CVMA VOICE 2015:1

CV M A VO ICE

Today’s Voice, Tomorrow’s Vision

• Exploring Telehealth • CVMA Declaw Position Statement • End of an Era: Shirley Clark Projects Auction

2015, ISSUE #1 CVMA Voice 205 4 : 1 | PAG E 1

LEASE AND PURCHASE NEGOTIATIONS:

New Offices | Expansions | Relocations | Practice Acquisitions | Lease Renewals

“CARR HEALTHCARE REALTY

MADE THE PROCESS OF FINDING A GREAT LOCATION FOR MY VETERINARY HOSPITAL

VERY EASY”

– MONIQUE WELDON, DVM LOVING FAMILY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WHETHER YOU ARE CONSIDERING A RELOCATION OR RENEWAL, LEASING OR PURCHASING A NEW OFFICE, OR ARE SIMPLY CURIOUS ABOUT THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET, ALLOW OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS TO HELP YOU CAPITALIZE ON YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY.

KEVIN SCHUTZ

DENVER | BOULDER NORTHERN COLORADO 970.690.5869

KEVIN.SCHUTZ@CARRHR.COM

ROGER HERNANDEZ

DENVER | COLORADO SPRINGS SOUTHERN COLORADO 719.339.9007

ROGER.HERNANDEZ@CARRHR.COM

ONLY HEALTHCARE. ONLY TENANTS AND BUYERS.™ WWW.CARRHR.COM

CV M A VO ICE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Inside President’s Post . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Briefings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Of Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6

6

Veterinarian Requirements Related to Colorado’s Dangerous Dog Laws . . . . . .

7

May 20 Peer Assistance Self Care: Webinar

Many Thanks to Our Partners! . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Telehealth: Can It Help Your Patients and Your Practice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Telehealth, the Internet, and Information Prescriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Next Big Thing for Veterinary Medicine? Your Own App! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

14

AVMA District IX Director’s Report: Winter 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 AVMA Delegate Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Next Big Thing for Veterinary Medicine?

Your Own App!

April 16 Creating the Perfect Veterinary Visit: Webinar May 15 CVMA Service Awards Nomination Deadline See page 39 for nomination form

End of an Era: The Final Shirley Clark Projects Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

End of an Era: The Final Shirley Clark Projects Auction

CVMA Events and Deadlines

Government Affairs . . . . . . . . 18 Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule and Colorado Trichomoniasis Rule Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

May 21 How to Keep Doctors on Time: Webinar June 5–7 CVMA CE West: Palisade June 17 The 3 Secrets to Being Everywhere on Google: Webinar June 18 10 Phone Skills Every Receptionist Should Know: Webinar July 20 How to Talk to Clients About Money: Webinar

CVMA Advocacy Training 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Regulations for Rabies Quarantines in Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Science Update . . . . . . . . . . 24

18

Zoonosis Update and 2014 Summary . . . . . 24

Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule and CO Trichomoniasis Rule Update

In Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Retirement Investing: Forget the 4% Withdrawal Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CSU Veterinary Communication Program Has a Breakout Year . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Staying Afloat: Self-Care Strategies to Help Improve Your Overall Wellness . . . . . . 30

CVMA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

33

CVMA Position Statement on Declawing (Onychectomy) of Domestic Cats . . . . . . .

32

Colorado DVM Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Colorado DVM Directory

Welcome New CVMA Members! . . . . . . . . 34 CVMA CE West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 CVMA Service Award Nominations . . . . . . . . 38 Service Awards 2015 Nomination Form . . . . 39

Our Mission CVMA exists to enhance animal health and welfare, promote the human/ animal bond, protect public health, advance the wellbeing of veterinarians, and foster excellence in veterinary medicine through education, advocacy, and outreach.

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

Colorado Veterinary Medical Association

PRESIDENT’S POST

191 Yuma Street Denver, Colorado 80223 303.318.0447 or 800.228.5429 Fax 303.318.0450 info@colovma.org www.colovma.org MANAGING EDITOR Cami Cacciatore PUBLISHER Ralph Johnson The CVMA Voice is published quarterly to members and once a year to nonmembers free of charge. Information and advice presented in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of CVMA.

Deadlines for Submission All articles, contributions, and display ads must be received in the CVMA office by the dates reflected below.

For more information or to obtain a rate schedule, contact the CVMA office at 303.318.0447 or info@cvma.org.

Issue Issue Issue Issue

#1 — January 15 #2 — April 15 #3 — July 15 #4 — October 15

Erin Epperly, DVM President

In my first presi­ dent’s address, I discussed Millenial veterinarians and generational differences in the workplace. I mentioned that CVMA needed to engage Millenials (and veterinar­ ians of all generations) to stay relevant in a world of decreasing membership. I bring this up now because your CVMA leadership has been focusing specifically on this topic, and others, through a strategic planning re­ fresh. It has been very exciting to revisit why CVMA exists and to envision our future in the next three, five, and even ten years.

What is a “strategic plan” and why should you care that CVMA is going through one? I know many of you will be very familiar with strategic planning, but for those who aren’t, I thought I would give a brief explanation.

Strategic planning is a systematic process of envisioning a desired future, and translat­ ing this vision into broadly defined goals or objectives and a sequence of steps to achieve them. This may sound esoteric, but actually it gives CVMA leadership a chance to re­ focus our programs and to listen to member feedback to improve the organization. While it means we may start new programs to achieve our goals, it also means potentially altering or deleting non-mission initiatives.

To achieve excellent results and to guide our discussions, CVMA hired Jim DeLizia to facilitate the meeting. In order to best represent CVMA members, our strategic planning group included CVMA Executive Committee, district representatives, Power of Ten ­leaders, past presidents, and CVMA staff.

We ended up with an invited group of 44 people and had over 30 in attendance. There were members from varied generations, practice stages, locations, practice sectors, and genders. While such a large group could make decision making unwieldy, we felt it was critical to include the diversity of our members as we planned for the future.

What have we been talking about and planning? CVMA’s mission, vision, and

impact statements; namely, who we are, who we want to be, and the difference we aim to make. Additionally, we have been looking at our organizational structure and guiding pillars: advocacy and outreach, lead­ ership, education, support, and association health. We have numerous (>15) areas we have identified as critical strategic issues, and have chosen a few as 2015 goals. Get­ ting our political action committee (PAC) up and running and well-funded is one. You may be familiar with PACs as ways for inter­ est groups to support legislator’s campaign efforts. Please reference the AVMA website to learn more about PACs, how they work, and why they are important. Our CVMA Board of Directors recently voted to develop our PAC, and it is critical to our continued ability to impact legislation that affects you!

Strategic planning has also identified the need for changes to what and how CVMA offers continuing education. CVMA wants to offer all of our members education they can use that is accessible to them, so we will be thinking of innovation in education mov­ ing forward. And, finally for 2015, CVMA has heard member and nonmember concerns about dues. Leadership has been looking hard at making changes to our dues struc­ ture, and CVMA will be utilizing financial modeling to determine the best way to en­ gage more Colorado veterinarians without making CVMA monetarily untenable. You may see changes to dues for 2016, so watch for details.

I have learned many things about CVMA through this process thus far. First, CVMA staff is really busy doing stuff for us! The current programs and initiatives CVMA is working on have amazing depth and breadth.

It is our responsibility to make sure every last thing we ask CVMA to do for us fits in our mission. Second, although we are a very high-performing organization, there are some important tweaks needed to help us really leverage our voice and volunteers. We have limited resources (volunteer time) and President’s Post continued on page 7

CV M A VO ICE

BRIEFINGS

CVMA Executive Committee Dr. Erin Epperly

President Dr. Curtis Crawford President-elect

Ralph Johnson Executive Director

The legislature is in session— so CVMA is in ­action! Advocating for our members’ in­ terests is a top priority at CVMA, and this legislative session—which as I write this is nearing the half-way mark—has kept your elected leaders, staff, and professional lobby­ ist very busy. Here’s a brief recap of what has engaged us: Expedited evaluation—Members who attended the 2014 district visits will recall the discussion led by Dr. Erin Epperly about providing a tool for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to use in ordering a licensee to be evaluated (for a mental health or substance use issue) without first having to take a disciplinary action. Under current law, the only way for the board to order such an evaluation is to initiate a disciplinary ac­ tion against the licensee.

More properly sequenced, the board first would order an evaluation to obtain advice from appropriate professionals at Peer Assis­ tance Services. This would allow the board to determine whether an alleged impairment has no basis (in which case the licensee is cleared and the complaint dismissed, without disciplinary action having been taken) or has a basis (in which case the licensee could be promptly connected to appropriate resources through Peer Assistance Services while the board deliberates the need for discipline).

This additional tool of mandated evaluation would allow the board to obtain professional opinion BEFORE deciding to discipline a licensee. This change would provide a more effective tool for the board, ensure due pro­ cess for the licensee, and ensure that an un­ founded allegation doesn’t become a blemish on the licensee’s record and reputation.

It is for these reasons that CVMA worked with legislators to create HB15-1187. With the House sponsorship of Representative Steve Lebsock, the bill has worked its way through hearings and floor action in the House—and successfully emerged, though not without some controversy. The next

Dr. Sam Romano Secretary/Treasurer

steps will occur in the Senate, where another committee hearing will be held before the bill is twice considered on the floor. Our hope of course is that we also will be success­ ful in the Senate, but what we believed to be a simple addition to the statute has required a substantial volume of time to explain to leg­ islators the technicalities of disciplinary pro­ cesses. CVMA president Dr. Erin Epperly as well as CVMA members Dr. Bill Fredregill and Dr. Aubrey Lavizzo did an impressive job of testifying in the House, and they’ll soon have the opportunity for a repeat perfor­ mance in the Senate. We’ll keep you posted on the outcome. CVMA Position: Support Animal fighting—On March 18, I was proud to represent CVMA and stand with a number of advocates for animals as Gov­ ernor Hickenlooper signed HB15-1062 into law. Under current law, animal fighting is a class 5 felony with an additional potential fine of up to $1,000 or, for a person who commits a second or subsequent offense, up to $5,000. The bill signed by the governor makes these additional fines mandatory in the amount of at least $1,000 or, for a per­ son who commits a second or subsequent offense, at least $5,000. The bill was spon­ sored by Representatives Melton and Leb­ sock in the House, and Senators Balmer and Sonnenberg in the Senate—applause is in order for their leadership on this bill. CVMA Position: Support Animal cruelty reporting—SB15042 was advanced by Senator Sonnenberg to require specific persons to report abandon­ ment, mistreatment, or neglect of an animal to the owner or law enforcement within 48 hours, and would create a class 3 misde­ meanor for failure to report or knowingly filing a false report. The bill had both strong support and strong opposition, with some claiming it would benefit animals and others claiming it would actually stifle reporting.

Amendments were proposed in the bill’s first committee hearing before the Senate Briefings continued on page 9

Dr. Sara Ahola Secretary/Treasurer-elect Dr. Peter Hellyer Immediate Past President Dr. John Rule AVMA Delegate Dr. Melanie Marsden AVMA Alternate Delegate Mr. Ralph Johnson Executive Director*

District Representatives 1 – Dr. Kimberly Radway 2 – Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie 3 – Dr. Merideth Early 4 – Dr. Adam Tempel 5 – Dr. Jenelle Vail 6 – Dr. Randy McCarty 7 – Dr. Cor VanderWel 8 – Dr. Dale Davis 9 – Dr. Kayla Henderson 10 – Dr. Marguerite Flett 12 – Dr. Randal Hays 13 – Dr. Connie Stapleton 14 – Dr. Matt Braunschmidt 15 – Dr. Mark Ryan 16 – Dr. Mark Cowan 17 – Dr. Leon Anderson

Student Chapter Representatives Fourth year – Mrs. Julia Herman Third year – Mr. Kevin Lavelle Second year – Ms. Madeline Anna First year – Mrs. Courtney Mael * Ex-officio, non-voting

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

COVER STORY End of an Era: The Final Shirley Clark Projects Auction Maren Williams CVMA Communications and Outreach Specialist As noted in the last issue of the VOICE, this year’s Shirley Clark Auction at CVMA Convention 2015 in Loveland will be the last. Faced with a decline in membership and auction participation, the Auxiliary made the difficult decision to discontinue this long-standing CVMA tradition.

Because this will be the auction’s last hurrah, we hope to go out on a high note and encourage everyone who has participated in the past to be in attendance on Saturday, September 19, with both your wonderful donations of items and your hands held high in bidding. Please join us for this very special occasion, and help us bid a fond farewell to this amazing event and to celebrate all the wonderful things it has helped the Auxiliary do over these many years.

As we plan for one last celebration to go out in style, we reached out to Shirley Clark to ask her about the history of the Auxiliary and what it’s meant to CVMA and the veterinary community over the years.

the auctioneer, and his wife Linda was the bookkeeper, who helped keep us organized. So all the stuff I had bought on my shopping trips started being auctioned off.

Steve really made it fly when he started auctioning! He had a big megaphone when we used to host the auction outside, but then we started holding our auction inside (which, thank goodness, was much warmer!), and even more people started coming and participating. It was a great adventure. Dr. Cummings and Linda used to live in Colorado, but moved to Wyoming several years ago. They have graciously come back every year for our auction.

How did you decide where to allocate the money from the auction?

We started thinking, why not use this auction money to enhance the veterinary profession and help those in need?

We started with the Hearing Dog Association (HDA) at their Henderson, Colorado location. The HDA helps train service dogs and places them in homes where needed at no cost to the recipient, and we began at a sponsorship of $500 each, then $2,000, then $10,000 as we raised more money from the auction. Eighteen months of training went into those dogs before they were placed, and we felt good about being able to help those in need.

What other programs benefitted from the CVMA Auxiliary?

We only did the Hearing Dog project for ten or so years, then we went on to Canine Companions for Independence and Freedom Service Dogs as our canine projects. Our other projects have been Catch-a-Calf, the Equine Project, the Veterinary Science Fair, and the Veterinary State Fair Award, among others. When we were able to make a bit more money later on, we were able to benefit therapy horse programs, which help people who have been injured or who have mobility difficulties.

What are your favorite memories of the CVMA Auxiliary?

My favorite memories are when CVMA made me an honorary member, and when the Auxiliary made me a life member. Veterinarians have been such a wonderful family to me, and I’ve so enjoyed knowing each and every one of them and their families. At the auction, the member veterinarians would always bring their families, which was so nice.

Are there any Auxiliary stories that you look back on and smile about?

Yes! One time, I had a number of t-shirts printed for all sizes that said “I’m a Vet’s Pet” for the member veterinarian’s children. It was so cute. They sold for $14.00 each and, of course, proceeds went toward our programs.

When did you get involved in the CVMA Auxiliary?

