Press Release

MINNESOTA UROLITH CENTER REACHES 750,000TH MILE “STONE”

Recipe for a Better Life™ Formulas Offer Precisely Balanced Nutrition and Industry-Leading Quality

 

AINT PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 26, 2012) – The Minnesota Urolith Center (MUC) at the University of Minnesota celebrates the receipt of its 750,000 urolith , a struvite-calcium phosphate carbonate stone from a female Pomeranian dog living in Glen Burnie, Md., submitted by Dr. Lisa Jones and team at Animal Hospital at Southgate. Founded in 1981, the MUC maintains the largest database of animal uroliths, analyzing nearly 80,000 samples annually. This diagnostic service, offered at no cost to veterinarians, is made possible largely by a philanthropic educational grant from Hills Pet Nutrition. It is estimated that last year Hill’s contributions saved the profession approximately $2.5 million in diagnostic fees. The long-standing financial commitment from Hill’s also supports the MUC’s scientific and epidemiological research needed to understand trends, risk factors and treatments for urinary tract disease.

 

“Since the beginning, we have proudly backed the MUC because their mission to help the profession and the pets we serve aligns with our own,” said Janet D. Donlin, D.V.M., chief veterinary officer at Hill’s. “Our sincerest congratulations go out to the MUC team (Michelle Buettner, Amy Cokley, Sarah Davidson, CVT, Dr. Vachira Hunprasit, Lori Koehler, CVT, Sandy Leach, Dr. Jody Lulich, Dr. Eugene Nwaokorie, Dr. Carl Osborne, Laurie Swanson, CVT, and Lisa Ulrich, CVT) on this wonderful achievement, and we look forward to many more years of success to come.”

 

This synergistic partnership between industry and academia provides an example of what can be done for veterinary healthcare team members in practice who need assistance with their canine and feline urinary tract disease case management.

 

“In the beginning of the last decade, we were receiving approximately 25,000 samples per year,” said Carl A. Osborne, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM, professor, University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. “Last year, we saw nearly 80,000 from around the world, and with the help of sponsors like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, we’re helping pets around the world have a better quality of life.”

 

In addition to quantitative urolith analysis using infrared spectroscopy and optical crystallography, the MUC also holds a database of more than 750,000 veterinary samples and epidemiologic data identifying risk factors for urolithiasis. The MUC provides recommendations, consultation, clinical studies and lectures around the world. Funding for the MUC’s scientific and epidemiological research is made possible largely by financial donors.

 

The mission of the Minnesota Urolith Center at the University of Minnesota is to enhance the quality and quantity of life of companion animals. This mission encompasses compassionate utilization of contemporary science and selection of clinical teams to provide care that we would select for ourselves. The Center is committed to the development of noninvasive methods that will consistently and safely prevent and cure diseases of the urinary system. In addition, the Center is staffed with board certified veterinarians and specially trained professionals qualified in the analysis and interpretation of biogenic minerals from veterinary patients. For more information about the Minnesota Urolith Center visit UrolithCenter.org.

 

About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. manufactures Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, Hill's® Science Diet® and the new Hill's®Ideal Balance™ brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™ visit HillsPet.com, or visit us on Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition." 

 

 

Contact:
Edisa Chacin
1-800-445-5777
Edisa_Chacin@hillspet.com

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