Oct/Nov Publications Oct/Nov 1

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1 Oct/Nov 2010 Publications 2010 Oct/Nov 1

2 BETTER. ACTUALLY. Nine Different Profiles One powerful solution. The Abaxis VetScan VS2 analyzer offers nine different comprehensive chemistry profile rotors (one including heartworm) that contain all the reagents necessary to perform a complete blood analysis with iqc built into every run. Requires only 100 µl of whole blood No sample prep Results in under 12 minutes Canine Wellness Profile Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile Prep Profile II Critical Care Plus Mammalian Liver Profile Equine Profile Plus Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus Large Animal Profile Find out how the Abaxis VetScan VS2 can simplify your in-clinic testing for the better. T 4 /Cholesterol Profile Chemistry Electrolytes Blood Gases Hematology Hormones Coagulation Infectious Disease Rapid Tests Abaxis, VetScan and iqc are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. i-stat is a registered trademark of the Abbott Group of Companies in various jurisdictions. Abaxis Oct/Nov 2010

3 Dateline Welcome to VetCom Publications, a magazine available in print and electronic copy. VetCom Publications offers the reader clinical case studies, practice tips, field updates from afar as well as educational opportunities through Abaxis University. In every issue we include a forum for veterinarian to manufacturer communication and so much more. Abaxis is a growing force. Abaxis is the second-largest animal health diagnostics company in the world, and the fastest growing. We believe this growth is a testament not only to the clinical utility, accuracy and quality of our products but also to our forward-looking approach to a rapidly changing marketplace. The steady and substantial growth of our business continues to be fueled by strong demand for our expanding portfolio and innovative, easy to use, point-of-care products. The dependability, portability and intuitive operation of our products is demonstrated throughout this VetCom issue with stories from the jungles of Borneo to the Gulf of Mexico and more. In the July/August issue of VetCom I promised an update from the Gulf - BP oil spill and cleanup efforts taking place in the affected areas. As the number of animal victims grows as the Gulf cleanup continues we bring to you in this issue the story of heroic and tireless efforts from our contributing author, J. Gregory Massey, DVM, DABVP from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and his team working under contract with the International Bird Rescue Research Center. From the Vet s office, research laboratory to the plains of Africa, VetScan is there and VetCom is here to tell that story and share it with more than 20,000 readers from around the world. Should you have any questions or needs concerning Animal Health Diagnostics, please contact us at vetcom@abaxis.com. Sincerely, ABAXIS DISTRIBUTORS United States American Veterinary Supply DVM Resources Great Western Animal Supply Equipment Outreach, Inc Hawaii Mega-Cor, Inc IVESCO Lextron, Inc Merritt Veterinary Supply Nelson Laboratories Northeast Veterinary Supply Co Penn Vet Supply PCI Animal Health TW Medical Western Medical Supply Vet Pharm, Inc VWR International, LLC Valerie Goodwin-Adams Director of Marketing Abaxis, Inc. IN THIS ISSUE BP Oil Spill Affects Marine Life 4 Renal Amyloidosis in a Black-Footed Ferret 9 Abaxis and the BOS Foundation Partnering to Save the Orangutan 12 Abaxis University CE Course Schedule 18 Canada Associated Vet Purchasing Co Aventix CDMV MidWest Drug Vet Novations Veterinary Purchasing Vie et Sante Western Drug Distribution Oct/Nov 3

