Closed for Labor Day

TEAC UR-4MD HD Video Recorder

***For a limited time only, use coupon code TEAC10 on web orders at Endoscopy.com to receive 10% off your new UR-4MD!***

UR-4MD is TEAC’s latest high-definition medical video recorder designed for quick set up and ease of use, yet includes a robust list of features and capabilities. With auto sensing video connections and automatic video resolution detection, set up is quick and easy. The front control panel allows users to intuitively record videos and photos in crystal clear Full HD. A built in hard drive is included for reliable recording, data back-up and users can also simultaneously record to USB memory and USB hard drives to archive, share and play back on other devices and locations.

*Offer only valid on web store orders at Endoscopy.com, 6/1/18 through 6/30/18*

Is your scope clean enough to kiss at midnight?!

While you probably won't be kissing it, it is extremely important to keep your endoscope clean and sanitized.

Give us a call at 845-277-1700 to learn more about the cleaning products we offer!

Service Department Elves!

Does your scope look like it belongs on

 the Island of Misfit Toys?

Let our service department elves help! 🎅

We repair virtually all makes and models of endoscopes.

Call us at 845-277-1700 for more information!

AAEP 2017!

Are you attending AAEP 2017?

Check out our Selfie Wall at Booth 7025!

Post your selfie on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag us @ESSIncNY to receive a coupon code for 10% off at our online store!

Product Highlight- LED Portable Light Source Air Pump

Have you heard about our new 

LED Portable Light Source with 
integrated Air pump?

At just 2.5 pounds, this compact, lightweight, 
and easily transportable device is perfect for
 those tight on space or on the go!

Now there's need to change bulbs anymore!

This portable light source uses the latest LED technology, providing a durable, longer lasting bright light for less power.

The light source is compatible with
 Olympus brand fiberscopes and
 is powered by an external desktop power supply.

Want to learn more about the 
LED Portable Light Source?

Check out our online store
 or contact us!

**This product is for use in veterinary
 medicine ONLY - it is not rated by FDA**

The Great American Smokeout

It's time for the

Great American Smokeout!

"Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. Encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. By quitting - even for 1 day - smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

About 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. While cigarette smoking rates have dropped (from 24% in 1965 to 17% in 2014), cigar, pipe, and hookah - other dangerous and addictive ways to smoke tobacco - are very much on the rise. Smoking kills people - there's no "safe" way to smoke tobacco.

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits at any age. Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. Getting help through counseling or medications can double or triple the chances of quitting successfully."

To learn more about the 

Great American Smokeout

 and get tools and resources, 

check out the

 American Cancer Society's website!

The Importance of Having a Clean Scope

Are your scopes being cleaned properly?

Roughly 300 patients have been sickened by life-threatening infections linked to contaminated medical endoscopes.

According to a memo released by U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, more than 41 hospitals worldwide (mostly in the U.S.) reported bacterial infections linked to the scopes, affecting 300 to 350 patients between 2010 and 2015.

Endoscopy Support Services can help you make sure your equipment is correctly cleaned and disinfected!

We have brushes, leak testers, solutions, and gas sterilizers available to make cleaning and disinfecting easy and done the right way.

You can also learn more about our Leak Testers and the Importance of Leak Testing Your Scope.

Want to know even more?

Visit our online store or contact us today!

Product Highlight- Veterinary Flexible Endoscopes

Have you heard about our

 Flexible Veterinary Endoscopes?

E.S.S. VET-H150

Small Animal G.I. Video Endoscope

For the examination and treatment of

 small animal G.I problems and disease.

Product Specifications:

-Insertion tube outer diameter: 9.6 mm

-Working length: 150 cm (1500 mm)

-Biopsy channel size: 2.8 mm 

-Uses 2.4 mm diameter x 200 cm or longer instruments

-Angulation: 180 degrees up and down

160 degrees left and right

-Designed for the ESS HVP-2100 

All-In-One Vet Video System

-Soaking and gas sterilized methods

-One (1) year manufacturer's warranty

Want to see it in action?

