healthy and successful organization to serve the veterinarians of Florida for years to come.

FVMA ADVOCATE: What has been your history and involvement with organized veterinary medicine? DR. MORGAN: I have been a member of the AVMA for over 50 years, a member of the FVMA for 47 years and AAHA for 37 years. Served every

Student veterinary assistant, Sydney Polhemus with Dr. Morgan and Leonard (cat)

FVMA ADVOCATE: What is your philosophy about organized veterinary medicine, and is it relevant to our needs as a profession in today's world? DR. MORGAN:

I think organized veterinary medicine is more important today than ever before. Graduates are leaving college with an enormous debt load averaging 160 thousand to 200 thousand dollars, and having difficulty finding a job that will sustain that debt. With veterinary salaries being the lowest of all medical professionals, their debt to income ratio will remain high. Maybe with good mentorship, increased salary levels and more scholarship funding at the college level, we can help new graduates enter into this great profession more easily and be proud of their accomplishments. The FVMA worked hard this past year with our legislative committee in getting the state legislature to pass our bill exempting sales tax on prescription/therapeutic diets. A major accomplishment from organized veterinary medicine political efforts.

From left to right: Dr. Morgan, veterinary assistant Julia Rheinsmith, Linda Barrie, professional groomer office in the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association (PCVMA), and coordinate its continuing education meetings. I’m also the editor of the monthly PCVMA News Letter, and I'm currently serving as President of the Pinellas Animal Foundation.

FVMA ADVOCATE: What other memberships and awards have you been involved with? DR. MORGAN:

The FVMA presented me with the Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2007. Also two Gold Star Awards, and in 2011, I received the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. I’ve also held offices in the Greater Largo Chamber of

www.fvma.org | 7

Commerce and served a term as Chairman of that Board. I was selected Citizen of the Year for Largo in 1977, was Largo Jaycees President, and served on the Largo Medical Center Board of Trustees, a HCA Hospital, for six years. I served that board as Chairman for three years.

FVMA ADVOCATE: What was your inspiration in organized veterinary medicine? DR. MORGAN:

After serving a tour in the Air Force Veterinary Corps, I settled in St. Petersburg with Dr. Neil Shipman whom I credit with getting me involved with PCVMA and FVMA. Dr. Shipman took me fishing and mentored me into the profession and took me to my first FVMA Convention in Clearwater in 1967. In 1971, I joined with Dr. Gerald Lee at Bluffs Animal Hospital, Belleair Bluffs, where we formed a partnership that lasted for 33 years until his death. Again, we both believed in community involvement and the Association. I thank them both for their mentorship.

FVMA ADVOCATE: What inspired you to become a veterinarian? DR. MORGAN:

I was destined to be a veterinarian. The seeds of my future profession were planted back in the late eighteen hundreds, with the birth of my father who grew up to graduate from Auburn University in 1924 with a degree in agriculture and animal husbandry. My father worked with farmers during the great depression in animal husbandry and on veterinary issues. Growing up in rural Southern Alabama in the 1940’s on a farm ploughed with mules, with an agriculturalist dad who worked to assist farmers with their animals was the perfect springboard 8 | FVMA ADVOCATE

to my becoming a veterinarian. I entered Auburn University in 1958 which by then had become a family tradition, as my older brother studied veterinary medicine and graduated from there in 1952.

FVMA ADVOCATE: Tell us about your family and hobbies? DR. MORGAN:

I am married to Dianne and have lived in Belleair for over 40 years. We have a blended family of five children and eight grandchildren. With retirement and downsizing, I am busy as ever with something new every day. Being President of your FVMA is a full time job and I hope to attend as many local VMAs as possible this year. My hobbies include spending time with children and grandchildren, gardening, singing in church, watching Tampa Bay Rays Baseball, traveling, dining out and great wines.

FVMA ADVOCATE: What message would you like to leave the membership? DR. MORGAN:

I would like to encourage all veterinarians today to get involved in their community; civic clubs, churches, chambers of commerce, PTAs, youth sports and local politics. These are all opportunities where you can meet, network, build your local practices and grow within the community. Today, I am seeing the grandchildren of clients that I saw in our office over 40 years ago. Take the opportunity to meet people, everybody wants to talk to you once they find out you are a veterinarian. What an opportunity you have in this profession.

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MEMBER

Spotlights

Dr. mike short - new state veterinarian

Dr. Mike Short Serves as State Veterinarian and Division Director of Animal Industry at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Dr. Mike Short has been appointed the State Veterinarian and Division Director of Animal Industry at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dr. Short was promoted to the position following the retirement of Dr. Thomas Holt in July. Dr. Short has more than 16 years of veterinary experience. He worked with the department for 10 years before his appointment. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, in a release from his office said, “Dr. Short is a proven leader in the areas of livestock disease prevention, control and eradication and will lead our efforts to safeguard Florida’s agriculture industry and its livestock.” As the State Veterinarian and Division Director of Animal Industry, Dr. Short is responsible for the department’s animal disease control and prevention efforts, which include investigating outbreaks, providing laboratory diagnostics and containing the spread of animal diseases. Dr. Short most recently worked as the department’s Bureau Chief of Animal Disease Control and served as the department’s equine

specialist. Dr. Short holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Florida. He was in private practice for six and a half years before joining the department as equine programs manager ten years ago. He has worked extensively with the equine industry, working on methods to prevent introduction and spread of equine diseases. As equine programs manager, Dr. Short was involved with several national organizations that worked on equine and livestock disease-related issues, and with industry on multiple significant emergency situations. The most recent was the 2013 equine herpes outbreak in Ocala. The new State Veterinarian outlines his priorities as collaboration with agencies and livestock producers to find more efficient and effective ways to protect, control and eradicate livestock diseases and pests in Florida; to implement and enforce animal health regulations in a way that is conducive and least burdensome to business; to partner with other agencies and the veterinary community to continue to advance the one health initiative; and to improve customer service within the division. Dr. Short says he is excited about his appointment as State Veterinarian, and he told the Advocate, “I look forward to working with the FVMA and practitioners to really improve our role in serving the veterinary community and the industry in a more efficient and effective manner.”

DR. TOM VICKROY is the NEW EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE DEAN, UF CVM Dr. Thomas W. Vickroy has been appointed Executive Associate Dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) effective August 1, 2014. Dr. Vickroy is a longstanding (UF CVM) faculty member. His appointment came after a comprehensive national search, and on the retirement of John Harvey, DVM, PhD, who served the University of Florida for 40 years. A pharmacologist, Dr. Vickroy is a professor in the college’s department of physiological sciences. He teaches veterinary pharmacology and has taught small and large animal clinical pharmacology. He also teaches graduate students in several subject areas, including cellular neurophysiology, molecular and cellular neurobiology, mammalian pharmacology and advanced toxicology, at UF College of Veterinary Medicine and at UF College of Medicine. Dr. Vickroy previously served as Interim Associate Dean for Students and Instruction from 2007 to 2010, in the college’s administration. The Executive Associate Dean’s primary responsibilities in his new role include implementation of strategic initiatives, human resource management, leadership development, facilities and space, and institutional evaluation and reporting. Dr. Vickroy will often work in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Students and Instruction 10 | FVMA ADVOCATE

and the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies on these and other projects. All three associate deans report directly to Dean James Lloyd. Dr. Vickroy has won numerous awards for teaching excellence since he joined the faculty of UF CVM in 1988, including recognition of his contributions in the forensic science program, the College of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Sciences Teacher of the Year in 2003-04, and Class of 1996 Teacher of the Year. He is active in research and has taken leadership roles in the USDA funded Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank and Minor Use Animal Drug Program. Dr. Vickroy is also a distinguished speaker at FVMA continuing education conferences.

