Informing Clients About Quality Of Life And DeathApril 17, 2009 Small animal veterinary practice today parallels the pediatrician model. But veterinary personnel deal with five times more patient illness and death than most health professionals. Despite the predictable frequency of terminal illness and death, many veterinary hospital personnel lack the skill to properly interact with bereft pet caregivers. In addition, the intense exposure to end-of-life care issues and death causes some staff members to develop compassion fatigue, a type of burnout that may not be recognized or understood. The human animal bond is now acknowledged and celebrated as an important part of people's lives and, at times, may be the best relationship a person has. The role of veterinarians is to facilitate that relationship by keeping animals healthy. Veterinarians have an increasing obligation to serve the committed pet owner with improved medical techniques and improved communication regarding quality of life and end-of-life care issues. We also have an increasing obligation to provide support and reverence when a pet dies, and even reach out to comfort the client in the days following the pet's death. But where and how do clinics become proficient grief management? Tools for Staff Some hospitals …
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Bucking The Fashion PoliceApril 17, 2009 This past year has seen articles and letters in several notable vet publications (including this one last month) extolling the virtue of dressing just right in a veterinary practice setting. They’ve uniformly (excuse the pun) decried the lack of professionalism among younger vets and staff and pushed for standards in dress befitting the greater professionalism that attends our emerging status as “family doctors.” No jeans. No scrubs for vets. No long nails. No “bizarre” or dangly jewelry. Ties for guys. Flats for girls. And white lab coats all around! For the record, I think I’ve broken at least one of the “rules” recently printed on this subject on every single day of my veterinary practice career. And I have no regrets—and few complaints, for that matter. While I can understand the desire for standards that meet the goal of every individual practice, don’t expect me to work in a hospital that prohibits my own personal uniform: open-toed platform shoes, expensive jeans, simple scrub tops, sparkle-painted toenails, two-tone hair, designer frames and a stethoscope fashionably entwined ’round my neck. Don’t like it? You’re free to decline my services… and I’m free to go elsewhere. And …
University Of Florida Launches ASPCA Forensics ProgramApril 17, 2009 The University of Florida has partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to develop a Veterinary Forensic Sciences Program dedicated to the teaching, research and application of forensic science in the investigation and prosecution against animals. The university reported that this is the first such program within an educational institution. “This is a newly emerging field,” said Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., director of the William R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine at the university. “We are translating our knowledge of forensic science to a new field devoted to solving crimes against animals.” The program will also be directly involved in forensic work on animal cruelty cases investigated by the ASPCA, as well as acting as a resource to assist other agencies with such investigations. The ASPCA will provide an initial gift of $150,000 to sponsor a clinical professorship at the rank of associate professor and work with the university to develop the educational plan, research mission and define the areas of applied casework for the program. In addition to the undergraduate and graduate programs, continuing education programs will be available through workshops …
Clinics, Careers Look For Little ReliefApril 17, 2009 Economic challenges and shifting attitudes among younger veterinarians are contributing to a steady evolution in the supply and demand equation surrounding relief veterinary work. Ivette Nessim, DVM, manager of DC Relief Vets LLC, a relief services firm in the Washington, D.C., area, says she’s seen a general upward trend in demand despite the economic downturn. She says demand is driven by a shortage of veterinarians nationwide and an increase in female veterinarians who work part time in order to raise families. She also notes that many full-time veterinarians frequently lament being overworked and underpaid, further driving demand for relief services. Tiffany Lewis, DVM, a relief veterinarian operating in central Florida, agrees. Finding a Relief Veterinarian Relief veterinarians serve as high-profile team members while delivering care to patients. Thus, practices need to look for the same qualities in these employees as they would in a full-time veterinarian. Christine Merle, DVM, a consultant with the Brakke Veterinary Practice Management Group and past president of the Association of Veterinary Practice Management Consultants & Advisors, says a good relief veterinarian comes prepared and ready to work. “A good …
VCA Antech’s Revenue Grows Despite Challenging EconomyApril 17, 2009 Los Angeles-based VCA Antech Inc. recently reported net income of $40.32 million on revenue of $334.43 million for its second quarter ended June 30, compared to net income of $35.85 million on revenue of $300.31 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, the company reported net income of $71.52 million on revenue of $642.27 million, compared to net income of $64.16 million on revenue of $565.45 million in the year-ago period. “In spite of the challenging economy and the difficulties being felt by the consumer, our team met those challenges and we continued our long record of revenue and earnings growth,” said Bob Antin, chairman and chief executive officer. “Current economic conditions prevailing in the nation’s economy have had an adverse impact on our internal revenue growth rates. However, we have been able to counteract the affects of the general economy and continue to grow our bottom line results without compromising our high standard of animal health care by increasing our rate of acquisitions to drive revenue growth, and by implementing cost controls.” VCA Antech’s animal hospital division recently reported revenue of $251 million for its second quarter, compared to revenue of …
