I started designing web sites in 1997. Good web design tools were virtually non-existent and it was frustrating at times, but I was hooked. The Internet has evolved much since then, and I have learned a lot. Back then, a web site for a veterinary hospital was a novelty. Now it is a necessity. Let's look at what makes a veterinary practice web site useful to viewers and to the practice it represents.

I would love to see your practice web site and welcome your thoughts on what makes a "great" site for you. Please consider adding in your favorite veterinary practice site to the new Show and Tell area for practice web sites, formerly Featured Practices.

Photo: MacDog by Meagan on Flickr

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After almost three years, the owners of Chemnutra, Inc., the company responsible for importing and distributing a tainted ingredient used in pet food and responsible for thousands of pet deaths, were sentenced in federal court. On Friday, February 5, 2010, the Office Of The United States Attorney Western District Of Missouri issued this press release:

Sally Qing Miller, 43, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, 57, both of Las Vegas, Nev., were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer this morning to three years of probation. The court also ordered their company, Chemnutra, Inc., to pay a $25,000 fine. Sally Miller and Stephen Miller were each ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

The court ruled that no further restitution would be imposed in light of a $24 million settlement in the related civil suit reached in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Read full press release

Depth and scope of the 2007 pet food recalls
I vividly remember reading the paper on a sunny Saturday in March of 2007 - St. Patrick's Day, learning about the beginnings of the 2007 pet food recall. At least the beginning of what was to published. Case reports of animals becoming ill or dying from pet foods actually began quietly in late 2006. The pet food recall timeline spanned many months.

Read more...

Animals, even well-trained ones, can be unpredictable. All animals - pets or wildlife - that are stressed, frightened or injured will often bite and scratch, and should be treated with extreme caution.

In addition to being mindful of diseases such as about rabies, pet owners should also be aware of the potential danger of infection from animal bites and scratches. Puncture wounds from bites  are often worse than they look at first glance; damage occurs beneath the skin surface. It is best  to visit your doctor, the sooner the better.

Photo: Dog bite on arm from a 3 pound Maltese by Julianna on Flickr

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Kennel cough is a fairly common and highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis. Most people have heard of "kennel cough", but what are the signs seen? Is the disease serious? How can I protect my pet? Learn these answers and more in this Kennel Cough FAQ.

Not to be confused with H3N8 Dog Flu
The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), also known as the H3N8 virus,  jumped from horses to dogs in 2004; it was first discovered in Greyhounds in Florida.

• Canine H3N8 Influenza
• Canine H3N8 vaccine information

Photo: My little darlings by mollypop on Flickr

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