This video of a feline colonoscopy shows the quality of the E.S.S. 

VET- H150 Small Animal G.I. Video Endoscope.

E.S.S. VET-H150P

Slimline Small Animal Video Endoscope

For the examination and treatment of

 small animal G.I problems and disease.

Product Specifications:

-Insertion tube outer diameter: 8.3 mm

-Working length: 150 cm (1500 mm)

-Biopsy channel size: 2.2 mm

-Uses 1.8 mm diameter x 200 cm or longer instrument

-Angulation: 180 degrees up and down

160 degrees left and right

-Designed for the ESS HVP-2100 

All-In-One Vet Video System 

-Soaking and gas sterilization methods

-One (1) year manufacturer's warranty

Want to know more?

Check out our online store or contact us!

World No Tobacco Day 2016

World No Tobacco Day brings awareness of the health issues and dependency issues related to tobacco use. World No Tobacco Day stresses the importance of making people all over the world aware of the health dangers of using tobacco. It also stresses the addictive nature of tobacco use. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and diseases it causes. 

"Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. 

For World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2016, WHO and the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are calling countries to get ready for plain (standardized) packaging of tobacco products. 

Plain packaging is an important demand reduction measure that reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products, restricts use of tobacco packaging as a form of tobacco advertising and promotion, limits misleading packaging and labeling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings.

Plain packaging of tobacco products refers to measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logs, colours, brand images or promotional information on packaging other than brand names and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style. 

Guidelines to Articles 11 and 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) recommend that Parties consider adoption of plain packaging. 

Plain packaging builds upon other measures as part of a comprehensive multisectoral approach to tobacco control. Policy makers, civil society and the public can take action to ensure that their governments consider adoption of plain packaging."

"Facts about plain packaging

Interest in plain packaging is progressing across the globe:

-In December 2012, Australia became the first country to fully implement plain packaging.

-In 2015, Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and France all passed laws to implement plain packaging from May 2016.

-A number of countries are in advanced stages of considering adoption of plain packaging laws. 

Goals of WNTD 2016 campaign

World No Tobacco Day 2016 aims to: 

-Highlight the role of plain packaging as part of a comprehensive, multisectoral approach to tobacco control.

-Facilitate policy development by Member States and the globalization of plain packaging by providing informative, compelling and persuasive information. 

-Encourage member States to strengthen packaging and labeling measures and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship as they work towards plain packaging in a step-wise approach. 

-Support Member States and civil society against tobacco industry interference in political processes leading to adoption of plain packaging laws."

Facts About Tobacco

"Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing around 6 million people a year. More than 5 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600,000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

Nearly 8-% of the more than 1 billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.

Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development. 

In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves. 

Surveillance is Key

Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only 1 in 3 countries, representing one third of the world's population, monitors tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every 5 years. 

Second-hand smoke kills

Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water-pipes. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer. 

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

-In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.

-Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places. 

-Second-hand smoke causes more than 600,000 premature deaths per year.

-In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.

Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit. 

Over 1.3 billion people, or 18% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws. 

Tobacco users need help to quit

Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke. 

Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.

National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 24 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.

There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one quarter of low-income countries. 

Picture warnings work

Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings - especially those that include pictures - reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit. 

Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warning in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.

Only 42 countries, representing 19% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries. 

Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.

Over half of the world's population live in the 39 countries that have aired at least 1 strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last 2 years. 

Ad bans lower consumption

Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.

-A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.

-Only 29 countries, representing 12% of the world's population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. 

-Around 1 country in 3 has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Taxes discourage tobacco use

Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially amount young and poor people. A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.

Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely implemented. Only 33 countries, with 10% of the world's population, have introduced taxes on tobacco products so that more than 75% of the retail price is tax. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 269 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data. 

