General Cat Care

Many people get a cat thinking that they need no care. This is a misconception. Cats do need love and care. They need to be fed, groomed, trained and loved. They need to be protected from disease and hazards. Cats today are different from the wild cats of our ancestors and quite content to have people provide these things. They need care when we go out of town. They may also need to be treated for medical conditions.

If you want to be a better cat-owner, here are some pointers to help you take care of your cat in the best way possible. Hygiene, training, and grooming are all addressed in a logical, easy to understand format. How to use treats is addressed, so that they stay treats, not a general practice.

Cats need food, litter boxes, and flea control. Their people need the correct supplies to take care of them. While there are many good products in the general marketplace, there are specialty items you may not be aware of or may be paying top-dollar for. I can help with the latter. Specialty items can be purchased directly from the suppliers at a price that makes their use more appealing, often with free shipping.

Cat care consists of attending to the physical comforts of your cat, emotional and intellectual stimulation, and love. The physical is easy. All the "things" you need are easily accesible. Emotional and intellectual stimulation are in the way you relate to your cat. Talk to your cat. Treat it as a friend and it will be one to you. Allow your cat to express it's unique personality. Stimulate it's natural intellect with toys, games and training.

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By simply relating to your cat as you go about your day; talking to it when you enter the room, calling it for food or bed; your cat will become attentive to you. You will find your cat coming around to say "hello," asking for cuddles and play.

Tickler wands and other interactive toys will always help your cat to relate to you. Because these toys are only available for play when you offer them, your cat will ask you for them. Your cat can easily be trained to playing with these toys by offering the toys, and when your cat loses interest, give a treat and a cuddle. The treats and toys will give your cat an added reason to play with you besides the exercise and enjoyment it gets by chasing the toy you offer.

We Train Cats

Why Do We Train Cats?

Why do we train cats? Training cats is usually done for one of four reasons:

• To housebreak the cat
• To tame a feral cat
• To correct objectionable (bad) behavior developed in the cat
• To make the cat perform

Each reason is valid in its' context.

Housebreaking includes litter box, sleeping arrangements, counters and furniture, scratching posts, other pets and family members, feeding times.

Usually, a kitten learns the acceptable behaviors "by osmosis" as it grows up in the home. Most people have little difficulty with this. However; when you adopt an adult cat, your cat has different house rules than you do; and this cause friction. The cat must be retrained.

A Feral Cat must be tamed before housebreaking can occur. Taming a feral cat includes developing trust. This is not the easiest thing to do after a cat has been trapped, altered and given vaccinations. The poor thing is probably delirious with fear. Patience is the key. Let the cat lead this dance. If you plan to tame the cat, do not let it loose again after the trapping and vet visit. The cat will not be taken in again.

Correcting Objectionable Behavior calls into play a lot of training and behavioral science knowledge. Operant Conditioning is outlined and discussed. Each behavior needs to be addressed separately, and the measures used to correct one behavior may exacerbate another. The specifics of this are discussed. Clicker training is promoted, as this is the easiest way to train your cat. However, not all cats respond positively to the clicker, and you can ask the Cat Whisperer for help with these cats.

Training to Perform is a simple cycle of the task or trick, mark, reward and repeat. The hardest part is getting the cat to do the behavior the first time. The more often you associate the word or action on your part with the action desired from the cat, the more ingrained the behavior will be. Read the Operant Conditioning page for more information.

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem for cats. The hair loss can be partial or complete, and the patterns varied or symmetrical. Treatment options exist, though they are limited.

Symptoms and Types of Hair Loss in Cats

Signs include partial or total hair loss. The skin surrounding the area of hair loss can appear normal or it can have redness, bumps, scabs, and skin loss. Alopecia may appear in a symmetrical form, or it can be random on the cat's skin.

Causes

In older cats diagnosed with cancer, alopecia is common. Nervous disorders (e.g., over-grooming) can also cause cats to lose their hair. Hormonal imbalances, specifically too much thyroid or increased levels of steroids in the body, may lead to hair loss. Some cats experience skin allergies, which can also cause hair loss to occur. Parasites that bring about mange, and fungal issues like ringworm, are also a common cause of alopecia. Another less common factor is heredity.

Diagnosis

A complete blood count (CBC) is often done to determine if there are hormonal or thyroid imbalances causing the alopecia. Various imaging tools, such as X-rays, are used to rule out signs of cancer or abnormalities in the adrenal glands. Meanwhile, if the veterinarian believes hair loss is due to a skin issue, a skin biopsy or culture may be done.

