CVMA VOICE 2016:3

CV M A VO ICE

Today’s Voice, Tomorrow’s Vision

• CVMA: Stronger Together • Fairness to Pet Owners Act • Rx Drug Abuse in Colorado

2016, ISSUE #3 CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAG E 1

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CV M A VO ICE

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

9

CVMA: Doing More, Together . . . . . . . . . . . .

What Veterinary Medicine Can Do About High Drug Death Rate

6

The Role We Play in Preventing Rx Drug Abuse in Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

What Veterinary Medicine Can Do About Colorado’s High Drug Death Rate . . . . . . . . .

9

CVMA Rabies Tags Program Goes Statewide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Media Relations: Why It Matters for CVMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Heal Thyself: Colorado State University Hosts Veterinary Wellness Summit . . . . . . . . 14

27 Get the Most from Your Bovine Serology

CSU CVMBS Dean’s Office Update . . . . . . . . 15 BIG Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Return for Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 AVMA Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Government Affairs . . . . . . . . 21 New Changes at the BAP in the Colorado Department of Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21

Fairness to Pet Owners Act Resurfaces . . . . 22

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

24 2015 Passive Tick Surveillance Program

Tickled Pink Yet? Colorado’s 2015 Passive Tick Surveillance Program . . . . . . . 24 Get the Most from Your Bovine Serology . . 26

In Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CVMA Events and Deadlines October 4 Personal Wellbeing Webinar October 8–9 CVMA CE Southwest Durango October 20 10 Ways to Get Cats to Return for Care Webinar October 21–22 CVMA BIG Ideas Forum | Fall 2016 Breckenridge October 26 PDS: Hematology, Cytology, and Hemostasis to Aid in Diagnosis of Disease Denver November 9 PDS: Regenerative Therapies in the Treatment of Joint Disease Denver November 17 Creating the 5-Star Experience in the Exam Room Webinar December 6 Personal Wellbeing Webinar December 14 The 5 Critical Mistakes Veterinarians Make with Online Reviews Webinar December 15 Client Service Lessons from a Golden Retriever Webinar

CACVT Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Giving and Receiving Feedback . . . . . . . . . . 30 Key Performance Indicators: The Clinical Signs of the Health of Your Practice . . . . . .

32

Easy to Implement Pet Behavior Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

38 CVMA CE West

CVMA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 CVMA Chapter Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 BIG Changes for the CVMA Website! . . . . . . 38 CVMA Announces Online Marketplace . . . 38 CVMA CE West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Our Mission To enhance animal and human health and welfare, and advance the knowledge and wellbeing of Colorado veterinarians.

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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 (Core and Premium members will receive a mailed print copy and Basic members will have online access only) 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 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

PAG E 4 | CV M A Vo i ce 2016 : 3

Curtis Crawford President

Growing up in the sticks of New Mexico, there wasn’t much action, so we made our own fun. Our cousins from Wyoming came to visit one summer and roasting ants with a magnifying lens or swimming in irrigation ditches just wasn’t enough excitement for their citified satisfaction. As we were sitting on top of the pig feeder one lazy afternoon slurping Otter Pops, one of them got the bright idea to rope the pigs.

Since we didn’t have a regular lariat, we made one from a 6 foot piece of cotton rope with a car fan belt tied onto the end to serve as the loop. We then jumped down into the pigpen to start the World’s Inaugural Porcine Team Roping Competition. I was first up as the header and threw a perfect loop that settled over the first pig’s head like a halo.

But I missed my slack and the pig jumped through the fan belt hoop with its front legs and the fan belt stuck tight around its chest.

He couldn’t get it down his fat belly and he wasn’t interested in backing out of it.

Now these were pigs coming nigh on slaughter weight, over 200 lbs. I was about 6 years old and all of 50 pounds soaking wet.

And I had nothing to dally to. This pig began squealing like an air raid siren and launched forward like an F-16 being catapulted off an aircraft carrier.

It is funny what goes through your mind when you see disaster coming down the road to meet you. In that millisecond from the time that the loop sucked down on that poor pig’s thorax and I reached the end of that rope, two thoughts rose up in rapid succession. The first was joyful excitement: “Hey, check it out—I caught him!” The second was the pure terror of realization, as in “Oh ****, I caught him! Now what do I do?”

Then the rope burning through my hands came to the knot at the end and jerked me onto my face and we started plowing some serious acreage.

This was a roughly triangular pen with the feeders in one corner, the mud wallow

in another corner, and, you guessed it, the manure pile in the third. Chest pressure must induce the defecation reflex in swine because you know which corner he headed to with me dragging along behind. Then he rounded through the mud wallow. And finally he tries scraping me off on the pig feeder. Then back to manure. And another churn through the mud . . . Round and round the pen with all the other pigs stampeding out in front like a row of blockers for a football running back.

At that time, I was not particularly concerned about getting hurt by the pigs.

However, I was petrified that my dad would find out we had been running those pigs.

That was one spanking that I would do anything to avoid (which should have figured into acting on this hair-brained idea in the first place). I was pretty sure he was smart enough to figure it all out if he saw a fan belt caught around the chest of his best pig. So I hung on with all I had, praying some miracle would happen and that belt would slip off.

But miracles were in short supply that day and on about the third trip around that pen, I weakened and had to let go.

My lip was bleeding. My nose and elbows were scraped raw. My ears were packed with mud and my palms stung with rope burn.

My filthy clothes hung in tatters and you know what I smelled like. “Who’s gonna tell Mom?” My cousins had disappeared by now, probably halfway back to Wyoming. My little brother said hey, it was my pig, after all I caught it, and so I fessed up.

Mom grabbed a bucket of corn and stepped quietly in amongst the pigs with a butcher knife as they crowded the feeder.

She gently cut the fan belt off the pig and then sent me off to the irrigation ditch before she would let me back in the house.

So when Dr. Erin Epperly turned over the CVMA president’s gavel to me last fall and I looked out over that convention hall full of the people I deeply honor and respect, I had a flashback. That I had tied onto something President’s Post continued on page 13

CV M A VO ICE

BRIEFINGS

CVMA Executive Committee Dr. Curtis Crawford President Dr. Sam Romano President-elect

Ralph Johnson Executive Director

As is always the case when I sit down to write this column and summarize what’s been going on since the last issue, I am amazed at how busy we are and how much CVMA is getting done on your behalf. I’m not even sure where to begin, so I will jump right in!

Chapter Visits

Dr. Sam Romano, CVMA’s president-elect, and I were on the road a bunch in May and June as we traveled throughout gorgeous Colorado for the annual tour of chapter visits.

Each year I greatly enjoy how the hours of car time quickly turn into talk time and story time, deepening the professional and personal relationship between us. And I always enjoy the hospitality that is extended to us in every community we visit, where veterinarians, spouses, and team members welcome us and share their perspective with us about CVMA programs and services, the challenges and opportunities in their professional lives, and their sense of wellbeing. I have completed 17 tours of Colorado in this fashion, and every single time I am impressed with the kindness, intelligence, and vibrancy of veterinarians.

And every single time I am reminded how important it is for CVMA to make this investment of time and energy in the interest of supporting our geographically far-flung members with information, listening to ideas and concerns, and nurturing the spirit of community and connection that is at the heart of CVMA. Thank you for the many kindnesses you extended, and thank you to BoehringerIngelheim, whose sponsorship of the entire tour helped ensure that we had great attendance and excellent food at each stop!

Prescription Drugs

On pages 8 and 9 of this VOICE issue you’ll find quite sobering information about the abuse of prescription drugs in Colorado and our high rate of drug deaths. We could talk for hours about the root causes of these problems, I’m sure—but what about

Dr. Jenelle Vail Secretary/Treasurer

solutions? Are there things that Colorado’s veterinary community can do to affect the disturbing outcomes we are seeing?

To help answer that question, CVMA partnered with the Colorado School of Public Health to conduct a survey of CVMA members about perceptions of the problem and potential action steps. In addition to the summary on page 8, a few additional survey results might be informative: • While the majority (90%) of respondents feel they play a role in preventing opioid abuse and/or misuse, a little under half (40%) of respondents were unsure if opioid drug abuse is a problem within their respective community.

• Although required by Colorado law, only 58% of respondents are registered with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), and of those registered, over 75% indicated they do not use it.

• In regard to talking with clients about the risks and benefits of opioids, 30% of respondents make a point to do so, 23% do not spend as much time discussing the issue with their clients as they would like, 19% speak with their clients about the issue if they remember to, and 28% do not speak with their clients at all about the issue.

Clearly, there are opportunities for improvement! A majority of respondents would like to receive further education on opioids, with continuing education, pain management guidelines, and electronic resources through the CVMA website being the top three sources. Together, we can make progress on this significant OneHealth challenge.

Growing Our Voice

CVMA introduced some significant changes this year in offering three membership packages—Premium, Core, and Basic—of programs, services, and value. These changes resulted from strategy work undertaken

by CVMA leaders, who wished to provide Briefings continued on page 16

Dr. William French Secretary/Treasurer-elect Dr. Peter Hellyer Immediate Past President Dr. Melanie Marsden AVMA Delegate Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie AVMA Alternate Delegate Mr. Ralph Johnson Executive Director*

Chapter Representatives 1 – Dr. Kimberly Radway 2 – Dr. Wayne Jensen (D) 3 – Dr. Merideth Early 4 – Dr. Adam Tempel 5 – Dr. Colleen Carnes 6 – Dr. Heather Reeder 7 – Dr. Debra Stirling (D) 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 (D) denotes district

Student Chapter Representatives Fourth year – Kevin Lavelle Third year – Madeline Anna Second year – Courtney Mael First year – Amy Zug * Ex-officio, non-voting

CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAGE 5

CVMA: Doing More, Together “My experiences within CVMA have broadened my view of the importance of each part of the veterinary profession. We need one another.