DR. JAMES MAXWELL - Chief, Bureau Of Animal Disease Control The State Veterinarian, Division of Animal Industry in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, announced in late July, the appointment of Dr. James Maxwell as the new Chief of the Bureau of Animal Disease Control. Dr. Maxwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment was with immediate effect. The Bureau of Animal Disease Control administers animal disease control and eradication programs in Florida. Dr. Maxwell has been a member of staff of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for 13 years. He was promoted after serving the department as Laboratory Director in the Bureau of Diagnostic Laboratory. From 2008, he served as Director of Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Kissimmee, and Live Oak Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in Live Oak, Florida. The new Bureau of Animal Disease Control Chief received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Dr. Maxwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office is located in Room 332 of the Mayo Building, Tallahassee, Florida. His office phone number is 850-410-0942 and his e-mail is James.Waxwell@FreshFromFlorida.com. The FVMA congratulates Dr. Maxwell on his appointment.

Veterinary Medicine

Mobility Act

(H . R . 1528/S. 1117)

N ow L aw On Friday August 1, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the Veterinary Medical Mobility Act (H.R. 1528) (VMMA) into law. H.R.1528 had previously been approved unanimously in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. The FVMA is very thankful to Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla) and Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), both veterinarians, for their sponsorship of this legislation. Upon the Veterinary Medical Mobility Act becoming law, Rep. Yoho stated, "I was pleased to hear the President signed the VMMA into law today. This bill will not only benefit all who practice large animal veterinary medicine, but the farmers and ranchers who rely on them. This law will allow veterinarians to practice their profession without fear of unnecessary government intrusion. I am thankful for my fellow vet and colleague, Representative Schrader's hard work on this important policy change.” As previously reported, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) interpretation of provisions within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and resulting federal regulations made it illegal for registrants to transport controlled substances for use outside of a registered location.

The DEA had informed organized veterinary medicine that transporting controlled substances is illegal per the CSA, and thus would require a statutory change to allow veterinarians to legally provide complete veterinary care. It is imperative for veterinarians to be able to legally transport controlled substances to the locations of their animal patients, not only for animal health and welfare, but for public safety. The FVMA Governmental Relations staff continuously assisted the AVMA Governmental Relations Division in securing legislative support for the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act. FVMA staff was successful in disseminating information about the legislation and in garnering cosponsorships from Representatives from Florida. The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act (H.R. 1528/S. 1117) is commonsense legislation that now allows veterinarians to care for their animal patients beyond their clinics. It has amended the Controlled Substances Act to permit veterinarians to carry controlled substances outside of their primary places of registration as well as across state lines into other states, where they are also licensed to practice. Licensed and registered veterinarians who treat patients on the farm, in the wild, at a client’s home or in other mobile settings are now permitted to carry controlled substances for use in pain management, anesthesia, euthanasia and other medical applications. Please thank the following members of the House of Representatives from Florida who signed on as cosponsors of this important legislation: Rep. Vern Buchanan, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Ander Crenshaw, Rep. Theodore Deutch, Rep. Joe Garcia, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Rep. David Jolly, Rep. Richard Nugent, Rep. Bill Posey, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Rep. Ted Yoho.

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NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL

VETERINARY MEDICINE CAUCUS The 113th session of the US House of Representatives will always be noted for this seminal event in American history. It is the first session of Congress to have formed a National Congressional Veterinary Medicine Caucus (CVMC). As of the writing of this article, there are 25 bipartisan House Members who are members of this caucus. The CVMC was formed to increase awareness of the important role that Veterinary Medicine plays in public health, food safety, animal health and welfare, research and the economy. At the inaugural meeting of the CVMC on July 25, 2013, the discussion centered on workforce issues in the veterinary medical profession. Also marking a historical milestone for this congress, was the swearing in of two veterinarians in the US House of Representatives; Florida’s own, Representative Ted Yoho (R), and Representative Kurt Schrader (D) of Oregon. It was these two Congressmen who “reached across the aisle” and co-founded the CVMC.

Co-Founder/Co-Chair Rep. Ted Yoho Rep. Ted Yoho is a licensed veterinarian in the State of Florida, and a member of the FVMA. In his first foray into politics, he was elected to the 113th Congress in November of 2012. Representative Yoho has truly entered the fray of Congressional Politics. As a freshman representative he is experiencing tremendous success in advancing legislation that affect veterinary medicine. Perhaps his biggest success thus far occurred on July 8, when the House passed the Veterinary Mobility Act. In an interview with the AVMA, Rep. Yoho stated: “I think the biggest thing is that we don’t want to have an overreaching or over-burdensome federal government through regulations. We want to specifically deal with animal welfare bills - both the companion and food animal. The regulatory burden we see coming out of Washington goes back to one of the reasons I ran for Congress as a business owner.”

Co-Founder/Co-Chair Rep. Kurt Schrader Unlike Rep. Yoho, Rep. Kurt Schrader is a third term veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Oregon. Like his Republican counterpart, he is a licensed veterinarian. Rep. Schrader stated in a letter to his colleagues in the House, “It is great to have a fellow veterinarian and partner on the other side of the aisle in Rep. Yoho, who understands and shares the priorities of the veterinary community.” When asked in an interview by the AVMA about an issue or challenge facing him as a veterinarian that he would like to see addressed, Representative Schrader said he wished to encourage more involvement of veterinarians in industry, public health and the public service. “Veterinarians have a better appreciation than some of the public health professionals for some of the zoonotic diseases, and how to approach the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, and that’s a big deal,” he said. “This is an area where I’d really like to see more of the younger generations of veterinarians get involved.” He continued, “It’s not just about private practice. There are great opportunities in government, industry and other aspects of the private sector that I think we’ve been missing the boat on so far, in terms of encouraging veterinarians.”

The Caucus The Caucus is made up of 25 bipartisan members of Congress. It is interesting to note that all states that have a School of Veterinary Medicine are represented. The AVMA is publishing a series of blogs entitled “Getting to Know the Veterinary Medicine Caucus” where a member of the CVMC is featured each time. Of note, is that each of those featured thus far have a special pet in their life or are in the process of getting one. Our opinion is that they may be heeding President Harry Truman’s advice when he remarked, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” The uniqueness of this Caucus is that at least 25 Congress members have a common love and interest that transcends the barriers of political partisanship. This congeniality will serve the citizens’ and animal interests of their respective districts well. www.fvma.org | 13

CAL L

NOMINA T

NS IO

R O F

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FVMA ANNUAL AWARDS

he FVMA Awards Committee, chaired by Immediate Past President Jerry Rayburn, DVM, has sent out a call for nominations for the 2015 FVMA Annual Awards. The awards honor vet‑ erinarians, team members and citizens in our state who have exemplarily served the veterinary profession and who contribute above and beyond the call of duty to orga‑ nized veterinary medicine. Established by FVMA By-Laws, the annual awards are decided by the committee of five past presidents of the association. This is a long-standing FVMA tradition of over fifty years, defined by the by-laws, which prescribe the make-up of the committee, stipulate the categories in which awards are to be made, and set a procedure and timeline for the committee to follow in deciding and presenting the awards to recipients. The 2015 FVMA Annual Awards will be presented during the 86th FVMA Annual Conference scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida on April 10-12, 2015. The awards ceremony takes place along with the installation of new officers elected to the FVMA Executive Board, as well as the incoming FVMA president. It is an elegant ceremony that has the participation of the FVMA leadership,

14 | FVMA ADVOCATE

membership, family and friends who come together in celebration of the dedication and the outstanding contributions of the recipients. The call for nominations go out to the general membership of the FVMA at least 180 days before the annual meeting, encouraging members to nominate colleagues who they believe are worthy of being so honored by the association. Nomination forms for the different categories can be found on the FVMA website, www.FVMA.org. Nominating procedures are detailed on each form, and each nomination must be accompanied by a high resolution photograph of the nominee. Deadline for nominations to be received by the FVMA is Friday, December 26, 2014. A separate form must be received for each nomination. They should be mailed to FVMA Awards Committee, 7207 Monetary Drive, Orlando, FL 32809, faxed to (407) 240-3710, or emailed to ann.wade@fvma.org. Award categories for which nominations are being received are:

Gold Star Awards

To be awarded to members who have contributed much of their time and energy

to the association and/or local association for the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. In any given year, no more than two percent of the total membership may be awarded a Gold Star. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have been an active member of the association for at least the past three years.