Treatment of Alopecia in Cats

If the alopecia is due to a skin disorder (e.g., skin erosions), thyroid imbalance, or other hormonal imbalance, there are medications and topical treatments available. If hair loss is due to a behavioral issue, modification treatment can be taught to lessen the problem. Overall, treatment options are fairly limited.

Living and Management

Other than administering the appropriate medication, you should observe the cat's condition to make sure it does not become worse.

Signs of a Healthy Cat

The well-toned upper body of a healthy cat will give the impression of supple strength, which in movement translates to speed, agility, and grace. To see a cat crouched down on the hunt for prey, and moving in a slow motion "crawl" is poetry in motion. His frame is aligned perfectly, and every muscle, tendon, and bone move in tandem.

The Muscular-Skeletal Structure of a Healthy Cat

Standing at rest, in profile, a healthy cat will look evenly balanced. His head will be held high, supported by his neck and strong shoulder muscles. His rib cage encloses and protects the heart, lungs, liver, and gall bladder. At a healthy weight, a cat's ribs may be felt, but are not prominently visual. The bone structure is covered and supported by a systems of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which work together to give the healthy cat's limbs strength, mobility, and speed.

The Front Legs and Feet of a Healthy Cat

The front legs of a healthy cat are used for balance, running, climbing, and catching prey. The elbows are held close to the body while standing and thrust forward when walking. When a cat is stretching laterally or scratching a scratching post vertically, the front lets may be fully extended, forming an almost straight line.

Walking Pattern of a Healthy Cat

Unlike humans who walk on the heels and balls of our feet, cats walk on their toes with the "heel" never touching the ground, which makes them digitigrade mammals. Dogs and horses are also digitigrade mammals; animals who walk on the whole sole of the foot, including humans, rabbits, and bears, are called plantigrade mammals. Cats have a unique way of walking, by moving the front and back legs forward in parallel tandem, i.e., right front and right back leg forward, left front and left back leg forward. In the next step, the cat will place his left back foot in exactly the same place the left front foot just vacated. This is an instinctive protective measure, which leaves a much smaller and quieter track, making it harder for predators to scent and follow.

Cats' Front Toes and Claws

A healthy cat usually has ten toes in front. The exceptions are polydactyl cats, often called "Hemingway Cats," which have multiple toes. Cats' toes are very strong; they use them to grip and hold surfaces when climbing, to pull their body upward. A cat chasing a rubber ball (or a mouse) can easily catch it with his toes, then hold it by curling his toes and claws inward.

he cat's claws are an integral part of his feet. They are the original "multi-use tool," invaluable for climbing; capturing and killing prey; and for protection from predators and other enemies. A cat's claw consists of the sharp, visible nail portion, covered with a disposable sheath; connected to the P3 toe bone with ligaments and tendons. (See photo of drawing.) To keep his claws sharp, a cat scratches rough surfaces, such as trees, wood posts, sisal, and sometimes furniture or carpeting. The clawing does not actually sharpen the claw as much as dislodging the protective transparent sheath. You may occasionally find these abandoned sheaths on the floor.

Cases in Cats

Documented H1N1 Cases in Cats

Ever since the WHO (World Health Organization) classified the H1N1 virus as a pandemic in June of 2009, fear compounded by misinformation have ensued. Even the name, "swine flu," is a misnomer, as the H1N1 virus, although similar, is not the same virus responsible for the swine flu in North America.

At first, it was thought that the H1N1 virus could not be transmitted to cats by humans. However, since the discovery of a documented case of a cat in Iowa contracting swine flu from human family members, and a second cat confirmed with the virus, this time in Park City, UT, renewed speculation has ensued. Although the knowledge of H1N1 is evolving every day, this article will answer questions as they arise and will be updated as needed.

What Exactly is This Flu?

The 2009 H1N1 has gone through several different names, and now, it appears to be composed of "pieces" of several different virus sources, according to the CDC as reported by the AVMA. The CDC has adopted the official name of "2009 H1N1 flu."

Question: How is the H1N1 Virus Transmitted?

Answer: The H1N1 virus can be caught by inhaling airborne particles (sneezing, coughing) or through direct transfer of mucous matter (hand-shaking, kissing.) It's symptoms are similar to most other flu viruses:

• Coughing
• Sore Throat
• Runny or Congested Nose
• Fever and Chills
• Head and Body Aches
• Fatigue
• Sometimes Vomiting and Diarrhea

Is my Cat Likely to Get H1N1 From Me?