Illicit trade of tobacco products must be stopped

The illicit trade in tobacco products poses major health, economic and security concerns around the world. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 cigarettes and tobacco products consumed globally is illicit. The illicit market is supported by various players, ranging from petty peddles to organized criminal networks involved in arms and human trafficking. 

Eliminating illicit trade in tobacco will reduce the harmful consumption of tobacco by restricting availability of cheap, unregulated alternatives and increasing overall tobacco prices. Critically, this will reduce premature deaths from tobacco use and raise tax revenue for governments. Stopping illicit trade in tobacco products is a health priority, and is achievable. But to do so requires improvement of national and sub-national tax administration systems and international collaboration, such as ratification and implementation of the Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and international treaty in its own right, negotiated by parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

While publicly stating its support for action against the illicit trade, the tobacco industry's behind-the-scenes behaviour has been very different. Internal industry documents released as a result of court cases demonstrate that the tobacco industry has actively fostered the illicit trade globally. It also works to block implementation of tobacco control measures, such as tax increases and pictorial health warnings, by misleadingly arguing they will fuel the illicit trade. 

WHO response

WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 180 Parties covering 90% of the world's population.

The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance. 

In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least 1 provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The 6 MPOWER measures are:

-Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies.

-Protect people from tobacco use.

-Offer to help quit tobacco use

-Warn about the dangers of tobacco.

-Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

-Raise taxes on tobacco."

For more information,

 please visit the official WHO website!

How to Recognize Animal Abuse and knowing when to intervene as a veterinary professional

By Stephanie Duncan

"Animal cruelty is an unfortunate, horrific reality involving innocent beings that are unable to speak up for themselves. Veterinary professionals have a moral, ethical and, in some states, legal obligation to be the voice for these victims.

Animal cruelty is a catchall statement for offenses that include neglect, abuse, abandonment, animal fighting and even practicing veterinary medicine without a license. State laws vary in whether animal cruelty is deemed a misdemeanor or a felony, and they even go so far as to detail which animals are included. For example, New York laws cover "every living creature except a human being," while in Alaska, protected animals include vertebrates but not fish.

Veterinarian's Obligation

Several states have laws in place that address the issue of veterinarians reporting suspected animal cruelty and abuse. These include Arizona, which outlines a veterinarian's duty to report suspected canine participants of dog fighting. Oregon makes it mandatory for veterinarians to report aggravated animal abuse. Additionally, Kansas requires veterinarians to report cruel or inhumane treatment, and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.

Because laws vary from state to state, it's vital that veterinarians review local and state animal cruelty laws.

A veterinarian's role in animal cruelty cases is to be the medical expert and not the prosecutor, judge and jury. Thomas Skadron, DVM, owner of Skadron Animal Hospital in West St. Paul, Minn., and a Veterinary Hospitals Association board member, had a suspected cruelty case in which local law enforcement asked that he get involved.

"The dog that came in had a broken femur, and we donated the fracture repair via intramedullary pins as opposed to amputation or euthanasia," he said. "In this case, it meant the difference between being treated and not being treated.

Identifying Cruelty

In some cases, cruelty is obvious because of the type of injuries suffered. Others are subtle and characterized as behavior issues.

-Neglect: Signs may be seen not only in the pet but in the owner's behavior as well. The client might exhibit a lack of concern for the animal's welfare, refuse treatment, workups or grooming, or decline euthanasia. The animal might present with a poor body condition or severely matted fur, or it may have indications of being left unattended and continually chained up. These animals might not have access to adequate shelter, food or water, and the owner may have an excessive number of animals.

-Hoarding: Animals kept in hoarding-like conditions often are seen for trauma or preventable contagious and parasitic diseases. the owner may visit several clinics so as to not raise suspicion. A veterinarian may want to check with nearby practitioners to see whether the same owner is arriving with different patients.

-Dog Fighting: Animals used in dog fighting have characteristic bite and scar patterns in sensitive areas, including the head, neck and legs. Owners may try to treat the injuries themselves, and they may be reluctant to explain how the animal was hurt. The animal might be missing body parts, such as an ear or tail.