Veterinarian of the Year

To be awarded to a member for distinguished and unselfish, dedicated service to the association for the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. To be eligible for this award, a nominee must have been an active member of the association for at least the past 10 years.

Lifetime Achievement Award

To be awarded to a senior active or retired member who has made outstanding contributions to the association and veterinary medicine. To be eligible for this award, a nominee must have been an active or retired member of the association for the last 30 consecutive years and must be at least 65 years old. In exceptional cases, the service requirement may be reduced to 25 years.

Distinguished Service Award

To be awarded for exceptional achievements and contributions by a member towards the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession. To qualify, a member must demonstrate that he/she has been fully dedicated to veterinary medicine and given time and energy beyond reasonable expectations. To be eligible for this award, a nominee must have been an active member of the association for at least the past 15 years.

Citizen of the Year

This award is to be awarded to any non-veterinarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the association and veterinary medicine.

Certified Veterinary Technician and Team Member of the Year

These two awards recognize the many outstanding contributions made by Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT) or any other special team member to the overall success of the veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA-member veterinarian. The criteria for nomination requires that the individual be a fulltime employee of an FVMA-member practice for a minimum of 3 years and demonstrate the following: • CARING -- Provides animal health care services in a compassionate and clinically appropriate manner. • COMMITMENT -- Works in support of the employing veterinarian to achieve a high level of client satisfaction and established annual performance goals of the veterinary practice. • LEADERSHIP -- Assumes a leadership role in creating and maintaining an efficient and highly motivated animal health care services delivery team among all employees. • EDUCATION -- Regularly strives to further develop his/her knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education seminars, formal study at a junior college or university, or by undertaking self-directed study through journals, online programs, etc.

Pet Hero

There will be one inductee selected for one of the following categories: 1. HERO -- Pets who have unselfishly saved or preserved human life (non-professional). 2. COMPANION -Pets who have provided a benefit and contributed to the quality of life of their human companions. 3. PROFESSIONAL -- Specialty trained as a physically challenged person's assistance animal or used in law enforcement. Requirements for Nomination Individual FVMA members or organizations having an FVMA-member endorsement may submit nominations. Each nomination must be a living, domestic animal that exemplifies the affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond. The owner/caretaker must sign the completed nomination form and the release form. Include comments by the nominating veterinarian and others describing why the animal should be awarded.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

December 26, 2014

www.fvma.org | 15

The

2nd Annual

Gulf-Atlantic

Veterinary Conference

September 18-21, 2014 | Boca Raton, FL

he Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference (TGAVC) proudly followed up on its impressively successful 2013 launch with an outstanding conference this year, which was well attended and exceeded expectations. The 2nd Annual TGAVC was a four-day conference providing world-class continuing education, dynamic industry exhibits, special events and ceremonies to a national audience. More than 40 acclaimed speakers delivered a first-rate scientific program of more than 325 hours of stimulating CE lectures, workshops and wet labs. Held in Boca Raton, Florida, TGAVC was again hosted at the iconic Boca Raton Resort and Spa, holder of the Trip Adviser’s Certificate of Excellence in 2014. The resort is revered for its old-world ambience and superb modern amenities. It is also the number one choice for visiting dignitaries when they travel to Boca Raton, the enclave of upscale living on the South Eastern Florida Coastline boasting its unique blend of sophistication,

style and ease. More than two thousand registered guests of TGAVC began arriving at the Boca Resort on Wednesday, September 17. The conference offered “difference” - in the choice of the venue; groundbreaking CE that began with a wet lab immersion day Thursday, and continued through Sunday with lecture sessions, workshops and more labs; a dynamic exhibitors’ marketplace; and distinctively enjoyable special events and social activities. A refreshing air pervaded the expansive halls, corridors and great rooms of the Boca’s Mizner Conference Center early Friday morning when most of the registered veterinarians, technicians, managers, administrative staff and students arrived to check-in at pre-registration, to pick up their attendee packets, and get down to business. Florida Veterinarians and team members were joined by fellow veterinary professionals from 37 other states, including Hawaii, and from Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

CE, G IN K A GROUNDBRE ET LABS WORKSHOPS & Wrich the entire veterinary team.

was formulated to en delivered. The scientific program inary medicine were ter ve in ts en em nc va ad m members New techniques and hours of CE, while tea 27 of al tot a rn ea to le t labs and Veterinarians were ab luded cutting-edge we inc d an as, are us rio va could earn 22 hours in s. op worksh

T G 2 A0 V1 C4 DYNAMIC MARKETPLACE The TGAVC Marketplace was home to 174 exhibitors representing 69 companies on Friday and Saturday. The Marketplace provided exhibitors and attendees with a great opportunity for face-to-face contact and networking. The space came alive with color and vibrancy at noon on Friday, when FVMA President Dr. Donald H. Morgan did the honors during the ribbon cutting ceremony, and officially declared the conference open. Conference attendees used every opportunity to visit, sample and speak with company representatives about their products and services. The TGAVC Marketplace attracted attendees and their guests, and encouraged great interaction and networking with industry representatives. Practice owners, managers, veterinarians and team members gathered to see and hear the details about the newest innovations and services in the veterinary supply industry from the top companies in the field. Adding to the exhibit hall’s dynamism, the Marketplace Café featured live steel drum music as it filled with attendees during the lunch hour and Friday evening’s TGIF exhibitor-sponsored reception which featured a delicious steamship round of beef and a cash bar. TGAVC staff kept a robust flow of participants engaged in the FVMA Foundation Wine Toss. And the Cover-All Bingo Raffle was exciting, with conference attendees eagerly vying for the high-end prizes they had a chance to take home.

www.fvma.org | 17

SPECIAL TGAVC ACTIVITIES

Other specially planned social and networking events were held that brought everyone together - veterinary team members, industry partners and other guests of TGAVC, to make the conference’s downtime enjoyable, leisurely and entertaining.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY with

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, SCOTT BURROWS TGAVC hosted a complimentary breakfast Sunday morning to precede the General Assembly which featured bestselling author and inspirational speaker, Scott Burrows. He captured the attention of attendees with his Message of Hope and Success. Employing his paralysis as a visual metaphor, he encouraged his attentive audience to stand up to challenges, regardless of the circumstances as he spoke on the theme “Vision, Mindset and Grit – three powerful words that can lead one to overcome adversity and achieve the best.”

review

− Ozguir Bilgic, DVM San Antonio, TX

review

Awesome conference... Great speakers, and the wet lab I attended was very informative... Class size was small which allowed the instructor more time to interact with every attendee... Loved the hotel... Loved the beach... I’m gonna attend every year. It’s not very congested and crazy .......... You get more intimate contact with the instructors, and that makes a big difference. And the environment, it’s a nice place too; the hotel environment is nice and quiet. …On a scale of one to ten, I would give it a nine. I definitely got what I came for. − Shirley Bailey, DVM Fairburn, GA

r o f y a w r e d n U Plans THE 3 ANNUAL RD

CE N E R E F N O C C V TGA

ff to provide an Committee and sta m ra og Pr d, ar Bo anaging d soul, this year’s fresh the body an Designed by the M re d an d in m e th rate CE for the to enrich d in providing firstde exceptional event ee cc su ce en er d the planning rinary Conf ent has commence em Gulf-Atlantic Vete ag an m C AV ly scheduled for ession. TG ca Raton, tentative Bo benefit of the prof to rn tu re ll wi TGAVC for next year, when ber 1, 2015. em ov N October 29 to

It’s a soft chew. Kills both fleas and ticks. It’s prescription only.

