VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHacks from the hive mindOctober 14, 2021I reached out through social media asking technicians from all over for tips or skills they have learned over the years; answers ranged from how best to practice for various codes, administering oral medications, protecting catheters, to building a better practice culture.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveVideo series: Pain blocks for neuter proceduresSeptember 30, 2021In the October issue of Veterinary Practice News, Michael Petty, DVM, addressed how local blocks can be used to prevent pain in spay and neuter procedures. You can read the full article here. He also shared three videos to demonstrate his technique. They, along with some related text from the article for each video, appear below. The procedure: orchidectomy In either a dog or cat, the method is the same. After an alcohol prep, the testicle is firmly grasped with the non-syringe hand, and the needle is inserted into the caudal pole of the testicle and advanced just shy of the cranial pole. While maintaining a firm grasp, aspirate to make sure you are not in a blood vessel, then start to inject just until you feel the slightest pressure under your fingers. Video 1: Testicular block — feline. For a cat, this will take perhaps ¼ cc of lidocaine per testicle. Withdraw the needle and repeat with the other testicle. Video 2: Testicular block — canine. In dogs, you can also use the same needle to do a line block over your intended incision area. For a large dog, up to 1 cc of lidocaine per testicle might be …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveVideo: Tips to working with clients who have mental health conditionsSeptember 15, 2021Sarah Hoggan, DVM, expands upon her previous VPN Plus+ article with a video on guidelines practitioners can use to make appointments with clients who have mental health issues more productive and compassionate for all involved.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA new way to go green: mentor a recent graduateSeptember 9, 2021New graduates are excited, full of energy, and really want to make a difference. When you hire them, you have the opportunity to shape their veterinary skills and teach them how to be a good doctor. Even though they will take more of your time in the beginning, they are also eager to do a good job and to prove themselves.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveDeveloping a better working dogAugust 26, 2021Veterinary professionals are integral to maintaining and optimizing the health of working dogs in their care. Due to the emotional and financial investment behind every working dog, veterinary support for research into the development of successful working dogs is also key.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveManaging pet loss grief and sadnessAugust 19, 2021There are techniques we can use within the practice to help prevent euthanasia and pet deaths from harming or causing long-term fatigue in clients and ourselves. One of those ways is by helping join pet owners in their grief without internalizing their trauma for ourselves. We need to remember we are not grieving for that pet in that moment, but instead we are empathizing with that owner’s sadness.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAre you burned out?August 5, 2021Many times, we lack the ability to set boundaries. We say yes every time we are asked to take on an additional shift, and managers answer every call or text received from the team (even when there is another manager working). We are taught working longer and harder is like a badge of honor and “martyrdom” is something to strive for. I am here to tell you it isn’t.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveReducing the risks of equine anesthesiaJuly 30, 2021Due to their large size, nature, and predisposition to adverse reactions to certain anesthetic agents, horses placed under general anesthesia are at a higher risk compared to smaller species, like dogs and cats. Review these tips to keep your equine patients safer during surgery.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA practical guide to compassionate care, for all parties involvedJuly 15, 2021If someone with a mental health condition brings you their animal for help, they are doing the best they can by their pet. It is our professional responsibility to rise to the challenge.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveIs mobile specialty practice our future?May 13, 2021Mobile neurology and neurosurgery are currently rare, but mobile specialty practice is not new in other specialty colleges. Advances in information technology, including internet speed and access, increased online collaboration, and changes in communication tools, make clinical practice more accessible for mobile specialists, most notably, cardiology, radiology, surgery, and internal medicine