-Intentional Injuries: Deliberate harm is inflicted on an animal when an owner or someone else intentionally causes pain or injury. The pet comes in with injuries not consistent with its history, or the injuries are too severe to support the client's story. The pet may display abnormal behaviors such as relaxing when the owner is out of the room or shying away from the client.

It's important to keep in mind that good Samaritans exist. These individuals may find a neglected, abandoned or wounded animal and bring it to the clinic.

Justine Lee, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, Dipl. ABT, of Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota and the CEO and founder of VETgirl, recalled a disturbing case:

"An emaciated pit bull, who normally should have weighed 50 to 55 pounds, was brought in. This dog weighed less than 30 pounds. It was obvious animal cruelty, and I was thankful it was a neighbor that physically brought the dog and owner in and had the owner surrender the dog to us to address its medical needs. We were able to find a foster and rescue organization to care for the dog, allowing it to be rehomed."

What Can You Do?

Clinic owners should have an animal cruelty plan in place, and the team should be fully trained on standard operating procedures.

-Know your local and state laws. Each state is different, including whether suspected animal cruelty must be reported and if veterinarians are offered any protection.

-Know who needs to be contacted - whether local law enforcement or animal control - and the specific individuals within those organizations.

-Establish an in-house policy that details which samples to obtain, questions to ask, diagnostics to run and reporting forms to compete. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers a document, "Practical Guidance for the Effective Response by Veterinarians to Suspected Animal Cruelty, Abuse and Neglect," which includes sample reporting forms and protocols that clinics can use.

When an owner brings in a pet and the veterinarian or staff on call suspect cruelty, it's important to keep calm and avoid jumping to conclusions. The first step is to gather as much information as possible and ask open-ended questions such as, "How and when did this happen?" and "Who was involved?"

Dr. Skadron and his team approach suspected cruelty carefully because incorrect assumptions could be highly offensive to the owner. He suggests reviewing the patient's history, whether the injuries match the story, and whether the animal has behavioral or biting issues.

As you assess and treat the patient, document and take samples as thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind that veterinarians are not permitted to hold animals or perform treatment without owner consent. The owner could argue that treatments or diagnostics are too costly; however, there are workarounds. Skadron believes his team should be in a position "to do anything we can in these situations to help the pet, even if it means a donation of hospital resources and offering a new home."

Once the pet is assessed, review the owner and the owner's behavior. Was he indifferent or concerned about his pet? Did she want to pursue medical treatment or did she decline? How does the pet react and respond to the owner? These little warning signs can make a difference in an animal cruelty case, and it's important to remember and document them all.

Dr. Lee treated a dog that was paralyzed when hit by a car, and the owners' indifference to the pet's poor prognosis and potential suffering was a red flag.

"The owners took their dog home against medical advice, and after multiple follow-up phone calls to check on the dog, I discovered they never sought veterinary care afterwards despite recommendations," Lee said. "I checked with hospital management to see if there was a specific policy and ended up utilizing the local animal humane society to direct my animal cruelty report to."

Once the exam is complete and treatment is administered, veterinarians have the choice to educate or report. Is the cruelty happening because of the owner's lack of knowledge? If so, it could be accidental and the behavior could be changed with education. For example, if the pet comes in severely matted, with overgrown nails and ear mites, educating about recommended grooming could rectify the situation. However, if the pet continually comes in with matted hair, overgrown nails and ear mites despite education, referrals and recommendations, it might be time to report the case as animal cruelty.

In many cases, veterinarians may be concerned about getting someone in trouble, preserving client relationships and an ever-present fear: What if I'm wrong?

Lee encourages veterinarians to follow professional recommendations.

"For me, I found my best avenue and approach is to contact the local humane society and escalate the situation to an appropriate agent who can check on the welfare of the pet," she said. "Likewise, one can call the police if they believe the situation is severe enough. We must be an advocate for animals who don't have a voice."