Now a pprove d to kill m ore ticks!

NexGardTM (afoxolaner) is the protection you asked for, and patients will beg for. NexGard is FDA-approved to kill fleas, prevent flea infestations, and kill Black-Legged (deer) ticks, Lone Star ticks and American Dog ticks. NexGard is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription, and features anti-diversion technology monitored by Pinkerton® Consulting & Investigations.

NexGard and FRONTLINE VET LABS are trademarks of Merial. ®PINKERTON is a registered trademark of Pinkerton Service Corporation. ©2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. NEX14TTRADEAD (06/14).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For use in dogs only. The most common adverse reaction is vomiting. Other adverse reactions reported are dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. www.fvma.org | 19

EBOLA AND PETS

FVMA ONE HEALTH COMMITTEE HANDOUT With the growing public concern about Ebola, there are many questions from consumers as well as medical professionals. The FVMA received its first query about pets and Ebola when authorities in Spain announced plans to euthanize the dog belonging to a health worker there who had contracted Ebola after caring for a patient who had recently succumbed to the disease. Foreseeing that our members will continue to be asked questions about the Ebola virus by their clients out of their concern for their pets, the One Health Committee of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association has produced a handout which is reproduced on the opposite page. The handout is intended for staff and clients. The FVMA asks members to post the handout in appropriate places in clinics and practices where the information contained can readily be read by all. With viruses such as Ebola, the antidote to fear is information. The FVMA continues to remain vigilant, and encourages members to continue to check reliable, credible resources for the latest information. There are good resources listed below for members’ convenience. Also, as scientists, members may wish to read the few peer-reviewed publications examining the role of companion animals in the transmission of Ebola. These are identified in the references listed on the bottom of the Handout and below. Questions for the One Health Committee may be sent to the FVMA staff at info@fvma.org, or toll free telephone (800) 992-3862.

AVMA Resources Additionally, the AVMA is collaborating with the USDA, CDC and other agencies and experts to develop information about Ebola virus and animals, and have formed several working groups to address the issue and develop resources. Four working groups of subject matter experts and authorities of oversight have been formed and are in discussions now to help address Ebola virus issues pertaining to animals. The four groups are: Companion Animal; Food Animal / Production Animal; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and Zoo Animal, Captive Wildlife, and Exotic Pets. Members of these groups include infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, public health experts, state and federal regulatory agency staff, and private practitioners. Information from the working groups will be released when it becomes available. The most current information can be found at www.ava.org/Ebola. The AVMA will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The resource includes targeted information for veterinarians, an FAQ for your clients, and a link to the CDC’s Questions and Answers about Ebola and Pets. Additional information is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/ Peer Reviewed Publications: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/ http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/

20 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Florida Veterinary Medical Association

ONE HEALTH COMMITTEE

TEXAS NOW FREE OF VESICULAR STOMATITIS (VS),

COLORADO STILL AFFECTED - NEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVESTOCK ORIGINATING FROM COLORADO IN EFFECT Texas is now considered free of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) and is no longer under additional VS import requirements, as the last affected premises has been released from quarantine. Colorado however, remains a VS affected state and all hoofed livestock are required to comply with the additional VS restrictions as stated below. These requirements are in addition to the routine requirements for livestock importing into Florida. Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) was confirmed in Colorado in July. At that time, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced new entry requirements for bringing livestock from that state to Florida. At that time, Colorado was the second state where VS had been detected, joining Texas where the disease was found two months earlier. In a news release, the department informed that on July 17, the first confirmed cases of VS were found in four horses located on two Weld County premises in Colorado. At that time, the department also revealed that the number of VS cases in Texas had continued to rise. As it now stands, Texas is VS free, but in an effort to protect Florida's livestock industry from VS, the following additional requirements for all livestock entering Florida from Colorado is in effect.

VS REQUIREMENTS:

All livestock, including horses, imported into Florida from Colorado must now meet the requirements of 5C-3.002(5).

5C-3.002(5) Vesicular Stomatitis

(a) Certification for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). 1. All hoofed animals, including horses, ruminants, swine, exotic, and wild hoofed animals, originating from non-affected premises or within 10 miles of an affected premises in a VS-affected state must be accompanied by an OCVI, dated within five (5) days of entry or reentry into Florida. The OCVI must be signed by an Accredited Veterinarian. 2. The following statement must be written on the OCVI by the examining Accredited Veterinarian: “All animals susceptible to Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) identified and included in this OCVI for shipment have been examined and found to be free from clinical signs and vectors of VS and have not been in contact with VS-affected animals and have not been within ten (10) miles of a VS-affected premises within the last thirty (30) days.” (b) Prior Permission Number. Animals originating from non-affected premises in a VS-affected state will require a prior permission number. The prior permission number must be written on the OCVI. Permit numbers may be obtained by calling 850-410-0900. The requirements are in addition to the routine requirements for livestock importing into Florida as specified in Florida Administrative Code 5C-3, which can be found at: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5C-3.

Violators of this rule chapter will be penalized in accordance with Rule 5C-30.003, F.A.C.

DEA SCHEDULES TRAMADOL AS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE Effective: August 18, 2014 On July 2, 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published its decision to schedule tramadol as a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Effects of the New Rule • •

•

Containers of tramadol will be labeled with a “C-IV” and all applicable DEA requirements will apply. Only veterinarians who have a DEA registration may prescribe tramadol. Administration and dispensing from a clinic can still be done by non-DEA registrant veterinarians when they act as authorized agents. Veterinarians who handle tramadol are subject to the Control Substances Act’s Schedules III through IV prescribing, inventory and recordkeeping requirements.

