Our veterinary medications don't always make headlines, but when the drugs can be used in a way that not only saves pets, but also saves the owner money, you can be sure that the media and the blogosphere will share the story. In an article released by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012,
researchers may have shown that outpatient treatment of puppies suffering from canine parvovirus using Convenia, Maropitant and subcutaneous fluids is almost as effective as inpatient hospitalization of these patients. This is probably not news to you if you have ever helped an owner who can't afford treatment for parvovirus, but this article is being shared more and more across the Internet. Be sure you are ready to field possible media calls by reviewing our
canine parvovirus messaging.
In Riverside County, CA, officials are
considering mandatory neutering of all pit bull type of dogs over the age of 4 months. As you are aware, this type of legislation is rarely successful in addressing the concerns that prompted the law and has the very real potential for causing owners to avoid the veterinarian. We have
message points on Mandatory Spay Neuter laws available for you at MyVNN.com.
The
Animal Legal Defense Fund is asking a Maryland court to uphold a $620,000 verdict for a family whose dog was shot by local law enforcement. This is another case where "emotional damages" were considered and now the Special Court of Appeals must determine whether or not this is appropriate. You will recall that recently the
Texas State Supreme Court denied emotional damages for a family whose dog was mistakenly euthanized at a shelter.
Our own VNN member, Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, did an outstanding job during an interview on an extremely difficult case. "Puppy Doe" was burnt, stabbed and left to die in Quincy, MA. Watch her professionalism
in this video and learn about what is being done to find the perpetrators!
Thankfully, it's not all bad news this week! In Olympia, WA, a pitbull braved traffic to try and find someone to help her owner. The
owner of the dog was confined to a wheelchair and had been stabbed in the head and neck. The police have apprehended the suspect and "Bella" is now staying with the daughter of the victim.
Have you seen a story that you think needs to be shared?? Email a link to me and I will make sure it goes into our social media. From your own blogs to local stories of interest, what is making news in your area may also be beneficial for your fellow VNN members across the country. 
Despite warm temperatures, fall is definitely in the air all round the country! Take this opportunity to consider how you and your practice can get some much needed publicity by connecting your media contacts with pet concerns in Autumn.