Many states - Arizona and Oregon among them - offer immunity from civil or criminal liability if a report is made in good faith. It's critical that clinic owners, veterinarians and the staff understand local and state regulations regarding liability and good-faith protections.

Beyond Animal Cruelty

Animal abuse may signal that something is wrong within the owner's family and that other trouble is occurring.

"It's important to realize that when there's abuse to an animal there may be abuse to a child or spouse," Lee said.

During her time in Philadelphia, Lee treated an iguana that had been maliciously thrown against a wall. The pet was brought in by a mother and her child. The child had a black eye. Researchers have confirmed that animal cruelty can co-occur with spousal, child and elder abuse.

In other scenarios, animal cruelty can be a sign of mental illness.

Lee treated an English bulldog with a fractured leg that needed surgical correction. Weeks later, the owner brought in the same dog because of trauma to the spleen and secondary hemoabdomen. That's when Lee alerted management because of the possibility that the client suffered from Munchausen by proxy syndrome, a rare form of animal cruelty in which the owner seeks attention through injuring the animal.

Call in the Feds

Animal cruelty is a serious offense, one that veterinarians are at the front line to combat. The FBI has escalated animal cruelty to be a Class A felony, part of the same grouping of violent crimes that include homicides and assaults. The FBI also tracks cases to learn more about the correlation between animal cruelty and other crimes. In addition, states are considering publishing - or already publish - registries of animal cruelty offenders to further prohibit repeated offenders from owning anymore animals."

Click here for the original article from 

Veterinary Practice News.

COSM 2016

If you're at COSM 2016, 

don't forget to stop by 

Booth 320

 to say "Hi" to our team!

Why Ticks Threaten the Entire Pet-Owning Family

By Steve Dale from Veterinary Practice News

"If a dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, veterinarians should talk to the clients about getting tested themselves.

One Health isn't just talk any longer. It all began a couple years ago with the people dressed in green. Some wore homemade tick costumes as they marched down Michigan Avenue in Chicago chanting "Let's fight Lyme!" It was quite a sight.

I host a pet show on WGN Radio, and the studios are nearly like a "Today" show setup - facing Michigan Avenue and a concrete area called Pioneer Court, where the 50 or so marchers gathered. Hoping to gain radio attention, it's not unusual for groups to stop there.

Before my pet show began, I was sitting in with another host who asked the group on live radio, "Why are you here?" They spoke about Lyme disease and why awareness is important.

As we continued chatting, they were amazed that I knew so much about tick diseases. I explained, "It's because I attend veterinary conferences."

At a news break, I went outside to talk with them further. They showed me images and video from their phones of relatives whose lives have been altered as a result of a bit from a tick. Some were children. 

I was touched and moved to tears.

That's when I realized that we might be able to do more to protect our dogs from tick disease than we can ourselves.

People don't wear tick collars, snack on chewable tick protection or apply spot-on products on our backs. And, at least so far, a Lyme vaccine for people isn't available.

I thought: If a dog is diagnosed with Lyme or any other tick disease, family members likely have been on the other end of that leash, sharing the same environment.

Also, children may be more susceptible to tick bites. Like dogs, they're close to the ground, and they might be more likely to run into bushes or other places where ticks hang out. Very small ticks may not even be noticed, as children pay no attention, and mom and dad may not be checking carefully.

As the Companion Animal Parasite Council notes, the prevalence of tick disease in dogs is on the rise and spreading. Veterinary parasitologists have told me that the problem is an epidemic. 

It doesn't matter what we call it. Tick disease is here, and it affects people and dogs.

In the spirit of One Health, I thought that each time a veterinarian diagnoses tick disease in a dog, a suggestion should be for family members to see a physician. After all, someone was at the other end of that leash sharing the same environment.

Similarly, if a pediatrician diagnoses tick disease, the doctor might ask if there's a family dog. If the answer is "yes," then a visit to a veterinarian is a good idea.