Everyone brings something unique to the table to make CVMA a complete organism.”

— Dr. Curtis Crawford, CVMA President

Advocacy. CVMA has long been the voice of the veterinary profession in Colorado when it comes to advocacy and outreach, working at the state level to shape legislation and regulation that affects animal health and welfare, as well as the practice of veterinary medicine. CVMA’s efforts have helped pass—or, when necessary, block—legislation and public policy that has far-reaching effects and consequences on

With autumn comes many things in the world of

animal health and welfare and on how you prac-

CVMA… Our annual convention, the changing of our

tice. The more members we have, the stronger our

leadership as new officers assume their responsibility,

voice—and the greater impact we can have on shap-

and our annual membership campaign. If you didn’t

ing the legislative landscape. This year alone, CVMA

renew at CVMA Convention 2016, you will soon re-

helped dramatically improve access to compounded

ceive 2017 membership information. You might be a

drugs for veterinarians in Colorado.

longstanding member who will renew automatically.

You might be new to Colorado or practice and making decisions about how to spend your professional membership dollars. Or you may have been practicing in Colorado for years, but never made that commitment to your state professional association.

No matter which category you fall into, we hope you’ll take a moment to review what CVMA has to offer, not only to you, but to the profession and the

Education. As a CVMA member, you receive every­ thing your local chapter has to offer, in addition to member access and pricing on all of CVMA’s offerings, including the annual convention, two BIG Ideas Forums, CE West, CE Southwest, the Professional Development Series, SkiCE, and countless webinars created for our members on topics from practice growth and performance to personal wellbeing.

continued practice of veterinary medicine in Colo-

Support. The main purpose of any association is to

rado. Your membership truly makes a difference . . .

support its members. CVMA membership includes

It keeps the practice of veterinary medicine strong in

benefits designed to provide you the support you

Colorado by supporting CVMA’s efforts to advocate

need to grow and succeed, no matter where you

and affect public policy on your behalf and to posi-

are in your career. Your exclusive benefits include

tively portray the profession and promote the im-

member’s only content and resources on the new

portance of preventive pet healthcare as well as the

CVMA website, including a comprehensive resource

veterinarian’s crucial role in public health protection.

library, online communities, and directory; access

Animal Health and Welfare. CVMA helps Colorado veterinarians address and diminish the effects of disease on animal and human health, ensure the safety of food and agricultural sources, and improve and protect animal health and welfare.

to and discounts on CVMA’s Career Center through the Veterinary Career Network; the VOICE quarterly magazine; weekly eVOICE enewsletter to keep you current; a CVMA member decal; CVMA Performance Tools, including practice analytic reports and discounts for online staff training and certification

Professional Knowledge and Wellbeing. CVMA

through the CVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant

provides the tools, education, and support sys-

program; access to discounted financial services

tems Colorado veterinarians need to advance their

from trusted partners, including credit card pro-

knowledge and careers, to care for their patients,

cessing, check services, medical/dental insurance

and to create a sustainable and profitable practice

plans, retirement planning, and more; and a host

and profession.

of ­programs, including the economic and ­personal

PAG E 6 | CV M A Vo i ce 2 016 : 3

wellbeing initiative, Service Awards, PetCheck,

dational skills in leadership, communication, and

­Media and Crisis Communication Training, and

business.

­Advocacy Training.

Advocacy . . . Education . . . Support . . . Leadership

Leadership. No matter where you are in your career,

These are the four pillars CVMA was built on. As we

CVMA offers opportunities to grow and demonstrate

constantly evolve to serve our members and provide

your leadership skills. Two annual BIG Ideas Forums

you with the association experience you want and

provide the chance to explore emerging issues and

need, we invite you to customize your membership

“hot topics” or better understand the evolving land-

to get the most out of the services, resources, ben-

scape of veterinary medicine. As a member, you will

efits, and connectivity that belonging to CVMA and

enjoy complimentary registration(s) to BIG Ideas

your local chapter has to offer.

Forums, where you not only earn CE, but have the

Whether you are looking for a voice to advocate

chance to connect with your colleagues and par-

for the veterinary profession in Colorado, world-class

ticipate in a commission meeting to hear the latest

education to meet your CE needs, economic and

association and profession updates. Members also

personal growth and wellbeing resources, or op-

have the unique opportunity to serve on the CVMA

portunities to develop and enhance your leadership

board or participate in the Power of Ten Leadership

skills, CVMA is here to serve your needs, at all stages

Academy, which is designed to help recent gradu-

of your career. Join or renew today at colovma.org

ates (within the last seven years) develop foun-

and customize your experience with CVMA! n

CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAG E 7

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OF NOTE The Role We Play in Preventing Rx Drug Abuse in Colorado Derek S. Mason, MPH (c) Colorado School of Public Health Liliana Tenney, MPH, Instructor Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Deputy Director of the Center for Health, Work, and Environment

Researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Denver partnered with CVMA to conduct a member survey with the purpose of understanding perspectives about the current prescription drug epidemic across the state and our country. A total of 189 members completed the survey.

Overall, members feel that there is a problem around opioid abuse and they are interested in helping address it. Specifically, 42.8% of respondents have been aware of either clients and/or staff abusing the opioids they have prescribed for patients since they have been in practice, with roughly 13% of respondents feeling that a client had intentionally made a patient sick in order to obtain opioids.

Results suggest there may be ways veterinarians can interface with the community to help prevent opioid abuse and misuse.

Less than a third of respondents to this survey reported that they feel that they spend adequate time with their clients explaining opioid safety. Additionally, the vast majority (73%) of respondents reported that their veterinary medical school education was not sufficient in training them on best practices and guidelines for educating clients about opioid abuse prevention.

Health issues affect us all.

These issues can be treated and lives and careers can be saved.

Safe, Caring, and Confidential.

Services are offered to veterinarians and students as well as veterinary technicians.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems because of alcohol or other drug use, mental health issues, physical issues, or emotional issues, call today.

303.369.0039

Veterinarian Peer Health Assistance Program www.peerassistanceservices.org PAG E 8 | CV M A Vo i ce 2016 : 3

Further education is thus pertinent, and from the survey results, three main outlets were recognized for obtaining this goal: continuing education, pain management guidelines, and electronic resources through the CVMA website. Veterinarians represented in this study showcase that they are integral players and can aid the nation in the prevention of opioid abuse and misuse in humans.

Summary Response from Dr. Peter Hellyer, chair of the CVMA Task Force on Pharmaceuticals

The survey results summarized here by Derek Mason and colleagues on the prescription drug epidemic emphasize that collaboration between all healthcare providers (veterinary and human) is needed to make headway on this medical crisis. Although veterinarians are not the primary source of drugs involved in the crisis, it is necessary for us to understand the issues so that we can still treat our painful patients appropriately while minimizing the risks of drug diversion.

The results of this survey, along with guidance on opioid prescribing and dispensing being developed by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine, should provide veterinarians in Colorado a better understanding of their role in helping to solve this important societal problem.

And please be sure to read the article “WhatVeterinary Medicine Can Do About Colorado’s High Drug Death Rate” from Peer Assistance Services on the next page. n

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE What Veterinary Medicine Can Do About Colorado’s High Drug Death Rate Katherine Garcia, MA, LAC, Veterinarian Peer Health Assistance Program Liaison

“Overdose Deaths Break Record in Southern Colorado” read the headlines of The Denver Post on February 10, 2016. The Colorado Health Institute issued a report that analyzed new county-level estimates on drug overdose deaths by county, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.coloradohealth institute.org/).

Currently, 12 Colorado counties have drug overdose death rates of more than 20 per 100,000 residents, (U.S. average is 9.7 per 100,000 residents) and deaths have reached the highest level measured by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/). Seven of the counties—Baca, Bent, Conejos, Rio Grande, Las Animas, Costilla, and Huerfano—are in rural Southern Colorado. Three counties—Adams, Denver, and Pueblo—are urban counties along the Front Range. The two remaining counties, Jackson County in Northern Colorado and Delta County on the Western Slope, were in the highest category.

Huerfano County has had the highest drug-related death rates recorded since 2003. Drug overdoses have been on the rise nationally for several years, driven by deaths from powerful prescription painkillers.

What can veterinary medicine do to help reduce and intervene in this epidemic?

• Increase your understanding of substance-related and addictive disorders and the part you play as a prescriber. The Colorado School of Public Health partnered with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention to develop a continuing education-accredited module entitled “Best Prescribing Practices in Veterinary Medicine for Veterinarians in Colorado.” This one-hour online, self-paced course assists practitioners in veterinary medicine to achieve balance between the benefits and risks of treatment with controlled substances, as well as provides practical evidence-based guidance for recognizing and minimizing prescription drug abuse and diversion, without compromising patient care. The Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine has approved this course for 1 hour of CE Credit. See sidebar for link.

