New luwex™ airride™hoof pads

MILBURN'S VETSHARE PROGRAM A new program pioneered by Milburn Distributions, the nation's leading equine pharmaceutical distributor, promises to provide better communication between equine veterinarians and their horse owning clients, as well as a means for veterinarians to expand their ability to retail non-prescription horse care items at competitive prices. VetShare is a"total marketing and information program" designed to bring horse owners and veterinarians closer together in the day-to-day health care of horses. The goal of the program is to strengthen the role of the equine practitioner as a resource for information, and to offer an expanded selection of c o n s u m e r p r o d u c t s through veterinary channels. The show piece of the program is the innovative "EQ2000 Resource Guide," which is a unique hybrid between an informational magazinetype publication and a high-end retail product catalog. The EQ2000 Resource Guide features a wide array of horse health care products and equipment, at prices that are competitive with major retail outlets and discount mail-order catalogs. Products available through the EQ2000 Resource Guide are products typically available through major mail-order catalogs or retail outlets, including nutritional supplements, fly sprays, shampoos, tack, etc. No prescription drugs or vaccines are available to consumers through the VetShare program. Veterinarians participating in VetShare receive discounts on products and services through Milburn Distributions, based

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on the volume of products purchased by their enrolled clients. Along with the product offering, the EQ2000 Resource Guide includes information and articles designed to educate and inform horse owners on important equine health care topics. VetShare works with manufacturers and veterinarians to provide useful information to horse owners about product usage, vaccination programs, disease control and treatment, etc., in a manner that supports the role of the veterinarian as both a source of information and professional veterinary care. In addition to the EQ2000 Resource Guide, plans call for the development of a monthly newsletter, which ultimately can be customized for each participating practitioner. According to Bill Milburn, president of Milburn Distributions, parent c o m p a n y of VetShare, the VetShare program is a response to changing industry dynamics, which affect the veterinarian and the horse owner daily. "Between the Internet, direct mail catalogs, magazines, etc., there are so many sources out there for horse owners, many times the veterinarian is left out of the loop, or he may be the last place the horse owner turns. We think the equine practitioner should be the key resource when it comes to products and information their clients use in caring for their horses." Milburn said. He added, "Ideally, we think the VetShare program can bring the horse owner and the veterinarian closer together." The VetShare Veterinary Marketing Program is available exclusively to equine practitioners and only available to clients enrolled by participating veterinarians. For more information contact VetShare at 1-888-848-8650, or write PO Box 42810, Phoenix, AZ 85080-2810.

EQUINE SUPPLE

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ActiVet Bio, Ltd. introduces Actimune| Equine Formula, a new and totally unique 't, dress' supplement to help mana~ e animal health, enhance performanc, , and aid digestion. ActimuneN Equine Formula, developed primarily for use in foals, is a non-drug that gives, according to the manufacturer, positix results without harmful side effects or residues and it doesn't show on post race testing. The extruded soybean car " apple flavoring make the product extremely palatable for assured proper dosage. For more information contact ActiVet Bio, Ltd., 61 Thorubury Dr., Dayton, OH 45459. Phone: 800-9623763 or ; www.actiw t.com

NEW LUWEX TM AIRRIDE TM HOOF PADS EQ, Inc., the exclusive North American distributor of Luwex T M hoofpads, has intro~ uced AirRide T M Hoof Cushion; a hoot packing material that is 75% lighter than traditional hoof packing materials. This innovative hoof packing will not absorb moisture, and is porous to let the hoof breathe. Similar to the "dental " pression" materials, it provides ex( support for the frog without exel ting excess pressure and is ideal for use with the Luwex T M flexible me ~h Full Pad. Contact EQ, In, 888-467-7310, fax 617-243-3067; Newton, MA.

JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE