| Pet drugs fill bigger bowl
With aging, it's become a routine endured by the Guffords. Each day starts with a blood-sugar check and a shot of insulin. Then a couple of pills, maybe mashed into tuna and canned carrots. Mixed with dry chow. All for their 12-year-old dog. Brownie takes more drugs than his human companions put together. "He's a family member. I would want somebody to do that for me," said Ann Gufford. Americans have begun to medicate their dogs, cats and sometimes other pets much as they medicate themselves. They routinely treat their pets for arthritis, cancer, heart disease, dia betes, allergies, dementia and even obesity. They pick from an expanding menu of mostly human pharmaceuticals such as steroids for inflammation, antibiotics for infection, anti-clotting agents for heart ailments, Prozac or Valium for anxiety, even Viagra for a lung condition in dogs.
Albino corn snakes in quarantine facility
Two exotic snakes seized in a police raid on Friday night are now in a secure quarantine facility in Berry Springs, south of Darwin. Parks and Wildlife officers captured the albino corn snakes at a house in Alawa and believe they were part of an illegal breeding operation. Albino corn snakes are native to North America, where they fetch up to $US65 as house pets. A 30-year-old man is assisting Parks and Wildlife officers in their investigation. No charges have been laid and police say they are not investigating the matter. Animal handlers from the Department of Natural Resources say the snakes are in good condition but must be quarantined for up to a year. The Department's Sarah Hirst says this is to minimise the risk to native species. "The main concern is disease risk, with snake diseases, some of them may take up to 10-12 months to show up so quarantine can be quite prolonged," she said.
GAIN Pets of the week
BUBBLES is a gorgeous Guam boonie dog with her pointy ears and intelligent expression. She is sweet and loving and a cool lady. She loves hanging out wherever her humans are and is eager to please. She loves belly rubs and kids and is wonderful family companion for any home. LEENA is a 10-month-old Lynx Point Siamese Mix with stunning blue eyes. She loves to be petted and will cuddle in your lap or your arms. She has a short, smooth coat and is litter-box trained. She will be best suited in a home where she can be the only cat. .
Lilly Prepares to Introduce Medications For Pets
Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) has chosen four partners to help it sell its products for pets. Partners that will carry Lilly products include Butler Animal Health Supply of Dublin, Ohio; MWI Veterinary Supply of Nampa, Idaho; Professional Veterinary Products, Ltd., of Omaha, Neb. and Webster Veterinary Supply, Inc., of Sterling, Mass. The first Lilly products for pets should be available this year, once they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
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