• Use the “Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” (PDMP) in your practice setting. Look to see if your patient has had numerous prescriptions for controlled substances. The PDMP is a statewide database of controlled substances dispensed to Colorado patients, including animal patients. Veterinarians can access the PDMP database for information regarding your patient. Remember, your patient’s owner is not your patient. See sidebar for link.

• Engage your patient’s owner in a conversation regarding the safe use of prescription medications with their pet. Encourage their understanding of risks and/or health consequences that can occur when a human takes a medication prescribed to an animal.

• Educate your patient’s owner about proper storage of controlled substances. Encourage owners to keep medications locked up, so no one living in or entering the house has access to the substances.

• Promote prescription drug take-back events in your area.

The CDPHE’s website lists permanent medication drop box locations at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/rxdrug.

• Be an advocate to expand state-level prescription drug overdose prevention strategies.

• President Obama proposed new funding to address the prescription opioid abuse and heroin use epidemic and to expand the availability of buprenorphine and other opioidaddiction medications. Learn what the White House is doing to address the opioid crisis at https://www.whitehouse.gov /ondcp.

• Utilize the consultation and 24-hour support service offered through the Colorado Veterinary Peer Health Assistance Program (VPHAP). The VPHAP provides consultation and support for veterinarians across the state. For more information or training on the issue of prescription drug abuse or to access VPHAP services, please go to our website PeerAssistance­Services.org or call 1.800.369.0039. n

IMPORTANT RESOURCES Online course: “Best Prescribing Practices in Veterinary Medicine for Veterinarians in Colorado” www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/PublicHealth /research/centers/maperc/training/training/Pages /Preventing-Rx-Drug-Abuse.aspx Prescription Drug Monitoring Program https://copdm-ph.hidinc.com/cologappl /bdcopdmqlog/pmqaccess.html Permanent medication drop box locations www.colorado.gov/cdphe/rxdrug Colorado Veterinary Peer Health Assistance Program PeerAssistanceServices.org or 1.800.369.0039

CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAG E 9

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OF NOTE CVMA Rabies Tag Program Goes Statewide Katie Koch, CVMA Manager of Member Engagement

Has your practice been frustrated in the past by complicated ­rabies tags order forms and duplicate tag numbers between veterinarians? CVMA is proud to introduce the CVMA Rabies Tag Program—a statewide, unified rabies identification system. For the past 30 years, this program (formerly the Mile-Hi Rabies Tag program through DAVMS) has sold personalized one-year and three-year rabies tags to veterinary clinics through a unified system in the Denver metro area. Now, the program is expanding statewide.

By ordering CVMA rabies tags, you reduce the opportunity for duplicate numbers between different veterinarians across Colorado. Unique rabies tag numbers are critical to helping lost

pets find their way home and avoiding frustrating duplicate numbers in your practice’s system.

CVMA Rabies Tags assist you in client service and complying with rabies ordinances. They help animal control officers readily identify which animals are currently vaccinated against this serious threat to public health. The tags, engraved with your clinic name and phone number, help the community by ensuring lost pets find their way home. Plus, the proceeds from all tags sold support CVMA programs, so utilizing the unified system also benefits your professional association.

CVMA makes it easy to reorder from year to year. We’ll provide you a summary of your rabies tag order from the prior year, saving you time and headaches when reordering.

Your CVMA rabies tag purchase will help your clients and the community by ensuring lost pets find their way home with unique, engraved rabies tags! If you did not take advantage of this great program for 2017, we encourage you to do so next year!

GOT RABIES (TAGS)?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why order through the CVMA Rabies Tag Program?

A: The CVMA Rabies Tag Program is a statewide, unified system. Every tag issued is assigned a unique ID number, so there are no duplicate tag numbers between clinics. Each tag is also engraved with your clinic name and phone number.

Plus, CVMA makes it simple and convenient to order. We remind you when it’s time to order, we show you what you ordered last year, and we take your order in four easy ways: online when it’s convenient for you, by mail or fax with a printed order form, or by phone at 303.318.0447.

Q: Is every tag issued a unique ID number?

A: Yes, every tag issued within the same year by CVMA is given a unique ID number. Although CVMA cannot guarantee your practice unique ID numbers from year to year, tags are, within a given year, uniquely and sequentially numbered for easy tracking.

For example, one year your clinic may be issued tag numbers 149200–149700. The next year, CVMA will adjust the numbering sequence so your practice does not receive the same set of numbers. However, the same numbers may be assigned again several years down the road. To make tracking easier in your practice’s system, CVMA recommends using the year issued as part of the ID number. For example, entering 2016-149200 instead of simply 149200.

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2 MA 017 12 RAB 3 I 3 Y 456 ES EA R

CV

Q: Will CVMA keep a record of ID numbers issued?

A: Yes, CVMA maintains a master list of tag numbers that identifies which clinics were assigned what serial numbers. You are responsible for keeping an accurate log of which numbers you assign to your clients. Remember — someone who finds a lost animal with a personalized rabies tag from your practice may be calling you to locate the owner.

Q: How many tags should we order and which type of tags?

A: Here are some questions to ask yourself when putting together your order: • Does your practice have a three-year rabies vaccination protocol? If so, you need to order a supply of the stainless steel three-year tags.

• Does your clinic use a one-year, non-adjuvant rabies vaccine?

If so, you need a supply of aluminum one-year tags.

• How many puppies and kittens do you vaccinate each year?

You’ll need one-year tags for them.

• Do you anticipate any changes in your practice next year? If you’re adding staff or embarking on a marketing campaign, you may need to order more tags than you did last year.

Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

OF NOTE Continued from previous page Q: Can extra cat tags be used for dogs?

A: No, cat and dog tags are not interchangeable. Please remember to only assign cat tags to cats and dog tags to dogs. Clients rely on this as a tracking system to get their pets easily returned after being lost. By issuing a cat tag to a dog it can delay the process of getting the pet retuned to its owner.

Q: How are rabies certificates formatted?

A: Rabies vaccination certificates are in triplicate with file cards.

They are sold in sheets of four and are available throughout the year. See a sample certificate online at colovma.org/rabiestags.

Q: When will rabies tag orders be shipped?

A: Once you place your order, your tags will be shipped directly to your clinic via UPS in mid-December. If you order supplemental tags later in the year, they will be shipped within two business days of receiving your order.

Q: Are we responsible for paying a sales and use tax on rabies tags?

A: Yes, all rabies tags are subject to a sales and use tax. CVMA will collect Colorado Sales Tax for you, as well as the RTD and Cultural District Tax (when applicable). CVMA also collects

Denver Sales Tax for all practices located within Denver. If your practice is outside of Denver, please check with your local jurisdiction for your sales and/or use tax liability on your purchase.

Q: What if our practice runs out of tags during the year?

A: CVMA orders a limited quantity of generic, supplemental tags. These tags are not personalized, but simply list the CVMA phone number for tracking purposes. As supplemental tags are sold, CVMA’s confidential database is updated to show which clinic purchased what supplemental tag ID numbers. When someone who has found a lost animal calls the CVMA phone number on the tag, they will be referred to the clinic that issued that tag to locate the animal’s owner.

Order forms for supplemental tags can be found on the website, at www.colovma.org/rabiestags or you can call the CVMA office at 303.318.0447.

Program History

The CVMA Rabies Tag Program was formerly called the Mile Hi rabies tag program and was managed by the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society (DAVMS). DAVMS managed the Mile-Hi rabies tag program for over 30 years prior to becoming a chapter of CVMA. n

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CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAG E 1 1

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OF NOTE Media Relations: Why It Matters for CVMA Lauren Gladu, MA CVMA Communications and Content Specialist

As your state association, we strive to serve as the collective voice of Colorado veterinarians. Through communications with media, legislators, and the public, CVMA works hard to positively portray the veterinary profession, educate the general public, and underscore the importance of preventive pet healthcare and the veterinarian’s crucial role in public health protection.

Strong media relations are an essential part of getting our messaging across in a positive, consistent, and credible manner.

Interviews with the media can provide a great opportunity to promote responsible pet ownership and raise public awareness of the necessity for high-quality, regular veterinary care. While we try to emphasize this year-round, during our annual PetCheck we are afforded an unparalleled messaging opportunity that neither CVMA nor individual veterinarians could afford to buy.

With each promotion we do for PetCheck, we stress the importance of preventive veterinary care and vaccinations. This year, we doubled our media coverage, and the spots 9News and News 5 provide—before, during, and after the event—put veterinarians on the air and in the public spotlight in a way we’ve previously only been able to dream about.

Additionally, we often field calls from reporters looking for an expert to interview about the latest veterinary hot topics, ranging anywhere from dog flu, to pets ingesting marijuana, to integra­tive veterinary medicine like acupuncture and herbal therapy. When CVMA gets these calls, the communications team will ask questions related to the request in order to accurately determine the nature of the topic, and will then consider which spokesperson is the most qualified for the interview. Once a spokesperson is identified, the CVMA communications team helps prep that person with background information, talking points, and even a script if necessary.

To take it one step further, CVMA offers an annual Media and Crisis Communication Training to ensure that you are prepared for any communication situation that might come up in your practice. When delivering facts about animal health topics, general pet care, potential legislation, crisis situations, or hot media “run-away” stories, it is especially important that the person in front of the camera or microphone knows media and crisis communication skills and has had the opportunity to practice in a mock setting. That’s why CVMA provides the opportunity for this essential training to its members each spring.