Canine Caviar Recalls Gourmet Turkey, Beaver CansApril 17, 2009 Canine Caviar is voluntarily recalling less than 1,500 cans of its Gourmet Turkey and Gourmet Beaver. The company expects to have the cans collected within 48 hours of April 27. Free coupons are being offered for the recall inconvenience. Canine Caviar said it is recalling the food because its canned food co-packer was using ingredients that were not authorized by them. The recalled products include: • 13.2 oz Gourmet Turkey – UPC 674555222134 • 13.2 oz Gourmet Beaver – UPC 674555221328 • 5.5 oz Gourmet Beaver – UPC 674555221557 dated best by Aug. 21, 2008 or later. The company’s Gourmet Duck and Venison Tripe in the 13.2 oz cans do not contain grains and are not part of the voluntary recall. Canine Caviar said it will be out of stock on these three cans for the next few weeks and recommends using the canned duck or venison tripe. The company also said that its dry foods, treats and supplements are not affected by the recall and that the products are packed at a different facility. Canine Caviar said it has taken steps to increase quality control to ensure this does not happen …
Animal Welfare Groups In Texas To Rescue Pets Stranded By IkeApril 17, 2009 Local and national animal welfare groups are working together in Texas to rescue cats and dogs stranded by Hurricane Ike. Since last week, disaster teams have been in Nacogdoches, Texas, to help keep animals safe from the hurricane’s path, including the Humane Society of the United States, North Shore Animal League America, International Fund for Animal Welfare and American Humane Association. American Humane has deployed its Red Star Animal Emergency Services team and equipment to Texas to assist with search-and-rescue and sheltering operations for pets affected by Ike. The organization deployed Saturday to Beaumont at the request of the Texas State Animal Response Team and the Texas Animal Health Commission. IFAW, which played a vital role in safeguarding the lives of more than 1,300 animals in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Gustav, has been designated as the water rescue operations team in the Lake Charles region, at the Louisiana/Texas border, where the water surge was expected to reach 8 feet, according to spokesman Mike Booth. He said IFAW is equipped with an animal rescue trailer funded by Petfinder.com Foundation. Petfinder.com, an online database of adoptable pets, also launched its “Power of Paws” program Monday to help …
Companies Pledge $4.5 Million To Support AVMA Programs, ServicesApril 17, 2009The American Veterinary Medical Assn. recently entered into a $4.5 million partnership with Fort Dodge Animal Health, Hill's Pet Nutrition and Merial, each pledging $380,000 annually over the next four years to support AVMA programs and services. The commitments are part of AVMA's new Platinum Partner Program, or P3, which will be unveiled July 19 during the 145th AVMA Annual Convention in New Orleans, according to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The partnership intends to provide members with new and improved initiatives and opportunities to enhance membership benefits, the journal reported. "Because of their support, we are able to provide top-notch continuing education, enhance our overall convention experience and promote the goals of the association," Ron DeHaven, DVM, AVMA executive vice president and chief executive officer, told JAVMA. "We truly appreciate their ongoing investment in the future of our profession." The companies, in return, will receive a range of benefits. For example, the companies will be recognized as "elite partners" with the AVMA through promotional efforts in the JAVMA, on the AVMA website and at AVMA's annual convention; and receive space in the JAVMA for advertising and for spotlight advertorials highlighting the …
More Dog Treats Added To Peanut Butter Recall ListApril 17, 2009 American Nutrition Inc. of Ogden, Utah, has issued a voluntary recall for certain baked dog treats containing peanut paste supplied by Peanut Corp. of America. PCA’s Blakely, Ga., facility is the subject of an ongoing U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential Salmonella contamination of peanut paste and other peanut products. The following items manufactured by American Nutrition are subject to this recall: • American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Large Dog Treats (48 oz. box) UPC 0 12623 73480 4, Best Before: all dates prior to 1/18/10 • American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Medium Dog Treats (24 oz. box) UPC 0 12623 73241 1, Best Before: all dates prior to 1/18/10 • American Nutrition Vita Bone Flavors Small Dog Treats (24 oz. box) UPC 0 12623 73240 4, Best Before: all dates prior to 1/18/10 • American Nutrition Vita Snacks Peanut Butter (3 oz. plastic bag) UPC 0 12623 81315 8, Best Before: all dates prior to 1/18/10 • Farm Style Small Assorted Dog Biscuits (5 lb. plastic bag) UPC 0 78601 90205 4, Best Before: all dates prior to 1/18/10 • Hill Country Fare …
Study Finds Female Vets Run Risk Of Miscarriage From Anesthetic Gases, PesticidesApril 17, 2009 Female veterinarians run twice the normal risk of miscarriage as a result of exposure to anesthetic gases and pesticides, according to a new study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a British medical journal. The study is based on a survey of women taking part in the Health Risks of Australian Veterinarians Project, conducted by the School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia. The aim of the study was to determine whether veterinarians are at increased risk of cancer, injury, zoonoses or adverse reproductive outcomes and to identify risk factors for these conditions in veterinarians. The project, funded by the Cancer Foundation of Australia and the National Health Medical Research Council, was conducted as a questionnaire-based survey of all graduates from Australian veterinary schools during 1960-2000. Of the 5,748 graduates contacted, 2,800 responded, including 1,197 women. In all, there were a total of 1,355 pregnancies, 940 of which occurred while working in clinical practice, making them eligible for the final analysis. Female veterinarians performing surgery who were exposed to anesthetic gases, which were not filtered out of the atmosphere, for an hour or more a week, were almost 2.5 times more likely to miscarry. …