Well, my husband was a veterinarian, and I went to meetings with him. About three other ladies would also meet with me at the student center under the clock tower to have lunch during those meetings: Unie Beeman, Lois Ramsay, and Jonie Hicks. And after lunch I would go shopping. But I soon thought, why not start buying things to sell when I go shopping?

So that’s how the auction started?

Yes that’s the beginning of it, and it got bigger when we had CVMA member Dr. Steve Cummings help us. He was PAG E 6 | CV M A Vo i ce 2015 : 1

Is there anything else you want CVMA members to know about the final auction?

It was just so nice to have CVMA members involved in the auction over the years, bringing so many ­wonderful things to sell, from carved wooden items (like a real totem pole!), to CSU professor James Ingram who made those fantastic ­Hawaiian shirts to sell. Everyone wanted the ­Hawaiian shirt because it always looked so great.

Over the years I found that we have some pretty multitalented people in the profession. I hope everyone enjoys the last Auxiliary auction. n

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE Veterinarian Requirements Related to Colorado’s Dangerous Dog Laws Kate N. Anderson, DVM Scot Dutcher, Chief Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is home to the Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP). Created by the legislature in 1990, this portion of the Agriculture statutes serves to give the Com­ missioner of Agriculture the authority to enforce the provisions of the Animal Protection Act, to appoint agents, and establish the qualifications for agents and recommend standards for animal control officers.

Recently, the Bureau conducted a review of documents used by the court system in the course of prosecuting and convicting owners of dangerous dogs. Part of the statute requires the Bureau to maintain a database of dogs whose owners have been convicted under this state law. The law, §18-9-204.5 C.R.S. specifically outlines the steps that must be taken to register a dog that has been part of a criminal conviction. The court has access to form JD 225, which provides direction for the dog owner on how to comply and has contact information for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Part of the requirement is that the specific dog be microchipped by a veterinarian and the form supplied be filled out and submitted to the department by the veterinarian.

When a practicing veterinarian receives a request to microchip a dog in compliance with this order, there are several things that should be asked at the time the appointment is made. First, be sure the dog owner has all the required paperwork, including the

document to be filled out by the veterinarian with the microchip and animal information. The owner of the dog is responsible for all costs incurred for microchipping and must also submit $50 to the state for registration of the microchip in the database.

BAP agents assisted local law enforcement in conducting over 17,000 cruelty/neglect investigations last year. More than 800 animals were impounded as part of these investigations. The majority of investigations and impoundments involve dogs, and most of the dogs are impounded because they are dangerous. In order for law enforcement agencies and the public to have access to the information in the database, the paperwork must be re­ ceived by the Bureau of Animal Protection. If you have questions about how to fill out the forms or who to return them to, please call the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Protection at 303.869.9145.

Colorado has a great system to register dangerous dogs, but unless the correct information is received in a timely manner, we can’t keep it up to date and relevant. n Contact the Bureau of Animal Protection at: 305 Interlocken Parkway Broomfield, CO 80021 303.869.9145

President’s Post continued from page 4 we need to make sure that is being spent wisely. Third, CVMA staff and leadership are excited to embrace change and to think big in order to stay attentive to members’ needs. So you may find that CVMA looks different than it did in the past. That is never going to be done without cognizant effort, but missteps could be made inadvertently. Please feel free to engage your district repre­ sentative, Executive Committee member, or CVMA staff about your ideas for this process or ask any questions you might have.

We all really do want to hear from Colorado veterinarians about what CVMA looks like three, five, and ten years from now.

While strategic planning might not typically seem relevant or exciting to members, I think you will find this is different. Jim DeLizia has been exceptional, and has assisted CVMA leader­ ship in setting reasonable, achievable goals. There will be vis­ ible changes to CVMA following these planning sessions, and growth as an organization. Can you tell that I am excited about being part of CVMA? I want members to feel like this organiza­ tion wants to stay relevant to them and veterinary medicine in Colorado. You will be getting updates as we move forward, so please stay tuned to your email/mail as we look for your input for making organizational changes. Let’s make CVMA the best veterinary association in the nation! n CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAGE 7

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

OF NOTE Many Thanks to Our Partners!

Our gratitude to the following organizations for their generous support of CVMA, DAVMS, and PetAid Colorado in 2014.

Gold ($15,000 to $34,999) *

Silver ($10,000 to $14,999) Animal Assistance Foundation* iM3, Inc Merial Limited MWI Veterinary Supply Company Patterson Veterinary Supply, A Patterson Company Zoetis*

Bronze ($5,000 to $9,999) AVMA PLIT Carr Healthcare Realty* Dechra Veterinary Products Heska Corporation IT-Guru, LLC Purina Veterinary Diets Royal Canin Veterinary Diet VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital Veterinary News Network Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)

Copper ($1,500 to $4,999) All Pro Imaging American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Animal Arts BCP Veterinary Pharmacy Beside Still Water Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. Burns Figa & Will, P.C. CapitalSource Small Business Lending Cat Specialist Companion Therapy Laser by LiteCure LLC Cornell Pharmacy Covidien formerly Tyco Healthcare/ KENDALL Diagnostic Imaging Systems Inc. Dumb Friends League PAG E 8 | CV M A Vo i ce 2015 : 1

Elanco Animal Health Embrace Pet Insurance Fortune Management Henry Schein Animal Health/Butler Schein Hill’s Pet Nutrition/Science Diet* Merck Animal Health Monument Pharmacy Multi Radiance Medical, Inc. PetRays Veterinary Telemedicine Consultants PulseVet Technologies Simmons & Associates Simmons Educational Fund Sound-Eklin, A VCA Antech Company Universal UltraSound/Universal Imaging Vetoquinol USA Vinci Law Office, LLC Virbac Animal Health VRCC (Veterinary Referral Center) Wells Fargo Practice Finance Wells Fargo Practice Finance Rocky Mountain Region Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialists

Other (Less than $1,500) 3Ld + Architecture Abaxis Inc. Aesculight Surgical Lasers AKC Reunite Animal Emergency & Specialty Center Animal Health International Animal Hospital Specialty Center BIG—Benefits & Incentives Group Inc.* BVB General Contractors Carefree Cats Veterinary Hospital Catalyst Veterinary Practice Consultants LLC Ceva Animal Health, LLC Childs McCune Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet Colorado State Parks & Recreation Colorado State Veterinarians Broomfield Cornerstone Painting and Coatings, Inc. Cosain Data ENT Federal Credit Union Epic Medical Distribution Front Range Rocks Good Day Pharmacy Guardian Disability Insurance & Retirement Plans HemoSolutions Humane Society of Boulder Valley

Iams Veterinary Formulas—Mars Pet Care IDEXX Laboratories Inc.* iVet Professional Formulas Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory K-Laser USA KONG Company Longs Peak Financial LTC Global—Affinity Marketing Division Medical Engineering Development Solutions, Inc. Meds for Vets NPS-Biological Mgmt Resource Nutramax Laboratories Inc. Peer Assistance Services Pet Cremation Practice Coach Quip Laboratories, Inc. Retail Council Services Corp (RCSC) Roadrunner Pharmacy Rocky Mountain Radiographics Sally Teroux Dog Training Shipps Dental and Specialty Products Spirit Filled Foods, Inc. Success Concepts Veterinary Books The Business Manager, LLC The K9 Body Shop Trupanion USDA APHIS Veterinary Services USDA, FSIS, OPHS Veterinary Management Consultation, Inc. (VMC) Veterinary Support Services VetMatrix, An iMatrix Company WB Saunders Mosby Elsevier Western Veterinary Conference Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialist Blood Bank Wild West Veterinary Conference * Support of PetAid Colorado projects included.

In 2014, the following supported PetAid Colorado with gifts of $1,500 and above) AKC Companion Animal Recovery Alfred T. Videen Fund B & B for D.O.G. Banfield Charitable Trust Barnes & Roche, Inc. Beds-N-Biscuits Catering by Design Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Community Shares of Colorado Denver Pet Cemetery & Cremation Services Dumb Friends League EXDO Event Center Fairfield County Community Foundation-Donor Advised Fund Jay’s Valet Parking, Luxury Shuttles & Pedicab Services Lauretta Boyd Charitable Trust Moye White LLP Attorneys at Law Noah’s Wish Partnership for Healthy Pets Pet Cremation Services, Inc. PetSmart PulteGroup, Inc. Ted’s Clothiers The Barry S. Crown Charitable Trust The Bates Foundation & Trust The Hadley and Marion Stuart Foundation The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation, Inc. Tricuzz Productions c/o RMA Entertainment UMB Bank, N.A. Urban Area Security Initiative Waxing the City White Dragon Productions White House Black Market Wilhemina Denver

PetAid Safety Net Partners Altos Veterinary Clinic Animal Care Center of Castle Pines Animal Clinic, LLC Animal Hospital Specialty Center Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Arvada Veterinary Hospital

Aspen Arbor Animal Hospital Aspen Meadow Animal Emergency & Critical Care Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists Banfield Pet Hospital Banfield, Pet Hospital of Park Meadows Banfield, Pet Hospital of Parker Beaver Brook Pet Center Belcaro Animal Hospital Boulder Natural Animal Hospital Bouton Veterinary Hospital Calhan Veterinary Clinic Canyon View Animal Hospital Carefree Cats Veterinary Hospital Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital Cherry Hills Animal Hospital Cheyenne Mountain Animal Hospital Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital Coal Mine Animal Hospital Columbine Animal Hospital & 24 Hr. Emergency Clinic Community Pet Hospital Deer Creek Animal Hospital Dublin Animal Hospital Erie Animal Hospital Evans East Animal Hospital PC Foothills Animal Hospital Franktown Animal Clinic Genesee Veterinary Hospital Gentle Touch Animal Hospital GoldenView Veterinary Hospital High Country Veterinary Hospital Highlands Animal Clinic Highlands Ranch Animal Clinic Just for Paws Veterinary Hospital Laurel Veterinary Clinic Living Springs Veterinary Care, L.L.C. Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Longs Peak Animal Hospital Loving Family Animal Hospital Mile High Veterinary Hospital New Castle Veterinary Clinic, PC Overland Animal Hospital & Pet Resort

Briefings continued from page 5 Judiciary Committee, but amid concerns about constitutionality the bill was postponed indefinitely and will not be considered again during this session. CVMA Position: Neutral Other bills

• SB15-013 by Senator Balmer has passed both houses and awaits the governor’s signature; the bill extends to June 30, 2015 the deadline for law enforcement officers to take the

Parker Center Animal Clinic Pets on Broadway Animal Clinic Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic Planned Pethood Plus Raintree Animal Hospital Seven Hills Veterinary Center South Mesa Veterinary Hospital Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine Table Mountain Veterinary Clinic Tender Touch Animal Hospital University Hills Animal Hospital VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital VCA Park Hill Animal Hospital VCA Southeast Area Animal Hospital VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital West Ridge Animal Hospital Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, PC

training developed by the Dog Protection Task Force (which was co-chaired by CVMA’s Dr. Randa MacMillan). CVMA Position: Support • SB15-031 concerning reciprocity to practice a profession in Colorado during a person’s first year of residency was post­ poned indefinitely and will not be considered again this ses­ sion. CVMA Position: Oppose n CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAGE 9

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

OF NOTE Telehealth: Can It Help Your Patients and Your Practice?

Cami Cacciatore, MS, CVJ Director of Communications and Marketing

While almost all of us carry a smartphone or have a tablet, and spend at least some time online every day, telehealth is probably not something you’ve thought about at all during your day-to-day prac­ tice. While you might not be thinking about it, a growing segment of veterinary clients are already experiencing the use of technology and telemedicine in the delivery of human healthcare—and expec­ tations are surfacing about the implications for veterinary medicine.

So what is telehealth? Telehealth is the use of electronic in­ formation and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare for the patient while supporting engagement and education with the client. Technologies include videoconferencing, the Internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications.

Recent technological developments include smartphone apps that deliver patient images and information directly to the veterinar­ ian, and provide scheduling and information options to the client.

This emerging issue was the topic at BIG Ideas Forum | Fall 2014, which took place November 8 in Colorado Springs, led

by Jim Wilson, DVM, JD, who moderated and explored the ethical and legal implications attending to telehealth. A panel of experts joined Dr. Wilson to provide commentary and provide live demonstrations of telehealth apps and platforms, including Stacee Santi, DVM and managing veterinarian at Riverview Animal Hospital in Durango and developer of vet2pet, a smart­ phone app for veterinary practices to foster client engagement and loyalty; Edward Blach, DVM, MS, MBA, and president and COO of Vet24seven, a smartphone app that facilitates consumerinitiated, fee-based veterinary consultation via mobile device; Dan Guralnick, MD who is board certified in cardiovascular disease and developer of Benevet, a telemedicine platform for use by veterinarians to communicate directly with clients and that allows for billable online visits via secure messaging and voice/ video calls; and Lori Kogan, PhD and associate professor at CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, who explored criteria for finding the best telehealth tools and metrics that can measure effectiveness and return on investment.

Telemedicine vs. Telehealth

Dr. Wilson began the Forum by defining the difference between telemedicine and telehealth: Telemedicine is the use of medical information, exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve a patient’s clinical health status. Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare, patient and professional healthrelated education, and public health and health administration. It refers to a broader scope of remote healthcare services than that in telemedicine While telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical ser­ vices, telehealth can refer to remote non-clinical services, such PAG E 10 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Dr. CorVanderWel raises a question to moderator Dr. JimWilson. as provider training, administrative meetings, continuing medi­ cal education, and clinical services.

So what’s the big deal?

With the definition of telehealth in place, Dr. Wilson then raised several questions to consider as the panel made their presentations: • How do we decide who can provide these services? Cur­ rently, anyone with a computer, camera, web access, and the money to grow the market for a product, in any state or country, can bring a produce or concept forward or to ­market.

• What, if anything, exists to evaluate and assure competence among the providers?

• When do or will such providers need veterinary licenses?

• Will a valid VCPR be essential?

• Might there be a different VCPR definition for this type of service?

• Is this a state-by-state issue or could there a national VCPR? • How will the diagnostic and client/patient results achieved from this technology be stored, accessed, kept private and con­ fidential, evaluated by expert witnesses and state boards, etc.?

Edward Blach, DVM, MS, MBA President and COO of Vet24seven

Dr. Blach created Vet24seven, a mobile telehealth application to bring veterinarians directly to clients via smart devices. He cre­ ated the app because veterinarians want healthy pets, happy and loyal clients, increased revenue, and tools that make their work lives easier. The app provides tools to attract and retain clients and increase contact between animal and veterinarian to catch problems early before they worsen, and ways to monetize/priori­ tize the deluge of incoming calls, emails, and texts. Clients want immediate answers and peace of mind, the ability to contact a veterinarian early to get best advice to determine whether their pet needs to be seen, to get help for their animal(s) when they’re ready, to ask questions and get answers, and with transparent service ratings to aid their decision-making. In other words, Dr. Blach says, what they need, when they need it.

Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE Continued from previous page Dr. Black gave a presentation on the app and how it works, showing how the app is designed to provide telehealth s­ ervices to clients and their animals 24/7 and create new revenue and gen­ erate new clients, all while monetizing previously free services.

Stacee Santi, DVM

Dr. Santi is the managing veterinarian at Riverview Animal Hos­ pital in Durango and the developer of vet2pet, a smartphone app for veterinary practices to foster client engagement and loyalty.

See her article “The Next Big Thing for Veterinary Medicine?

Your Own App!” on page 14 of this issue.

Lori Kogan, PhD

Dr. Kogan is an associate professor at CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, whose work has explored criteria for finding the best telehealth tools and metrics that can measure effectiveness and return on investment. See her article “Telehealth, the Internet, and Information Prescriptions” on page 12 of this issue.

Dan Guralnick, MD

Dr. Guralnick is board certified in cardiovascular disease and is the developer of Benevet, a telemedicine platform for use by vet­ erinarians to communicate directly with clients that allows for billable online visits via secure messaging and voice/video calls.

His presentation covered connected health and telemedicine, including terminology, how telemedicine fits into the redesign of our healthcare system (with a review of telemedicine stud­ ies in human medicine), examples of how telemedicine is being integrated into human medicine, barriers and limitations of tele­ medicine, and his experience integrating telemedicine.

Dr. Guralnick defined telehealth/connected health as using in­ formation technology (computers, networked devices, mobile phones, sensors/monitors, apps) to assist in delivering healthcare services and to help providers and patients manage chronic/ recurrent conditions, respond rapidly to acute illnesses, and maintain health and wellness. While this can include telemedi­ cine, it also encompasses a broader scope of remote healthcare services—patient and provider education, patient self-directed care, administrative tasks, online scheduling, system interoper­ ability, and open charting—all of which can improve adherence, engagement, collaboration, and ultimately clinical outcomes, as well as efficiency and timeliness of care delivery, reducing costs by avoiding unnecessary services.

Dr. Guralnick defined telemedicine as one branch of connected health, specifically the use of information technology to pro­ vide clinical care at a distance, an integration of technology and healthcare delivery. Telemedicine is a means of facilitating com­ munication that eliminates distance barriers and improves access to medical services, serving as a useful “safety net” for closer monitoring and education in between clinic visits, easily achiev­ able via telephone, mobile phone, or Internet via secure email/ messaging or videoconferencing. Telemedicine is being increas­ ingly utilized in human medicine, especially as we see a shift to

Issue experts (l to r): Dr. Edward Blach, Dr. Stacee Santi, Dr. Lori Kogan, and Dr. Dan Guralnick. a value-based system where physicians and hospitals are paid to keep patients healthy.

Dr. Guralnick stated that care is based on continuous healing relationships. Patients should receive care whenever they need it and in many forms, not just face-to-face visits; a healthcare sys­ tem should be responsive at all times with access provided over the Internet, by telephone, and by other means. Care is custom­ ized according to patient needs and values, where the patient is the source of control, and shared decision making is encouraged; information should also flow freely between providers in different locations/practices. Cooperation among clinicians is a priority—­ they should actively collaborate and communicate to ensure ap­ propriate exchange of information and coordination of care.

He then cited several studies, including a UK Department of Health trial of telehealth/telemedicine that asked the question: Does the use of technology as a remote intervention make a dif­ ference? The results, as drawn from over 6,000 patients (with a focus on those with DM, CHF, and COPD) and over 200 GP practices, were impressive: • 45% reduction in mortality rates • 20% reduction in emergency admissions • 15% reduction in emergency department visits • 14% reduction in elective admissions • 14% reduction in bed days • 8% reduction in costs The presentation then touched on some of the barriers and limitations to telemedicine, including medical liability. Because providing medical consultation to a patient electronically con­ stitutes a patient-physician relationship, doctors must be certain to be in compliance with state licensure requirements. He also noted that legislation has not kept up with technology, and there are still a lot of issues to be resolved.

Finally, Dr. Guralnick discussed his own experience integrat­ ing telemedicine, detailing how he uses secure messages/email, phone visits, and teleconsulting. He concluded that, based on his own experience as a provider, telehealth is a convenient, ef­ ficient, satisfying way to deliver care, and he cannot imagine not having the option of telemedicine. n CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAG E 1 1

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

OF NOTE Telehealth, the Internet, and Information Prescriptions

Table 2 Reasons for Seeking Pet Health Information Online n (%)

Lori Kogan, Ph.D. Peter Hellyer, DVM, MS, DACVA

Telehealth, the topic of last November’s BIG Ideas Forum, is a broad term that can be used to describe telecommunications technology designed to support all aspects of veterinary medicine.

Internet usage can be viewed as one component of telehealth.

The Internet has been called an active, goal-directed resource for health information with numerous attractive qualities including perceived privacy and 24-hour availability. As of September 2013, 86% of U.S. adults report using the Internet and 72% of these individuals use the Internet for health information. There is little doubt the Internet is greatly changing the way in which all medi­ cine is being practiced. Although numerous studies have focused on Internet search behavior as it relates to human health, there is limited research exploring how pet owners use the Internet for pet health information. The following article highlights results from recent studies, conducted between 2008–2014, assessing the online behaviors, perceptions and desires of pet owners through surveys administered in collaboration with their veterinarians.

Most pet owners (72.7%) report using the Internet for pet health information with over a third (35.7%) reporting at least monthly usage. When asked to indicate how they find pet health information on the Internet (either by using a search engine or going directly to a specific website), most pet owners report us­ ing a search engine, with far fewer reports of visiting a specific website. The topics pet owners search for most often include: specific disease or medical problems; diet, nutrition, vitamins, nutritional supplements; behavioral issues; and medical treat­ ments or procedures (Table 1). The most common reasons given for why they research pet health information online are curiosity (endorsed by 47.4%) and the desire for clarification of informa­ tion given by their veterinarian (endorsed by 33.6%). Less than 2% of pet owners report they research pet health information online because they do not agree with or believe their veterinar­ ian (Table 2).

Table 1 Type of Pet Health Information Sought Online n (%) Specific disease or medical problem

445 (51.3%)

Diet, nutrition, vitamins, nutritional supplements

337 (38.9%)

Behavioral issues

315 (36.3%)

Certain medical treatment or procedure

297 (34.3%)

Wellness and prevention

198 (22.8%)

Prescription or over the counter drugs

191 (22.0%)

Alternative treatments or medicines

149 (17.2%)

Information about a particular veterinarian or vet clinic

152 (17.5%)

Vaccinations

118 (13.6%)

Exercise or fitness

105 (12.1%)

Experimental treatments or medicines

58 (6.7%)

PAG E 12 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

I am just curious about pet health information

411 (47.4%)

I want clarification or more information than that given to me by my veterinarian

291 (33.6%)

To help me decide if I should schedule an appointment with my veterinarian.

288 (33.2%)

I want support from others with similar pet health issues/­problems

149 (17.2%)

I want a second opinion

118 (13.6%)

I do not agree with information provided by my ­veterinarian

11 (1.3%)

I do not believe information provided by my ­veterinarian

6 (0.7%)

To the contrary, most clients feel the information they find online helps them communicate better with their veterinarian (65.6%); understand their pet’s health issues better (82.6%); make better choices about their pet’s health (70.3%); and feel more comfortable asking their veterinarian questions (73.3%).

Additionally, pet owners report online health information rarely leads to feeling the need to get a second opinion (13.1%).

A majority of clients endorse several positive emotional re­ sponses to information they find online. Most owners report feel­ ing reassured (85.7%), relieved (85.2%), and eager to share their new knowledge with others (65.9%). Unfortunately, they also report feeling, at least some of the time, frustrated by the lack of information online or their ability to find what they are looking for (47.7%), confused (48.8%), overwhelmed (47.5%), or fright­ ened (2.19%). Additionally, while 72% of owners report feeling online pet health information is easy to understand, this leaves 28% of owners who feel differently. From these figures, it ap­ pears that a substantial number of pet owners could benefit from guidance in locating appropriate online pet health resources.

Clients’ lack of understanding is a concern voiced by many veterinarians; only 10% of veterinarians report feeling that most clients understand animal health information they find online.

Another concern expressed by many veterinarians is the impact the Internet has on the length of appointments. Although 61.3% of veterinarians report the Internet has not changed the amount of time they spend with clients, a substantial number (38.6%) report it has increased appointment time. No veterinarians feel that the Internet had decreased the amount of time they spend with clients. These are likely two factors that lead to some vet­ erinarians questioning how the Internet has impacted the veteri­ nary/client relationship and animal health. Although 45.3% of veterinarians report feeling the Internet has made a positive im­ pact, 32.5% feel it has made a negative impact and 22.2% report it has made no impact.

Interestingly, despite the number of clients who seek online pet health information, only 24% report discussing this informa­ tion with their veterinarian most of the time and 22.2% report never broaching the topic. Yet, the majority of clients (78.5%) Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE Continued from previous page who do discuss information they find on the Internet with their veterinarian report a receptive response. Given the stated per­ ception of veterinarians that many of their clients access inaccu­ rate or outdated information online, veterinarians were asked if they suggest or direct their clients to specific websites. Although nearly 30% of veterinarians report making specific website sug­ gestions at least several times a week, a greater percentage (47%) report rarely or never suggesting specific websites. These num­ bers match client reports, with most reporting their veterinarian never (39.2%) recommends specific websites and only 2.7% re­ porting they receive recommendations most of the time.

Given the fact that over 90% of pet owners state they would visit a website recommended by their veterinarian, this seems to be a lost opportunity. One solution to help guide clients to accu­ rate, appropriate pet health information is the implementation of information prescriptions (see sample at right). Information pre­ scriptions were first introduced as a means for healthcare pro­ viders to guide patients to reliable, understandable, up-to-date information about a particular disease or condition. Often, an information prescription includes a written referral by a health­ care provider to a consumer health information resource. Simi­ larly, in veterinary medicine, an information prescription can consist of a handout that includes a URL to a general veterinary medicine website (or specific health topic websites) in addition to pointers and suggestions to help clients make informed choices about where to seek pet health information (see example).

Two recent studies found between 40–60% of veterinary clients who receive an information prescription visit the recom­ mended site at least one time. Factors including clients’ gender, age or education level or how often they accessed the Internet at home or work do not appear to impact this behavior. Addition­ ally, the feedback from clients who access these recommended sites is overwhelmingly positive, for both the site and the percep­ tion of the veterinarian who made the recommendation. Most clients report finding the recommended website helpful and plan to use it to improve their understanding of their pet’s health con­ dition. Clients feel these sites help them make better healthcare decisions for their pets and facilitate better communication with their veterinarian. Nearly all clients who receive an information prescription feel it is a good idea and indicate that they plan to re-visit the site in the future.

It is clear that telehealth, including the use of the Internet for pet health information, is set to explode. The Internet is a major source of health information and, if used appropriately, can im­ prove clients’ understanding of their pets’ medical conditions and thereby, empower clients to make better health decisions. The Internet can help clients shift from passive recipients pertaining to their pets’ health care to more active consumers. Although it has been feared by some that online information might replace veterinarians, these studies suggest that instead, clients view the Internet as an adjunct or additional source of information. In fact, it is hypothesized that accessing health information online may actually increase clients’ need and trust in their veterinarian as they look towards their veterinarian to interpret the sometimes

confusing nature of online information. Yet, for this to happen, people need to access reliable, trustworthy information and feel comfortable sharing it with their veterinarian. Through the simple implementation of information prescriptions, veterinarians can take a proactive role and help ensure clients obtain credible information, thereby positively impacting the client-veterinarian relationship and ultimately, the health of their patients. n Information Prescription CLINIC NAME LOGO

Phone: XXXX Address: XXX Fort Collins, CO 80525 Website: http://www Thank you for bringing your pet into XX Veterinary Hospital today.

Want more information about your pet’s condition? To learn more about your pet’s health, we recommend the following website: www.veterinarypartner.com Additional tips for searching online for pet health ­information: You have likely heard the old warning “Don’t believe everything you read.” This is especially true for healthrelated information you find on the World Wide Web. The Web can be a great resource when you want to learn about a specific disease or health condition. But among the millions of websites that offer health-related information, there are many that present myths and half-truths as if they are facts.

To avoid unreliable health information when you’re surfing the Web, ask yourself the following questions: • Where did this information come from?

• How current is this information?

• Who is responsible for the content of the website?

Health-related websites may be published by the U.S. government (.gov), a nonprofit organization (.org) or a college or university (.edu). These sites are often the most reliable sources of health information because they are usually not supported by for-profit companies, such as drug or insurance companies. Sites with .com Web addresses usually represent a company that uses the Web to sell products or services. You may want to be more careful about believing the information you read on these sites.

CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAGE 1 3

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

OF NOTE The Next Big Thing for Veterinary Medicine? Your Own App! Stacee Santi, DVM Managing Veterinarian Riverview Animal Hospital, Durango

In 2010, I decided I wanted an app for my hospital. Lots of other people had an app, even my hairdresser. So it only made perfect sense that I should have an app to better connect with my clients.

It wasn’t that easy though. Your choice is to either have a very expensive custom designed app somewhere around the $10K mark (no thanks!) or to have a DIY generic app. Being the frugal veterinarian, I opted for the DIY version. It was nice, but needed more. A tweak here, a tweak there, and over time I designed my own app. And guess what? My clients LOVE it!

I decided that in addition to helping animals, another thing I re­ ally enjoy is helping my profession move toward technology. Having found a way to make it really easy, I launched vet2pet in January 2013. Here are some of the key features of the v­ et2pet app.

Your own icon on the device. Have you ever asked a cli­ ent the name of their last veterinarian and they can’t remember it? Yes, this is the reality, whether we want to believe it or not.

Having your own icon on the phone is just good business sense.

You are now easy to reach. No Google searching, your clients just tap the icon, and there is the person that can help their BFF. Pet Portal Access & Home Deliver. We can link directly to your pet portal and online pharmacy if you already subscribe to that service.

Appointment Requests. Clients can request appointments at their convenience. Don’t worry, they aren’t in your scheduler!

The request will come to you in the form of an email, then your staff can reach back to confirm or move it. But half the battle is getting your clients to get in touch with you, so why not be avail­ able to them 24 hours with an app?

Food/RX Requests. Clients can request refills of food and medication with the app. Like the Appointment Request feature, it will come to you as an email. One insight we had was to add a camera button here so the client can snap a photo of their prod­ uct rather than type out the whole name.

Social Media. We house all of your social media under one umbrella. This way, your clients can check out all the good you are doing and the lives you are saving in one place!

