Vet emergency team completes Hurricane Helene deploymentOctober 22, 2024The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has returned after a 15-day deployment in North Carolina, caring for search and recovery dogs during the storm.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveMythbusters—Emergency and Critical Care Pharma EditionNovember 10, 2023Do we still need to use heparin to flush peripheral IV catheters? Should you still stock doxapram in my neonatal resuscitation kit? What about administering steroids or pain medications to emergency patients? Liz Hughston, RVT, CVT, LVT, LVMT, VTS (SAIM)(ECC), addresses these emergency and critical care pharmacological questions, along with evidence to support recommendations.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCreating a 'Go Bag' in Case of EmergencyMay 4, 2023We never know when Mother Nature might strike, even in areas not "known" for fires, floods, etc. That's why we created this "Go Bag" infographics for you to use freely in your clinics for your clients. It tells them what they should pack —from food and toys to current medical records—in case of emergency.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveDon't be a Pain! Analgesia for Emergency and Critical Care PatientsNovember 24, 2021Don't be a Pain! Analgesia for Emergency and Critical Care Patients presentation by Karen M. Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC)
AVMA helps veterinarians prepare clients for evacuationJuly 12, 2019As Tropical Storm Barry heads toward the Gulf Coast and areas of Louisiana face potential evacuation orders, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has detailed items veterinarians should advise pet owners to keep on hand in case of an emergency.
AVMA publishes guidelines for the depopulation of animalsApril 3, 2019 The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has released Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals, a set of procedures and direction designed to help veterinarians make humane decisions in critical situations. "Humanely ending the lives of animals is one of the most difficult, but necessary, tasks for veterinarians to oversee," says chair of the AVMA panel on depopulation, Steven Leary, DVM, DACLAM. "During times of crisis or major catastrophe, depopulation of affected animals may sometimes be the most ethical and compassionate action." According to AVMA, depopulation balances the need to respond swiftly and avoid further devastation with the most humane method of death possible in response to pressing circumstances. The new guidelines are designed to ensure animal welfare is considered and achievable during an emergency, and provides procedures for the possibility of urgent situations. The depopulation guidelines are part three of AVMA's Humane Endings guidance. The others are the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals and the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals.
Behavior basics for veterinary emergency clinicians and techniciansAugust 24, 2018Emergency and/or critical care workers are often faced with urgent cases and fast-paced environments. Unfortunately, this setting is not always conducive to caring for patients’ emotional needs. Here are some easy ways to help them feel more at ease in even the most trying situations.
Behavior basics for the emergency clinician and technicianJanuary 22, 2018Emergency and/or critical care workers are often faced with urgent cases and fast paced environments. Unfortunately, this setting is not always conducive to caring for patient's emotional needs. Here are some easy ways to help patients in even the most trying situations. 1. Keep patients with their owners as long as possible. Being in an unfamiliar environment can cause fear. Having a familiar person there is one way to help minimize fear, and therefore, anxiety and stress. 2. Control pain. Pain can contribute to fear, anxiety, and stress. (Remember, acepromazine is contraindicated for treating anxiety and aggression.1) 3. Provide a comfortable kennel. Providing adequate bedding goes a long way for patient comfort. Provide lots of padding for large dogs. Inexpensive bolster beds are easy to wash, and small dogs usually love them. Cats like to hide. Provide a box, or cover part of the kennel with a towel or blanket. Giving cats their own, quiet space in the clinic will help lower their stress levels.4 4. Keep things quiet. If there is a howler in the hospital, do something about it. Not only for the howler's sake, but for the rest of the hospital's sake, as well. Humans included. …
How to prevent last-minute pet medication emergency refillsFebruary 24, 2017It’s predictable. Every day, clients call your veterinary clinic within minutes of closing time to request a prescription refill. “My dog took his last pill this morning, and I need a refill today. I’m on the way to your hospital now. Could you wait for me?” pleads the pet owner.