Answer: To date there have been three documented cases of a cat catching swine flu from a family member. The AVMA advice is to keep sick family members away from all pets, and to otherwise use good sanitation precautions. Should you get H1N1, the best precautions against spreading it to humans or cats are:

• Swine flu victims should stay in bed during the early days of the flu, and keep the cats out of the bedroom. You should not have direct contact with your cats until 24 hours after your temperature has returned to normal.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then fold the tissue and discard it in a trash container.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after coughing or sneezing, and before preparing food for your family, including your cats.
• Watch for symptoms of H1N1 in your cats and take them to the veterinarian at the first sign of symptoms.

BioDeodorizer

BioDeodorizer Refill: 32 oz Bottle

BioDeodorizer gets rid of odors by digesting their sources. Safe for use on tile and carpet, trash receptacles, recycle bins, hampers, even drain lines! Eliminates odors from pet beds and pet accidents on carpet and grout, and freshens litter boxes. BioDeodorizer is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates. The refill contains a 32 oz. bottle; simply re-use your existing heavy-duty sprayer!

Diet for Long-Term Health

Fortifying the Diet for Long-Term Health
Fortifying the Diet for Long-Term Health

You want to ensure the well-being of your canine companion. But it may not be a simple matter to determine which nutrients are required for optimal health.

You see, no two dogs are the same, due to a variety of factors, including differences in breed, life stage, health needs, personality, living environment and level of activity. In part, it is due to your dog’s unique health requirements that adding a dietary supplement to their daily nutritional intake is more important than you might think.

While feeding a wholesome, nutritious food like Life’s Abundance can make an enormous impact on the health of your dog, supplements are a necessary component in fulfilling the individual dietary requirements of your pup.

Working with our veterinarian product formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, we have developed three unique formulas to target specific needs: Agility for healthy joints, Skin & Coat for healthy skin and a glossy coat, and Advanced Daily Supplement for an improved immune system.

To find out more about these health-promoting supplements, click on any of the links below.

Agility	Skin & Coat	Daily Supplement

Water Ski Dog Leash

Water Ski Dog Leash

Product Summary:
493211 Water Ski Dog Leash

Sure to be the coolest leash on the dock, this water-ski style lead by Paws Aboard™ is outfitted with an authentic ski rope handle and sturdy cord.

Features:

· Heavy-duty steel clip

· Water ski handle offers excellent comfort and control

· Super strength cord is durable and lightweight

Item Specifications:

Dimensions:

4½’ (cord), plus handle 6x7x3

Pet Saver Life Jacket

Kyjen Pet Saver Life Jacket

Product Summary:

High performance dog floatation device for boating, water sport adventures and other outdoor activities with dogs. Provides flotation and ultimate buoyancy with bright orange color for easy visibility. Features quick release buckles, adjustable straps and a convenient top grab handle. Water repellent Neoprene and Cordura materials provide warmth and protection from abrasion.

Size:

X-Small (Up to 18 lbs/15-19" Girth)

Small (15-25 lbs/19-24" Girth)

Medium (20-30 lbs/22-29" Girth)

Large (40-70 lbs/26-35" Girth)

X-Large (Over 70 lbs/31-42" Girth)

Plastic Dog Crate

Petmate Vari-Kennel Ultra Plastic Dog Crate

Product Summary:

Petmate® Vari-Kennel® Ultra Plastic Dog Crate

Have crate, will travel. The Petmate® Vari-Kennel® Ultra is all about comfort, sturdiness and value. It’s also the most affordable option of this caliber. It offers your dog all of the comforts and roominess of a traditional steel crate, in a tough style that’s ready and appropriate for travel, air or otherwise. Whether you’re on the road to grandma’s, overseas, or just setting up camp in your backyard, the Vari-Kennel® is the best way to take “home” with you.