4 BP Oil Spill Affects Marine Life Photo courtesy of J. Gregory Massey, DVM, DABVP Responding to Oiled Birds Affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Contributing Author: J. Gregory Massey, DVM, DABVP (Avian) North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine As a veteran of more than 30 oiled wildlife responses, I wasn t surprised by the large number of birds rescued and brought to the four rehabilitation centers during this event (as of September 8, 2010, 2062 live birds recovered). When the Cosco Busan spilled 53,000 gallons of oil in the San Francisco Bay the Oiled Wildlife Care Network captured and cared for more than a thousand live birds. If I was surprised at all, it was that more live oiled birds weren t recovered - especially given the millions of gallons of oil spilled. There is no doubt this was a tragedy on many levels. Individual lives were lost, livelihoods have been threatened, and untold damage has been done to a rich and important ecosystem. If Prince William Sound can be used as any sort of indicator, the true extent of damage to the Gulf of Mexico will not be revealed for decades. But this area and its inhabitants are resilient. They have recovered from tragedy before, and they will do so again. I was fortunate enough to work with many of the local folks who call the Gulf Coast home and was left with an abiding respect for their warmth, their spirit, and most of all their resolve to save their home and the wild creatures that live there. I cannot write about the wildlife response without giving them some large measure of credit. In February, 2010 I left the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where I worked as assistant director of the Wildlife Health Center s Oiled Wildlife Care Network. When the news outlets reported the Deepwater Horizon well blow out, I knew I would be involved on some level. Both my wife and I left home the first week of May under contract with the International Bird Rescue Research Center. She began setting up the rehabilitation facility in Gulfport, Mississippi and later moved to Louisiana to develop and manage facilities there. Over the next four months I managed medical care for the birds 4 Oct/Nov 2010

5 BP Oil Spill Affects Marine Life at the rehabilitation facilities in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. I also spent a short time filling in for veterinarians at the facility in Louisiana. Practicing veterinary medicine during an oil spill is not a glamorous job. A response veterinarian is largely responsible for prescribing care at a population level and deciding daily whether animals should continue to be rehabilitated or humanely euthanized. Many animals present after protracted periods of anorexia during which they live off their body stores and become severely dehydrated. Consequently, they cannot withstand the rigors of the cleaning process until they have received appropriate nursing care. This sometimes requires several days of fluids and nutrition before birds are ready. Typically we rely on basic clinical pathology testing to assess a bird s condition. Packed cell volume and estimated plasma total solids are measured every 2 days at the beginning of rehabilitation. Early in this response it became clear we needed more detailed information to evaluate some of the clinical problems observed in northern gannets. Abaxis Animal Health, with whom I have had a long standing relationship, rapidly delivering what Photo courtesy of Brian Epstein was critically needed. The company s generosity was critically important because of challenges associated with procuring equipment and supplies in a timely fashion throughout the response. Shortly after being admitted, gannets at the rehabilitation facilities in Florida and Mississippi appeared to be either too weak or unable to stand and walk. Birds moved about the holding pens on their hocks, assisted by wing walking (pressing the ground with their carpal joints to assist with ambulation). Neurological examinations revealed no deficits. Some birds responded to prolonged supportive care and some did not. As data were collected and a presumptive diagnosis generated, we attempted several methods of treatment. The most effective appeared to be an oral rehydration fluid containing lactated Ringer s solution, L-glutamine and B complex vitamins. After several days in care with little improvement, we used the solution to treat a gannet exhibiting the clinical signs described above. The solution was administered via oral gavage twice a day. The response was dramatic. In less than 48 hours the bird was standing, active and voraciously seeking food when prior to treatment it had been unwilling to self feed. Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus ALB, AST, BA, CA, CK, GLOB, GLU, K +, NA +, PHOS, TP, UA 2010 Oct/Nov 5

6 BP Oil Spill Affects Marine Life Photo courtesy of Jay Holcomb Any protracted oil spill response is dynamic. As conditions in the environment change, so do the species affected. Early in this response brown pelicans were the dominant species cared for in Louisiana while northern gannets were predominant in the eastern rehabilitation facilities. Later laughing gulls seemed to be most common throughout the region. Unfortunately we arrived at the decision to use the rehydration fluid too late to try it on more birds, but this example points out the benefit of collecting in depth information on the health of animals during a response. This point can be extended to include post mortem examinations of animals that die or are euthanized in care. During this response we were not allowed to conduct necropsies or have tissues examined by pathologists. This type of information has been collected during other events (e.g. Ventura Oiled Bird Incident, the Prestige Oil Spill 1 ) and has provided greater understanding of the rehabilitation process. If we are to continue improving the art and science of caring for oiled wildlife, it only makes sense that veterinarians and other care givers are provided the diagnostic and other tools necessary to assess affected animals health. Conclusions In the future perhaps the lessons learned from this event will serve as incentive for the spiller and government agencies comprising the unified command to allow these types of diagnostic testing. If better care of the affected animals is the goal, it is clear this should be a priority, and I look forward to working with Abaxis Animal Health to accomplish this goal in future relief efforts. 6 Oct/Nov 2010

