Tech Talk: Is there really a veterinary technician shortage? A profession in crisis

Tech Talk: Is there really a veterinary technician shortage? A profession in crisis

February 19, 2021

By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)

Unfortunately, no statistics are provided for the number of veterinary assistants employed or other individuals working in a veterinary technician capacity. Given these numbers are of individuals self-reporting as veterinary technicians, it is doubtful it represents only credentialed veterinary technicians. So, does this make a difference?
Curbside dilemmas: nine tips for troubleshooting the dreaded COVID protocol

Curbside dilemmas: nine tips for troubleshooting the dreaded COVID protocol

February 11, 2021

By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA

Client communication has taken a hit during COVID. Here are nine troubleshooting tips to help get your teams through the pandemic.
Veterinary medicine's shameful secret: Making it up as we go along?

Veterinary medicine's shameful secret: Making it up as we go along?

January 21, 2021

By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA

Many experienced veterinarians would admit to themselves we often feel uncertain about our knowledge, training, and skill when performing infrequent requests we are rarely called on to perform and which we have minimal training or experience with.
Veterinary chiropractic: A friend or foe to your patients?

Veterinary chiropractic: A friend or foe to your patients?

November 18, 2020

By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA

Chiropractic is primarily the manipulation of bones in the spine in an effort to treat or prevent disease or to reduce discomfort. Though therapeutic manipulation of bones in the spine has a long history, chiropractic—as it is understood today—was invented in the late 19th century by Daniel David Palmer. He conceived the notion that all disease results from vertebrae in the spine being out of place (so-called "subluxations"), and that their forceful manipulation (an "adjustment") can prevent or treat disease. He gave varying explanations for this idea over time, often claiming nerves carried a spiritual energy called "innate intelligence," and that obstruction of the flow of this energy by vertebral subluxations caused medical symptoms.1,2 Few chiropractors today still adhere to the notion of a mystical energy such as innate intelligence as the source of disease or the focus of chiropractic treatment. However, there is a split in the field with respect to the subluxation concept.3,4 Most chiropractors still view subluxation, or the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC), as a real entity causing illness and that can be corrected by chiropractic manipulation. These practitioners also sometimes reject modern scientific explanations of illness, such as germ theory, and may recommend their patients avoid …
Playing monopoly with real money: How veterinarians are losing the price war

Playing monopoly with real money: How veterinarians are losing the price war

October 30, 2020

By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA

Competition is alive and well in veterinary medicine. But as our industry confronts increased corporatization and consolidation, the word has acquired a new resonance for many of us.
When bad reviews happen to good veterinarians

When bad reviews happen to good veterinarians

October 14, 2020

By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA

Everyone reacts differently, but there’s no getting away from the fact negative reviews hurt, which is exactly what the reviewer is trying to achieve.
Food is love—So why is nutrition a problem area for veterinarians?

Food is love—So why is nutrition a problem area for veterinarians?

September 29, 2020

By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA

As a child, I was a big fan of the Peanuts cartoons. One of my favorite characters was Snoopy, a suave, bipedal beagle who wrote novels and engaged in breathtaking aerial combat with his nemesis, the Red Baron. Though Snoopy was unlike most other beagles I have known, he had one characteristic in common to others of his breed, and indeed most dogs. When suppertime arrived, all other activities were forgotten, and he often launched into an exuberant, joyful, food-induced dance. Every feeding was a celebration for Snoopy, not only of food but of the bond between dog and owner. Few subjects generate the same intensity of emotion in pet owners as the question of what to feed our animal companions. Feeding our pets is the quintessential act of caring and love. And based on how most dogs and cats act at feeding time, it certainly seems like a highlight of the relationship for them. There is also a deep sense in most pet owners that choosing a pet food has tremendous significance for the health and well-being of their pets. Everyone wants to give their pets the "best" food that will keep them active and happy and prevent illness …
The muzzling of science and the veterinarian's role

The muzzling of science and the veterinarian's role

September 16, 2020

By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA

An acceptance of “un-science” is happening despite the fact most of us carry the bulk of this planet’s available information on our person at all times. The facts are literally at our fingertips.
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