Push Notifications. This “push” sends your mass message to every device that has your app at one time, instantly. Think of the possibilities! This is where the name of the company came from, vet2pet. It is my vision to use this tool (along with others) to help take care of my patients when they are not in the build­ ing. You can send notifications to remind clients to give their parasite prevention the first of the month, “Amber Alerts” to help find lost pets, hospital closures, new services, etc.

We have seen huge success using Push Notifications to gener­ ate revenue. Imagine this scenario....You come into work Mon­ day morning and the week looks pretty slow. Who knows why, but sometimes it happens. So you can jump on your computer and send out a notification to your clients, something like “$50 PAG E 14 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

off Dental this week only!” Stand back and watch the slots fill!

We have seen over $10K incremental annual gain doing this just six to seven times per year. We get something to battle the horrid dental month and pets get healthier! Win win.

The Loyalty Program. This is the BEST part of the app.

The sad truth is that clients just aren’t as loyal as they used to be, or so says the Brakke study. And I believe it. With the Internet and the economy, I know I have become more selective in find­ ing good value, so it is probably true of our clients as well. Our loyalty program is designed to give the client a “punch” on their virtual punch card whenever they spend $100. When the client receives 16 punches, we give them $100 credit on their account to use towards a future service.

Two things happen here. . . . Clients LOVE getting a punch, so you will see up-care at the front desk. The bill is $380, which only gets three punches, but if a client gets something additional, she can spend over $400 and get four punches. (Hint: Here, dear colleagues, is how we battle online pharmacies!) Handing some­ one a big bill isn’t really all that fun (just ask your technicians), but it is much easier for clients when they get nine punches for doing a dental on their dog. This makes the transaction end on a positive note and can help replace “sticker shock” as well.

We have studied five hospitals using the loyalty program so far, and the average annual gain is between $98K and $138K—just for doing something nice for clients. Currently, vet2pet and CSU are embarking on a study to further evaluate the spending behavior of clients when presented this sort of in­ centive. Does it make clients more loyal? We think so. And, it’s better than discounting (which I know you are doing anyway!).

The Beacon. Apple introduced this at the 2014 World Meet­ ing. It is a small device (imagine a flash drive) that plugs into a USB port or wall charger to send a signal to any device with your app in the range of 30 feet. We are using it to greet our clients when they walk in the door. Our message says “Send us a selfie while you wait for the doctor and we will give you $5 credit on your account.” How fun is that!?

In summary, who needs an app? Any veterinarian that wants to connect with the modern client. It’s okay if you don’t even really know what an app is. You can do it. . . . And it’s way easier than vaccinating a Chihuahua! n

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE AVMA District IX Director’s Report: Winter 2015 Mike Whitehair, DVM AVMA Board of Directors for District IX

There has been lots of activity within the AVMA since my last report in the fall of 2014. The AVMA Board of Directors has taken action to help set the stage for creating a “new” AVMA. The Board’s actions during AVMA’s annual Veterinary Leader­ ship Conference in Chicago included approval of the overall strategy management plan, a three-year operating plan, and the 2015 AVMA budget that includes $3 million for strategic initia­ tives directed at member-focused programs and services.

“The strategy management plan helps us focus our resources so that we can achieve our ultimate goal of growing member value in the AVMA so that our members get the most out of their as­ sociation,” said AVMA President Dr. Ted Cohn.

The AVMA has committed to several key initiatives that will focus activities designed to: • Protect and enhance the lifelong value of the veterinary de­ gree.

• Promote the public image and reputation of the veterinary profession.

• Provide valuable member products and services.

• Provide the right information to the right people at the right time through improved marketing, communications, and branding.

• Improve the skills of our volunteer leaders and increase their opportunities to volunteer within the organization.

• Build an innovative and collaborative culture across the As­ sociation.

The Association will reorganize into specific business units tasked with creating targeted business plans to deliver an en­ hanced member experience. This reorganization will help shape the AVMA as it takes advantage of the opportunities presented by a more competitive environment within the profession.

As part of this overall effort, we are developing a marketing communications plan that will allow AVMA to keep members informed in the best possible way. This is a slow, steady com­ mitment with time, talent, and resources for achieving the goal of improving member value and meeting our member’s needs.

The AVMA’s Strategy Management Process and its ongoing ef­ forts to become more nimble, proactive, and responsive regard­ ing veterinary professional issues and the needs of our members have led to a proposal for development of an Advisory Panel pilot plan. This will allow more opportunities to utilize volunteers with high levels of expertise who want to make contributions for short, focused topics of policy development and advocacy. This pilot program could become an extension of our present councils and committees and their activities.

Your AVMA delegates will report in more detail the consid­ eration of proposed AVMA bylaws amendments and resolutions (see page 16). The most significant outcome to me was the new AVMA mission statement crafted as part of the Strategy Manage­ ment Process in an effort to more closely align AVMA efforts and resources with what our members truly want and value from their Association.

The mission of the Association is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.

An important resolution was approved that calls for adoption of a revised/reformatted Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.

This is an ongoing process that strengthens our role in delivery of high quality veterinary health care for our patients and for society.

The AVMA insurance trusts are going through a major brand­ ing effort to better serve our members at both the GHLIT and the PLIT. Watch for additional outreach by these entities in the coming year.

The Governmental Relations Division is ready for the new Con­ gress. It will continue to be our advocate for those issues that af­ fect the members of the AVMA and our profession. Please support our PAC. AVMA members can find a summary of the activities of Congress in 2014 provided by our GRD at AVMA.org under Ad­ vocacy > Congressional Activities > Legislative Agenda.

The AVMA Foundation has a number of new initiatives to use charitable giving to better support our profession in service to those in need. Watch for additional updates from AVMF in 2015.

I believe the initiatives that AVMA has launched and is imple­ menting will position AVMA as a strong value proposition for its members. n Please feel free to contact me with your comments or questions at mlwdvm@jc.net.

U.S. WEST REGION, WESTMINSTER CO

PRACTICE BROKERAGE - SELLERS & BUYERS VALUATIONS, FINANCING, CONSULTATION Thinking of buying or selling a practice?

Our financial expertise and aggressive marketing protocols distinguish us from our competitors. We’re in 6 states with 11 professionals specializing in these services.

www.DVMconsultants.com Prof. Roy Franc Baas, 303.456.2436 504.382.5096 mobile roy.baas@DVMconsultants.com

Pilar Starman DVM, 720.886.9778 pilar.starman@DVMconsultants.com

Bryan Starman BS, Practice Mgmt.

720.886.9778 bryan.starman@DVM Consultants.com

Serving Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, & Tennessee All inquiries strictly confidential.

CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAG E 1 5

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

OF NOTE AVMA Delegate Report John R. Rule, DVM AVMA Delegate

The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) Winter Session was held in Chicago on January 10 in conjunction with the AVMA Vet­ erinary Leadership Conference. AVMA President Dr. Ted Cohn gave us an update on the AVMA and how we as members should trust our elected leaders of the organization. The treasurer’s re­ port showed we are in a good financial position going into 2015.

Colorado is well represented in the AVMA with Dr. Cohn as President, Dr. Marsden and myself representing CVMA as del­ egates, Dr. Apryl Steel representing the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and Dr. Joan Bowen representing the American Association of Small Ruminants Practitioners. If you have ques­ tions or concerns about AVMA, please contact any one of us.

The following amendments and resolutions were considered at the HOD Session: Amendment 1-2015 passed and revises the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (COTEA) (the ac­ crediting body for veterinary technology programs) to no longer require AVMA Board of Directors approval for changes to the Accreditation Policies and Procedures.

Amendments 2-2014 and 2-2015 addressed the issue of changing the AVMA Mission Statement. Amendment 2-2014 failed and Amendment 2-2015 passed. The passed Amendment states: The mission of the Association is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and prac­ tice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.

Resolution 1-2015 Transportation of Research Animals passed after being amended to read: The AVMA supports the transportation of animals for research, testing, and education when that transportation is conducted in accord with guidelines that assure animals are handled properly and transport is con­ ducted humanely. Those handling research animals during trans­ port must be well trained and competent in performing tasks and making related decisions.

Resolution 4-2015 Policy on Antimicrobial Use Guidelines was amended to: Antimicrobial Use Guidelines for Com­ panion Animal Practice; it passed as amended.

Resolution 5-2015 did not pass. It was a guideline for antimicrobial use to treat urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. Those in opposition felt that it was too proscriptive and it was not AVMA’s place to have a policy on it.

Resolution 6-2015 did not pass. It was a guideline for antimi­ crobial use to treat superficial pyoderma in dogs and cats. Many members felt the same as they did on Resolution 5-2015 that it was too proscriptive and not AVMA’s place to have as a policy.

There are many opportunities for AVMA members to serve on the various councils and committees. If you are interested in any of them, please let Dr. Marsden or me know. n

Illuminating Veterinary Women’s Retreat Lighting the path to an integrated & prosperous veterinary practice for women.

June 5th-7th, 2015 The Inn at Palmer Divide, Monument, CO Unique program offering retreats, 6 months of support, online interaction, one-on-one consultations and MUCH MORE! www.illuminating.catalystvetpc.com

Resolution 2-2015 Expand Weighted Voting in the HOD failed. Voting in the HOD remains as it has been in the past.

Resolution 3-2015 Revised Policy on Veterinary Participation in Spay-Neuter Clinics passed after being amended.

The final version states: Every animal, regardless of its owner­ ship, should receive quality veterinary medical and surgical care.

Because of a wide range of geographic and demographic needs, a variety of programs have been developed to increase deliv­ ery of spay-neuter services to targeted populations of animals; these include stationary and mobile clinics, MASH-style opera­ tions, shelter services, feral cat programs, and services provided through private practitioners. These services should conform to current standards of practice as described by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary care guidelines for spay-neuter programs and comply with local and state laws.

PAG E 16 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

This retreat is for you if you are:  Frustrated with doing it yourself  Tired of being overwhelmed  Ready to find balance, joy, and professional satisfaction in your life again  Looking for ways to simplify and streamline your responsibilities Take charge & register, today!

High-Energy, Focused Shock Wave That’s UNMATCHED • Clinically proven to reduce lameness in horses with Navicular Syndrome, tendon/ligament injuries, and other chronic orthopedic conditions • Delivers high-energy, focused shock waves to customizable depths (up to 110 mm) • Backed by more than a decade of clinical research – unmatched by any other system • Used at more veterinary universities and clinics worldwide • Treatments covered by most insurance companies

ü 90% success in treating backs ¹

ü 81% improvement in horses with Navicular Syndrome ³

R IT ASK FOAME!

BY N

ü Faster healing of coffin joint collateral ligaments ²

VersatronShockWave.com ¹ Allen, K Virginia Equine Imaging • ² Turner T, Anoka Equine Veterinary Services. • ³ McClure S, et al. 2004 AAEP • Proceedings. Vol. 50 • ©2014 PulseVet Technologies, Alpharetta, GA.

A Sound Approach to Healing SHOCK WAVE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS ∙ TENDON/LIGAMENT INJURIES ∙ WOUNDS ∙ FRACTURES ∙ BACK PAIN

Shock Wave Sound Therapy High-intensity sound waves penetrate deeper than light technology and are clinically-proven to improve hard-to-treat conditions you see daily. Speed healing, reduce inflammation and decrease lameness and pain with fewer treatments than other modalities (1-3 treatments): • Osteoarthritis (6-12 month improvement and reduced NSAID use) • Back pain (90% success rates) • Tendon/Ligament injuries • Bone fractures (non-union or delayed) • Joint injuries (hips, elbows and shoulders) • Chronic Wounds (i.e. lick granulomas healed with 2 treatments) Sound Energy – Studied More. Used at Top Universities. Sound Clinical and Financial Return.

©2013 Pulse Veterinary Technologies Alpharetta, GA. pulsevet.com or HealFido.com

Also, visit our dog owner website at HealFido.com for additional information and videos

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Federal Animal Disease Traceability Rule and Colorado Trichomoniasis Rule Update

location and returning to the original location or being trans­ ported for veterinary care and returning to the original location without change of ownership. Official ID can include physical description, ISO-compliant microchips (non-ISO if implanted before 3/11/2014), and digital photographs.

Sara Ahola, DVM, MA Traceability Veterinarian State Veterinarian’s Office Colorado Department of Agriculture

Sheep & Goats: No major changes to current requirements.

Follow Scrapie rules.

Recently, some parts of the federal Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rule come into effect. Also, this past December the Colo­ rado Department of Agriculture (CDA) updated and passed new Livestock Disease Control rules. Here you will find an update on both the federal ADT rule and CDA’s livestock rules.

Animal Disease Traceability

USDA-APHIS-VS’ federal ADT rule first came into effect in March 2013 and instituted federal rules for animals moving inter­state. The rule essentially requires all livestock and poultry to move interstate with an accompanying certificate of veteri­ nary inspection (CVI), be officially identified, and in most cases have their official identification individually listed on the CVI. Exceptions exist for official identification (ID), especially with respect to beef-breed animals under 18 months of age. As a re­ minder, here is a basic summary of the ADT rule: Animals travelling interstate must be officially identified per their species’ requirement and be accompanied by an interstate CVI with their individual official animal ID listed. Animals ­travelling directly to slaughter (within three days) may be iden­ tified with USDA-approved back-tags. Other terms of shipping may be agreed upon between individual states or tribes, such as acceptance of brands and owner-shipper statements. As always, we recommend veterinarians contact the receiving state to en­ sure proper import requirements are met.

Cattle: the following animals must be identified with official ID ear tags: • All sexually intact cattle and bison over 18 months of age— list IDs individually on CVI • All dairy female cattle of any age—list IDs individually on CVI • All dairy males (intact or castrated) born after March 11, 2013—bulls list IDs individually on CVI, steers—most states do not require IDs be listed individually on CVI, check with destination state • Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, shows, exhibi­ tion, and recreational events—list IDs individually on CVI • The most common official ID ear tags for cattle that will be used by producers and veterinarians are: {{840 tags (RFID, “bangle” visual tags, or a combination RFID/bangle) {{Brucellosis or Bangs’ Tags (orange metal or orange RFID) {{Silver, “Brite” or NUES Tags (silver metal) Horses: Must be officially identified unless being used as a mode of transportation (e.g., buggy or horseback) for travel to another PAG E 18 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Swine: No changes.

Captive Cervids: No changes.

Poultry: Chicks from hatcheries or redistributors received by poultry growers do not need to be identified, but the growers need to keep records of suppliers. Poultry moving to live-bird markets will need an interstate CVI (or other acceptable docu­ ment per state) unless the market is considered a custom slaugh­ ter facility under state regulations. Poultry are exempt from an interstate CVI when going directly to slaughter or rendering.