22 | FVMA ADVOCATE

To read the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Federal Register Notice of its rule, Placement of Tramadol Into Schedule IV, which includes the requirements for handling tramadol, visit the DEA website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2014/fr0702.htm. Below is a link to a blog by Dr. Lynne White-Shim of the AVMA readers may find useful, which explains the DEA’s decision and its implications. http://atwork.avma.org/2014/07/02/ tramadol-to-become-schedule-iv-controlled-substance/

Update on UF CVM’s Animal Technical Rescue in Florida By John Haven, UF CVM Director, VETS Team Leader

s many veterinarians may know, after the terrible 2004 hurricane season, the FVMA, AVMF, and others contributed a lot to help the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine develop its “VETS Team” for disaster response. Combined with the Florida Veterinary Corps, the VETS Team gives the state considerable capability to deal with veterinary issues during disasters. What you may not realize though, is that beyond providing basic veterinary medical care with its “M*A*S*H" style team, performing infrastructure assessment, and assisting with logistical support to veterinary practices; the UF VETS team has developed a truly world-class animal technical rescue team with the additional support from USEF, AAEP, US Rider, FQHA, and others. The team members have taken the internationally-renowned Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) courses, and it partners with TLAER in putting on advanced programs here in Florida; even conducting a week long training and assessment with USDA at Miami International Airport for the Import/Export Center. Unlike many teams in the country, the core members have gone on and received advanced training in human technical rescue, having completed Technician level training in Confined Space, Swift-water, and instructor certification in high angle technical rescue. These advanced skills allow the UF team to respond to a variety of rescues with and without the assistance of local fire rescue. The team provides 24/7/365 animal technical rescue support within 2 hours of Gainesville. It also provides the team with the ability to provide a series of ‘wet labs’ for the DVM students in the fall semester, teaching them animal technical rescue, with the hopes they will become a resource to emergency management in their community after graduation. A local veterinarian providing sedation during a rescue and managing injuries is essential, and most agencies don’t have one on staff they can call. As an added incentive for those students completing all the labs, a day of repelling at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is included. Because of the combined human and animal technical rescue knowledge, John Haven, the team leader and CVM College Director, was asked to join the National Fire Protection Association committee for search and technical rescue (Committee standard 1670), to co-chair the development of a first ever chapter on animal technical rescue – for both livestock and household pets. Haven worked with subject matter experts from around the world for over a year to complete the draft. This new national standard was just published in December 2013. This is significant because without standards, training has been inconsistent, and as a result, first responder agencies haven’t been allowed to use their training dollars to obtain animal technical rescue training. Without proper training, some agencies have refused livestock calls, only to then have to respond to rescue the general public who tried the rescue anyway. In some cases, responders have been injured trying unsafe rescue methods, but under pressure to do something. At the same time Haven began working on engaging the fire rescue community and the need for standards, he recognized Florida’s need for a training program, and trained teams around the state to perform animal technical rescue. The state veterinarian’s office supported the needs from local emergency management to

establish a network across the state. A plan to use federal grant funds to acquire caches of equipment to station around the state in strategic locations, and to develop an approved course of training was developed. While the state veterinarian’s office purchased the equipment Haven specified, which includes A frame cranes, rescue glides, mud rescue gear, harnesses, etc., he partnered with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)’s education team, to develop the only Department of Homeland Security Operations Level Animal Technical Rescue Course. The significance of the Operations level class is that the students perform a complete rescue unassisted as part of a ‘capstone’ learning experience, demonstrating they are operationally ready to respond. Grant funds have been obtained to provide training around the state. There are now seven state supported teams in Florida, and Haven is in the process of providing a two-year refresher training to the existing agencies. Host agencies for the caches of equipment are: Walton County Sheriff ’s Office, Gadsden County Sheriff ’s Office, St John’s County Fire Rescue, Volusia County Fire Rescue, Polk County Sheriff ’s Office, Martin County Fire Rescue, and Lee County Sheriff ’s Office. While these are the host counties, members of fire, animal control, sheriff, city police, county extension, and private DVMs from surrounding counties have been involved in the trainings; developing a true regional and multi-agency response capability. The Lee County team is a great example of 5 counties training together on a regular basis, working together on calls, and in the past two years, having completed over a dozen successful rescues of livestock. There are additional large animal technical rescue sources at Wellington Fire Rescue, Southwest Ranches Fire Rescue, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (two caches). Essentially anywhere in the state there is now a cache of equipment, and team, within two hours response. The UF VETS Team has been involved in several high risk, high reward technical rescues since developing its technical rescue skills in support of local emergency management. Some of the more notable include the dog “Joe” extraction from a 50ft hole during a night rescue, the horse “Midnight” from the Paynes Prairie mud flat on a Christmas Eve, and two cows in water at the bottom of a 35 ft sink hole in Levy County. The team has also provided “Smartphone Rescue Assistance” to teams that have arrived on site, sent a picture of situation, and called for a quick consult to ensure their plan is solid. Never wanting to be complacent in disaster response planning and training, Haven just recently completed “Animal Technical Rescue 2.0” the first re-write of the animal technical rescue course since its inception in 2011 – completely embedding the new NFPA standard material, including both large and small animal technical rescue. Recognizing the comprehensive nature of the course, other veterinary colleges have contacted UF about credentialing a team of instructors at other schools to provide the course. Additionally, UF CVM has developed a ‘turnkey cache’ of equipment that local governments can purchase, and UF will configure the kit for them. For those wanting to know more about the VETS Team, or animal technical rescue, Haven can be contacted at havenj@ufl.edu or his office at 352-294-4254. www.fvma.org | 23

AHS ANNOUNCES FINDINGS OF 2013 HEARTWORM INCIDENCE SURVEY Florida Is One of Top 10 States Reporting Heartworm-Positive Cases in 2013

Average number of cases per reporting clinic

HEARTWORM INCIDENCE 2013

< 1 case/clinic

6–25 cases/clinic

The severity of heartworm incidence as shown in this map is based on the average number of cases per reporting clinic. Some remote regions of the United States lack veterinary clinics, therefore we have no reported cases from these areas.

26–50 cases/clinic

Three out of four veterinarians in the U.S. diagnosed patients with heartworm in 2013, and heartworm-positive pets were reported in every state in the country, according to the latest Heartworm Incidence Survey conducted by the American Heartworm Society (AHS). And while weather conditions favorable to mosquito proliferation and transport of infected dogs were viewed as contributing factors, client compliance in giving heartworm preventives was identified as the clear tipping point for incidence rates. The AHS survey has been conducted every three years since 2001, in order to track trends in heartworm incidence and inform the veterinary profession and public about the need for heartworm prevention. The latest survey, which was fielded in March of 2014, represented 2013 testing data from 3.5 million patients from more than 4,300 veterinary clinics and shelters. “Our survey determined that heartworm disease continues to be widespread in many parts of the country,” said AHS president Stephen Jones, DVM. “The silver lining to this unwelcome news 24 | FVMA ADVOCATE

1–5 cases/clinic

51–99 cases/clinic 100+ cases/clinic

is that a simple solution is in the hands of veterinarians and pet owners: getting more pet owners to give their pets heartworm preventives year-round.” The American Heartworm Society recommends heartworm prevention 12 months a year and heartworm testing once a year. Seventy-two percent of veterinarians surveyed said they follow the AHS guidelines for prevention, testing and treatment.

Geographical trends in heartworm incidence

While veterinarians from the Gulf and Mississippi Delta states reported the highest incidence rates of heartworm disease in dogs in the country, relatively high rates were also noted in areas less well known for heartworm risk. These included the Upper Midwest—especially the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio—and the western states of Arizona and California. The top ten states in average rate of heartworm-positive cases/ clinic in 2013 were (1) Alabama, (2) Louisiana, (3) Mississippi, (4) Texas, (5) Arkansas, (6) South Carolina, (7) North Carolina,

witnessed an upward trend. An influx of infected rescue dogs to local areas was also noted by approximately 40 percent of veterinarians in this group. ■ Heartworm preventive lack of efficacy (LOE) was not considered a major factor; among the 19 percent of veterinarians who reported that heartworm incidence was up, less than 6 percent of these cited LOE as a factor. ■ Among veterinarians who noted a downward trend in heartworm incidence, the leading reason given was more pet owners administering preventives (74 percent), followed by improved compliance (63 percent). “Heartworm is a devastating but preventable disease. If we make consistent, year-round prevention in dogs and cats a priority, we will see incidence go down,” concluded Dr. Jones. For more information on heartworm disease and the AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey, visit www.heartwormsociety.org.