To further support media relations efforts, the CVMA communications team publishes monthly articles about pet safety in local news outlets, such as the Denver Post YourHub, Examiner, and My Colorado Gazette. These articles are meant for the general public, and offer tips and information on various pet health and safety topics, such as how to properly brush your dog’s teeth, which foods can be harmful to your pet during holidays, and how to prevent obesity and diabetes in pets. Once published, CVMA also shares these articles with its social media audience by posting them on our Facebook page.

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CVMA member Dr. Jeff Fankhauser with anchor Kim Christiansen at 9News

Through these multiple channels, CVMA aims to establish and maintain relationships of trust based on knowledge and mutual understanding with its members, the media, and the general public. Whether it’s through public relations or social media, CVMA’s efforts have served to expand the reach and reputation of CVMA and its members, and have positioned CVMA as a goto resource for media outlets seeking knowledge on timely veterinary and animal-related topics. As CVMA’s current president Dr. Curtis Crawford says, CVMA is a herd whose voice is stronger together than apart—and we want our herd to be heard.

Did You Know?

CVMA tracks all articles, videos, and other media pertaining to CVMA and active CVMA members. To read stories and watch ­videos of past media coverage, visit colovma.org/cvma-news -archive. If you see any articles or videos featuring CVMA members in your local publication or media outlet, let us know— we’d love to feature them on our Facebook page and add them to our archive!

Want to be a spokesperson for CVMA?

Contact Lauren Gladu, Communications and Content Specialist, at LaurenGladu@colovma.org to be added to our list. And sign up for next year’s Media and Crisis Communication Training, which will take place on Thursday, April 20, 2017, presented

by Charlie Powell, Senior Public Information Officer for Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and former Public Information Director for the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association. n

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OF NOTE President’s Post continued from page 4 so much more massive than I was with a mind and a will of its own. That I would harm the CVMA that I care about in some irreparable way. It was stepping into an awesome responsibility.

But the CVMA has been wise in the way it has developed its elected volunteer officers and paid staff. It is not a one-person operation. The Executive Committee system whereby you start as secretary/treasurer-elect and work through secretary/­ treasurer and then president-elect positions before being handed the reins of the presidency give ample opportunity for training and education in the issues in a way that has well served Colorado veterinarians for decades. I have been blessed to sit at the feet of wonderful presidents like Apryl Steele, Randa MacMillan, and Erin Epperly. I have had the guiding, quiet wisdom of Peter Hellyer as he serves as immediate past-president. And every previous CVMA or AVMA officer that I have had the pleasure of interacting with epitomizes the type of servant leadership that arises from noble personal character where others come first. It is a humbling experience.

Within the Executive Committee, seven elected Colorado veterinarians and CVMA’s executive director Ralph Johnson meet for a full day at least every two months to discuss, plan, and act on the immediate needs and issues before the Colorado veterinary community. This nimble leadership group includes the Colorado AVMA delegate Melanie Marsden and alternate delegate ­Rebecca Ruch-Gallie as we seek to connect and interact effectively with the AVMA. These two dedicated veterinarians follow in the footsteps of the tireless Dr. John Rule in effectively representing Colorado within the AVMA House of Delegates. The rest of the team is rounded out by our secretary/treasurer-elect Will French; secretary/treasurer Jenelle Vail; president-elect Sam Romano; and immediate past-president Peter Hellyer. And few things make a president feel better than to look at tomorrow’s ­officers and see talent and competency exceeding his own.

The CVMA Board of Directors consists of elected veterinarians from each of the 16 chapters and districts in Colorado, as well as student representatives from the CSU veterinary student chapter, who meet twice a year. They are the final say on decisions of great importance to the organization as well as the grass roots connection of the individual CVMA member to the Executive Committee. We heavily rely on their input and actively seek their help in developing committees, task forces, and position statements.

The CVMA staff is the backbone of this wonderful organization supporting and accomplishing the goals of all of us. They take our lofty plans and make them reality each and every day.

You have probably met several of them as you have attended our CE offerings or convention. Tara McChesney brings a can-do attitude as Director of Programs and Initiatives. Nancy Cross (­Director of Learning) accomplishes the Herculean task of putting together all the learning programs from webinars to convention. With Samantha Hoyt’s (Manager of Learning and Partnerships) quiet help, they make our CE offerings some of the best in the nation. If you have ever called the CVMA office, you have probably been blessed to hear the bright, smiling voice of Katie Koch, Manager of Member Engagement. You are

enjoying the work of Cami Cacciatore (Director of Communications and Marketing) as you read this issue of the VOICE. Her professional hand guides every written thing coming out of the CVMA office, including award-winning publications. Working in the background in those less obvious but vitally essential roles are Melissa Angel as Director of Administration and Human Resources, Lauren Gladu as our Communications and Content Specialist, and Jenna Glad serving you as Administrative Support Specialist. Keith Korth (Director of Finance) and Karen Benker (Accounting Specialist) competently keep watch on the financial health of the CVMA. Each one of them is genuine and professional. Those smiling faces that you see on the CVMA Staff portion of our website are real. I am always uplifted when I come to the CVMA office and often envy the encouraging atmosphere that they have developed and the amount of work they accomplish daily.

Which brings me to Ralph Johnson, the Executive Director of the CVMA. As handsome as my countenance is, it has been Ralph that has become the face of the CVMA over the years.

There is not a veterinarian in Colorado or even in much of the nation that does not know Ralph and his passion for the CVMA. He is a contact point for most every organization that the CVMA interacts with and attends countless meetings and functions here and across the country on our behalf. His wisdom, vision, character, and Energizer Bunny energy takes the raw talents and desire of Colorado veterinarians and brings out the best in all of us individually and as a leading state association.

When I first contemplated running for CVMA office, I sought out Ralph for his assurance that he would be with us during those potential five years that I would serve on the Executive Committee. I needed the confidence that he would be there to gently guide my journey. But one of the many things Ralph has taught me is that it is the team that makes a leader great. As he begins his gradual exit from the CVMA, he has brought together a Super Bowl team that has learned to rely on and support each other. Where every member is valued and important. Ralph has expertly helped us craft a vision and plan that are greater than any one person. And what better legacy is there than to leave the CVMA better than when he started, with a foundation from which to grow and excel well into the future.

In the meantime, thank you for the opportunity to be part of your team. I have tied onto some things that caught me by surprise and I have plowed some ground with my face. I deeply appreciate all of you gently stepping in when needed and cutting the fan belts off those pigs. Because of you, it has been a beautiful ride. If you need me, I’ll be lounging in the irrigation ditch.

CVMA. Welcome to the herd. n

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OF NOTE Heal Thyself: Colorado State University Hosts Veterinary Wellness Summit Kristen Browning-Blas CSU College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

In early November, CSU will host an international conference to promote personal wellbeing among veterinary students and professionals—people who care for animals and their owners, but at times are beset with stress, anxiety, and depression.

The fourth annual AAVMC Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit is set for November 4–6 and is expected to draw about 250 attendees. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges leads the summit; it will be hosted for the first time in Fort Collins by the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS). For information and to register, visit ­veterinarywellness.colostate.edu.

Organizers hope the meeting will raise awareness about factors that may undermine veterinary productivity, career longevity and enjoyment in practice. Even more, they hope to identify best practices and concrete steps that individuals and the industry may take to improve mental health and a sense of wellbeing among veterinary students and professionals.

“This is one of the biggest challenges we face in the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Mark Stetter, a veterinarian and dean of the CSU CVMBS. “As a community, we realize that wellness and mental health issues are affecting people throughout the profession, and we are talking about next steps to help address this problem in our veterinary schools and across the industry.”

In the past decade, multiple surveys have revealed the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among veterinary students and professionals. Psychological distress is reported at higher rates in the veterinary community than in the U.S. adult population overall—and is more prevalent among veterinarians than among professionals in human medicine, studies have shown.

Conference leaders and organizers recognize that a healthy profession starts in professional school. They invite students, administrators, practicing veterinarians, social workers, counselors, and industry partners to develop a common understanding about veterinary health and wellness—and ways wellbeing may be improved starting in veterinary school, Stetter said.

“We need to balance health and wellness from day one,” agreed Dr. Gretchen Delcambre, an assistant professor of biomedical sciences who instructs first-year students in the CSU Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.

Sophie Nelson, a CSU veterinary student, is helping plan student sessions at the summit. “We will focus on students and what is relevant in their world, to make sure that they are contributing to a community that is proactive,” she said.

Colorado State’s DVM Program has several initiatives to foster wellbeing, starting at orientation for first-year veterinary students, said Dr. Laurie Fonken, PhD, a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with CSU veterinary students.

• For about a decade, the Colorado State DVM Program has employed a full-time counselor to support veterinary students and their mental health.

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• The CSU program also employs a full-time Certified Financial Planner to advise veterinary students, significant in the context of wellness because college debt and personal finances are top concerns for many students.

• The CSU veterinary school was the first to regularly offer for DVM students a course called the “Healer’s Art.” Originally developed for medical students, the CSU class encourages aspiring veterinarians to strengthen the altruistic values, sense of calling, and intention to serve that have led them to medicine, a process that also boosts a sense of wellbeing.