Record Keeping Record keeping is an important part of disease traceability. The ADT rule requires Colorado veterinarians to submit CVIs that they issue within seven days to our office—that can be via email, traditional mail, or directly through an electronic certificate such as the iPad ICVI app. Veterinarians are also required to retain records of interstate CVIs and other documents related to animal movement for two years for poultry and swine and five years for all other species.

In addition, veterinarians are expected to retain records of official ID that they place in animals. For example, an adult beef cow is being shipped out of state to graze and has lost her Bru­ cellosis vaccination tag. You place a new silver Brite tag in her ear before issuing her CVI. You are expected to keep a record of which cow you placed that particular ear tag into (including owner name and contact info). Colorado does not require that you report those records to our office beyond the usual report­ ing of Brucellosis vaccination or other test records, however we may call upon you to produce those records as part of an animal disease investigation. Many veterinarians currently have records of what tags they have ordered and used, but often do not have a way to quickly find out which tag went into which client’s ani­ mal. An easy way to start recording tags placed is to have a paper notebook or electronic spreadsheet that simply records the tag number (or tag series), date applied, and client name so that you can easily pull up their chart and get more detailed information if needed. You may access a simple spreadsheet to get started at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/aganimals/traceability.

Portions of the ADT Rule Taking Effect in 2015 900-series tags: In an effort to be consistent in tag numbers, 900-series ear tags may no longer be placed in the ear of cattle or other bovids as of March 2015. Only 840 (US-origin) tags may be used and placed in US-origin animals as official ID. 900-series tags that currently exist in an animal’s ear are grandfathered in and may be used for official ID. Non-US origin animals that have lost or misplaced their official ID tags may have a silver brite tag placed Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Continued from previous page for official ID purposes. If a producer wishes to use RFID tags a 900-series tag may be placed as non-official ID. Compliance & Enforcement For the first two years, USDA focused on education and out­ reach to veterinarians and producers regarding the rule. Now USDA is indicating a greater emphasis on enforcement and intends to follow up with violations to the rule. Areas of focus are likely to be those veterinarians that are not listing individual animal identification on certificates of veterinary inspection and those that are not submitting their CVIs within 7 days to their state veterinarian. Colorado continues to educate veterinarians and producers about the federal ADT rule and supports USDA’s efforts to move animal disease traceability forward.

New Colorado Department of Agriculture Livestock Disease Control Rules

On December 30, 2014 CDA’s updated Livestock Disease Con­ trol Rules (8 CCR 1201-19) went into effect. The most signifi­ cant changes involved the trichomoniasis (trich) rules. These changes were put into place after lengthy discussions with our Colorado ranchers and western state counterparts in an effort to standardize trich rules across the country. We expect to see many states follow suit in the year to come.

1. Official trich test The official test for import into Colorado or for change of owner­ ship within the state is the PCR test. Here is how it is worded: “Official T. Fetus PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction)” means a method approved by the State Veterinarian that detects, through in vitro amplification, the presence of T. fetus DNA. The previous rule allowed a trich culture for import of out-of-state bulls or for a change of ownership. Culture will be acceptable for annual diagnos­ tic tests when used as part of a preventative herd health plan but is not considered an official test for regulatory purposes such as change of ownership, importation, or movement to a grazing association.

2. Length of validity of trich test for change of ownership or importation into Colorado The official trichomoniasis test is now applicable for 60 days prior to importation or change of ownership. The former rule stated the test was only valid for 30 days prior to importation or change of ownership.

3. The test eligible age for bulls The new rule requires that bulls over 18 months of age be tested for trichomoniasis whether they are bulls imported from out of state, bulls changing ownership, or bulls commingling in graz­ ing associations. The previous rule required that bulls being im­ ported into Colorado be tested if over 12 months of age and had some provision for virgin bull status.

4. Identification and Laboratory Submission Forms There are some additional requirements for official animal ID for bulls being tested for trichomoniasis. The new rule states that

the accredited veterinarian shall record the bull’s official animal ID eartag on the T. fetus test submission form or apply an official animal ID tag to any bull that does not have one and record it on the T. fetus test submission form. It is important to note that trich tags issued through our office are not considered official ID because they are changed out every year and therefore the ani­ mal’s ID changes every year. Official ID is a number that should stay with an animal for life, such as an 840 RFID button tag.

Trich tags are used more for visual purposes to note that a trich test was conducted on a bull.

In addition, an approved laboratory is required to immediately report any positive specimen to the State Veterinarian’s Office.

Such report should include the official animal ID ear-tag, brand, owner name, address, telephone number, and the submitting veterinarian’s name, address, and telephone number.

You can find the new revised livestock disease rule is posted on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website at https:// www.colorado.gov/pacific/aganimals/laws-and-regulations-4 In addition to changes to the trichomoniasis rules, other sec­ tions were slightly revised to reflect new federal animal disease traceability requirements and to represent the most current vet­ erinary science related to disease prevention, surveillance, and transmission. As always if you have any questions, please call our office at 303.869.9130. n

Good at Heart

One Practice. Multiple Locations.

Coordinated, Comprehensive Care.

Regardless of where we see your patient – at one of our stationary practices or in your office – our centralized patient record system allows any cardiologist in our practice to access complete medical records for any patient.

THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR THE BEST CARDIAC CARE Full-time cardiologist availability six days a week Saturday appointments at VRCC Mobile appointments along the Front Range & I-70 Corridor 24 hour critical care hospitalization Pacemaker implantation, PDA occlusion, & balloon valvuloplasty

Alpenglow Veterinary Specialty + Emergency Center 3640 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 303-443-GLOW (4569)

Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado (VRCC) 3550 Jason Street, Englewood, CO 303-874-2094

RMVCcolorado.com CVMA Voice 2015 : 1 | PAGE 1 9

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CVMA Advocacy Training 2015 Maren Williams CVMA Communications and Outreach Specialist

On February 5, CVMA held its annual Advocacy Training workshop to help build the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively advance (or thwart) public policy that affects the veterinary profession at the national and state levels. Advocacy Training was free to CVMA members, including veterinary stu­ dents and Power of Ten leadership academy participants.

It is essential that lawmakers hear from engaged and knowl­ edgeable constituents—particularly in areas such as veterinary medicine where the lawmaker has little or no technical or practi­ cal experience. Federal and state lawmakers routinely offer bills that impose new stipulations or regulations on veterinary medi­ cine. While some bills are proactively sought and supported by the AVMA and CVMA, other bills may have severe negative im­ pacts on veterinary economics, the scope of veterinary practice, or they may be deleterious to animal health and welfare.

Advocacy Training is designed to build issue knowledge, hone advocacy skills, and bolster participants’ confidence in their ability to effectively advance the veterinary profession’s legislative and regulatory agenda. During the day-long session, participants: • Learned about current legislative and regulatory issues (both Federal and state) from policy experts • Engaged in discussions with speakers knowledgeable about relevant policy issues in veterinary medicine • Learned about grassroots lobbying and received training on effective messaging techniques and protocol in communicat­ ing with legislators • Visited the state capitol and observed the legislative process in action Presenters included Dr. Ashley Morgan – Assistant Director of Governmental Relations Division of the AVMA; Leo Boyle – CVMA lobbyist; Judy Calhoun, CAWA – Executive Director of Larimer Humane Society and Chair of the Colorado Federation

of Animal Welfare Agencies (CFAWA) Legislative Committee; and Dr. Barb Powers – Director of the CSU Veterinary Diagnos­ tic Laboratory and chair of the CVMA Commission on Advocacy and Outreach.

The day began with opening remarks from CVMA’s Execu­ tive Director, Ralph Johnson, and current CVMA President, Dr. Erin Epperly, on the importance of active participation and engagement in governmental issues that affect the veterinary profession.

Soon after, Dr. Ashley Morgan from the AVMA began to speak about the legislative process: why it is important to contact legislators, how to best contact them, and what the AVMA’s pri­ orities are for the 114th Congress.

Some important tips from Dr. Morgan: • When reaching out to legislators, be specific, informative, trustworthy, and personal.

• Remember, your personal story matters! How does your work benefit the legislator’s constituents?

• Think about what anecdotes you can develop to demonstrate the value you bring to the community.

• Legislators see an extremely large number of communications, many of which are “form” letters, emails, and faxes, which are very ineffective. The most effective form of communicating is to do in-person visits and individualized communication. This is where those personal stories come in to play.

Dr. Morgan also reviewed 2013 and 2014 AVMA milestones for the veterinary profession, including the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S.622), and reauthorizing ADUFA and AGDUFA, which were set to expire Oct. 31, until fiscal 2018. According to the AVMA, these programs will ensure that veterinarians, livestock and poultry producers, and pet owners have access to the drugs they need to keep their animals healthy.

In addition, Dr. Morgan explained that the AVMA’s November 2013 testimony before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade urged Congress to pass H.R. 1518, the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which will provide the regulatory oversight necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of our nation’s walking horses.

Dr. Morgan also discussed the final act of the 113th Congress, which passed the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appro­ priations Act of 2015 (H.R. 83), a spending bill that funds most governmental agencies through the end of the 2015 fiscal year.

H.R. 83 included the following: • Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program • Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank • Food & Agriculture Defense Initiative (for National Animal Health Lab Network) • Animal Health and Disease Research • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service To learn about the priorities for the AVMA during this legisla­ tive season, visit www.avma.org/advocacy.

Advocacy Training attendees engage in discussion.

PAG E 20 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Continued from previous page

Advocacy Training at the Capitol building.

After Dr. Morgan’s presentation, the CVMA’s advocacy rep­ resentatives spoke about important legislation in Colorado that could effect the veterinary profession, including:

• House Bill 1187: Veterinarian Peer Health Asst Mental Health Exam, which CVMA supports.

• Senate Bill 13: Extend deadline for dog protection act, which CVMA supports.

• Senate Bill 31: Reciprocity to Practice Occupation or Profes­ sion, which is opposed by CVMA. • Senate Bill 42, Mandatory Reports of Animal Abuse, (report­ ing mandatory within 48 hours of witness), for which CVMA remains neutral.

The day ended with a visit and historical tour by CVMA’s lob­ byist Leo Boyle at the Capitol building in Denver, where training attendees experienced first-hand how committee meetings work and operate. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the governmental process, and how participants can better find their voice for public policies affecting the veterinary profession.

For more information on Advocacy Training, and to see the video from the workshop, visit colovma.org. And to learn more about the current legislative session and how you can help advo­ cate on upcoming issues that affect you and the profession, please visit colovma.org and click on the “Issues/Advocacy” tab. n

• House Bill 1062: Increase Penalties for Animal Fighting, which CVMA supports.

Commitment. Collaboration. Care.

Anesthesiology/Pain Management • Critical Care • Dentistry • MRI • CT Internal Medicine • Interventional Radiology • Neurology/Neurosurgery Oncology • Radioiodine Therapy • Surgery Specialists you trust. 7 days a week.

Specialty Line: 720.975.2804 | vcaAEVH.com www.facebook.com/vcaaevh | 688.referrals@vca.com CVMA Voice 2015 : 1 | PAG E 2 1

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Regulations for Rabies Quarantines in Colorado Jennifer House, DVM, MPH, DACVPM State Public Health Veterinarian CDPHE, Communicable Disease Branch

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has discovered some inconsistency with implementa­ tion of quarantines surrounding potential rabies exposures to pets in Colorado. Both bite holds and exposure quarantines have been improperly administered due to a lack of understanding as to why each regulation exists and why they are different. Please read below for an explanation of these separate regulations. For additional clarification, please call CDPHE at 303.692.2700.

Ten-day Bite Holds

Any dog, cat, or ferret that has bitten a human must be held under observation for 10 days. Dogs, cats, and ferrets will dem­ onstrate significant disease (and eventually death) within 10 days of transmitting the virus in their saliva. Bite holds are manda­ tory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite a human regardless of their rabies vaccination status. If the animal develops symptoms consistent with rabies it will be tested and the exposed person can seek post-exposure prophylaxis if the animal is positive. The 10-day bite hold will prevent unnecessary treatment to individu­ als who were bitten by animals that do not have rabies. The loca­ tion and circumstances of the 10-day hold are at the discretion of local animal control agency or health department. These animals should not be vaccinated until the 10 days are over. Vaccine reactions could be confused with symptoms of rabies and would require the animal to be euthanized and tested for public health reasons.

Vaccinating these animals too soon could result in unnecessary euthanasia of an otherwise healthy pet.

Table 1 Classification of Rabies Vaccination Status Number of Previous Rabies Vaccinations 0

Timing of Most Recent Rabies Vaccination -< 28 days before exposure >12 months before exposure Between 28 days and 12 months

1

Up-to-date at time of exposure 2 (or more)

Not up-to-date at time of ­exposure

Status High risk High risk High risk Currently ­vaccinated Currently ­vaccinated Expired ­vaccination

Table 2 Management of Domestic Animals Exposed to Rabies Reservoir Species (RRS) Status High Risk

Expired ­vaccination Currently ­vaccinated

Required Management • Euthanize pet OR • 180-day quarantine {{ 90 days at a secured facility-followed by {{ 90 days at home • Vaccinate at 0, 21, and 60 days after exposure • 90 day home quarantine • Vaccinate (booster) at 0 and 30 days • 45 day home observation • Vaccinate (booster) immediately after exposure

Rabies Exposure Quarantines

Dogs, cats, or ferrets that have exposure to rabies reservoir species (RRS) need to be evaluated for previous vaccination to rabies and quarantined if they are found to lack sufficient history.

The RRS are considered to be bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. Any pet that has had exposure to these animals should be vaccinated immediately. CDPHE should be consulted on any exposures to wild carnivores that are not listed as RRS. Vaccination could provide some protection against developing rabies and should not be withheld (unless the owners are planning to euthanize the animal). The pet may also need a quarantine period depending on the documented history (or lack of) previous rabies vaccina­ tion. Pets that are classified as high-risk for developing rabies must undergo a 180-day quarantine period, the first 90 days should be at a secured facility approved by the local quarantining agency (animal control). Rabies has a long incubation period and we would not normally expect an exposed pet to develop rabies within the first 10 days; therefore a 10-day bite hold in the case of a high risk exposure would not be appropriate.

For additional information on management of animals exposed to rabies and other rabies related matters, please consult the Colorado Rabies Resource Guide at https://www.colorado.gov /pacific/cdphe/colorado-rabies-resource-guide or call CDPHE at 303.692.2700. n PAG E 22 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Acupuncture Services Stacey Anstaett, DVM Certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture

 Neurologic injury, such as IVDD  Musculoskeletal pain  Cancer pain  GI motility disorders  Urinary bladder dysfunction  Chronic bronchitis/asthma

Dr. Stacey Anstaett, CVA  Lick granulomas & wound healing  Upper respiratory disease  Adjunctive post operative pain relief

24-hour Emergency · Internal Medicine · Surgery Oncology · Radiology/Ultrasound · Rehabilitation Acupuncture · Cardiology · Dermatology

17701 Cottonwood Drive, Parker, CO 80134 (720) 842-5050 · (720) 842-5060 (FAX) www.aescparker.com

Award Winning Architecture

What does Life Coaching Do for YOU? Time

Balance

Control

Are you feeling-­‐ good about how you spend your time?