(8) Tennessee and Georgia (tie) and (10) Florida. In the 2010 AHS survey, Louisiana led the nation, followed by Mississippi and Texas, while Alabama was number 5 in the ranking.

Factors influencing heartworm trends

Veterinarians that supplied heartworm data were also surveyed about the significance of heartworm disease in their practice areas and factors contributing to disease incidence. Among the factors evaluated were: ■ Incidence trends. Sixty percent of veterinarians stated that the incidence of heartworm disease in their practice areas had held steady since the last AHS survey was conducted three years ago. A roughly equal proportion of veterinarians said that incidence was up (19 percent) and down (21 percent) in their practice areas. ■ Importance of the disease. One-third of veterinarians stated that heartworm is either a significant disease problem (18 percent) or one of the most serious diseases affecting their patients (15 percent). Just over half of surveyed practitioners reported they see heartworm cases “occasionally,” while only 13 percent said they never see heartworm-positive patients. ■ Contributing factors. Veterinarians who witnessed an upward or downward trend in heartworm disease reported on multiple factors related to those trends. Findings included: ■ Poor compliance by clients, defined as not administering preventives year-round or skipping doses, was the most common factor (61 percent) cited by veterinarians who

CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Description: NEXGARD™ (afoxolaner) is available in four sizes of beef-flavored, soft chewables for oral administration to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Each chewable is formulated to provide a minimum afoxolaner dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Afoxolaner has the chemical composition 1-Naphthalenecarboxamide, 4-[5[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4, 5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl. Indications: NEXGARD kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), and the treatment and control of Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) infestations in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater, for one month. Dosage and Administration: NEXGARD is given orally once a month, at the minimum dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Dosing Schedule: Body Weight 4.0 to 10.0 lbs. 10.1 to 24.0 lbs. 24.1 to 60.0 lbs. 60.1 to 121.0 lbs. Over 121.0 lbs.

Afoxolaner Per Chewable (mg)

NEXGARD can be administered with or without food. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or refused. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within two hours of administration, redose with another full dose. If a dose is missed, administer NEXGARD and resume a monthly dosing schedule. Flea Treatment and Prevention: Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment with NEXGARD should continue the entire year without interruption. To minimize the likelihood of flea reinfestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with an approved flea control product. Tick Treatment and Control: Treatment with NEXGARD may begin at any time of the year (see Effectiveness). Contraindications: There are no known contraindications for the use of NEXGARD. Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician immediately.

The mission of the American Heartworm Society is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the understanding of heartworm disease. Founded during the Heartworm Symposium of 1974. The American Heartworm Society aims to further scientific progress in the study of heartworm disease, inform the membership of new developments and encourage and help promote effective procedures for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heartworm disease.

Precautions: The safe use of NEXGARD in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures (see Adverse Reactions). Adverse Reactions: In a well-controlled US field study, which included a total of 333 households and 615 treated dogs (415 administered afoxolaner; 200 administered active control), no serious adverse reactions were observed with NEXGARD. Over the 90-day study period, all observations of potential adverse reactions were recorded. The most frequent reactions reported at an incidence of > 1% within any of the three months of observations are presented in the following table. The most frequently reported adverse reaction was vomiting. The occurrence of vomiting was generally self-limiting and of short duration and tended to decrease with subsequent doses in both groups. Five treated dogs experienced anorexia during the study, and two of those dogs experienced anorexia with the first dose but not subsequent doses. Table 1: Dogs With Adverse Reactions. Treatment Group Afoxolaner

Chewables Administered

11.3 One 28.3 One 68 One 136 One Administer the appropriate combination of chewables

About the American Heartworm Society

Oral active control

% (n=415)

% (n=200)

Vomiting (with and without blood)

4.1

12.5

Dry/Flaky Skin

3.1

1.0

Diarrhea (with and without blood)

3.1

3.5

Lethargy

1.7

2.0

Anorexia

1.2

4.5

Number of dogs in the afoxolaner treatment group with the identified abnormality. Number of dogs in the control group with the identified abnormality. In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second dose of NEXGARD. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the third dose. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. Another dog with a history of seizures had a seizure 19 days after the third dose of NEXGARD. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. A third dog with a history of seizures received NEXGARD and experienced no seizures throughout the study. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251 or www.merial.com/ nexgard. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/ AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth. Mode of Action: Afoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline family, shown to bind at a binding site to inhibit insect and acarine ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby blocking pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. Prolonged afoxolaner-induced hyperexcitation results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system and death of insects and acarines. The selective toxicity of afoxolaner between insects and acarines and mammals may be inferred by the differential sensitivity of the insects and acarines’ GABA receptors versus mammalian GABA receptors. 1 2

Effectiveness: In a well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD began to kill fleas four hours after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours. In a separate well-controlled laboratory study, NEXGARD demonstrated 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation for 35 days, and was ≥ 93% effective at 12 hours post-infestation through Day 21, and on Day 35. On Day 28, NEXGARD was 81.1% effective 12 hours post-infestation. Dogs in both the treated and control groups that were infested with fleas on Day -1 generated flea eggs at 12- and 24-hours post-treatment (0-11 eggs and 1-17 eggs in the NEXGARD treated dogs, and 4-90 eggs and 0-118 eggs in the control dogs, at 12- and 24hours, respectively). At subsequent evaluations post-infestation, fleas from dogs in the treated group were essentially unable to produce any eggs (0-1 eggs) while fleas from dogs in the control group continued to produce eggs (1-141 eggs). In a 90-day US field study conducted in households with existing flea infestations of varying severity, the effectiveness of NEXGARD against fleas on the Day 30, 60 and 90 visits compared with baseline was 98.0%, 99.7%, and 99.9%, respectively. Collectively, the data from the three studies (two laboratory and one field) demonstrate that NEXGARD kills fleas before they can lay eggs, thus preventing subsequent flea infestations after the start of treatment of existing flea infestations. In well-controlled laboratory studies, NEXGARD demonstrated >94% effectiveness against Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis, 48 hours post-infestation, and against Amblyomma americanum 72 hours post-infestation, for 30 days. Animal Safety: In a margin of safety study, NEXGARD was administered orally to 8- to 9-week-old Beagle puppies at 1, 3, and 5 times the maximum exposure dose (6.3 mg/kg) for three treatments every 28 days, followed by three treatments every 14 days, for a total of six treatments. Dogs in the control group were sham-dosed. There were no clinically-relevant effects related to treatment on physical examination, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistries, or coagulation tests), gross pathology, histopathology or organ weights. Vomiting occurred throughout the study, with a similar incidence in the treated and control groups, including one dog in the 5x group that vomited four hours after treatment. In a well-controlled field study, NEXGARD was used concomitantly with other medications, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids, NSAIDS, anesthetics, and antihistamines. No adverse reactions were observed from the concomitant use of NEXGARD with other medications. Storage Information: Store at or below 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F). How Supplied: NEXGARD is available in four sizes of beef-flavored soft chewables: 11.3, 28.3, 68 or 136 mg afoxolaner. Each chewable size is available in color-coded packages of 1, 3 or 6 beef-flavored chewables. NADA 141-406, Approved by FDA Marketed by: Frontline Vet Labs™, a Division of Merial Limited. Duluth, GA 30096-4640 USA Made in Brazil. 1050-4493-02 Rev. 4/2014

PRACTICE PULSE Got a question? The FVMA can help.

One of the benefits of membership in the FVMA is our Helpline, (800) 992-3862, available to members daily, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Our Helpline also provides insight to the FVMA staff, of the challenges and concerns of our members. In this feature we will highlight topics from the questions we received in preceding weeks, in an effort to keep our members up-to-date on current concerns as well as regulatory and legislative changes.

