Staffs Embrace Laser TherapyNovember 14, 2013 Beside compassion, perhaps the most useful implement in the toolbox of Pamela Iles, practice manager and technician at Cat Haven Veterinary Clinic in Birmingham, Ala., is a laser beam. Cat Haven uses therapeutic lasers in a number of cases and for a variety of purposes: to treat arthritis and wounds; to help with nerve regeneration; for post-surgical pain relief; for sinusitis treatments. The clinic also uses laser therapy for calming purposes. Gingivitis, chronic otitis and renal disease are also on the long list of ailments that call for breaking out the therapeutic laser at Cat Haven, which purchased it last summer. Courtesy of Litecure LLC "We have seen remarkable results in virtually a short period of time,” said Iles, who has seen a great many cats regain nerve function and benefit from increased mobility. "The laser is improving the quality of life for many of our patients. Arthritic cats can run and jump, cats with sinusitis can breathe, cats with nerve damage can walk again. There are just never–ending possibilities.” But the bottom line is that laser therapy can improve a clinic’s functionality and bring in more income …
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Anesthesia-Free Dentistry Provides False Sense Of SecurityOctober 3, 2013 Recently, I received an email from a pet owner, David, who lives on the West Coast. He was seeking advice for Molly, his 9-year-old Bichon Frise who was recently diagnosed with severe periodontitis. For several years, David has been having anesthesia-free dental cleanings done yearly for Molly, and the most recent time he took Molly, the dental service recommended he seek professional veterinary dental care due to severe progression of Molly’s dental disease. David decided to take his pet to a veterinary dentist for a thorough oral examination under anesthesia. The 42 teeth were individually assessed with a periodontal probe, and pocket depths were assessed at multiple sites around each tooth. Full-mouth intraoral dental radiographs were obtained. These tests allowed the veterinary dentist to diagnose severe periodontitis with a combination of severe horizontal and vertical bone loss. Endodontic disease (tooth root abscesses) was seen on multiple teeth due to extension of periodontal disease. Second Opinion David was shocked to hear that periodontitis, bone loss and secondary endodontic disease would require extraction of 21 teeth. He contacted us for a second opinion, because he was willing to do anything possible to save these teeth, …
AAHA Dental Anesthesia Mandate Comes Under FireSeptember 30, 2013Dental cleanings done without general anesthesia are safe and effective in many cases, according to a pilot study that challenges a new American Animal Hospital Association mandate requiring anesthesia and intubation for all dental patients. The rule, part of the updated 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, has a few veterinary hospitals contemplating abandonment of their AAHA accreditation. Many who oppose the mandate have been using anesthesia-free dentistry in their practices for years without problems. "I totally oppose the policy,” said Kristy Lund, DVM, co-owner of Lund Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, Fla., which has been accredited for more than 25 years. "I’m up for renewal in November and I’m not renewing.” Dr. Lund has offered non-anesthetic dentistry for seven years. The study, published in the fall issue of Integrative Veterinary Care Journal, looked at Professional Outpatient Preventive Dentistry (POPD), an anesthesia-free service performed by trained technicians who are qualified by examination by the American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians and work under a veterinarian’s supervision. Pet Dental Services (PDS) of Costa Mesa, Calif., and West Palm Beach, Fla., which helped fund the research, carries out 15,000 POPD cleanings a year at veterinary clinics in 11 states. …
Acupuncturists See The Light, Go High TechSeptember 30, 2013 A move is afoot across the globe to make acupuncture high tech.1 As stated by acupuncture’s most innovative researcher, Gerhard Litscher, "[N]ovel biomedical and neuroscientific methods are of paramount importance for the fast and efficient modernization of the ancient Asian healing method.”2 By bringing modern biomedical engineering technology to the field, Litscher propelled enthusiasm for the quantification of biologic responses to a host of interventions, including electroacupuncture, needle stimulation and now, laser activation.3 A 2008 systematic review of laser acupuncture research found evidence to support its application for myofascial pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the alleviation of chronic tension headache.4 Lasers "Laser acupuncture” shines laser light into acupuncture points instead of inserting needles. While any laser therapy unit may be used for laser acupuncture, the high-tech acupuncture laboratory at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, has studied multichannel laser needle acupuncture, which allows for the stimulation of several acupuncture points simultaneously by multiple semiconductor injection laser diodes. Flexible optical fibers deliver the light to the site with minimal loss of intensity. Power density may reach 20 joules/cm2 per acupuncture points, with 30-40mW per needle, and 500 micron diameter spot size.5 Emission wavelengths vary, but …
The Scientific Basis Of Acupuncture PathwaysSeptember 30, 2013 We’ve all seen them—acupuncture models with dots and lines that represent so-called "points” and "meridians.” Do these structures exist? Does it matter? Yes, and yes, despite skeptics’ strong disavowal of their presence.1 2 Contrary to the popular notion that these lines trace out "energy” pathways just beneath the skin, the linear channels correspond to deeper nerves, vessels and myofascial cleavage planes. In that structure dictates function, stimulation of a nerve with an acupuncture needle, electrical stimulus or laser beam activates that nerve, inducing changes consistent with its motor, sensory or autonomic nature. Some peripheral nerves link to brainstem centers that participate in the restoration and control of homeostasis. Knowledge of the neural networks connected to acupuncture loci gives the science-based practitioner insight into what physiologic outcomes to anticipate. For example, acupuncture stimulation of neural targets near the carotid body invokes reduction of blood pressure. Activation of afferent fibers near the median nerve helps restore nerve function in cases of compression as in carpal tunnel syndrome, but it also helps regulate blood pressure and reduce arrhythmias due to connections between the median nerve and rostral ventrolateral medulla, a site of …