7 References: 1. Balseiro A, Espi A, Marquez I, Perez V, Ferreras MC, Marin JF, Prieto JM. Pathological features in marine birds affected by the prestige's oil spill in the north of spain. J Wildl Dis Apr;41(2): Matthew SS, Mullins RJ. Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure in trauma and surgical patientis: A review. J Am Coll Surg. 1998;186(6); Businga NK, Langenberg J, Carlson L. Successful treatment of capture myopathy in three wild greater sandhill cranes (Grus Canadensis tabida). J Avian Med Surg. 2007;21(4): Acknowledgements: Numerous individuals assisted with this response. I cannot begin to name them all so omission does not in any way diminish the impact of their contribution or my gratitude for their assistance. However, I would like to offer a special note of thanks to the following individuals: Martin Mulroy, Abaxis; Danielle Lane, Abaxis; Dr. Ken Aron, Abaxis; Tracey Heggins, Mississippi Power; Dr. Ted Lafeber, Lafeber Company; Dr. Becky Duerr, University of California, Davis; and Dr. Karen Rosenthal, University of Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of Brian Epstein Results from the VetScan analyzer revealed several changes in enzymes and electrolytes. Most dramatically affected were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), uric acid (UA) and phosphorus. In several birds CK levels were so high they exceeded the dynamic range of the analyzer (15,000 U/L). Given that both CK and AST can be released with muscle damage, as one might expect, AST levels were also elevated. In fact, the two enzymes were significantly correlated. UA and phosphorus also were both elevated and significantly correlated. These latter findings suggested renal damage. Given the clinical signs observed and the clinical pathology test results, our concern was that the affected birds were experiencing some form of rhabdomyolysis - either secondary to capture-related stress, prolonged ischemia while stranded and immobile on a shore line, or possibly associated with a form of re-feeding syndrome. In addition to CK elevation, rhabdomyolysis has been found to cause renal tubular necrosis secondary to myoglobinuria. 2,3 Although direct intoxication from exposure to crude oil was also a rule out, rhabdomyolysis might best explain the changes in UA and phosphorus Oct/Nov 7

8 BETTER. ACTUALLY. Accurate. Easy. Affordable. VetScan Canine Heartworm Rapid Test The VetScan Canine Heartworm Rapid Test is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis in canine whole blood, serum or plasma delivering speed, simplicity, and VetScan quality at a lower price point than other brands. Simple, Easy to Use Fast Results in Minutes Room Temperature Storage 12-Month Shelf Life Available in 25-Test Kit or 100-Test Kit Discover how much better your heartworm rapid test could be. Contact your authorized Abaxis Distributor today for competitive pricing. Chemistry Electrolytes Blood Gases Hematology Hormones Coagulation Infectious Disease Rapid Tests 8 Oct/Nov 2010 Abaxis and VetScan are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. Abaxis 2010

