VPN Plus+ ExclusiveIntegrative medicine from a One Health perspectiveNovember 4, 2021The One Health approach: With the COVID-19 pandemic, medicine in general has witnessed a depletion and exhaustion of healthcare workers across the human and veterinary medical spectrums. There are many areas in which both spectrums can work together.
SPONSORED CONTENTFight the Flames of Canine OAManaging pain from canine OA doesn’t have to be complicated. Discover an approach that doesn’t just treat pain, but addresses inflammation, too. + Learn More
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAre we making headway or losing ground?October 28, 2021By By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)Veterinary technician underutilization, lack of job satisfaction, lack of professional respect, limited career advancement, low wages, and lack of employee benefits have been reported in multiple surveys for decades as the primary reasons individuals leave the field. I contend these are also reasons we do not have more individuals entering the profession.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHow to properly utilize your techsOctober 22, 2021Since DVMs are not trained with techs, they do not have the opportunity to observe many of the in-depth tasks licensed techs are educated to perform. This is where the techs themselves must step up.
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.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveDiagnostic tests: the good, the bad, and the uglyOctober 7, 2021By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMADiagnostic testing is not an oracle, which we consult blindly in the hope of replacing confusion with wisdom. It is a targeted process of collecting and evaluating specific information in the context of our existing understanding, and altering that understanding incrementally to better approximate reality and inform our actions.
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+ ExclusiveInfographic helps ID and prevent Halloween hazardsSeptember 30, 2021Downloadable infographic on how clients with noise-averse pets can work with you, their trusted pet care provider, when it comes to requiring prescriptions, asking for advice on OTC medications, or confirming readability of microchip scans.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveFireside Chats: Managing angry clientsSeptember 28, 2021Ericka Mendez, DVM, covers Jedi mind tricks to help you face an angry client. Share them with your team and together learn how to handle the dark emotions that can linger.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCompassion without the fatigueSeptember 23, 2021By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBANever before, it seems, have we been forced to contend with such problematic client conduct.
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.