Features:

· Lightweight, high-density copolymer construction

· Bottom half is comfortable enough to use for bed or whelping box

· Simple to assemble – no tools required

· Non-corrosive wing nut connections

· Vents provide open airflow for maximum comfort

· High carbon steel door with door guards

· Squeeze latch offers superior security and one-handed operation

· Flat floor with moat for a dry dog and easy cleanup

· Molded rim improves gripping

· Approved for international air travel with purchase of water cup and label

· Tie down strap holes at each corner

· Interlocking stacking lugs allow stacking of multiple crates

· Easy to clean

· Fits pets 19” to 28” tall

Item Specifications:

Sizes:

Medium: 28”L x 20.5”W x 21.5”H (equipped with carry handle)

Intermediate: 32”L x 22.5”W x 24”H

Large: 36”L x 25”W x 27”H

Extra Large: 39”L x 26”W x 30”H

Giant: 48”L X 32”w x 35”H

Colors:

Traditional Bleached Linen

Related search - 380105

Dog Breeder

How to Become a Top Dog Breeder

Many people want to become good dog breeders. Dog breeding and doing it properly is an expensive hobby. There is the picking up of a good bitch, waiting for her to become old enough before breeding, choosing the best dog for her to mate with, and undertaking all the health checks she needs, and ensure that the dog you need also passes through the same health checks. There are potential extra expenses during pregnancy, you have to pay a stud fee (or return a puppy), you have the time at your disposal, and can incur the expense of whelping. The puppies are to be kept for a minimum of 8 weeks before sending them to their homes.

There is the need to advertise and look for good homes before sending them to their homes. As a breeder, you also need to see that the dogs have had their shots before going. You may be and ardent dog lover and want to better a particular breed of dogs. You may devote your time and energy to bettering a particular breed of dogs. Often this requires breeding dogs of a particular bloodline, thus creating particular traits that will be passed down through future generations. There is the requirement to have one or two un-neutered female dogs. If you have two or three adult dogs, you may not even need to register your kennel.

A good dog breeder does not want to use dogs with major blemishes. The breeder may show the dogs to endeavor to have a championship before breeding them. This increases the value of the dog’s future puppies. It also leads to the breeder networking with the people who know the most about the breed. The dog may not get a championship but a few wins and the dog exhibitors will take you more seriously. If one of the exhibitors has a dog with characteristics that will even out any of the flaws that your dog has, then you can breed show quality puppies.

If, as a dog breeder, you want to breed dogs for many years, you may want to choose a kennel name. The kennel name has to be registered with the corresponding Kennel Club. It may be a good idea to get a kennel permit. The permit will eventually be needed as you may require a few puppies to continue the bloodline. There is the requirement to get the permit before you are attached to your puppies. When you are breeding your dog for the first time, you should seek out a male dog that belongs to a practiced dog breeder. When the dog has bred, you need to take it to the veterinarian. You need to ask the vet about the birthing procedure. When the delivery time comes near prepare a quiet spot for your dog to deliver. These steps ensure that you are a successful dog breeder and you take care of your dog and ensure that the best dogs only breed to carry on the bloodline.

Frog Tadpoles

Hundreds Of Rare Golden Frog Tadpoles Have Been Hatched

Hundreds of golden frog tadpoles hatched at Hotel Campestre in El Valle earlier this month, product of the Golden Frog Project that started in 2001. The Project aims to serve as Noah's Ark until a solution to control a fungus is found.

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Principal investigator Edgardo Griffith, STRI visiting scientist from Southern Illinois University and research assistant Heidi Ross were surprised at the event “We didn't expect that the conditions for reproduction were already there.”

The new facilities of Hotel Campestre include at least one 100 gal aquarium irrigated with tap water filtered with activated charcoal to insure purity. River stones with emerging algae, tropical plants and petri dishes containing tadpole food based on algae are also contained in the aquarium, providing a simple but effective ecosystem for the new golden frogs. These frogs are the survivors of many highland species in Panama, victims to a chitrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Along with habitat loss, soils use change, and commercial overexploitation, Bd is responsible for the decimation of populations and extinction of many species of amphibians. No wild golden frogs are found in El Valle.

The new tadpoles are the offsprings of two resident couples of golden frogs of the Hotel. In normal conditions in the wild, without the fungus, maybe only 25% of the tadpoles would survive, but given the conditions provided by the project all 100% of tadpoles may reach adulthood.

The efforts to conserve the golden frog and many other species of amphibians is shared by ANAM, the Houston Zoo, the World Association for Zoos and Aquaria, World of Conservation, Zoo Atlanta, etc.

Calf coccidiosis

Headquarter of Bayer Animal Health in Monheim, Germany

The infectious disease coccidiosis poses a massive problem for cattle herds all over the world. This parasitic disease is wide-spread. Unless it is treated early and appropriately it causes severe diarrhea in calves. The consequences are developmental disorders, organ damage and underperformance in animals as well as heavy economic losses for farmers. This is why the early recognition, prevention and effective treatment of calf coccidiosis is the major focus of interest at today’s press conference held by Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division at the XXVth World Buiatrics Congress (WBC) in Budapest, Hungary.