9 Renal Amyloidosis in a Black-footed Ferret Photo courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Black-footed ferrets are one of the most endangered mammals in North America. As part of an overall recovery effort, they are bred in captivity for future reintroduction into the wild. In spite of being in captivity, they retain their wild behavior and cannot be handled safely without anesthesia or sedation. Because they are wild animals, they do not tolerate most standard medical practices such as IV catheters. Black-footed ferrets, like cats, are obligate carnivores. In captivity, they are fed a complete raw carnivore zoo diet as well as whole prey. It is difficult or impossible to convert them to a commercial canned or dry food. Therefore, dietary manipulation as disease treatment is limited. For many reasons including a small sample volume and internal quality controls and calibrations on each run, the VetScan Chemistry analyzer using the Comprehenisve Diagnostic Profile and the VetScan HM2 hematology Contributing Authors: Julie Kreeger DVM, PhD Heather Branvold DVM, MS National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center analyzer have allowed the in-house blood evaluation of clinically ill black-footed ferrets. Early diagnosis of certain diseases allows supportive care and treatment. This, in turn, may improve health and permit continued reproduction. Renal disease occurs in both old and young captive blackfooted ferrets. Animals with renal disease are commonly azotemic. Domestic ferrets with renal failure usually have an elevated BUN but relatively normal creatinine levels. In contrast, blackfooted ferrets may have significantly elevated blood creatinine levels. We have consistently measured values greater than 7.0 mg/dl in black-footed ferrets with renal disease. Anemia and hyperphospatemia are often seen in the later stages of kidney failure. This is true of both domestic and blackfooted ferrets. Renal amyloidosis is frequently diagnosed upon necropsy of black-footed ferrets with kidney disease. Amyloidosis is the deposit of inert protein fibrils in tissues. It may be hereditary, caused by chronic inflammation or infections, or due to neoplasia. In this case, the animal initially presented with an abscessed tooth. Many captive black-footed ferrets have dental disease which may contribute to chronic inflammation. Management practices to reduce the incidence of dental disease are being implemented. In addition, research into possible genetic components of renal amyloidosis is ongoing. Treatment options are limited in wildlife. For blackfooted ferrets, treatment of renal disease consists of subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics if indicated, and whole prey diet. Treatment of black-footed ferrets in the early stages of renal disease may allow successful reproduction. In the case below, the blackfooted ferret sired 3 litters after initial diagnosis of renal disease. A four-year-old intact male black-footed ferret was evaluated for weight loss, polyuria, and polydypsia on February 2, Physical exam findings, CBC, and chemistry (using the Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile) are in Table 1. Reference ranges are in Table Oct/Nov 9

10 black-footed ferret case study Due to the findings of dehydration and an enlarged kidney, as well as the history of PU/ PD, a presumptive diagnosis of renal disease was made. Since the hematocrit was within normal limits and there was no azotemia, it was likely in the early stages. Dental disease was also a concern. The abscessed tooth was extracted. The black-footed ferret was treated with 12 ml LRS SQ and antibiotics. The plan consisted of increasing the amount of food given, changing to a whole prey diet (no zoo diet), and monitoring. Over the next few months, his weight increased to a maximum of 1190 g on April 20, He continued to be PU/PD. He successfully bred and sired 3 litters with a total of 14 kits born. On June 24, 2010 the male ferret was examined for partial anorexia and continued PU/PD. Physical examination, CBC, and chemistry findings are in Table 3. Noted was severe azotemia, moderate anemia, and a high WBC. These findings suggested the renal disease was progressing, and there may be infection involved. He was treated with 24 ml SQ LRS and antibiotics, with plans to re-check in a week or sooner if no improvement in appetite. The black-footed ferret was re-examined on July 1, His appetite had improved but he was still PU/PD. Physical exam, CBC, and chemistry findings are in Table 4. Despite an improved appetite, he was still losing weight. The azotemia had improved slightly but the anemia was becoming worse. This suggested progressive renal failure, possibly amyloidosis. He was given 24 ml Table 1. Initial Examination Physical Exam CBC Chemistry Weight = 833g NSF NSF (loss of 130g in 3 weeks) Enlarged left kidney HCT: 43.6% BUN: 20 mg/dl Mild dehydration Creat: 0.3 mg/dl Poor hair coat Phos: 6.0 mg/dl Fractured, abscessed upper right PM2 NSF = no significant findings Table 2. Reference Ranges Chemistry/CBC Reference Ranges HCT (%) WBC BUN (mg/dl) Creat (mg/dl) Phos (mg/dl) Table 3. 06/24/10 Physical Exam CBC Chemistry Weight = 968g HCT: 35.47% (L) BUN: 65 mg/dl (H) Bilateral kidney WBC: (H) Creat: 1.5 mg/dl (H) enlargement Moderate dehydration Phos: 11.4 mg/dl (H) Table 4. 07/01/10 Physical Exam CBC Chemistry Weight = 874g HCT: % (L) BUN: 57 mg/dl (H) Bilateral kidney Creat: 1.0 mg/dl (H) enlargement Moderate dehydration Phos: 9.4 mg/dl (H) Table 5. 07/25/10 Physical Exam Emaciated weight = 692g Bilateral kidney enlargement Severe dehydration SQ LRS. The plan was to continue fluid therapy (SQ) daily and re-check PRN. On July 25, 2010, the black-footed ferret presented with complete anorexia of two days duration, lethargy, and ataxia. The PU/PD continued. Physical exam findings are in Table 5. No CBC or chemistry was performed. The physical exam and clinical signs suggested end-stage renal failure. The decision was made to euthanize due to poor prognosis. A necropsy was performed with the diagnosis of renal amyloidosis. * Note: All physical exams and blood draws are performed under isoflurane anesthesia. 10 Oct/Nov 2010