• During spring semesters, when students report higher levels of stress, the DVM Program has offered drop-in sessions called “Taming the Anxious Mind.” At the same time, veterinary students have launched a peer initiative called “21 Days of Happiness” to promote wellbeing.

• The DVM Program is now developing a course focused on practitioner wellbeing; it would be added to the CSU veterinary curriculum once approved.

Dr. Andrew Maccabe, executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, urged veterinarians to deal with mental health the same way they would address other problems in the populations they serve—with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. “As a profession, veterinary medicine has a significant role to play because we value prevention. The very foundation of veterinary medicine is prevention of illness and disease,” he said. “It’s a case of ‘Doctor, heal thyself.’”

The AAVMC Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit is sponsored by Zoetis and AVMA PLIT. Veterinarians and Wellbeing

Why do veterinarians experience above-average levels of stress, anxiety, and depression?

Starting in veterinary school, many students describe a heavy workload, pressure to excel, worries about finances, and other concerns, surveys show. In response, the student branch of the AVMA created a series of videos called “It’s OK,” which highlight personal stories, encouragement, and triumph over adversity.

Practicing veterinarians face unique work demands, notes Dr. Fonken. These include: • Heavy workload with high expectations • Euthanasia of animal patients • Financial limitations of animal owners, which may impact treatment decisions • Meeting the medical needs of patients that cannot verbalize their problems • Working closely with concerned or distressed human clients • Wearing many hats: doctor one minute, clinic administrator the next Healthy habits—including mindfulness, counseling, supportive personal relationships, professional mentorship, financial Summit continued on page 15

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OF NOTE CSU CVMBS Dean’s Office Update CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences would like to share the following updates with CVMA members.

MMI Interviewers Needed

Beginning with the class matriculating in the fall of 2017, DVM Admissions will conduct Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) as part of the candidate selection process. The MMI process involves rotation of each candidate through six timed sessions, each focused on a scenario designed to assess attributes such as ethical judgment, critical thinking, conflict resolution, resiliency, and empathy, as well as interpersonal and communication skills. The Admissions Committee seeks 30 veterinarians to partner with our faculty as interviewers in this process involving over 350 applicants. Veterinarians with a broad spectrum of professional emphases are encouraged to participate. Interviews will be held on the main CSU campus according to the following schedule: • Friday January 13, 2:00 PM-7:00 PM: Interviewer training • Saturday January 14, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM: Day 1 interviews • Sunday January 15, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM: Day 2 interviews If you are interested in serving as an interviewer, please visit the interviewer registration site http://col.st/5AbSM or contact Adrienne Marcus at Adrienne.marcus@colostate.edu or 970.672.7623.

“Day 1” Competencies for DVM Graduates— Reviewers Needed

The DVM Steering Committee, composed of faculty across departments and chaired by Dr. Jane Shaw, is working with our faculty and community stakeholders to identify ‘day 1’ competencies for our DVM graduates. Many medical schools have competency-based curricula in place, and a subcommittee within the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges is now working toward this aim.

With development of domains of competence (e.g. individual animal health, knowledge for practice, professionalism, personal wellbeing), the Committee is now seeking input from each discipline to identify targeted competencies within each domain. We will be seeking input from our colleagues in private practice, industry, government, and other areas to ensure that our graduates are able to optimally perform in areas deemed most relevant to our external stakeholders. We will then evaluate our identified competencies against our curriculum map to identify deficits, overlaps, and progression of content over the four years. In the end, we aim to structure our curriculum to optimally develop core competencies in our students.

Should you wish to serve as an external reviewer, please contact Allyce Lobdell at Allyce.lobdell@colostate.edu.

Externship and Experiential Learning Database

The Veterinary Medicine program at Colorado State University continues to enhance services related to the personal, professional, and educational needs of our students. Recently, we

launched a web-based externship and experiential learning database to help connect students with relevant learning opportunities. In addition, we are expanding our mentorship program as a way to introduce our students to established professionals from a variety of fields who are willing share knowledge and offer students personal and professional guidance. To help students identify post-graduation employment, we continue to promote and utilize Handshake, a university-wide employment management platform capable of delivering relevant job prospects to DVM students and alumni.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Adrienne Marcus at Adrienne.marcus@colostate.edu or 970.672.7623.

Community Outreach Opportunities Sought

We are seeking opportunities to engage our students in community outreach and efforts to meet the needs of underserved populations. We wish to identify nonprofit organizations and individuals who may partner with us in this important work.

Student participation may be defined as observation for those in the first years of the program, with more skilled and integrated involvement by students with clinical training. We do have some supervisory capacity through CSU and community veterinarians, when such individuals are not on site.

If you are aware of opportunities, individuals, or organizations that may contribute to this effort, please contact Adrienne Marcus at Adrienne.marcus@colostate.edu or 970.672.7623.

Spanish for Animal Health and Care

The Colorado State University DVM program has partnered with the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures to offer a series of online courses entitled “Spanish for Animal Health and Care.” Completion of these courses will enable students and professionals in animal care fields to develop intermediate level communication skills in Spanish, focused on relevant terminology and basic linguistic skills. The courses employ a task-based, communicative and collaborative approach to language acquisition. Additionally, course materials consist of video and audio recordings, interactive materials, a library of relevant images, and a corpus of authentic texts.

More information may be found at CSU Online (http://www .online.colostate.edu) or by contacting the Course Coordinator Shannon Zeller at Shannon.zeller@colostate.edu. n

Summit continued from page 14 planning, nutrition, exercise, and time off—often help veterinary students and professionals.

As wellness has gained attention in the industry, many aspiring and practicing veterinarians feel more comfortable seeking help from family members, friends, colleagues, and mental health professionals. That’s a vital step, experts say. n CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAG E 1 5

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OF NOTE Briefings continued from page 5 members the opportunity to customize their membership experience and to reduce the cost of Basic membership in order to lower the barrier to entry into CVMA membership. Colorado veterinarians responded positively to these changes, as indicated by CVMA growing by 7% (and counting!) in 2016 to a record membership of 2,312. Thank you for your membership, and for taking the time to evaluate which membership package is most meaningful for you.

CVMA|PAC

In acronym land, there’s a new arrival. CVMA|PAC stands for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association | Political Action Committee. Creating a PAC was approved by the CVMA Board of Directors, and the proper registrations have occurred so that the PAC can start functioning and raising money. Dr. Barb Powers, CVMA’s long-time chair of the Commission on Advocacy and Outreach, has graciously agreed to serve as chair of CVMA|PAC. So you might be wondering . . . Why does CVMA need a PAC? CVMA|PAC will help us build relationships with legislators through personal contact with elected officials, fundraising events, and candidate donations. CVMA|PAC is independent of any political party or candidate, and contributions will be approved by the PAC regardless of a candidate’s or legislator’s party affiliation.

CVMA works to maintain strong, respectful relationships with legislators in leadership and on key committees; CVMA|PAC supports this by contributing to legislators, sponsoring local veterinarians to attend campaign events, and by sending CVMA representatives to campaign fundraisers. CVMA|PAC provides a very useful tool in advancing CVMA’s public policy agenda— designed to protect and enhance the landscape for veterinary medicine and animal health in Colorado. You’ll see that a donation to CVMA|PAC can be made as you renew your membership for 2017, and I hope you will consider becoming a supporter so that CVMA can work even more effectively to advance your interests.

The Meeting Marathon

It’s a busy time ahead as CVMA delivers several programs in the coming months and as I represent CVMA at a number of meetings where we collaborate on issues of concern to the profession.

Here’s a sampling of upcoming activities: • Colorado Animal Welfare Conference— This annual conference is co-sponsored by the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies and the Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers, and this year the program includes a track for shelter medicine. I have the pleasure of co-presenting, with Sharon Harmon (CEO of the Oregon Humane Society), on the topic of relationship opportunities between the sheltering and veterinary communities.

• CVMA Convention 2016—‘Nuf said. See you in Loveland!

• Power of Ten (P10) kick-off—Our fifth Power of Ten leader­ ship academy kicks off with an intensive weekend of learning and personal development in Breckenridge.

• CVMA CE Southwest—We have another great program on tap with two incredible speakers, presenting in the beautiful venue that Durango provides.

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• Pathway Planning workshop—I’ll be in Phoenix to observe how Veterinary Growth Partners—which you’ll hear much more about at convention and in your membership renewal package—delivers their impactful Pathway Planning workshop to advance practice performance.

• BIG Ideas Forum—As always, BIG picture thinking will occur as we gather in Breckenridge to discuss questions about underserved market segments and how (not whether!) veterinary services can profitably be delivered to pet owners in those segments. See page 17 for details.

• Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit at CSU— This Summit provides a great opportunity for Dr. Romano and myself to interact with colleagues from around the country in the interest of advancing veterinary wellness. See details on page 14.

• Economic Summit at AVMA—Dr. Romano and I will be on the road again to attend an intensive program in Chicago that explores the latest research from the AVMA Veterinary Economics division and convenes thought leaders for discussion of opportunities to advance the economic wellbeing of veterinary medicine.

Then, holy smokes, it will be November! You can find details on these meetings at www.colovma.org or give me a call or send an email if you have thoughts about any of the issues or programs that I’ve referenced: ralphjohnson@colovma.org or 303.318.0447. n

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OF NOTE CVMA BIG Ideas Forum | Fall 2016 Can Underserved Pet Owners Be Profitably Served?