Lykele van der Broek, Head of the Animal Health Division, underlines Bayer’s role as a research-based company which responds to changes on the global cattle market and supports veterinarians and farmers with new product solutions. With sales of €956 million in 2007, Bayer Animal Health is one of the leading manufacturers of animal health products worldwide. The Division produces and distributes over 100 different medicines and care products for farm livestock and domestic pets.

“The long-term future of our business is safeguarded by innovations,” says van der Broek. Bayer Animal Health therefore invests approximately ten percent of its yearly turnover in the research and development of new compounds and the advancement of existing products. Special attention is paid to the livestock sector, states van der Broek. “The continued growth in world population, the rising incomes in emerging countries and the associated increase in the demand for animal-derived foods make innovative, effective and user-friendly high-quality products for farm livestock a major priority.” Cattle are still the most important farm species for the animal health industry.

Professor Arwid Daugschies, Director of the Institute of Parasitology at the Veterinary Faculty of Leipzig University, and Dr. Klemens Krieger, head of the research and development department working on parasite control products at Bayer Animal Health – both renowned experts in the field of coccidiosis – presented the latest scientific findings and insights into practical research at the press conference.

Surveys among European veterinarians show that coccidiosis often remains undiagnosed in practice. Initial symptoms in calves, such as reduced feed intake, poor growth or diarrhea, are frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial or viral infections, reports Daugschies. All too often this results in inappropriate treatment with antibiotics, which leads to therapeutic failure. The Leipzig-based scientist therefore advocates extensive differential diagnosis in order to identify a coccidial infection at the earliest possible time. He explains that the intestines of infected animals sustain massive and lasting damage even before the onset of symptoms. As a result, food intake is permanently reduced and immunity weakened. In order to prevent a disease outbreak and avert the subsequent loss of performance, treatment should preferably be given before the first onset of diarrhea, Daugschies says.

Toltrazuril, the active compound developed by Bayer Animal Health, is one of the most efficient remedies against coccidia in various animal species. Recent field studies in cattle have also demonstrated the high efficacy of the compound against these parasites, reports Krieger. “Toltrazuril inhibits the intracellular development of the infectious agents and controls them at all stages of their life cycle. Providing an early and appropriate treatment it has the added benefit of greatly reducing the use of antibiotics as the risk of secondary infections is much lower.”

About Bayer HealthCare

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. The company combines the activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide.

With sales of €956 million (2007), the Animal Health Division is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of veterinary drugs. The division produces and markets approximately 100 different animal health and care products worldwide for livestock and companion animals.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those described in Bayer’s published reports, These reports are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Lykele van der Broek

Cattle at the stable

Cattle

Coccidiosis: Healthy intestinal mucous membrane

Coccidiosis: Attacked intestinal mucous membrane

Coccidiosis: Oocyst Cycle

Coccidiosis: Oocyst Cycle (German)

Marine Animals

Protecting Rare Marine Animals

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,000 different varieties of animals, so that in one day visitors can travel around the One of the most toxic animals in the world -- the poison dart frog -- lives here. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is part of a renowned poison dart frog breeding program, with herpetologists supplying frogs to other zoos and aquariums. The Aquarium also has one of the most extensive turtle collections in the country.

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Enter an aquarium and an underwater zoo comes alive with fish of all shapes and sizes. But if you want more than just a fish-tank view, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,000 different varieties of animals, for a rare visitor experience.

"In one day you can really travel around the world and see a frog that's only found in one little remote part," the aquarium's General Curator, Jack Cover, tells DBIS.

One of the most toxic animals in the world -- the poison dart frog -- lives here. Its bright colors warn predators to keep away, but herpetologists learned they aren't very dangerous living inside the aquarium. In fact, Cover says dart frogs born and raised in captivity are completely non-toxic.

And if frogs aren't your thing, "Turtles are really interesting animals," says Cover. "They first appeared on the planet about 300 million years ago." The National Aquarium in Baltimore has one of the most extensive turtle collections in the country, helping keep some of these slow movers from their biggest threat -- cars! According to Cover, what's the best feature of this "ZooArium?" Getting an up close experience inside, without outside hassles.

"You're gonna see a lot of diversity and the best thing, you get to see them without the extreme heat and the mosquitoes that would normally be chewing you up if you were out in the wild," he says -- a wildly fun experience.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is part of a renowned poison dart frog breeding program, supplying frogs to other zoos and aquariums. Cover says the best time of year to visit the aquarium is in the winter, and ticket prices range from about $14 to $24 depending on age.

