Diseases of the myocardium can be classified either as primary or secondary. Primary cardiomyopathies include idiopathic congestive or hypertropic forms. Causes of secondary cardiomyopathies are primary, systemic diseases, the most common of which are infectious, metabolic, toxic, ischemic, and neoplastic diseases that cause some myocardial damage.

This article contains news pertaining to the alumni of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

A joint program has been announced between the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (VHUP) and the ALPO Pet Center to develop a computer-linked, nationwide Veterinary Health Maintenance Organization (VHMO) for dogs. According to Lawrence T. Glickman, VMD, DPH, Chief-Epidemiology Section, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, a microcomputer-based software package and health care system has been designed that will enhance kennel health care and business management and also help to identify patterns of disease among kennel dogs. The software package is suitable for kennels housing up to 500 dogs. In the future, the software could be easily adapted for use by cat breeders.

"Shock" is a term used to describe a situation of cardiovascular collapse. It can arise from several causes and is usually divided into several categories, including: cardiogenic, hemorrhagic, septic, endotoxic, and traumatic shock. These categories are broadly connected by the underlying ultimate failure of the cardiovascular system.

Bovine embryo transfer (ET) has evolved in the past few decades from basic research, to applied research, to its presence as a multimillion- dollar industry. ET is a technique for genetic manipulation which allows the producer to improve the production capacity of his livestock. This article describes some of the current techniques of ET being used and some of the techniques of genetic manipulation being researched which may find future commercial application in the field of ET. Currently used techniques include superovulation, nonsurgical recovery of embryos' splitting of embryos and cryopreservation of embryos.