Gateway Animal Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; and Bruce Louder­ back, DVM, of Mission Viejo Veterinary Hospital, Aurora, Colorado.

CVMA will hold its BIG Ideas Forum | Fall 2016 in Breckenridge, Colorado on October 21-22, 2016. Join your colleagues as we explore an issue of critical importance to the profession and the association, identify desired outcomes, and formulate CVMA action plans.

The BIG Ideas Forum is always engaging, energizing, and informative. Plus, you can earn three CE credits while helping chart the course of CVMA through your participation. Visit colovma. org to learn more and to register by Friday, October 14, 2016.

Location

At Issue—Can Underserved Pet Owners Be Profitably Served?

The growing income divide has marginalized an increasing number of animal owners from accessing veterinary care. Consumer expectations for sophisticated yet affordable care in veterinary medicine have never been higher. Concurrently, the amorphous “standard of care” in veterinary medicine often seems to connote that a “gold standard” is appropriate for every case, irrespective of the owner’s resource limitations. The veterinarian’s passion and desire to make care accessible seems to compete with these external pressures, creating even more stress for veterinary professionals.

This BIG Ideas Forum will empower CVMA members to explore ideas and engage in dialog about the demand for veterinary services and models for service delivery that demonstrate how underserved markets can be served—while maintaining a responsible and profitable business. We will ask questions such as: • Do veterinarians have an ethical obligation to underserved markets?

• Is there economic opportunity in reaching underserved ­markets?

• What are the barriers veterinarians face in serving these ­markets?

• Can we gain a more detailed understanding of pet owners from a market-based, micro-economic perspective?

• What are the key attributes of these market segments, and what motivates them to take action?

• What service delivery models can be emulated or created to reach underserved markets in an economically viable way?

• Is the standard of care injecting costs into the system that work against providing care for underserved markets?

These questions and more will engage you as presenters share their thoughts and experiences, and as your colleagues share their questions and perspective. The session will also feature the presenters in panel format, where they will react to the presentations of the day, seek clarification of commentary, entertain questions from participants, and seek to provide synthesis of ideas, opinions, and suggestions that emerged throughout the day.

Our Issue Illuminators

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge, 550 Village Road, Breckenridge, Colorado, 80424, | 970-547-5550 Please consider joining us on Friday for the following activities. All members are welcome!

• Inside CVMA (4:00 to 5:00 PM): Training and support to help members build leadership skills within CVMA regardless of career stage.

• Reception (6:00 PM): CVMA will provide the snacks, a cash bar will be available, and relaxed interaction continues!

This reception is especially provided to facilitate networking of interest groups and species groups.

And after the Issue Forum on Saturday, we encourage you to stay for lunch to hear CVMA and industry updates, then join one of the four commission meetings (1:15 to 3:00 PM): • Advocacy and Outreach • Animal Issues • Education • Leadership Visit colovma.org for the full agenda, speaker bios, lodging information, and registration options. n

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Our discussion panelists include Roger Haston, PhD of Animal Assistance Foundation, Denver; Brian Forsgren, DVM of CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAGE 1 7

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OF NOTE AVMA Update: Summer 2016 Michael L. Whitehair, DVM AVMA District IX Representative Advocacy and Public Policy

Advocacy Efforts At its June meeting, the AVMA Board of Directors approved “nonsupport” for House Resolution 3084, the Thoroughbred Racing Integrity Act, which would establish the Thoroughbred Horseracing Anti-Doping Authority. We believe it is appropriate to develop uniform anti-doping rules, as this legislation intends. However, our nonsupport is partly due to our concern with the makeup of the Authority and potential for conflicts of interest amongst its members. Having a newly established Authority that is subject to conflicts of interest not only decide which medications are permissible but also the penalties for noncompliance, is not likely to curb the issue of medication abuse in the industry.

The Board also approved “nonsupport” for House Resolution 5140 because it would repeal the Veterinary Feed Directive final rule as published on June 3, 2015, and would prohibit the FDA from promulgating any rule that is the same or substantively similar. The AVMA has submitted multiple sets of official comments to the FDA over the past six years as the FDA worked to revise the Veterinary Feed Directive rule. Passage of this legislation would undo many constructive, positive changes that the AVMA advocated strongly to achieve.

We’re continuing our efforts to advocate against the Fairness to Pet Owners Act, which would require veterinarians to provide clients with written prescriptions for their pets whether or not the client requests one. This legislation was one of the driving forces behind an April legislative hearing about the pet medication industry that took place in our nation’s capital. Our board chair testified at that hearing, and explained how the AVMA understands that clients must make financial decisions when planning and paying for services and medications. This is why we support policies that give our clients the flexibility to choose where they fill their prescriptions. We educate veterinarians through numerous communications channels regarding prescription drug rules and how to work with licensed pharmacists to ensure prescriptions provided are filled as intended.

Products and Services

2016 Veterinary Economic Report Series Our 2016 Veterinary Economic Report series provides the most current and vitally important veterinary economics information in the profession. The reports are being produced by staff in our Veterinary Economics Division; they explore the many facets of veterinary economics, and help you better understand the markets you operate in and the factors that impact your livelihood.

The reports, to be released individually over the course of 2016, are must-reads for anyone invested in the profession: • AVMA Report on Veterinary Markets—now available.

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• AVMA & AAVMC Report on the Market for Veterinary ­Education—now available.

• AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinarians—Available soon.

• AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinary Services—­ Available soon After receiving substantial interest and feedback, we have elected to make the PDF version of each report free to our members. Members and nonmembers can purchase printed copies of each report through the AVMA Store on our website.

2016 AVMA Economic Summit If you’re interested in the economic future of the veterinary profession—and in gathering information and tools to help you operate your business more successfully—set aside the dates October 24-25 to attend this year’s AVMA Economic Summit in suburban Chicago. Our Economics team convenes the summit every year to help practice owners and other business-focused veterinarians understand the veterinary economic markets and get tools to operate in business successfully.

Fix the Debt Summit The AVMA, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine jointly organized a Fix the Debt Summit in April at Michigan State. The summit brought together about 180 individuals from across the spectrum, including veterinary students, to tackle student debt and other financial issues that impact young veterinary professionals. Over the three-day summit, attendees put forth a number of recommendations, including streamlining curricula, increasing scholarship opportunities, boosting starting salaries, lobbying federal lawmakers for legislation to lower interest rates on student loans and creating a long-term national goal for reducing the debt-to-income ratio, which currently stands at about 2:1, to 1.4:1. The summit planning committee has identified 10 recommendations of highest priority and is working with the veterinary community in moving these priority recommendations forward.

New Graduate Starting Salary Calculator The recent online release of the AVMA’s New Graduate Starting Salary Calculator caused some concern among members, as it brought clearer attention to a gender wage gap that has existed in the profession for a long time. An FAQ document about the New Graduate Starting Salary Calculator provides more context to this issue and can be found on our website.

Accreditation and Certification The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), a U.S. Department of Education (USDE) committee that advises the U.S. Secretary of Education, met on June 24. The NACIQI agreed with the USDE staff recommendation to continue recognition of the AVMA Council on Education (COE) as the accrediting body for veterinary education for one and one-half years, at which time the COE would Continued on next page

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OF NOTE Continued from previous page come up for its regularly scheduled renewal application (which occurs every five years). The Senior Department Official will make the final decision regarding recognition within 90 days of the meeting.

Other Highlights

Wellness The AVMA continues its collaborative efforts with other veterinary groups, including many veterinary colleges, to improve wellness in the veterinary community. The AVMA coordinated and hosted a veterinary profession wellness roundtable in March. Our work continues toward forming a wellness coalition and steering group that will, among other things, provide leadership, a strategy and action plan, and assess resourcing among coalition members. Our goals include the creation of an expanded wellness website with links to coalition organizations, identification of mental health strategies and opportunities to build resilience among students. AVMA President Dr. Joe Kinnarney and Dr. Steve Stack, president of the American Medical Association, are co-authoring an article on wellness in their respective professions that is targeted for publication by both associations in August. The collaborative effort is a reflection of the growing understanding that both professions can work together to help elevate the issue of wellness among their members. The AVMA continues its collaborative efforts with other veterinary groups, including many veterinary colleges and mental health professionals, to improve wellness in the veterinary community.

were treated, along with a couple of unexpected critical cases.

Twelve AVMA member veterinarians participated in the April clinic. Two more clinics are scheduled for 2016—one in August and another in November. AVMA member veterinarians who wish to volunteer your time to community outreach through the preventive care initiative at a future clinic are asked to download an application from our website.

The 2016 Reaching UP program is being funded by the Banfield Foundation, the 2016 Reaching UP program is an incredibly rewarding experience you won’t regret, and serves as a reminder of what drives so many veterinarians to enter the profession: the opportunity to improve the health and welfare of animals and people. n

Enhancing Member Communications As we constantly strive to enhance communication with our members, the AVMA launched a new effort that allows members of the House of Delegates to communicate directly with their constituents through email. The first email communication was sent the week of July 11, prior to the HOD’s Annual Session during AVMA Convention 2016 in San Antonio. The effort gives members a direct line of communication to their HOD representatives so that they can provide input on proposed resolutions and bylaws amendments, as well as any other topics that are important to them.