Question:

I sold my practice, transferred the DEA registration to my home address, and will do relief work at five different clinics in the area. • Am I currently allowed to carry on normal activities involving controlled substances at these individual clinics with my registered address as my home? • If I were to allow my registration to expire, would I be able to use controlled substances at these clinics using their licenses? If so, must the individual registrant be present? A: If the doctor has a DEA registration at his home, he is authorized to prescribe anywhere he may be working as a relief vet. If he is working for another vet that has a DEA registration, and that other vet maintains his/her own stock of medications, the relief vet can prescribe the drug and it may be dispensed from the stock of the other vet, in which case, the other vet is responsible for maintaining the accurate records of the drugs dispensed. What the DEA does not allow, is for a relief veterinarian to carry his/her own stock of drugs to other clinics where he/ she may be doing relief work but is not registered with the DEA at that other location. Finally, if the relief vet decides to allow his DEA registration to expire, something strongly advise against, then the relief vet is still authorized to administer or use controlled substances (i.e. during surgery) at the clinic, as an agent of the vet-owner, but he can't prescribe himself.

Question:

We recently installed cameras inside the clinic following a theft incident. The cameras we purchased have audio capabilities, although I do not monitor that. Employees have signed off that they know the cameras are present. Do I need to post signs for clients? There are no cameras in the exam rooms. A: The law in Florida prohibits the interception of confidential oral communications without the consent of all parties. The definition of "oral communication" in §934.02(2), F.S. refers to oral communications uttered by a person exhibiting an expectation that the communication is not subject to interception and under circumstances that would justify such an expectation. Although it can be argued that video surveillance is so pervasive that nobody should routinely assume that they are not being recorded, it seems to be a prudent idea to post a sign that alerts the public that there is video surveillance on the premises. That will establish that there should be no reasonable expectation that conversations are not being recorded.

Question:

Secondly, we have been having discussions about prescription food. Do we need to have a valid client/patient/ veterinarian relationship? Can we sell to vacationers, for example, that have a script from another DVM? Must we have a script? A: Prescription diets do not carry a legend (warning) that they can only be dispensed with a prescription from a veterinarian, and are not "prescription drugs" as defined by law, and thus do not need a prescription from a vet.

26 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Although a vet would not need a full-blown VCPR or the creation of records, the vet should presumably use some professional judgment to ascertain that the animal does have the specific condition that the specific diet is designed to assist with. The owner's statement to the vet that their regular vet has "prescribed" the specific diet because the animal has the specific condition is, in our opinion, sufficient reasonable inquiry to allow the vet selling the item to use his/her professional judgment.

Question: Is it OK for us to only give written prescriptions to clients for them to send to whatever pharmacy they choose, or are we legally obligated to sign and fax back script requests from places like 1800PetMeds? Thank you. A: There is no legal obligation to fax anything to anybody. The only obligation is to give the client a written prescription when requested. Having noted this, making it harder for clients to fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy of their choice may not be good for business.

Question:

…it seems to be a prudent idea to post a sign that alerts the public that there is video surveillance on the premises. That will establish that there should be no reasonable expectation that conversations are not being recorded.

Not your typical

Reptile

Can a relief (1099) veterinarian working in a practice approve refills of medication for documented prescriptions of that practice without directly having an examination or direct veterinarian-patient relationship with that patient? If not, what are the options to refill necessary medications if the relief veterinarian is covering several days or more? A: A relief vet that has access to the patient records and is covering for the treating veterinarian can authorize a refill of previously prescribed medications if after a (brief) review of the chart, the relief vet deems the refill to be appropriate. Because of the access to the records, the relief vet is acquainted with the care of the animal, will be available to provide follow up care, and will maintain records, which are the elements of the VCPR.

Not your typical education. AAHA’s veterinary education stands out. Join us at AAHA Tampa 2015 to see why. aaha.org/aahatampa2015 www.fvma.org | 27

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS RELIEF VETERINARIANS

Relief or part-time veterinarian available in the Tampa area – 30 years of experience as a practice owner. Enjoy surgery and working with people, small animal only. Call Dr. Joe Priest at (813) 230-5998. (Exp. Issue 2, 3 & 4/14:1289) EXPERIENCED SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARIAN-Available anytime, anywhere! R. A. Swiezy, DVM-(772) 418-1939. (Exp. Issue 3 & 4/14:557) Experienced veterinarian wanted part-time: for mixed animal rural practice in North Volusia/South Putnam county. Mostly companion animal but ability or willingness to see farm animals a plus. USDA accreditation and Florida license necessary. Days, hours and salary negotiable. Recent graduates considered if teachable. Leave message at 386-451-9253 or dkanfer@cfl.rr.com (Exp. Issue 4/14:987)

practice for sale

Practice for sale: Jacksonville, FL Solo. Small animal only. Real estate included. Call 904-724-8866 for details. (Exp. Issue 2.3&4/14:1110) SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE FOR SALE – JACKSONVILLE, FL: Thirty four year old small animal practice at the five point intersection of Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville , Florida. 7500 square foot building, two story, facing two streets, vacant site. Owner is retiring. Call Dr. Devegowda Gopal, (904) 786-4919. (Exp. Issue 3, 4&5/14:1106) for sale: St Francis Emergency Animal Hospital, located in Pembroke Pines (south FL) is a 24 hour emergency and continuing care facility. We are privately owned, serving the community for over 35 years. Recently renovated with 5 exam rooms, 3 treatment areas and the usual other hospital areas. Has most of the desired bells and whistles. Can easily accommodate a specialist and being a storefront operation can be expanded into one or two of the adjoining bays (we presently occupy 3 bays). Net for 2013 was 22% working part time. Real estate is available butPractices only after complete Florida for Salepayment of the hospital. Will send a photo tour to serious inquiries. Ron Ridge New Listing! Duval County. 2,400SF facility in residential W- 954-962-0300 C- 954-804-3026 Elsiecay@aol.com (Exp. Issuewith neighborhood minutes fromEI-95. 1.5 doctor, small animal practice 4/14:1402) some acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. $825K for Practice Realanimal Estate. (#FL18D) For Sale:and Small practice in Palm Beach County, Florida New Attractive main - The hospital isListing! 1300 +Hillsborough square feetCounty. of leased spacefacility in a on shopping collecting rent from major neighboring tenant. strip at the thoroughfare intersection of two busy roads andSolo hasdoctor, beensmall animal noyears. emergencies. Income to buyer exceeds $150K! operating for morepractice, than 17 Price has been reduced for quick $1,090K for Practice and Real Estate(#FL13A) sale. For more information, please write to j_c33480@yahoo.com Polk County. 3,000SF facility on busy 4-lane highway. Gross in excess (Exp. Issue 4/14:1346) of $2M with continual growth. New owner’s income to exceed $370K! $2,530K for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL72S)

Miscellaneous for sale Palm Beach County.Equipment 1.5 miles to beach. $169 average transaction