Dr. Natalie Marks in Chicago did just that. She diagnosed Lyme in a dog and gently suggested that the owner see her doctor, despite the fact that she said she felt fine.

Thankfully she listened to Dr. Marks. The dog's owner was diagnosed with Lyme disease. And, like most illnesses, early diagnosis is helpful.

Of course, we don't get tick disease from dogs. Ticks are the "bad guys" sharing their nasty pathogens equally with people and their pets.

I am proud to announce the launch of a One Health Initiative called Stop Lyme.

Dr. Ron DeHaven, AMVA's CEO agreed: "More today than ever, we live in the same environment as our pets, and this can be especially true for our children. Hence disease that might affect our pets could also affect our children. If Lyme disease is diagnosed in a child, it's very possible that the family dog also has been exposed, and vise versa."

"By focusing on disease in animals, we can impact human health as well," he continued. "this is the basic concept of One Health - that the health of people, animals and the environment are inextricable linked. This also is consistent with our mission statement at AVMA: 'The mission of the association is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve human and animal health."

"It's vital we work alongside physicians to enhance the understanding of diseases affecting human and animal patients," he added.

 Attempting to better understand tick disease in people and in pets, I've attended several sessions where veterinarians and physicians share a stage, including the One Health Zoobiquity initiative event.

Clearly, the approach for diagnosing and treating tick disease in dogs compared to people might be different, so there is a gap to bride. And I realize that dogs aren't people.

Still, ticks don't care much about any of that. And not only is tick disease likely on the rise, but parasitologists (human and veterinary) agree that some pathogens infecting dogs and people probably haven't been discovered yet. Yuck. And that's kind of scary.

What appears abundantly clear to me is that public awareness and education about tick diseases will help people and dogs.

"I don't believe tick disease is talked about enough in the media," Marks said. "And oftentimes, when it is talked about there's misinformation. This is a huge opportunity to inform people so they can more effectively protect all their family members - those with two legs and four."

Merck Animal Health is supporting this campaign, but it's not so much about selling product as it is about doing what's right. Here's what I mean: While attending WVC in Las Vegas, I met a veterinary technician from upstate New York, and we were chatting about my idea to launch this One Health campaign. She began to weep.

"I love being a veterinary technician," she said. "But I may have to leave my job because I just no longer have the strength. I was diagnosed with Lyme. In some ways, I'm no longer the same person I was. And I've learned that I'm hardly alone."

She hugged me and added, "You definitely will help dogs and, I bet, will do even more to help people."'

Click here for the original article.

National Nurses Day!

Happy National Nurses Day!

Do you know why they chose May 12th to celebrate nurses?

It is the birthday of Florence Nightingale!

"There is an old adage that you need a doctor to diagnose you, but a nurse to save your life. This is because nurses are at the bedside with the patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is the nurse who will take your hand and guide you on your hospital journey, taking time to educate and comfort you along the way. It is the nurse who will worry about your lab values, medications, and assessment findings so that you can focus on healing. It is the nurse who will advocate for you, be it to your doctor, family, or even sometimes yourself. It is the nurse who will take the time to evaluate how you are doing as a person, not just how your body is handling its illness. It is the nurse who finds your coping and overall well-being to be just as important as your medical diagnosis. After all, we do this job because we care."

-From the Huffington Post article
What Do Nurses Do ?

Product Highlight- Veterinary Video Endoscopy System

Have you heard about our

Veterinary Video Endoscopy System?

The E.S.S. Veterinary Video Endoscopy System includes our "All-In-One" HVP-2100/2100L Combination video processor, light source with air, and LCD monitor in a compact and portable unit.

This system is:

-Easy to use - With a simple "plug-&-play"

 connection that makes set-up a breeze!

-Versatile - It is designed with a standard Olympus style connector for light guide and air. There is an available camera head to attach for rigid and flexible fiberoptic endoscopes.

-Compact & Portable - This combines all you need for your video endoscopy in one unit: video processor, light source, air pump, and LCD color.