11 BETTER. ACTUALLY. Your Lab Could actually Be Handheld The VetScan i-stat 1. Because Portable Is Better. [ Actual Size ] Sure you could bring your patients to the point of care But why do that when you could take the point of care to your patients? The VetScan i-stat 1 handheld analyzer is the perfect solution for critical care situations, hospital OR settings, exotic animals and specialty testing needs. Find out how Abaxis is extending the point of care Chemistry Electrolytes Blood Gases Hematology Hormones Coagulation Infectious Disease Rapid Tests Abaxis and VetScan are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. Abaxis Oct/Nov 11

12 Abaxis and the BOS Foundation Partnering to Save the Orangutan VetScan laboratory system helps with critical field work Contributing Authors: Dr. Meriam Sirupang Dr. Fransiska Sulistyo (Clinic Management) Dr. Agus Fahroni Dr. Agus Irwanto Dr. MaryosV Tandang BOS, Nyaru Menteng, Central Borneo, Indonesia Photo courtesy of Bärbel Köhler The medic team from the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Reintro-duction Center of the BOS Foundation in Central Borneo, Indonesia, takes care of 600 orangutans from different locations, i.e. Quarantine, Midway House, Infant House, Forest School and 5 pre-release river-islands. There is always at least one medic in every location. Our laboratory and clinic are located in the quarantine area. Before we had Abaxis equipment in our laboratory, we were only able to run hematology tests. Prior to Abaxis in-house Want to Help? Contact the BOSF at bos_komunkasi@orangutan.or.id 12 Oct/Nov 2010

13 Abaxis and the BOS Foundation Partnering to Save the Orangutan Bärbel Köhler,Business Development Manager - Abaxis Europe laboratory equipment, we had to send the blood sample to a commercial laboratory downtown and it took at least one day or more to get the results. That s too late for emergency patients. Since Abaxis products are in our lab, we can get the results much faster, more accurate and easier to use than ever before. With the VetScan VS2 and VetScan HM5, we can have blood chemistry and CBC results in just minutes. We also can choose the appropriate rotors for specific diagnoses, depending on the case. We prefer to use the Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile (ALB, ALP, ALT, AMY, BUN, CA, PHOS, CREA, GLU, NA +, K +, TBIL, TP, GLOB) because it has the complete parameters on it. The VetScan VS2 is very helpful for our laboratory, especially in emergency case field work. The VetScan i-stat 1 analyzer, is a fantastic tool. It is simple and portable so that we can use it in the field. For emergency patients, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) we don t have to send blood samples to the commercial laboratory in town. We can run the samples directly in the ICU room. The cartridges are stored in the refrigerator and can be placed in room temperature for 14 days. We use the Vetscan i-stat Cartridge CHEM8+ (Hct, Hgb, BUN, Crea, ica, Glu, Cl, NA, K, TCO2, Anion Gap) and EC8+ (Hct, Hgb, BUN, Glu, Cl, NA, K, ph, PCO2, HCO3, TCO2, Anion Gap, Base Excess). Photo courtesy of Bärbel Köhler This month, we have two new orangutans from the confiscation program. It is a standard procedure that every new orangutan has to be quarantined. We did several tests on them as a routine check such as physical examination and blood tests. The VetScan i-stat 1 analyzer was so helpful in this case. We can make routine checks of new orangutans faster and more efficient. The Abaxis in-house laboratory equipment with its small sample size and ease of use has been instrumental to the BOS Foundation. Acknowledgements: A special note of thanks to Ms. Bärbel Köhler, Business Development Manager of Abaxis Europe. Bärbel was so helpful with all her work here on-site when she visited us last February Oct/Nov 13