Solo small animal. grooming. FOR SALE:charge. 32 feet 97doctor, Gulfstream SunMinimal Sportboarding motorand home RV. $1.4Mon forbody Practice Real Estate. (#FL22B) Veterinary decals can&be modified, used for Mobile Veterinary Contract Negotiations-Clay 1.5 doctor practice located Hospital was licensed as a full serviceCounty. veterinary establishment. Noin leased facilityHas minutes of I-295. electric Grossed $1.4K+. No emergencies. veterinary equipment. generator, hook ups, large room Practice. (#FL25C) in back, slide$1,240K out to for large room in front, running water, refrigerator Contract NegotiationsWinter Garden.water 2013 revenues are up 11% to electric/gas, stove, 2 sinks, lights, air condition, tank, and much $425K. Solo small animal.94 Nothousand boarding, miles grooming, or more. Transmission wasdoctor, recently rebuilt, on engine, emergencies. Quaint, leased facility centrally located blocks from fairly new G rated tires.$220K Placefor your equipment and begin working. This downtown. Practice. (#FL35G) is not a limited practice permit, the permit allows for services as a full Congratulations to Dr. Susan Petro on the sale of her practice, service landSold! based veterinary establishment. $ 16,500 obo. Also for Kindness Animal Hospital, to Dr. Mary Connor! (#FL30S) sale a used Soyee 31-100-P 100 kvp/30MA Portable X-Ray unit, never ***New Listings coming soon!*** used purchased from Diag. Imag. $ 3500. Dr. Mena 786-258-2688 or docvetmena@gmail.com (Exp. Issue 4/14:2809) 1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Hand Held Oximeter . SIMS BCI 3303. Used to monitor Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com pulse rate/oxygen level with alarms. Highest quality, we are selling Email: southeast@simmonsinc.com for $295, normally sell for $1200. Comes with new batteries and Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker transducers, clip form. Accepts rectal transducer and we can get added to order for a special cost of $100. Call Dr. C at 727-492-1831. (Exp. Issue 4/14: 20907)

30 | FVMA ADVOCATE

Florida Practices for Sale

Associates wanted

Associate VETERINARIAN Wanted - Full-time for small animal clinic in Naples, FL; recent graduates will be considered. Send inquiries/resume to: bigcypressanimalclinic@gmail.com (Exp. Issue 4&5/14:1322) Associates Wanted: Chief of Staff Opportunity – Orlando, FL. The Chief of Staff has both clinical and managerial duties including, hiring, development, and training of people, scheduling, partnership with the Practice Manager and Market Medical Director etc. If you are looking to grow your career within General Practice, INQUIRE TODAY!!! We offer medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, 401K, CE allowance, paid time off and more! For more information contact: Tiffany.Griffin@Banfield.net 503-922-5057 (Exp. Issue 4&5/14: 34396) Associate Wanted: Associate Veterinarian wanted for three Doctor small animal practice in Oviedo, Florida. Our practice opened in 1991 and moved to a new facility in 2009. We will welcome new and recent graduates with open arms. Please contact Dr. Robert Moja or Rhonda Gilliam at (407) 366-4535 or bobmoja@yahoo.com. (Exp. Issue 4/14: 2832) Associate Wanted: Full-time position available for small animal clinic in Boynton Beach, FL. Send inquiries/resume to: vsahospital@yahoo.com, recent graduates will be considered. (Exp. Issue 4/14:1346)

Florida Practices for Sale New Listing! Duval County. 2,400SF facility in residential neighborhood minutes from I-95. 1.5 doctor, small animal practice with some acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. $825K for Practice and Real Estate. (#FL18D) New Listing! Hillsborough County. Attractive facility on main thoroughfare collecting rent from neighboring tenant. Solo doctor, small animal practice, no emergencies. Income to buyer exceeds $150K! $1,090K for Practice and Real Estate(#FL13A) Polk County. 3,000SF facility on busy 4-lane highway. Gross in excess of $2M with continual growth. New owner’s income to exceed $370K! $2,530K for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL72S) Palm Beach County. 1.5 miles to beach. $169 average transaction charge. Solo doctor, small animal. Minimal boarding and grooming. $1.4M for Practice & Real Estate. (#FL22B) Contract Negotiations-Clay County. 1.5 doctor practice located in leased facility minutes of I-295. Grossed $1.4K+. No emergencies. $1,240K for Practice. (#FL25C) Contract Negotiations- Winter Garden. 2013 revenues are up 11% to $425K. Solo doctor, small animal. No boarding, grooming, or emergencies. Quaint, leased facility centrally located blocks from downtown. $220K for Practice. (#FL35G) Sold! Congratulations to Dr. Susan Petro on the sale of her practice, Kindness Animal Hospital, to Dr. Mary Connor! (#FL30S) ***New Listings coming soon!***

1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com Email: southeast@simmonsinc.com Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Florida Practices for Sale

Veterinary Practices for Sale (800) 636-4740 psbroker.com Florida: Dixie County - 3,500sf on +1 acre, Unlimited Possibilities. FL20. Florida: Levy County – 2,200sf on +1 acre. Gross income >$500K. FL72. Florida: Pinellas County – 2,700sf Emergency on major highway. FL73. Florida: St Lucie County - 2,200sf on +1/2 acre on major hwy. 2-Dr. FL71. California: Fresno County – 2,500sf w/RE. San Joaquin Valley! CA7. Guam – SA in US Territory! 3,000sf,4-exam rooms. Tourist area! GUAM1. Maine: York County - 2,000sf on +3.6 acres prime real estate. ME5. Maine: York County - 2600sf on +1/2 acre prime real estate. ME4. Michigan: Bay County - 2,500sf on +1/3 acre, nice family area. MI1. Nevada: Clark County - 2,400 on +1/3 acre, busy corner lot. NV2. New York: Onondaga County - 2,400sf ER in Great Family Area! NY7. Oklahoma: Oklahoma City - 4,500sf w/real estate in active area. OK2. Oregon: Linn County – 1,800sf w/RE in town center. Gross >$330K. OR2. Pennsylvania: Lycoming County - SA attached to 1,400sf home. PA4. Pennsylvania: Westmoreland County – 4,300sf on +4.7 acres. PA5. Texas: Jackson County - 2,500sf on +5.5 acres. Wonderful area. TX1. Vermont, Orleans County – 4,400sf on +3 acres. Immaculate! VT3. Virginia, Richmond-Metro – Multi-doctor w/RE. Move in Ready. VA7. W. Virginia: Cabell County -Busy practice on +¼ acre, great area. WV1. W. Virginia: Cabell County – AAHA, 1,800sf w/RE. 2-exam rooms. WV2 > Buyer Representation > Seller Representation > Practice Appraisals > Free Non-Binding, Confidential Consultations

Florida Practice Listings! FREE PRACTICE CONSULTATION SOLD! East Coast– 4-5 Dr. Prx 2013 Gross $2.9mm, 8800sq. ft. office, excellent staff, great cash flow. Congratulations to Dr. Camille Young on the sale of a great Practice to Vision VetCare! S.W. Fl. Coast– Solo Dr. Great semi-retirement Prx. Gross $330k on 25 hrs./wk. Low overhead in a lease space. North Florida– Solo Dr. small animal, 2013 gross $750k, Well established, well equipped, well staffed. Quaint small town atmosphere. Prx. & RE. New!- Eastern Panhandle– Solo Dr. Small animal, 2013 Gross $866k, 2400sq. ft. office, 3 exam rooms, approx. $270K after debt income to owner. Prx. & RE.

Contact Dr. Richard Alker for further practice information.

850.814.9962 or Richard@tpsgsales.com Showcase Properties of Central Florida, Broker

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It’s the procedure you perform only once in your career. So it’s important to have the right people by your side. You wouldn’t walk into a complicated surgery without an expert team, so why do it for this once-in-a-lifetime event? Buying or selling a practice is the largest financial transaction of your life. That’s why you should partner with Simmons. As the most experienced brokerage firm in the business, we’ve helped more veterinarians realize their dream than any other firm out there. In fact, we wrote the book on it.

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