The Art And Science Of A Safe C-SectionSeptember 23, 2013 A C-section can be a stressful and chaotic nightmare, or it can be a wonderful and uplifting experience. In this article, part one of three, we will share 10 steps to become better equipped for your next C-section. Our goal is to save the offspring—and of course keep the dam safe. 1. Preparation A successful C-section requires teamwork at its best. This should include pet owners, who should be educated during any pregnancy—especially those at risk—so they know what to expect and when veterinary assistance might be needed. What is normal? What is abnormal? When might a C-section be necessary? When should they call if they think a C-section is required, so you can be ready? Many late night or early morning emergency C-sections could be avoided if more time were spent educating clients. Understanding the client’s wishes is a critical part of the discussion. Does he want the pet spayed? Can she afford another C-section? Can he properly care for another 12 puppies while working two jobs? Does the world really need more hydrocephalic Chihuahuas with the pelvis of a bumblebee? At the clinic, you and your team should be ready for a …
The 3 Surgical Options For C-SectionsSeptember 23, 2013 We continue describing our 10 steps for a happy C-section. [See Part 1, "The art and science of a safe C-section,” in the July issue.] This month, in the second of three parts, we focus on anesthesia and surgery. Our goals: safety and speed. 5. Anesthesia Melissa Goodman, DVM, board-qualified in the American College of Theriogenologists at Veterinary Reproductive Services in West Chester, Pa., skips premedication, and prefers masking patients down. She uses the smallest possible dose of propofol only if needed, e.g. in brachycephalic and fractious patients. When giving drugs to the dam, you are indirectly giving them to the babies. Many drugs are rapidly carried through the placental barrier and consequently affect the offspring. This may make resuscitation efforts more difficult. For example, acepromazine, ketamine and atropine can flow through the placenta, so they should be avoided. Glycopyrrolate, if needed, is a better choice than atropine. Choosing an anesthesia protocol that is safe for a caesarean patient is tricky at best. Because hypoxia is a concern for the patient and the neonates, pre-oxygenation for five to 10 minutes is an important precaution. Patients are then intubated and placed on isoflurane or …
2013 X-ray Contest Winners: They Ate What?September 10, 2013California vets win top honors The name of Veterinary Practice News’ annual radiograph contest—"They ate WHAT?”—is especially appropriate this year. The dog in one of the two winning radiographs ingested a long piece of metal that no one could identify. "The owner had just moved into that house and didn’t know where it came from,” said Ivan Mayor, DVM, of Humane Veterinary Hospital of San Diego in Spring Valley, Calif. "Penelope, a 6-month-old female pit bull, was by herself all day. The owner found her with a rigid neck and drooling when he got home.” The second winning radiograph found a 10½-inch serrated bread knife in a 6-months- to 1-year-old Jack Russell pup, Maya. The X-ray was submitted by J.R. Hight, DVM, and S.L. Svarvari, DVM, of Sunny Brae Animal Clinic in Arcata, Calif. The knife was surgically removed without incident. Maya was surrendered to the clinic and placed in a safer environment. Sound-Eklin of Carlsbad, Calif., sponsored the contest. It will award the two winners digital single-lens reflex cameras. The staff of Veterinary Practice News judged the contest. Another amazing radiograph showed something quite long in a 16-week-old pit bull puppy that had …
Nutrition PlusSeptember 10, 2013 According to veterinarians across the country, nutraceuticals—loosely defined as products added to a pet’s diet to either treat an existing condition or maximize overall health—are continuing to grow in popularity. Donna Raditic, DVM, CVA, who works in integrative medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medecine in Knoxville, said veterinary nutraceuticals started with alternative treatments for skin and allergic skin disease, with osteoarthritis remedies coming soon after. Supplements for liver function followed, Dr. Raditic said, and now the focus seems to be on renal issues such as urinary tract infections, with more growth on the horizon. "Now it is an explosion for just about everything,” she said. "Neoplasia, immune diseases, gastrointestinal—you name it, it is out there.” While pet owners appear to be enthusiastic about nutraceuticals, veterinarians’ opinions about their efficacy differ. Some veterinarians—such as Paula Fisher, DVM, who runs an independent holistic practice in North Canton, Ohio—have embraced nutraceuticals wholeheartedly. "I use nutraceuticals for every single animal that walks through the door,” Dr. Fisher said. "The majority of animals benefit greatly from this source of nutrition. "Standard Process products provide nutrition by way of vitamins and minerals and glandulars. They are …
How To Work Behavior Into Your PracticeAugust 21, 2013 Educating clients can help prevent the holocaust of animals surrendered to shelters. A few years ago, I had the distinct honor of being introduced to my ex-Prime Minister, the now recently deceased Right Honorable Lady Margaret Thatcher. The president of Tufts University introduced me to her saying, "This is Dr. Dodman. He’s an animal behaviorist working at our veterinary school.” Lady Thatcher shook my hand and looked heavenward as she said with a sigh, "Ah yes, behavior, that’s what it’s all about really, isn’t it?” She was completely correct. Our clients are endeared to their pets because of the way they behave and the opposite is also true; that pets’ misbehavior leads to great frustration and, all too often, the pet’s surrender. It is our job as veterinarians to make sure that our clients are educated about how to prevent and deal with behavioral problems as part of an overall wellness management program if pets are to have a home for life. I am reminded of the Clomicalm slogan: "If your clients lose their patience, you lose your patients.” How true that is. It has been estimated that unacceptable pet …