14 Background Information There are only two surviving species, both of which are critically endangered: - Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus northwest populations Pongo pygmaeus morio east populations Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii southwest populations - Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). An orangutan s standing height averages from 1.2 to 1.5 m and weighs between 33 to 82 kg. Males can weigh up to 110 kg or more. The largest males have an arm span of about 2 m. They have longer arms than other great apes, and their hair is typically reddish-brown. Sumatran Orangutans have a more sparse and lighter coloured coat. Orangutans are spending nearly all of their time in the trees and fashion sleeping nests from branches and foliage every night. Orangutans may live for up to 50 years and depend on their mother until they are 6 to 8 years of age. Females only give birth about once every 6-11 years resulting in only 4 to 5 off-springs in their lifetime. Fruit makes up percent of the orangutan diet. Bornean Orangutans consume at least 317 different food items that include young leaves, shoots, bark, insects, honey, and bird eggs. They use insect-extraction tools in the hollows of trees, and harvest seeds with seedextraction tools. The word orangutan comes from the Malay words orang (man) and (h)utan (forest); hence, man of the forest. The Habitat of Orangutans is seriously endangered by illegal logging, mining, hunting and trade and forest fires to convert vast areas into oil palm plantations, in response to international demand for usage of palm oil for cooking, cosmetics and biodiesel. Orangutans are killed for food and mother orangutans are killed so their infants can be sold as pets. Many of the infants die without the help of their mother. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation operates a number of projects, nursing and teaching the orphans to rehabilitate and release them into the wild. 14 Oct/Nov 2010

15 How Wellness Testing Creates a Profit Center for Your Practice A Diabetes Mellitus Case Study by Craig Tockman, DVM Presentation: 3 year old male castrated Labrador Retreiver. Presented for regular physical exam and vaccinations. Owner reports no illness or abnormal behavior. Physical Exam Findings: Obesity Otitis Externa Right Ear Wellness Test Results: (Cost: $31.50) ALP: 135 (Normal ) ALT: 48 (Normal ) BUN: 13 (Normal 7-25) CRE: 1.6 (Normal ) GLU: 517 (Normal ) TP: 9.3 (Normal ) Final Diagnosis: Diabetes Mellitus Additional Revenues Generated From Diagnosis: Blood Glucose Testing: $95.90 DCO Diet: $ Recheck Testing: $ Urinalysis: $32.00 Total Additional Revenue: $ (6 Months) 2010 Oct/Nov 15

16 Abaxis Coming to a Trade Show Near You Date Conference Location 10/11/10-10/14/10 10/12/10-10/14/10 10/14/10-10/16/10 10/14/10-10/16/10 10/15/10-10/ /24/10 10/16/10-10/ /30/10-11/02/10 11/04/10-11/06/10 11/05/10-11/07/10 11/05/10-11/07/10 11/05/10-11/ /10/10-11/11/10 11/12/10-11/14/10 ACVC National AALAS Wild West Veterinary Conference NC Academy of Small Animal Medicine Alaska VMA AETC Fall Symposium AAZV ACVP FAEP Illinois VMA North Carolina VMA CVC West MSAA/AAHA Hawaii VMA Atlantic City, NJ Atlanta, GA Reno, NV Asheville, NC Anchorage, AK Chicago, IL So. Padre Island, TX Madison, WI Orlando, FL Lombard, IL Raleigh, NC San Diego, CA Davenport, IA Honolulu, HI ABAXIS ANIMAL HEALTH IS HIRING Check out our website for available positions, in field sales, customer service and much more. Send resumes to careers@abaxis.com 16 Oct/Nov 2010