Reaching UP Program The Reaching UP program, which is a partnership of the AVMA, the Native America Humane Society, and tribal communities, engages veterinarians to improve access to veterinary care among traditionally underserved Native American populations. Tribal populations have historically had minimal access to consistent veterinary care, which has led to overpopulation of companion animals. Reaching UP advances animal health, animal welfare, and public health by providing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and targeted preventive care services in these underserved areas. This year’s first clinic was held in April at the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico, where about 150 surgical patients and more than 70 preventive care only patients CVMA Voice 201 6 : 3 | PAGE 1 9

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS New Changes at the Bureau of Animal Protection in the Colorado Department of Agriculture Nick Striegel, DVM MPH Colorado Assistant State Veterinarian

The Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) is a program within the State Veterinarian’s office that serves to assist local law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of animal ­cruelty and neglect. The Animal Protection Act was created in 1990 for the protection of companion animals and livestock. The mission of the Bureau is to ensure that no animal be mistreated or neglected to such a degree, or abandoned in any ­circumstance, so that the animal’s life or health is endangered.

As part of the Bureau’s mission, animal control agents from across the state can become commissioned through the Bureau and entrusted with the authority to aid law enforcement in criminal animal cruelty and neglect investigations. Currently the Bureau has 125 commissioned agents. Many of the agents in Colorado are employees of nonprofit organizations.

The Animal Protection Act reflects the policies of the Code of Colorado Regulations, Animal Protection Rule 8CCR 12012018. This rule has recently undergone a thorough internal review at the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). The internal review process has led to a revised rule which now includes an expanded definition section, a new process and procedure section, and expanded agent training and continuing education requirements to become commissioned. The commissions are renewed on an annual basis and agents are reviewed and required to meet the continuing education standards.

The Bureau maintains a page on the CDA website and responds to complaints made via the website or by telephone. The information received is forwarded to local law enforcement officials within the proper jurisdiction for investigation. Bureau personnel may assist with the investigation, and provide equipment and expert testimony as necessary to ensure a successful outcome.

We are currently looking for a new BAP Program Manager and hope to have someone in place by the end of November. The ideal person for this position would have background and some experience in one or more of the following areas: animal science, animal health, animal control, law enforcement, animal health, animal cruelty investigations, agribusiness, agriculture, com­panion animal care experience, or livestock husbandry.

The goals of the BAP program are to further professional outreach with the agencies that employe BAP agents, sheriff departments, and key stakeholders with the BAP, with the intent to continue education and training that is required for our commissioned BAP Agents across the state. Continuing to promote animal welfare and protecting animals in the State of Colorado is essential to the quality of life for animals and people alike, and an enduring passion of mine.

Colorado is in the forefront of animal protection and c­ ontinues to be a model state in animal welfare and protection. I look

forward to developing and facilitating the program’s success, which I believe also correlates to the CDA’s mission statement “To strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture; promote a safe, high quality, and sustainable food supply; and protect consumers, the environment, and natural resources.”

To report animal cruelty or neglect you can contact CDA— Animal Health Division at 303-869-9130, send an email to animalhealth@state.co.us or you can go to our website at this link: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/aganimals/file-cruelty-or -neglect-complaint n

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Fairness to Pet Owners Act Resurfaces Like a gnat that you can’t swat away, H.R. 3174 has surfaced again. And for the first time in several sessions of Congress, there was an informational hearing on the bill, which is titled the Fairness to Pet Owners Act. What would this bill do?

The bill would: • Require veterinarians in every state to provide a copy of each prescription for a companion animal, whether or not requested by the pet owner.

Note: Colorado’sVeterinary Practice Act requires that when a client requests a copy of a prescription for their animal under current treatment, the veterinarian must provide it to the client. But this federal legislation, as proposed, would take it one step further – if your clients want to get medications from you and your practice, you would have to write a prescription, hand it to your client, and in turn have them present it back to you before completing the transaction for the prescription.This not only would take some additional time of you and your staff, but it is completely unnecessary.

• Prohibit veterinarians from charging a client fee for writing a prescription.You also could not add such a fee for the examination and evaluation of the patient.

• Veterinarians would not be allowed to require a client to sign, or supply a client with, a waiver of liability disclaimer should the prescription be inaccurately filled by an off-site pharmacy.

Why are CVMA and AVMA opposed to this Disability Income Ads legislation?

• There isn’t any indication that federal legislation is necessary.

Colorado’s Veterinary Practice Act already governs compliance by veterinarians to provide prescriptions upon a client’s Who Will Payof states If across request. This also is the case with the majority the country.

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Tara Koslov, a deputy director with the FTC, was the first of three presenters before the committee. The other two were a representative from a company that manufactures generic drugs for veterinary medicine and Dr. John DeJong, who represented the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In her comments, Ms. Koslov referenced the FTC report on this issue that was released in 2015. The Commission’s primary concern is whether there is a restriction on the portability of veterinary prescriptions which could keep prices of drugs at a higher than desired level for consumers. Ms. Koslov also conveyed concerns that exclusive distribution agreements between some veterinary manufacturers and veterinarians was limiting choice for consumers.

Rep. Kurt Schrader’s response

As a full member of the Commerce, Marketing & Trade Committee, Oregon’s Rep. Schrader (D-District 5) was invited to attend the informational hearing and question the panelists.

Note: Rep. Schrader is a past president of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and one of two veterinarians in Congress.

Rep. Schrader was the “star” of the hearing, questioning whether the FTC is in search of a problem that doesn’t appear to exist— given the Commission’s findings of no fault by veterinarians.

Rep. Schrader noted that the FTC must balance the issue of competition with that of patient health and safety, and further explained that the percentage of revenue from prescriptions in a typical veterinary practice is declining, not increasing. This is the result, in part, of the current marketplace for veterinary medications, which remains competitive and supports client choice.

Approval Number: A-0078-DI-002 Rev. 8-13

Adapted with permission from OVMAViewpoint: June 2016. n

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SCIENCE UPDATE Tickled Pink Yet? Findings from Colorado’s 2015 Passive Tick Surveillance Program Leah Colton, PhD Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Epidemiologist Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

In spring of 2015, the state health department’s medical entomologist sent out a postcard solicitation for ticks to all the licensed veterinarians in the state. We asked that vets collect ticks from companion animals and submit them for species identification, with a goal to advance our understanding of the presence and distribution of medically important ticks in Colorado.

Through 2015 we received 557 ticks from vets across the state.

There are several species of medically important ticks in Colorado. The two most important are the hard tick Dermacentor species, specifically D. andersoni, the Rocky Mountain wood tick (RMWT), and D. variabilis, the American dog tick (ADT). These ticks are our most prevalent human and dog biting ticks, and are vectors of a number of tick-borne illnesses. We also received anecdotal reports that the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) was in the state, but there were no collection records for this species. In the early 2000s this tick was discovered to be a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in Arizona, so we wanted to learn if and where this tick might be in Colorado.

Disease agents transmitted by Colorado ticks include tularemia, Colorado tick fever virus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Most ticks acquire disease agents as larvae and nymphs, from feeding on infected small mammal hosts. The disease agent can remain in the body of the tick as it molts from one life stage to another. Some of these disease agents can be passed on from a female to her young. When an infected tick bites a susceptible person or animal, it can transmit the infection. In addition, tick bites can lead to a condition called tick paralysis.

We received 92 adult RMWTs [Figure 1]. The RMWT is a large tick compared to the Lone star tick or the eastern deer tick, which many people may be more familiar with. RMWT larvae feed on small mammals such as mice and chipmunks; nymphs feed on somewhat larger hosts such as rabbits and squirrels. Adult RMWTs feed primarily on larger mammals, which can include dogs, humans and deer. This tick’s distribution is restricted to elevations of ~4,000 to 10,500 feet. We received RMWTs collected from both dogs and horses.

The ADT is the second large Dermacentor species tick found in Colorado. There were no historical records that the ADT was here, but vets submitted 143 of them to us [Figure 2]. This tick lives in wooded, shrubby and long-grass areas, but can also live in residential areas. For example, properties with shrubs, weeds, tall grass, clutter and debris can attract rodents that can in turn support tick populations. Although it is normally found on dogs, this tick will readily attack larger animals such as cattle, horses and people. In most of the U.S. the ADT is the primary tick vector of RMSF. Interestingly, though Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state, we have very few RMSF cases here.

PAG E 24 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

Figure 1. 92 adult RMWTs were collected from dogs that had visited 20 counties in Colorado; 71 were female ticks, the majority of which had begun blood feeding.

Figure 2. Adult ADTs were collected from dogs that had visited 16 counties in Colorado; 117 were female ticks, the majority of which had begun blood feeding.

We learned that the BDT is broadly distributed in Colorado when vets submitted 43 samples from 13 counties [Figure 3].

The BDT can generally be found throughout the US, from coast to coast, but we have now formally documented its presence here. This tick is recognized as a serious pest species as it can complete its life cycle in the domestic or peridomestic environment. BDTs can infest dog kennels and residential homes in very high numbers. Thus, it was not surprising to find that dogs from which BDTs were collected had not left their homes or yards, or had only been in municipal settings such as parks.

Continued on next page

CV M A VO ICE

SCIENCE UPDATE Continued from previous page

from those samples to any population level measures such as yearly survival of immatures. We are missing data regarding seasonality, because we are ultimately basing our sampling on human behaviors, such as when people take their dogs to be exposed to ticks. Finally, the location where the tick was acquired was often imprecise or missing on the submission forms so we were not able to assign specific locations for about 6% of ticks submitted.

