| Veterinary Medicine Update | Scientists want to make H7N9 more virulent in labs to prevent a pandemic in nature Nearly two dozen scientists have proposed a series of experiments that will create an even more virulent strain of H7N9, the recently identified avian influenza virus that has killed 43 of its 130-plus known victims, in what they say is an effort to better understand how the virus could develop into a deadly pandemic strain in nature. The scientists include Ron Fouchier at Erasmus Medical Center and Yoshihiro Kawaoka at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who sparked controversy last year with experiments involving another deadly influenza strain. The Guardian (London) (8/7), LiveScience.com (8/7) Yawning experiment sheds light on dog-owner bond New research finds that dogs "catch" an owner's yawn more often than someone else's, and researchers said the finding could be evidence of empathy and the nature of the bond between dogs and humans. Comparative psychologist Elainie Madsen of Lund University in Sweden thinks canine empathetic yawning reflects social group dynamics. "There are multiple hypotheses, but the empathy hypothesis is the one that has received most attention over the last few years. I think the evidence in support for it is accumulating," Madsen said. HealthDay News (8/8) National Zoo welcomes 2 Sumatran tiger cubs The National Zoo welcomed two Sumatran tiger cubs earlier this week, officials announced today, marking a win for conservation and for staff who worked for months to foster a connection between female tiger Damai and male tiger Kavi. "All I can do is smile," biologist Craig Saffoe wrote of the development, "because the team has realized our goal of producing critically endangered tiger cubs. Damai came to us as a young tiger herself, so it's really special to see her become a great mom." The cubs, who appear to be thriving, will remain off exhibit until they meet a series of health milestones. SmithsonianMag.com/Around the Mall blog (8/8), The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (8/8)
 | Dogs also benefit from pacemakers Every year, hundreds to thousands of dogs around the nation receive a pacemaker, a tiny device embedded in the heart muscle that's run by a small battery placed in the dog's neck, according to veterinarian Sophy Jesty, a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Tennessee, who says her team places one to two pacemakers in dogs every month. The most common clinical sign in dogs who need pacemakers is collapsing, Dr. Jesty said, but other symptoms including weakness and lethargy can also occur. It's "amazingly gratifying" to see the dramatic improvement in dogs within just a few days of pacemaker implantation, Dr. Jesty said. WBIR-TV (Knoxville, Tenn.) (8/7) Include furry family members in family budget, too Financial planner Howard Erman recommends that people make sure they fully understand the economic commitment that comes with pet ownership and plan accordingly. Americans spent $53 billion on their animal friends last year, according to data from the American Pet Products Association, and the ASPCA estimates people will spend $1,300 to $1,800 for dogs and $1,000-plus on cats in just the first year of ownership. Erman recommends budgeting for pet expenses, including unexpected pet health emergencies. The Kansas City Star (Mo.) (8/7) Other News  | Top 5 HR Compliance Concerns for Small Business
Small and medium sized companies spend a lot of time focusing on core business issues, but they may overlook one of the most potentially serious and costly issues — regulatory compliance. How do you know what issues to look for in order to protect the company? Download the free white paper that discusses the top 5 HR compliance issues. |
 | Mobile veterinary exhibit promotes awareness, stimulates interest AVMA's Animal Connections exhibit, a joint project with the Smithsonian Institution and Zoetis, was designed to educate the public about the many crucial roles veterinarians fill and to stimulate interest in a career in veterinary medicine among young visitors. AVMA CEO Dr. Ron DeHaven says the exhibit emphasizes veterinarians' roles in food safety, care of lab animals and wildlife in addition to their prominent role in safeguarding the health of pets. YouTube/"This Week in AgriBusiness" (8/7) Symposium sheds light on pet behavior From kitten personalities and litter box choices to canine PTSD and anxiety during veterinary visits, the 2013 Veterinary Behavior Symposium held just before the annual AVMA Convention in Chicago addressed a variety of animal behavior topics. The conference was held in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. ChicagoNow.com/Steve Dale's Pet World blog (8/7) | Take the Governance Survey AVMA members: By answering a few short survey questions, you can help shape critical recommendations to the Executive Board on a far-reaching proposal to improve how veterinarians engage with AVMA as well as the association's governance system. Your responses will be analyzed by the AVMA's Governance Engagement Team. The survey is open until Monday, Sept. 2. You can view background materials here or go straight to the survey.  | The AVMA Veterinary Career Center (VCC) has the candidates and jobs you need to Find the Right Fit for your veterinary, veterinary technician, veterinary hospital manager and other team position needs. Come to www.avma.org/vcc to get started. | |  | Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it." -- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Canadian author | | | The news summaries appearing in Animal Health SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The AVMA is not responsible for the content of sites that are external to the AVMA. Linking to a website does not constitute an endorsement by the AVMA of the site or the information presented on the site. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at avma@smartbrief.com. | Please contact one of our specialists for advertising opportunities, editorial inquiries, job placements, or any other questions.
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