17 BETTER. ACTUALLY. [ Actually Just Two Drops ] This Could Be Your actual Sample Size Because Less Is Better. Sure you could go with a point-of-care laboratory system that requires large sample draws for every test But why would you do that when Abaxis VetScan Laboratory Systems provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive, laboratory quality results with just two drops of whole blood? Find out how Abaxis is simplifying the point of care Chemistry Electrolytes Blood Gases Hematology Hormones Coagulation Infectious Disease Rapid Tests Abaxis and VetScan are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. Abaxis Oct/Nov 17

18 ABAXIS UNIVERSITY COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE CE COURSES COURSE DATE/TIME Evaluating the Endocrine Patient - Andrew Rosenfeld, DVM, ABVP Clinical Pathology for Reptiles - Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD Implementing a Senior and Pre-Anesthetic Wellness Patient Plan - Kate An Hunter, DVM Implementation and Utilization of Coagulation Testing - Heidi Ward, DVM, ACVIM Managing the Acute and Chronic Renal Patient - Andrew Rosenfeld, DVM, ABVP Elements of Emergency Care Diagnostics - Andrew Rosenfeld, DVM, ABVP Renal Insufficiency in Cats - Gary Norsworthy, DVM, ABVP October 5, :00 PM CST October 6, :30 PM CST October 14, :30 PM CST October 18, :00 PM CST October 21, :00 PM CST October 26, :00 PM CST October 27, :00 PM CST 18 Oct/Nov 2010 For additional information or to register, log on to For more information, contact us at info@abaxisuniversity.com. CE course meets the requirement for continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education.

19 Veterinary Facilities & Foundations Medical/Research Zoos/Aquariums Universities Submit a Case Study and Win a VetScan Product Of Your Choice. If you have a case study that includes how your in-clinic laboratory system has made a difference and your case study is published in VetCom - you could win a VetScan product. Send your case studies to: Valerie Goodwin-Adams VetCom@abaxis.com Open to owners and principals of veterinary practices, research facilities, academic environments and pharmaceutical/biotech companies Oct/Nov 19

20 What s On Your Mind? We d like to know. Over the years the Animal Health industry has told us how much they appreciate all of the valuable information and insight that they receive from their VetCom subscription. That s always great for us to hear because we strive to ensure that each issue of VetCom is packed with case studies and real-world experiences from your peers, as well as updates on the latest news from Abaxis. But we d like to make this a two-way street. So we encourage you to contact VetCom editors with your thoughts, questions, experiences and concerns. It's another channel to ensure that everyone here at Abaxis is surpassing the expectations of our customers and the marketplace. If you have a question we ll answer it. If you have a tip or valuable experience we ll share it. If you have a suggestion we ll take it to heart. We ll be sharing many of your letters and s in upcoming editions of VetCom and together we ll make this an extended and engaging conversation. So let us hear from you. We promise that we re listening. Sincerely, Valerie Goodwin-Adams Editor in Chief VetCom Publications Craig Tockman, DVM Director - Professional Services Medical Editor - VetCom Send Your Correspondence To: VetCom@abaxis.com VetCom is also available online at Abaxis, Inc. - Animal Health Worldwide Headquarters 3240 Whipple Road Union City, CA Tel Fax Abaxis Europe Otto-Hesse-Strasse 19 T9, 3. OG Ost D Darmstadt Germany Tel Fax BETTER. ACTUALLY. 20 Abaxis, Oct/Nov VetScan 2010 and iqc are registered trademarks of Abaxis, Inc. Abaxis 2010 i-stat is a registered trademark of the Abbott Group of Companies in various jurisdictions Rev. Y