BACKGROUND: The National Aquarium in Baltimore features hundreds of exhibits and has more than 16,500 animals. It measures 115,000 square feet and holds more than one million gallons of water. Among the top exhibits today are an environment of Australian animals, a dolphin exhibit, and an exhibit about frogs, the most populous amphibian.

AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS: The Aquarium's Australian exhibit, Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes, depicts stories of animal survival in Australia's dry environment. The highly adaptive animals in wild Australia have survived over millions of years in a land of drought, fire, and flood. Australia, roughly the same size as the United States, is the worldýs largest island. Separated by ocean from the rest of the world, Australia has a higher percentage of native animals than any other continent on earth, meaning that many of its species are not naturally found outside the country. These animals -- living creatures that are as close to prehistoric as can be found on earth -- developed over millions of years in solitude.

MARSUPIAL MAMMALS: Australia is famous for its marsupial mammals, which carry their developing young around in a pouch. The mother delivers the babies, still in the embryo stage, when they cannot live by themselves, from inside her body into this pouch. The embryo crawls up and attaches itself to the mothers nipples, located inside the pouch. It continues to develop there, and eventually starts leaving and returning to the pouch in later stages of its development. Over 200 of the 334 species of marsupials are native to Australia, but just one species native to the US, the Virginia Opossum.

Animal Health Product

new animal health product in New Zealand

Experts Conquer Parasites Just as Sir Edmund Hillary Once Conquered Mount Everest

In Kiel the team is working with full speed to deliver the new dewormer for cats in time in europe.

Christchurch (New Zealand) / Leverkusen – Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to conquer Mount Everest. What does it take to accomplish such a feat? In addition to good physical fitness and a high level of motivation one needs a clear goal, which is exactly what the experts from Bayer HealthCare had when they began working on a new deworming product for cats. Never losing sight of the goal, their long march ultimately led to the development of a new animal health care product on the basis of two active ingredients. One of these is new, and Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division has become the first company to use it in an animal health product: Profender^®. From now on the new dewormer will be launched in Europe within the next six months. At the International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) in Christchurch, New Zealand, the scientists Dr. Christian Epe (Hanover Veterinary College, Germany) and Craigh Reinemeyer, Ph.D. (East Tennessee Clinical Research, U.S.A.) presented test results and field studies affirming the impressive performance of this product to over 600 of their colleagues from all over the world at one of the conference symposiums. The company is heralding a new era in deworming with this innovative animal health product. After more than 20 years, Bayer has thus succeeded in developing a new anthelmintic from a new class of chemical compounds. Designed as a spot-on preparation with two active ingredients, Profender^® is the first prescription-only product for topical application providing comprehensive deworming of all relevant endoparasites in just one treatment step. This new product underscores Bayer HealthCare’s status as an inventor company. The active ingredient praziquantel, the effectiveness of which has been recognized around the world for the past 30 years, has already set standards in the fight against parasites in companion animals and agricultural livestock and even in human beings. The second active ingredient, emodepside, comes from a new class of active substances. Discovered in Japan, its full potential was first recognized and tapped for the development of an animal health product by Bayer’s Animal Health Division. The inventor of the drug, Professor Achim Harder from the Research&Development department of Bayer HealthCare’s Animal Health Division, explained the novel mode of action and the long path to approval at the WAAVP Profender^® symposium. The succinct and somewhat unscientific objective for the researchers working on this project was: Make it stress-free and easy to use! The new deworming product for cats is an especially good example of how our products help animals and benefit our customers. As an alternative to deworming tablets, we have now developed an easy, stress-free and efficient treatment method which is quick and convenient to administer for both veterinarians and animal owners. This is true ‘Science For A Better Life,’ commented Dr. Norbert Mencke, Head of Technical Service for Companion Animals at Bayer HealthCare. Sir Edmund Hillary who conquered Mount Everest, and later the South Pole, the most famous living New Zealand adventure hero, gave a welcome speech at the Bayer Reception following the WAAVP Profender Symposium. In his book View from the summit he expressed his ambitious goal with the words: For the first time on the whole expedition I had the confidence that we were going to get to the top. And as we all know, he made it! Leverkusen / Christchurch, October 20, 2005
hb (2005-10-599)

About Bayer HealthCare AG:

Bayer HealthCare AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2004, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some €8.5 billion.

The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. 35,300 people were employed by Bayer HealthCare worldwide in 2004. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.