Is your life-­‐ work-­‐ play in balance?

Are you in control of your life choices? Are you overwhelmed with competing demands on your time?

architecture

•

animals

•

people

800.332.4413

EVENT SCHEDULE

2015

www.animalarts.biz

Step back up into your own life Talk with a coach-­‐ Turn ideas into Actions Spiral Coaching-­‐ gpspiral@gmail.com Gwen Pettit, PT, MA, PCC 970-­‐275-­‐0323 www.gpspiralconsulting.com Free strategy session –mention this ad

Earn 4 hours of free CE!

on companion animal medicine

Sunday, May 3 Denver, CO

Denver Marriott Tech Center 4900 S. Syracuse Street Denver, Colorado 80237

7:00 – 8:00 AM Registration / Continental Breakfast 8:00 – 9:20 AM Deb Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM — Understanding your options for managing GI diseases in dogs and cats 9:20 – 9:35 AM Beverage Break 9:35 – 10:55 AM Michael Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Audra Fenimore, DVM, DACVIM — Use of probiotics for the management of diarrhea and upper respiratory disease 10:55 – 11:10 AM Beverage Break 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM Jason Gagne, DVM, DACVN — Facts, myths, and misperceptions about pet nutrition

This program is complimentary. To register go to www.purinasymposium.com

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

SCIENCE UPDATE Zoonosis Update and 2014 Summary

Graph 2: Human West Nile Virus, Colorado 2014

Jennifer House, DVM, MPH, DACVPM State Public Health Veterinarian CDPHE, Communicable Disease Branch Rabies

Rabies continues to be a problem for the citizens of Colorado and their pets. Colorado State University and CDPHE laboratories were able to confirm rabies virus in 126 animals during 2014, including 89 bats, 32 skunks, 1 fox, 1 raccoon, 1 coyote, and 2 domestic cats that were not vaccinated. Of these 125 positive animals, 74 were known or strongly suspected of exposing 100 domestic animals and 56 people.

For additional information on rabies including current 2015 statistics, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe /rabies.

Plague

Colorado reported seven human cases of plague in 2014, the highest number since reporting began in 1975. An outbreak in the summer that originated from an infected pet dog contrib­ uted to the high number of cases seen last year. Fortunately, all human cases in 2014 survived and are expected to make a full recovery. The etiological agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, was also very active in the animal kingdom. Of 24 samples testing positive for plague, 4 were rodents, 16 were flea pools, 2 were domestic animals (cat and dog), and 2 were wildlife (rabbit and bobcat).

For additional information on plague please visit https://www .colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/plague.

Graph 3: Human Plague, Colorado 1975-2014

Graph 1: Laboratory Confirmed Rabies Positive Animals, Colorado 2014 West Nile Virus

Colorado continued to see disease from West Nile virus both in humans and animals. There were a total of 115 human cases re­ ported among residents of 25 counties in Colorado. For report­ ing purposes, West Nile virus disease in people is categorized into two primary clinical presentation groups, neuroinvasive and non-neuroinvasive. During the 2014 season, 44 people (38% of cases) experienced the more severe neuroinvasive presentation which resulted in four deaths. In addition to the human cases of WNV, we also saw veterinary cases. A total of four horses from three counties (Adams, Larimer, and Weld), one sheep (Pueblo), and one goose (Jefferson) were confirmed by laboratory testing.

CDPHE increased surveillance for avian West Nile virus by en­ couraging submission of samples from sick/dead birds from the raptor rehabilitation centers in Colorado; this increased surveil­ lance resulted in positive results in four birds of prey found in our state.

For additional information on West Nile virus in Colorado, please visit the CDPHE webpage at https://www.colorado.gov /pacific/cdphe/west-nile-virus-data.

PAG E 24 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Tularemia

Tularemia (rabbit fever) also made a comeback last year and caused an unusually high number of cases. Sixteen people in Colorado were diagnosed as having a clinical illness from infec­ tion with Francisella tularensis, the etiological agent of tularemia.

These cases presented with a diverse range of symptoms includ­ ing glandular/ulceroglandular, pneumonic, gastrointestinal, and typhoidal.

In 2014, Colorado had 38 animals test positive for ­tularemia: 23 rabbits, 10 rodents, and a wildlife species. A total of 62 dogs and cats were tested for tularemia; 2 cats and 2 dogs were positive.

Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

Continued from previous page Graph 4: Human Tularemia Cases, Colorado 1955-2014 25

FREE Borrower-Lender Matching Site Best Rates Available

20

Over $210,000,000 in loan requests processed!

15 10 5



Acquisitions

0 Year 1959 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010



Start Ups



Construction



Refinancing

2014 Zoonoses Annual Conference

The 40th annual zoonosis conference was held in Aurora, CO on Thursday, April 9. Co-sponsors for the event included Au­ rora Animal Care Division, Tri-County Health Department, and CDPHE. The agenda covered cross-cutting zoonotic disease topics for the mixed audience of public health officials, animal control officers, animal health officials, wildlife officials, and veterinarians. n

www.veterinaryloans.com 877.288.VETS (8387)

Working with you to provide the best care for them.

At VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital we consider ourselves to be an extention of your practice.

Working as a team with you and your clients, we can help provide the finest specialized care for your patients. Our ongoing commitment to communicating with you and your client is key to building positive client and referral relationships.

We endeavor to offer the best technology and highest caliber of specialists and technical staff in the Rocky Mountain region as a resource you can depend on.

Cardiology • Dermatology/Allergy • 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care • Internal Medicine • Neurology/Neurosurgery • Oncology/Radiation • Ophthalmology • Surgery/Orthopedics

3550 S. Jason St. • Englewood, CO 80110 • 303 874 PETS (7387) • VRCC.com

CVMA Voice 2015 : 1 | PAG E 2 5

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

IN PRACTICE Retirement Investing: Forget the 4% Withdrawal Rule Daniel C. Flanscha, CFP®, CLU, ChFC President, Longs Peak Financial

As the U.S. population has aged, we have seen a dramatic shift in the financial community from “accumulate, accumulate” to “dis­ tribution, distribution.” Why? The baby boomer has become less concerned with accumulating money to being more concerned about how they are going to use what they have been able to ac­ cumulate to produce retirement income.

Conventional Planning

In the 1990s the first widely accepted rule was developed that indicated a retiree could withdraw 4 to 5% annually inflated amount off of a portfolio to produce retirement income. This initial research has been backed by countless other studies that have looked at this concept from a variety of angles. The conclu­ sion from most of this research still comes back to a 4 to 5% withdrawal rate being generally accepted. That was until the perfect storm of 2008 occurred.

Since that time we have seen withdrawal rates discussed that range anywhere from 3% down to as low as 1.5%. I personally believe if you do not experience a down market in the first five years after you retire, the 4 to 5% withdrawal rate is still a rea­ sonable rate on which to base your plans. Please keep in mind this still operates under the assumption that you, the retiree, are willing to maintain a portfolio of a stock to bond mixture in the range of 40/60 to 60/40. What is still the problem? No one knows when a down market is going to occur. This plan­ ning assumption is still dependent on rates of return and, more importantly, when these rates occur and in what sequence.

Withdrawing income of a portfolio is subject to “Random Capi­ talization Disorder Risk” or “sequence of return” risk (a subject for another time).

To me this is not the biggest problem. To recognize the promi­ nent problem, put this in perspective: If you retire with a mil­ lion dollars in your 401(k), and you are told this will produce $40,000 to $50,000 of income per year, things do not seem so promising. That was a lot of money to accumulate. Now you are being told that $40,000 to 50,000 is all the portfolio will safely produce for inflation-adjusted income. You need more than this.

If this planning technique will not produce enough income for many Americans, my question is: Why is so much attention given to this planning technique and this rule of thumb? Another prob­ lem with this approach is that it is not very tax-efficient. If you are trying to use the income off a portfolio to produce income annually, then it stands to reason that this dollar amount will be taxed accordingly as annual income. Although each is different, if you are trying to get a portfolio to produce income for liv­ ing expenses then the annual amount will generally be taxed as ordinary income. It would stand to reason then that the income would be taxable each year whether it was coming from a 401(k) or other non-retirement assets.

Other Options

The reality? Most Americans are not able to accumulate enough assets to use this planning technique! And yet this is where the majority of focus is in retirement income planning. But there are options. Let me share a few with you to stimulate your thinking.

What about taking a portion of assets and annuitizing them? This is using the art of actuarial science through an insur­ ance company to pool your assets with other people. If someone lives a long time, the assets of those who died earlier are used to support the income needs of the survivors. This technique utilizes what I refer to as mortality credits. If used at older ages, an amount of money will produce a higher annual income stream when utilizing these mortality credits.

What about taking the portion of a portfolio which is made up of bonds and building a bond ladder to support annual income needs? This will allow the portion of the portfolio that is in stocks to remain invested for longer periods of time. By doing this, stocks would not have to be liquidated each year to produce income, therefore diminishing long-term investment results. The stocks can be converted to investments that are more secure in nature during times when the market cycle is up. A retiree could use home equity or cash values of life insurance to make withdrawals in years where mar­ kets are down. This technique lowers Random Capitalization Withdrawal order risks.

What about implementing spend-down techniques with existing assets? If non-retirement assets are spent down, the retiree is living off their own principal. Spending princi­ pal of assets that are not part of a qualified retirement account produces income which is not a taxable event. This strategy can lower marginal tax brackets making the available sources of income more tax efficient. In the latter two, the retiree could use permanent life insurance to replace the asset after the death of one of the retirees in a marriage. The retirees could also use charitable strategies in conjunction with 401(k)/Roth conver­ sions to produce tax efficiencies.

Given these examples, again I will ask the question: “Why are we spending so much time focusing on the withdrawal rule?” It is entirely possible through the coordination of finan­ cial techniques to produce more income with fewer assets. I have seen situations where the income level generated, using a combination of techniques, can produce an income level that would be equivalent to taking as much as a 10% withdrawal off a portfolio.

Why have we been steered in the direction that we have been? I believe one reason is we have been inundated with financial wisdom from the investment world to accumulate, accumulate. Remember, they want your assets. We as a society also want good rates of return, so we focus our energy seek­ ing it out. We have also been told over the years we can expect the markets to produce 8, 10, or 12% rates of return. That might be true over long periods of time when accumulating money, but as we have seen from the rules of withdrawal, these Continued on next page

PAG E 26 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Continued from previous page assumptions certainly do not apply to the distribution phase of planning.

What can we learn from this? Instead of spending so much time trying to chase a “good” investment that will produce a good rate of return, perhaps our time would be better spent learning how various financial techniques can be coordinated to produce more favorable results with a good possibility of reduc­ ing risk at the same time. n Registered Representative of and securities offered through One America Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 6995 South Union Park Center Suite 190, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84047 (801)6761500. Insurance Representative of American United Life Insurance Company ® (AUL) and other insurance companies. Longs Peak Financial is not an affiliate of One America Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer or Registered Investment Advisor. Neither OneAmerica Securities, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax or legal advice. For answers to your specific questions please consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor

CVMA Voice 2015 : 1 | PAGE 27

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

IN PRACTICE CSU Veterinary Communication Program Has a Breakout Year Coleman Cornelius Director of CVMBS Communications Colorado State Univeristy Bedside manner? Check!

Veterinary students and practicing professionals from across the country learn essential communication skills through a 30-yearold program that has grown to help define veterinary teaching and practice at Colorado State University.

“In the past, veterinary schools, like medical schools, focused on teaching students excellent technical skills while ignoring the communication component, which was considered a ‘soft’ skill,” said Dr. Jane Shaw, director of the CSU veterinary communica­ tion program. “We now see that communication is a core clinical skill, essential to clinical competence, alongside physical exami­ nation, medical knowledge and problem-solving.”

Called Veterinary Communication for Professional Excel­ lence, the program recently reorganized for greater visibility and impact after operating for many years as part of CSU’s equally respected Argus Institute.

The change allows the two programs to more clearly define their roles in teaching and clinical service: The Argus Institute at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides counseling services for clients, particularly those facing difficult decisions with their pets; Veterinary Communication for Professional Excellence designs and delivers communication curriculum to practicing professionals and to students in the CSU Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.

Proof of the communication program’s impact comes from students.

“Communication can be the difference between succeeding and failing as a veterinarian,” said Lisel Ruterbories, a fourthyear veterinary student, who has learned skills throughout her years in veterinary school. “I’ve learned to think about other perspectives and consider where other people are coming from,” Ruterbories said of the CSU Veterinary Communication pro­ gram. “This type of education is applicable in any setting.”

Yet the veterinary clinical setting is the main focus for Dr. Shaw and her colleagues.

Here, strong communication skills with clients and colleagues allow a veterinarian to fully understand a patient’s medical needs—and to fulfill those needs with both technical skills and c­ ompassion. At its core, good communication helps form a Continued on next page

YOUR VETERINARY PRACTICE Professional Success. Personal Satisfaction. Financial Independence.

Fortune Management will show you how to: · Drive more to the bottom line with fewer hours and more vacations · Run your practice as a smart, successful business · Create staff accountability · Experience measurable improvements in your practice Even if you think it is impossible!

www.FORTUNEOFCOLORADO.com | 800.257.0166 PAG E 28 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

y

tar en

m pli m o a c ysis e l eiv na ent ec ce A r sm nd acti es s a s r ad e P yA his offic tunit ort t n r p in- ppo tio Re en O M &

CV M A VO ICE

IN PRACTICE Continued from previous page productive partnership among the veterinarian, her colleagues, and her client; this promotes both pet health and the human-an­ imal bond, said Dr. Shaw, a leader in veterinary communication who has taught internationally.

Put another way, the goal of Veterinary Communication for Professional Excellence is “enhancing the lives of people and ani­ mals one conversation at a time.”

As CSU Veterinary Communication grows into a standalone program, it is increasingly emphasizing professional development for practitioners.

Dr. Shaw and her colleagues regularly teach communication skills as part of continuing education courses offered through the Veterinary Management Institute. The institute is part of the American Animal Hospital Association; it recently moved to CSU from its longtime home base at Purdue University in order to gain from alliance with CSU’s business and veterinary programs.

