Feline-friendly approach improves patient experienceNovember 15, 2022The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have jointly published two guidelines detailing how veterinarians can best implement positive, respectful interactions with feline patients and reduce stress associated with the veterinary environment.
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$135K donation supports access to care in 'veterinary desert'November 10, 2022Pets residing in one of America's "veterinary deserts" are set to have improved access to care, thanks to an industry donation. The Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services (WisCARES) has received two grants totaling $135,000 from PetSmart Charities. The funding will support the program's continued mission of providing low-cost veterinary care to pet owners experiencing homelessness and financial difficulty in South Madison, Wisc. "By creating better access to veterinary medical care, we are keeping pets and families together, so they don't have to surrender or euthanize their animals for otherwise treatable things," says WisCARES' cofounder, Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (oncology), a clinical professor of oncology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) School of Veterinary Medicine. Founded in 2014, WisCARES is located in a "veterinary desert" (i.e. a neighborhood without clinics and pet care resources). The program, which is a collaboration of the UW-Madison schools of veterinary medicine, social work, and pharmacy, offers subsidized veterinary care, access to social workers, and a pantry of pet food and supplies, courtesy of donations. The PetSmart funding includes a $10,000 grant to help cover WisCARES' operational expenses, along with a $125,000 grant in support of its Keeping Friends and …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveThe clash of commerce and cultureNovember 10, 2022By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAThe culture of veterinary medicine has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. While the dedication displayed by veterinary school applicants seeking entry to programs seems not to have diminished, the emerging work ethos is arguably less enthusiastic than it once was. This shift in mentality, should you subscribe to this assessment, is often explained in terms of the dueling axioms describing our younger workforce’s approach to work-life balance: “working to live” rather than “living to work.”
Multi-modal approach can help ease patient stressNovember 10, 2022Fear Free, LLC, has joined forces with veterinary cannabidiol (CBD) company, ElleVet Sciences. The partnership aims to give pets the “highest level of success in handling stressful situations” by helping them respond to the positive reinforcement methods practiced by Fear Free-certified veterinarians, ElleVet Sciences reports.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveEmergency Triage of the Poisoned Patient: History Taking and Initial DiagnosticsNovember 9, 2022This session will offer guidance on complete and thorough history taking for a poisoned patient, including a focus on what information is key to obtaining an appropriate risk assessment for a particular toxin. Common toxins will be reviewed, including fast-acting and potentially life-threatening exposures, as well as “good” toxins that are of minor toxicologic concern and may be taken care of by telephone triage only. A brief overview of initial diagnostic options for a poisoned patient will also be presented.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWhat to look for in a quality CBD productNovember 3, 2022Imagine if the pharmaceuticals we prescribe for animals harbored unclear and undisclosed ingredients, in any quantity, with minimal evidence about their safety or effectiveness, and chemical makeup that varied with each shipment. This might sound intolerable, but it describes the status of not only cannabis, but botanical medicine in general.
VPN Plus+ ExclusivePretty Poisons: Common Plant IntoxicationsNovember 3, 2022Participants will learn the importance of accurate plant identification as it applies to toxic exposures. It will also review plants toxic to the gastrointestinal, renal, cardiac, and neurologic systems. Mechanism of toxicity, symptoms, and how to treat the various toxins will also be covered. It will also discuss resources that can be used to accurately obtain plant identification.
Cat survives 45-ft drainpipe drop, wins oddest pet insurance claim of the yearNovember 1, 2022After braving a 45-foot drop down a water-filled drainpipe, a Siberian-mix cat has taken the top honor at this year’s Hambone Awards, presented by Nationwide.
No tricks, only treats! October 28, 2022VPN Plus+ member and contributor Rhonda Bell shared what she received in the 2022 Vet Box, which VPN Plus+ annual subscribers received at the end of the summer. Take a look inside!
Animal advocates urged to help in ending shelter crisisOctober 28, 2022Mars Petcare has launched Service Humans Needed, a shelter volunteer program aimed at enlisting the help of animals advocates to help community shelters and pets in need.