You can use this system with:

-VET-H150 Small Animal G.I. Video Endoscope

-VET-H105 Equine Upper Airway Video Endoscope

-VET-H330 3-Meter Equine G.I. Video Endoscope

-Virtually ALL Olympus flexible fiberoptic endoscopes

-ALL Rigid Endoscopes (with separate purchase of our Universal Light Guide and VET-H1CCD Camera Head)

The HVP-2100/2100L also features a built-in image and video capture!

Now you can capture image stills and video sequences right from the HVP-2100/2100L to any brand standard SD card.

And don't forget about storage with the Padded Transport Case for the HVP-2100/2100L All-In-One!

A hard case with retractable handle and built-in wheels to store, protect and easily transport your HVP-2100/2100L and accessories to wherever you have to go!

It features:

-Durable wooden case with steel edges, corner protectors, case handles and latches.

-Foam padding to help protect equipment from breaking or physical shock damage.

-Holds one (1) HVP-2100/2100L unit, water bottle, optional camera head, cables and accessories (endoscopes should be stored separately and transported in their own case).

-Built-in fixed wheels and retractable handle with push-button release for easy transport.

Want to learn more?

Visit our website or contact us!

You can also visit us at 

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PENTAX: US Urgent Field Correction: Use of Disposable Water Bottle Assembly and Instructions for Use Addendum for PENTAX Video Processors, Light Sources & Endoscopes with Air/Water Channels

"April 7, 2016

Dear Valued Customer,

PENTAX Medical video processors and light sources are utilized with a disposable water bottle assembly comprised of a tubing adaptor and sterile water bottle that is intended to provide water and air for the cleaning of the objective lens of PENTAX Medical endoscopes. It has come to our attention that the PENTAX Medical Video Processor EPK-i5010 has been shipped with a reusable PENTAX Medical water bottle assembly (OS-H4) which has not been cleared for use with the EPK-i5010 in the United States. As a result, all customers that have previously received an OS-H4 water bottle with an EPK-i5010 for use with an endoscope with an air/water channel should discard these bottles and should use the PENTAX Medical DispoCap Air Tubing in their place. Users of other PENTAX Medical video processors and light sources should also discard their reusable PENTAX water bottle assemblies (OS-H2 &OS-H4) and replace them with the PENTAX Medical DispoCap Air Tubing. In addition, PENTAX Medical is issuing an Addendum to the Operation and Reprocessing Instructions for Use (IFU) for certain models of endoscopes to remove non-applicable steps as they relate to the water bottle assembly in the pre-cleaning of the endoscope in the procedure room.

The pre-cleaning steps in the Operation and Reprocessing IFUs include an instruction to turn the lever on the water bottle to the 'drain' position in order to empty the water channel, however, this action is unique to the reusable PENTAX Medical water bottle and is not relevant for a disposable water bottle assembly. As a result, PENTAX Medical is issuing the attached IFU Addendum which instructs customers to disregard this step. The pre-cleaning instructions are otherwise accurate and complete as it pertains to the disposable water bottle assembly. This addendum should be placed in the Operation and Reprocessing IFUs originally provided with the endoscope at the time of purchase. Please ensure that user departments discard andy PENTAX OS-H2/OS-H4 water bottles and trasition to the PENTAX Medical DispoCap Air Tubing (Model 100160P) for use with a disposable sterile water bottle.

If you have any questions regarding this action, please feel free to contact Paul Silva, PENTAX Americas Recall Coordinator at:

Tel: 800-431-5880 ext. 2064

(8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, M-F, EST)

Fax: 201-799-4063

Please contact PENTAX Medical customer service to place orders for the PENTAX Medical DispoCap Air Tubing, Model 100160P.

Tel: 800-431-5880

Email: salessupport2@pentaxmedical.com

This correction is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

PENTAX Medical regrets any inconvenience that may result from this action and appreciates your patients as we introduce these updated instructions. Please be assured that maintaining patient safety and quality is our utmost priority."

Click here for the original press release.