CSU Veterinary Communication also teams with animalhealth company Zoetis to deliver a continuing education course called the FRANK™ Workshop. Like other offerings, the work­ shop is based on research in medical communication and aims to promote shared decision-making in veterinary medicine, leading to improved outcomes for pet patients and to increased satisfac­ tion for pet owners and veterinarians.

The CSU program often delivers training in a novel way: through role playing involving students and actors who portray pet-owning clients. The sessions are conducted in a true-to-life exam room; they are videotaped for analysis, and fellow students watch the interplay from an adjoining observation room with a one-way mirror and audio equipment.

In these scenarios, actors are prepped to raise realistic pet-care concerns that often are sensitive, including ethical and financial di­ lemmas. Pet abuse, euthanasia, language and cultural differences, complex procedures, clinical mistakes, ability to pay for veterinary services—a full range of tough topics arises in the role playing, challenging students to hone communication skills needed to work in the best interest of both animal patients and owners.

Students learn to use appropriate body language, to build client trust, to avoid medical jargon, and to calmly respond to highly emotional animal owners.

“Our job is to keep our patient’s best interest in mind,” Teegan Wheaton, a fourth-year vet student, said. “But we need to make sure clients understand why and how we are going to do that.

Because if the client isn’t fully on board, are we really doing our job effectively?”

Students work with faculty members and other aspiring veteri­ narians to learn and practice these essential skills.

“I’ve learned more about the value of confidence,” Wheaton said of her clinical communication training. “Once you are con­ fident, your ability to align your goals with your client’s goals becomes immensely easier.” n

Communication Coaching Skills Workshop CSU invites you to participate in this unique opportunity to train with the leading experts in Communication Skills Coaching in a two-day experiential program. A limited workshop registration and a low instructor: participant ratio (1:5) ensures a personalized learning experience with individual feedback. The experiential nature of the workshop enables participants to practice coaching skills and to receive helpful feedback that will allow for the immediate implementation of learned skills in the teaching or practice setting. This workshop is designed for practitioners, communication teachers and other educators responsible for coaching individuals or teams, facilitating small groups, supervising colleagues and conducting inthe-moment coaching for hospital or clinic teams.

Register now—seating is limited.

June 27-28, 2015 http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/ce/products /70-veterinary-communication-coaching.aspx

Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD, leading a communication skills workshop.

“

ommunication is a core C clinical skill, essential to clinical competence, alongside physical examination, medical knowledge, and problem-solving.”

CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAG E 2 9

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

IN PRACTICE Staying Afloat: Self-Care Strategies to Help Improve Your Overall Wellness Katherine Garcia, MA, LAC, Veterinarian Peer Health Assistance Program Lead

While doing research for a self-care presentation, I came across one of the best quotes about the importance of self-care I have ever seen. “Place your own oxygen mask first. If we cannot first extend compassion and care to ourselves, we cannot extend it to those we have vowed to help through our work” (La Jeunesse, 1).

It’s no secret that work in the animal care field is stressful.

Veterinarians, technicians, assistants and other animal care workers spend their days seeing patients, communicating with owners, performing surgeries, providing end of life care, and cleaning kennels. With these tasks often happening back to back, it can be hard to find time for a break. As I visit veterinary prac­ tices around the state talking with staff about wellness issues, I often hear the same things: “It’s so busy with patients and other tasks, I don’t have time for a break; sometimes I don’t even have time to eat or go to the bathroom my entire shift” or “I can’t turn down a patient in need so if I’m called to go back into work after hours, I’ll stop what I’m doing and head back to the clinic.”

It can be a common belief that the more you work, the more you help your patients. However, if you are not first compassion­ ate towards yourself by providing much needed self-care, you cannot extend compassion to the patients you are working so hard to help. Here are some self-care strategies for you to con­ sider applying to help you fight against symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue, and to improve your overall wellness.

Assess yourself. Ask yourself some questions and be hon­ est in your answers. How am I feeling? How are things going at work and at home? Have I taken a break today? Have I eaten today? How much sleep am I getting? When is the last time I did something fun?

Self-care Webinars Because CVMA cares about the veterinary community in all ways, including your physical and mental health, we are collaborating with Peer Assistance Services to

Create a plan. If you find areas to improve upon during your self-assessment, create a plan for change. Set S.M.A.R.T. (Spe­ cific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based) goals. If you are not taking breaks at work, set a S.M.A.R.T goal to take some time for yourself. It’s realistic and attainable to set a few minutes aside daily to eat, stretch, or just to breathe. Remember to also create a plan for your personal life. Lack of self-care in your personal life can infiltrate into your professional life and vice versa.

Implement your plan and re-evaluate if necessary.

Test out your plan, and if you find it’s not working, re-evaluate and adjust your strategy. Don’t just throw in the towel because it didn’t work perfectly.

Remember to eat. Nutritious food and adequate hydration are essential to sustain the energy and focus needed to perform throughout the day. Even on your busiest days, having a snack in between appointments can be critical.

Get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can have dramatic effects on our functioning. Numerous studies conducted have found cognitive deficits due to lack of sleep comparable to impairment due to alcohol consumption. These studies found impairment of individuals lacking one night of sleep to be equivalent to a .05 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and 28 hours of sleep deprivation to be equivalent to .10 BAC. Engage in exercise. Exercise is important for overall well­ ness. Most individuals working in the animal care community affirm, “I don’t have time to exercise.” However, you actually do have the time and you do exercise. All that time you spend walking your dogs is exercise. Keep it up and assess if you can increase the frequency, pace, and/or duration.

Incorporate one or two of these suggestions into your life.

Once you have a routine, you can add another wellness strategy to help you “stay afloat.” n Peer Assistance Services, Inc. (PAS) authors a regular column in the CVMA VOICE. PAS contracts with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to prove the statewideVeterinarian Peer Health Assistance Program (VPHAP).

For more information or to schedule a presentation on wellness issues ­affecting the animal care community for your practice, please go to our website PeerAssistanceServices.org or call 1.800.369.0039.We invite your comments and suggestions for future article content. Email: info@ peerassist.org.

offer a webinar series on various self care topics. We

References

encourage you and your staff to take just 50 minutes

Durmer, J., & Dinges, D. (2005). Neurocognitive Consequences of Sleep. Seminars in Neurology, 25, 117-129. Retrieved from University of Pennsylvania Documents: http://faculty.vet.upenn.edu/uep/user _documents/dfd3.pdf La Jeunesse, C. (2014). Staying Afloat: Professional Stress andWellbeing Resources. Retrieved from American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Career /Documents/AVMA_Staying_Afloat_Notes.pdf

out of your busy schedule (from 12:00 to 12:50 PM) . . .

What you learn can make a huge difference, so please consider attending!

Don’t miss these upcoming webinars: August 12 Rx Drug Abuse and Safe Prescribing October 14

Self Care

PAG E 3 0 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

I-131 Therapy in Colorado Springs

Daniel C. Flanscha CFP®, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF President, Financial Advisor

The Gold Standard of Care for Feline

dan.flanscha@lpfadvisor.com

Hyperthyroidism Lifetime Economic Acceleration ProcessTM...

96-98% cure rate after one injection

...assists you to

$975 all inclusive price

- Strategically position assets - Utilize the flows of money - Improve effectiveness - Use the PS&G ModelTM - Analyze your present financial position - Integrate and coordinate assets - Seek lower risk - Improve protection against eroding factors 150 E. 29th Street, Suite 275 Loveland, Colorado 80538

Carefree Cats Veterinary Hospital Gene Pollard, DVM, RSO Kelsey Moses, DVM, ARSO 4810 Old Farm Drive, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80917 Clinic: (719) 573-1670 Fax: (719) 573-1778 www.carefreecatsvet.com carefreecats@msn.com

Office: (970) 461-0808 www.LongsPeakFinancial.com

Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance representative of American United Life Insurance Company (AUL) and other insurance companies. Longs Peak Financial is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer or Registered Investment Advisor.

Neither OneAmerica Securities, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax or legal advice. For answers to your specific questions please consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor.

Protect your livelihood with all the right coverage through AVMA PLIT. We are the most trusted source of professional, business and personal coverage for every stage of your career.

our expertise is Workers’ Compensation Umbrella Liability

•

Business Property & Liability

•

Commercial Auto

Veterinary License Defense Storage Coverage Homeowners

•

•

your strength

•

•

Flood

•

•

Employment Practices Liability

Data Breach

•

Professional Liability

Professional Extension (Animal Bailee)

Safety & Risk Management • Resources

Renters

•

•

•

•

Embryo & Semen

Personal Auto

•

Personal Excess (Umbrella) Liability For a coverage comparison of your entire insurance portfolio to the PLIT Program, call 800-228-PLIT (7548) or visit avmaplit.com

•

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

CVMA NEWS CVMA Finalizes Position Statement on Declawing of Domestic Cats About this time last year, CVMA undertook the task of determining member views on the practice of declawing domestic cats. An online survey was drafted and sent out, and 358 CVMA members participated. The results of the survey were summarized in an article by Dr. Lori Kogan and Dr. Peter Hellyer and published in VOICE 2014:3 with a draft version of the position statement and an invitation for member comment. After member input and further discussion, deliberation, and revision by leadership, the position statement was finalized in November 2014, and is presented here. The survey results, related articles, and the final statement are also available on the CVMA website under “Declawing of Domestic Cats” on the Issues page.

CVMA Position Statement on Declawing (Onychectomy) of Domestic Cats The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association is opposed to the declawing of domestic cats as a routine procedure. In most cases, declawing is not a medically necessary procedure. The decision of whether to declaw should be a collaborative one between owner and veterinarian, and broached only after all other alternatives have been exhausted.

Veterinarians have an obligation to provide cat owners with complete education in regard to declawing prior to performing the procedure. The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:  

     

 

Owners should be educated about the fact that scratching is a normal feline behavior, providing a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning ("husk" removal) and stretching activity.

Prior to considering declawing, owners should attempt to manage undesirable scratching by providing suitable implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements. In addition, appropriate claw care, consisting of trimming the claws every one to two weeks, should be provided. Temporary synthetic nail caps are available as an alternative to onychectomy to prevent human injury or damage to property.

Declawing may warrant consideration when scratching behavior is an issue that threatens the ability for a particular cat to remain in the particular home. In some cases declawing will protect/preserve the human-animal bond.

Declawing may be acceptable when all other attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing presents a significant health risk for people within the household, thereby placing the cat at risk of relinquishment or euthanasia.

There are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, side effects associated with analgesics, hemorrhage, and infection.

Declawing (amputation of the last bone of the toe) is a painful procedure and must be performed using proper techniques and administering effective pain management during and after the procedure.

CVMA condemns performing declawing without appropriate perioperative analgesia. Poorly managed perioperative pain may lead to chronic neuropathic pain and deterioration in quality of life.

If declawing is performed, safe and effective anesthetic agents should always be used. Furthermore, the use of safe and effective perioperative analgesics for an appropriate length of time is imperative. The concurrent use of two or more pharmacological classes of analgesic drugs (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, dissociative anesthetics) generally provides more effective pain control, with fewer side-effects, than therapy with a single drug. Postoperative analgesics should be dispensed to the owner to give for 4-7 days post-surgery or as long as needed.

Declawing of the front feet is usually sufficient; declawing all four feet is strongly discouraged.

Declawed cats should be housed indoors only.

Note: This position statement is based on CVMA Principles of Animal Welfare, CVMA member feedback, and adapted from position statements from the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Approved by the CVMA Board of Directors on November 8, 2014.

PAG E 3 2 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

CV M A VO ICE

CVMA NEWS Colorado DVM Directory Cami Cacciatore, MS, CVJ Director of Communications and Marketing

In an increasingly digital age where almost everyone carries a smartphone and has instant access to almost anything, the prac­ tice of, well, almost everything, is moving online. From making reservations to buying goods and services to finding information with only a few taps or swipes, our lives—and livelihoods—are being managed by devices small enough to hold in our hand.

As demand for online access increases, business must adapt to keep up or be left behind. CVMA has responded to this reality by transitioning our website and many of our processes to a new platform, YourMembeship. Our listservs will be replaced by online communities and members now have more access to and control over their membership profiles. YourMembership of­ fers countless online options that we are still exploring and will bring to you as we evolve as an association.

Another realty for CVMA and many other VMAs and member associations across the country is that production costs for one long-time association cornerstone—the printed membership directory—have steadily increased over the years, while mem­ ber interest in a printed publication and advertising dollars to support the bulk of the costs have decreased. CVMA has seen a year-over-year decline in the number of companies interested in putting their advertising dollars into a printed directory. This loss of revenue, in conjunction with a demand for online options, led us to conduct a recent survey of CVMA and DAVMS mem­ bers to get your feedback on the value you place on the directory and how you would prefer to access the information.

The Results

The survey was sent to 1,878 CVMA and DAVMS members via email and garnered 303 responses. While the survey also gathered demographics and information about internet access, the two most indicative questions and their responses are the following: “If all of the information in the printed Colorado DVM Directory were available to you in electronic format, would you prefer to go online for this information rather than use a printed version?”

Of the 303 respondents, 67.22% (201) of you said YES, while 32.78% (98) said NO. When asked to indicate how you would prefer to receive or access the CO DVM Directory, 63.21% (189) want to go online, 33.11% (99) prefer the printed version, and 3.68% (11) indicated they do not use the directory at all.

These numbers, along with dozens of the comments received, indicate that more than two-thirds of respondents would prefer an electronic/online format for the directory.

Here are some additional statistics gathered from the survey: • Majority of respondents: practice owner, active member, sub­ urban, small animal, age 50-59, female, member for 20+ years • Most are aware they receive a directory as membership benefit; 35.89% (103) find it only “Somewhat useful” (on a scale of “very” to “not at all”) while only 32.11% (96) find it “Somewhat valuable” (on a scale of “very” to “not at all”)

• Purpose of usage: 60.98% (175) use it for the Colorado Vet­ erinarian listings, followed by 44.60% (128) for Important Phone Numbers • Have and regularly use (in order): Smartphone 84.67% (243), laptop 78.60% (224), desktop computer 73.76% (208), iPad or tablet 50.38% (134) • Internet access: 84.41% (249) have “Very accessible” internet in their practice; 93.21% (275) at home These data tell us that the Directory isn’t being as widely used as we had assumed and that the majority of respondents have reliable internet access and are using mobile devices—and that most members would find the directory information to be more accessible, helpful, and utilized if it were to move online.

Conclusions

From the survey results and the numerous comments received, as well as the decline in ad revenue to support a printed version, the Colorado DVM Directory will no longer be printed and mailed to CVMA and DAVMS members, making the 2014 edi­ tion the last printed version you receive. While the decision to end this long-time association staple was not an easy one, we re­ alize that as our members and their needs evolve, and association priorities change, we need to be responsive and flexible.

