Talking to pet owners about preventive care: A primerFebruary 25, 2020When veterinarians talk about preventive care, we typically take it to mean a host of recommendations aimed at health and longevity. Our broad range of suggestions might include dental care, exercise goals, and routine wellness visits that comprise screening tests, among other activities. However, the truth of the matter is we aren’t equally comfortable with each of these preventive care-related conversations.
Education Center - SponsoredHow artificial intelligence can enhance diagnostic confidenceby • ZoetisIn the right context, AI yields the power to enhance clinical confidence and streamline decision-making – without replacing the human touch that defines the profession.
Revelations in oral health complianceFebruary 14, 2020If you want to increase dental compliance, your methods for educating clients need to be on point when owners are in your clinic.
Employee assistance programs: The basicsFebruary 14, 2020Employers are realizing that when a staff member’s personal problems are left unchecked, they can fester, bubble over, and impact every aspect of their life, including job performance.
Pet insurance: Learning from the U.K.February 13, 2020In 2018, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) reported an estimated 2.4 million insured dogs and cats, representing just two percent of the total pet population.
Courageous conversations: Respond, don't reactFebruary 12, 2020Rather than reacting when a conflict occurs, learn productive ways to respond to sensitive conversations with coworkers, management, and/or clients.
What a country song teaches us about patient/client careFebruary 12, 2020Around 1990, Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free Pets, overheard the mantra: “Let’s remember to practice today like pet owners are right there looking over our shoulders.”
MightyVet video explores euthanasia's effect on veterinariansFebruary 11, 2020Euthanasia takes an emotional toll on even the most seasoned animal health professionals, and an award-winning video by MightyVet hopes to spark dialogue on this issue.
Eight (more) management mistakes to avoidJanuary 3, 2020Rather than learning from experience and making mistakes yourself, studying other leaders’ and managers’ blunders can help save you time and energy.
Tips for improving medication compliance among cat ownersSeptember 28, 2018When dispensing medication for in-home treatment of feline patients, owner compliance is a concern due to the unique challenges of administering medication to cats, according to Kindred Biosciences Inc. "Cats have natural behaviors that may make medication administration challenging, and this can be complicated in ill cats that are also anorexic, nauseated, or vomiting," said Christina Fernandez, DVM, MRCVS, DACVECC, professional services veterinarian with Kindred. "Palatability is also a huge factor, and most cats are finicky when it comes to food." To improve compliance, Dr. Fernandez shares five tips veterinarians can focus on: Communication Written information Frequency of veterinary visits Veterinarian continuity Selection of medications Communication is essential, said Fernandez. Veterinarians or veterinary nurses can demonstrate to cat owners how to administer a medication while still in the office. This helps avoid complications and promotes active discussion with the client. If possible, written instructions can be provided. "Follow-up calls from the veterinary clinic staff can help increase owner compliance," said Fernandez. "This can facilitate identification of issues to be addressed with the clinical state of the patient and concerns with the treatment plan while offering an opportunity to set up a follow-up appointment if one isn't already on the books." …
NAVTA announces diagnostic imaging as 16th specialty for vet techsSeptember 14, 2018The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has announced a 16th specialty academy for veterinary technicians, the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging (AVTDI). The AVTDI comprises veterinary technicians who wish to perform higher-level diagnostic imaging, including digital radiography, fluoroscopic special procedures, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and nuclear imaging. The organizing committee for the AVTDI worked diligently to meet the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) standards for the association's specialty recognition, according to Ed Carlson, interim chair of the CVTS. The AVDTI joins the existing 15 NAVTA-recognized veterinary technician specialties: dentistry, anesthesia, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, equine nursing, zoological medicine, surgery, behavior, clinical practice, nutrition, clinical pathology, dermatology, ophthalmology, laboratory animal medicine, and physical rehabilitation. The NAVTA CVTS, formed in 1994, provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to form specialties and assists the existing academies. Academies develop pathways and advanced standards that candidates must complete and maintain in order to be awarded the designation of veterinary technician specialist in a specific discipline.