Moving Online

The most accessed information in the directory, the listing of Colorado Veterinarians, is already available to members online at both colovma.org and davms.org with the Find a Veterinarian search option found at the very top of each page. You can do a basic search by name, address, city, or zip code, or search by species, board certified specialists, or by medical discipline. For a more detailed search, select “Directory” under the Members tab.

We have also moved the List of Important Phone Numbers and the list of websites for veterinary/animal welfare asso­ ciations, federal agencies, Colorado organizations, state VMAs, and veterinary schools (most with clickable links) online under Members > Links.

As for the Veterinary Organizations information, you can visit cacvt.org for the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians information, and the PetAid website at petaidcolorado.org for foundation information. The CVMA and DAVMS sites already provide detailed information, including staff contacts, mission/vision, boards, district or area maps and rep contact information, member programs and benefits, past presidents, service award recipients, and events. As we ramp up our new website platform, you will find even more information and details than have been available in the past.

While change is never easy, know that we take member feed­ back, needs, and expectations into very serious consideration as we adapt and evolve the associations to better serve you. Please let us know if there is anything missing from the current web­ sites that you would like to see or need to make your member­ ship experience better. We’re here for you! n CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAGE 33

2 01 5, I ssue # 1

CVMA NEWS Welcome New CVMA Members!

Sangeeta Rao DVM CSU-CVMBS-Animal Population Health Institute

Please help us welcome our newest CVMA members to the association.

Katie K. Steneroden DVM Full Circle Mobile Veterinary Acupuncture

District 1

Louise Jane Batt BVSc, MRCVS High Country Veterinary Services 2007 District 2

John P. Arnold DVM, MBA Raintree Animal Hospital Colorado State University ~ 2006

Susan Szumilas-Wyman Raintree Animal Hospital Kathryn Elizabeth Touran DVM Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital Inc. Colorado State University ~ 2009 District 3 Amanda Marie Berry DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Greeley

District 6 Ashley Renee Ackley DVM Evans East Animal Hospital PC Colorado State University ~ 2011 Jennifer Anita Bolinger DVM Arrowhead Animal Hospital PC Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine ~ 2011 Evelyn Elise Brunt DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Stapleton Cassandra Lynn Cantrell DVM Allbrick Veterinary Clinic LLC

Heather A. Higgins DVM West Ridge Animal Hospital at ­Mountain Vista

E’Lise M. Christensen Bell DVM Veterinary Behavior Consultations of Colorado Iowa State University ~ 2002

Beth’L Deiss DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Fort Collins

Lauren Marie Kloer DVM Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital Inc. Colorado State University ~ 2009

Tiffany Ann Weiss Colglazier DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Littleton Colorado State University ~ 2011

Gretchen Delcambre DVM CSU-CVMBS

Ashley Ainsborough Morgan DVM West Ridge Animal Hospital at ­Mountain Vista

Dana Decker DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Brighton

Jeremy Delcambre DVM CSU-CVMBS-James L. Voss Veterinary ­Teaching Hospital

District 4 Nicole Becker CVT North Boulder Companion Animal Hospital

Jenna Corinne Dockweiler DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014

Jeremiah Taylor Easley DVM CSU-CVMBS-James L. Voss Veterinary ­Teaching Hospital

Mary Katherine Becker DVM Longs Peak Animal Hospital PC

Lindsay Kay Drake DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014

Erin Krista Contino DVM CSU-CVMBS-Department of Clinical Sciences Colorado State University ~ 2010

Kate Sheffield Freeman DVM CSU-CVMBS-James L. Voss Veterinary ­Teaching Hospital Gregg Mitchell Griffenhagen DVM CSU-CVMBS-James L. Voss Veterinary ­Teaching Hospital Kara L. Keesling DVM Animal MRI of Colorado Colorado State University ~ 1993

Mimi (Mielle) Suzanne Elliott DVM Alpine Hospital For Animals Colorado State University ~ 2011 Sofia Kalkstein DVM Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists Colorado State University ~ 1995 John Litterine-Kaufman DVM Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists University of Pennsylvania ~ 2013

Nicolaas Lambrechts DVM CSU-CVMBS-Department of Clinical Sciences

Heather Elizabeth Parrish DVM VCA All Pets Animal Hospital University of California, Davis ~ 2013

Justin Calvin Mathis DVM Colorado State University

Jeffrey L. Pearson DVM Longs Peak Animal Hospital PC

Christie E. Mayo DVM CSU-CVMBS-Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology

Sheri Peterson CVT Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists

Valerie Jean Moorman DVM CSU-CVMBS-James L. Voss Veterinary ­Teaching Hospital Yvette Stephanie Nout-Lomas DVM CSU-CVMBS-Department of Clinical Sciences PAG E 3 4 | CV M A Vo ice 2015 : 1

Shelle Jeanne Raines DVM North Boulder Companion Animal Hospital 2000 Sonya Pichay Sia DVM Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists Purdue University ~ 2013

Devin T. Fitzgerald DVM Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine ~ 2008 Christina Monika Gentry DVM VRCC Veterinary Skin & Allergy Specialists PC Alison Peters Hadden DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC University of Illinois ~ 2014 Jeremy Ian Hardy DVM Belcaro Animal Hospital University of Illinois Geoffrey Gregg Heffner DVM Animal Hospital Specialty Center Mississippi State University ~ 2003 Katie Elizabeth Holmes DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014 Cindy Howarth CVPM Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

CVMA NEWS Continued from previous page Brooke Marie Jensen DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC Colorado State University ~ 2005 Kelsey Alexandra Johnson DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014 Jennifer Marie Kulp DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014 Jennifer O. Lavallee DVM Cat Specialist Sara Logan CVT The Center for Animal Wellness Diana Wood Luplow DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Westminster Tressa Jean Magnone DVM Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital Michigan State University ~ 2012 Jennifer Rae Menning DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Aurora South Robert A. Noland DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Ken Caryl Colorado State University ~ 1994 Laurie L. Osborne DVM Brighton Animal Clinic Colorado State University ~ 1990 Kimberly Ann Palgrave DVM Overland Animal Hospital and Pet Resort Derek Matthew Paul DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC University of Illinois ~ 2007 Anna Marie Pees DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Lakewood

Michael Andrew Rossi DVM VRCC Veterinary Skin & Allergy ­Specialists PC Louisiana State University Sarah Elizabeth Stafford DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014 Luanne Marie Strom DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital PC 2014 Christina Lee Suhr DVM Westwood Animal Hospital PC 2014 Tanya Tesch CVT Mesa Veterinary Hospital PC Sarah Joan Timmerman DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Northglenn Lura Titolo Festival Animal Clinic Jasmine Christina Eng Tom DVM Evans East Animal Hospital PC Colorado State University ~ 2011 Megan Bergin Tracewell DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Castle Rock Courtney Tixier Turner DVM The Center for Animal Wellness

Louise Marron DVM Alpine Animal Hospital PC Jolee Beth Stegemoller DVM Alpine Animal Hospital PC District 12 Amanda Shirley Hawkins DVM Montezuma Veterinary Clinic University of Tennessee ~ 2014 District 14 Kristin Huddleston Pueblo Small Animal Clinic District 15 Denise Marie Montrose DVM Amigo Animal Clinic Justin D. Seely DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Grand Junction Colorado State University ~ 1996 District 16 Marie Gardoni Castle Peak Veterinary Service PC

Jennifer Joan Woods Banfield Pet Hospital Aurora

District 17 Lora Bledsoe DVM Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services

District 7 Kristina Bloxom DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Monument Elizabeth Rose Harriger DVM Bijou Animal Hospital Colorado State University ~ 1999

Jennifer Lynn Raney DVM Strasburg Veterinary Clinic LLC

Abby MacDonald DVM East Springs Animal Hospital

Gale Martina Raymond DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Parker

Kristina Marie Wert DVM Banfield Pet Hospital Northern Colorado Springs

Lynne K. Rooks DVM, BA The Cat Clinic at Cat Care Society Colorado State University

District 10 Christa R. Green Town & Country Veterinary Hospital

Amy Meyer Voss DVM VCA Dakota Ridge Animal Hospital Ohio State University ~ 2002

Lori Ramig MBA VRCC Animal Medical Specialists

Sheila Marie Rice-Watkins DVM Evergreen Animal Hospital Kansas State University ~ 2001

District 9 Bonnie Ratzlaff Alpine Veterinary Hospital PC

H. Noel Opitz DVM Metro Denver Parrot Rescue University of Minnesota

District 8 Nikki Turner TLC Veterinary Clinic PC

CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAG E 35

Successful practice management starts with

VMS

Veterinary Management School April 29–May 2, 2015 Lakewood, Colorado

AAHA’s Veterinary Management School (VMS) teaches the skills and strategies of the most successful managers. You’ll refine and define your role in the practice as you explore the practical “how to” along with high-level, thought-provoking topics.

For more information, visit aaha.org/vms or call 800-883-6301. ©2015 AAHA

VMS_halfHPage_CVMA2015.indd 1

1/9/15 9:15 AM

New Avian & Exotic Specialist!

We are proud to announce the addition of Krista Keller, DVM, DACZM to our staff!

Board Certified in Zoological Companion Animals, Dr. Keller sees all reptiles, birds, amphibians and exotic small mammals, including surgery and critical care.

Contact us today for a consult, a referral, or to schedule continuing education.

We offer Urgent Care hours for your exotic patients.

uhillsvet.com • 4175 East Warren Avenue, Denver • 303-757-5638

October 4-5, 2014 • Durango, CO

Supporting Sponsor:

October 4-5, 2014 • Durango, CO

June 5-7, 2015 • Palisade, CO

Supporting Sponsor:

State of Translation CONVENTION 2015 September 17-20, 2015 • Loveland, CO Embassy Suite Loveland Hotel, Spa and Conference Center

June 5-7, 2015 • Palisade, CO

CONVENTION 2015 September 17-20, 2015 • Loveland, CO Embassy Suite Loveland Hotel, Spa and Conference Center

Thank you, philanthropists John and Leslie Malone! With a shared vision and their lead gift of $42.5 million, we are building a state-of-the-art Institute for Biologic and Translational Therapies – seeking new medical treatments for animals and people. Learn more: www.col.st/Malone

CVMA Voice 201 5 : 1 | PAGE 37

CVMA Service Award Nominations It’s time to say thank you to those in the veterinary profession who have given so much – nominate a colleague for a CVMA Service Award.

Do you know someone in your office staff, a veterinary technician, a colleague, an industry representative, or anyone who has given unselfishly to the veterinary profession? Please take a moment to nominate a deserving person for one of CVMA’s annual awards, which will be presented at CVMA Convention 2015. It will mean so much to a person who is working for the benefit of everyone involved in veterinary medicine. The nominations deadline is May 15, but please do it today. For your reference, a list of the previous winners is available at www.colovma.org/serviceawards.

Nominate a Colleague by May 15, 2015

Veterinarian of the Year This award recognizes a distinguished member of the CVMA who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in Colorado in the areas of organization, education, research, practice, or regulatory service. Such service must be performed during the three calendar years immediately preceding the year the award is received.

Distinguished Service This award recognizes an individual who has contributed outstanding service to the advancement of veterinary medicine over an extended period of time in Colorado in any or all aspects of the profession. This individual need not be a veterinarian; however, veterinarians are not excluded from being eligible for this award.

Rising Star This award recognizes a CVMA member who has graduated in the last 10 years and during this time has made a significant contribution to veterinary medicine in Colorado in the area of organizational activities (local, state, regional), private practice, regulatory services, education, or research.

Outstanding Faculty This award recognizes a Colorado State University faculty member who has provided unselfish assistance to practitioners as a clinician, is a proficient and capable teacher, and/or has made significant contributions to continuing education.

Technician of the Year This award recognizes an outstanding veterinary technician in Colorado— whether for exceptional clinical competence, a caring commitment to animal welfare, or for outstanding leadership ability—whose dedication raises the level of excellence in the veterinary profession, the technician’s community, or society as a whole.

Please use the

Industry Partner This award is presented to a company representative considered highly valuable in providing resources to DVMs and in supporting CVMA’s goals and mission.

back of this

Nomination Form on the brochure.

Service Awards 2015 Nomination Form

Name of nominee

Nominated for: (check one)

City

q Veterinarian of the Year q Distinguished Service q Rising Star

q Outstanding Faculty q Technician of the Year q Industry Partner

Name of nominator Address City Phone

State Fax

Zip

E-mail

This completed nomination form must be submitted with the following documentation: Cover letter describing the reasons the nominee should be considered for the award q List of accomplishments (can be included in letter) q

Nominators are encouraged to be as thorough and comprehensive as possible, as these descriptions provide the material from which the Awards Committee must decide the recipient. In addition to the required nomination materials listed above, the following items are useful in the evaluation process: • • • • •

Biography, resume, or curriculum vitae Letters of recommendation Photos and/or video News clippings Any additional supporting documentation A list of previous award recipients is available at www.colovma.org/serviceawards Please submit completed nomination form to: CVMA, 191 Yuma Street, Denver, CO 80223 (fax) 303.318.0450

Nomination Deadline – May 15, 2015

Presort Standard U.S. Postage

PAID Jefferson City, MO Permit 210

We Have Sold More Veterinary Practices Than Anyone.

Buying or selling a practice?

Simmons is the trusted advisor veterinarians turn to regardless of what side of the fence theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on.

Northeast Utah: Booming community only a couple hours from Salt Lake City and three hours from Steamboat Springs at the

Most veterinarians only buy or sell a practice once. We have specialized in veterinary practice sales for over 38 years.

base of the Uinta Wilderness. This 2+ doctor mixed practice is in a state-of-art facility and has modern equipment. The practice growth has been significant and they added small animal boarding to meet demand for the services. The seller is ready to retire and is offering a great transition. New owner wages after mortgage and debt services over $160,000. (UT-0513-DU)

Southwestern Montana: This very nice small animal solo practice in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana includes Real Estate as

well. Affordable and near outdoor recreation all through the year. It is said to be part in the banana belt of Montana. No emergencies and no weekend hours. The new owner wages after mortgage and debt service are over $120,000. (MT-1114-BH)

Mancos Colorado: Mancos Valley Veterinary Hospital is a small animal only practice located a half hour outside Durango. The practice is approaching a 1+ doctor size and remains open only weekdays. Mancos has a small town atmosphere and they love their animals there. The sale includes the real estate. The seller is planning to retire and very motivated to sell. (CO-0314-SM) Englewood Colorado:

This is a small animal integrated medicine practice with Real Estate. The practice continues to get busier with the demand for integrated medicine services as an alternative for many pet owners. A lot of work was recently done on the facility and there is an opportunity for expansion. The seller will offer a good transition and training in some of the holistic options if desired. There are few opportunities for practice ownership in the Denver Metro area. (CO-0613-JE)