The first year of this tick passive surveillance program was very successful in establishing a baseline presence and distribution for Colorado’s three medically important ticks. We hope that veterinarians are able to use the information presented to inform their veterinary practice, and engage pet owners in using tick control products. This will help to reduce companion animal parasitism and opportunities for disease transmission. We also hope pet owners will become more aware of ticks, and will be inspired to protect themselves as well. n

Figure 3. Adult BDTs were collected from dogs from 13 counties in Colorado.The majority were females, which had begun blood feeding.

Males and two nymphs were also collected.

We received three male and one female Dermacentor hunteri.

This is an interesting finding because this is a bighorn sheep tick.

All four of these ticks were collected from dogs in mountain counties. We received seven Dermacentor albipictus, the winter tick, mostly from dogs and a horse. The winter tick is usually found on moose and elk and can parasitize moose in such large numbers as to endanger their health. We received one Haemaphysalis species tick, which was exciting because these species generally have high host specificity. This was likely Haemaphysalis leporipalustris, a common lagomorph-associated tick in Colorado involved in transmission of tularemia amongst these animals. It was found on, but not attached to a dog. Spinose ear ticks (Otobius megnini) were collected from across the state from horses, dogs and a kitten. We also received a seedpod and lice from dogs, and deer keds from a fawn.

We received ticks collected from dogs that had traveled out of state with their owners. These imported ticks included one Ixodes scapularis nymph from a dog that traveled to Ohio with its owners, and 12 Lone Star ticks (LST; Amblyomma americanum). Of the 12 LSTs, 11 were female and some had laid eggs in their shipping containers. The Lone Star ticks came from dogs that entered the Colorado shelter system from out of state, or traveled with their owners. States where dogs picked up Lone Star ticks included Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nebraska and Kansas.

There are several limitations to interpreting this data on our native ticks. First, it is not systematic but opportunistic. This means we cannot infer much about the tick population being sampled. For example, we have presence data only. Do areas from which we did not receive ticks not have ticks? For this kind of non-systematic sampling, we simply do not know the answer to that question. Also, our sampling is life stage specific, looking only at questing adult stage ticks – again, we cannot extrapolate CVMA Voice 201 6: 3 | PAGE 2 5

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SCIENCE UPDATE Get the Most from Your Bovine Serology Christie Mayo, DVM, PhD, CSU VDL Virology Section Head

The most common reason the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab sees clinicians submitting bovine serology is to deduce the etiologic agent for either bovine respiratory disease or bovine abortion. Serological assays—which by definition involve not only detection of specific changes in the serum, such as antibodies to the pathogen produced by the host, but also antigens of the infecting agent itself or its components—have commonly been used to diagnose viral infections. However, today’s ubiquitous exposure of cattle in the United States, both naturally and by vaccination, has made serology difficult to interpret.

Here are a few ideas to help you get more out of this traditional diagnostic tool. Keeping these ideas in mind will help maximize your use of diagnostic testing, allowing for the time to make a reasonable diagnosis and easing the frustration of limited information you receive from a single titer.

Test selection is paramount. If a practitioner is going to embark on the journey of using serology to help diagnose disease, it’s prudent to make an appropriate selection of animals based on diseases affecting the herd and their timing.

It is imperative to remember the type of test performed depends on the herd history. For example, if type II BVDV was isolated from a fetus or calf in the herd, type II BVDV serum-neutralization tests might be indicated. An animal infected with type II BVDV generally will have lower antibody titers to type I BVDV. In regard to timing, screening of young, unvaccinated cattle between 6 and 12 months of age may be useful in determining if viral pathogens have recently been or are currently circulating in a herd. Serological assays are also available to help differentiate exposure.

Paired sera still matter. In individual cattle thought to have acute exposure in a herd, there’s still no comparison to the traditional uses of serological assays for diagnosing viral infections through paired acute and convalescent sera. In cases of acute illness, paired acute and convalescent serum samples are more likely to be useful information than a single sample. A single SN titer is PAG E 26 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

unlikely to yield definitive information since it does not distinguish between current infection, previous exposure or vaccination. If a virus is involved in the disease, a four-fold increase in titer will be observed over time, which can be benchmarked against.

It’s important to remember that because the serum neutralization assay, the most commonly used method for detecting viral antibodies, measures the ability of antibodies in test serum to neutralize a reference viral isolate, some within-lab titer variations may exist over time. For that reason, it is important to submit those paired acute and convalescent sera simultaneously.

Titers to different pathogens can differ substantially depending on the antigenic exposure.

Look for additional comparisons. Even paired acute and convalescent serum samples from an aborting cow rarely will show a change in titer, because cows infected with BVDV and BHV-1 abort weeks to months after infection. Therefore, it may be more useful to compare SN titers from cows with healthy calves to the titers of cows that have aborted. Fetal serum samples can be helpful in some cases. If the fetus was infected during the last half of gestation, it may have made antibodies to the infecting virus. n Reprinted with permission from CSU LabLines.

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IN PRACTICE Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians Update Juliebeth Pelletier, CACVT Executive Director

The Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) holds certification renewals for Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) in the summer of every even-numbered year. Please visit the CACVT Certification Directory to ensure that your staff members have renewed their certifications for the July 1, 2016–June 30, 2018 certification cycle. You can access the CACVT Certification Directory from the CACVT.org homepage or using this case sensitive link: bit.ly/CACVTdirectory. CACVT also recommends checking the online certification directory when onboarding new hires. This directory is a valuable resource for employers, CVTs, and clients!

About CACVT

CACVT is the credentialing entity and professional association for Certified Veterinary Technicians in Colorado.

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• CACVT is one of the few state credentialing entities to offer a public online certification directory, listing all current CVTs. About Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs)

All CVTs in Colorado have met the following minimum eligibility requirements: • Graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Accredited Veterinary Technology Program (minimum BS or AAS) • Passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), as administered by the American Association of ­Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) • Applied for CVT certification with CACVT • Maintained certification renewal and continuing education requirements biannually throughout their career For more information about CACVT, certification and membership, or continuing education events and offerings, please visit CACVT.org. n

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IN PRACTICE Giving and Receiving Feedback and How to Get Really Good at It Rebecca Rose, CVT CATALYST Veterinary Practice Consultants

As managers, team leads, and veterinarians, giving and receiving feedback can be a tough row to hoe. I recently asked a room of veterinarians, managers, and technicians, “By a show of hands, who is good at giving and receiving feedback?” One hand went up right away and one other hand slowly, reluctantly lifted. Two hands in a room of 80! We have a way to go.

Is it any wonder we feel ill prepared to offer and receive feedback? Similar to learning active listening skills, we are not taught how to “do” feedback. Yet, in all work environments, feedback is crucial to individual and team success.

“Giving and receiving feedback is uncomfortable at first. The solution? Learn good techniques and do this often so it becomes part of the practice’s culture. In work environments where feedback is continual and appropriate, most people expect and welcome the opportunity to improve,” states Dr. Carin A. Smith in her book, Team Satisfaction Pays: Organizational Development for Practice Success.

I feel we have a difficult time giving feedback because of the way we tend to receive it—challenging the way we are doing something. This may stem as far back as childhood, when we were continually being told how to behave, react, learn, excel, and achieve things. Some parents, teachers, or managers may have not been the “poster child” or “shining light” in giving feedback. Regardless of your past, now is the time to make amends, and learn how to give and receive feedback.

In her article “How Feedback Can Help Performance Anxiety” Dr. Jane Shaw writes, “Filtering out the negative distortion and selecting helpful information takes patience and practice. It is a delicate dance of determining what we heard and what was actually meant.”

A delicate dance, indeed! Keep that in mind, whether you are spooning out the feedback or being fed the feedback.

Feedback is defined as information about performance of a task that can be used as a basis for improvement. It is simply information; however, it can be distorted. To help in delivering feedback, follow these five tips: 1. Create Safety. In order for people to be able to accept feedback, there needs to be a certain level of trust and comfort. Ideally, teams trust each other, allowing for continual feedback (give and take) in performance and professional development. Opportunities that build confidence and skills are the best. Approaching the “teachable moment” in the spirit of support and improvement is far better than being mean or trying to prove someone right or wrong. Most often, feedback is best given one-on-one, during a time when a sincere conversation can occur.

2. Be Specific. Sugar coating feedback may create confusion. Be clear in the expectation. As an example of sugar coating, “Casey, you do a great job, but I wish you PAG E 3 0 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

would arrive on time.” A better example may be, “Casey, I noticed you showed up late this morning. Is anything wrong? (pause and listen) It is important you arrive on time, punching in at 8:00.” When you ask a question at the beginning, you are allowing for an inquiry to verify the circumstances. Follow up with solutions or suggested behavioral changes.

3. Timely feedback. Waiting to give three months’ worth of feedback during performance reviews is inappropriate and downright rude.Your team members will benefit from timely, in-the-moment (when appropriate), corrective feedback. As an example, a new hire is shown the sterile strip indicator goes on the top of the surgical pack. Upon opening a surgical pack the new hire put together, the sterile strip indicator is under the instruments. The trainer, in the moment, will point out the discrepancy, reiterate the reasoning for the indicator to be on top, replace the pack (if necessary), and continue to work through the day of surgeries. Ask if s/he understands the process and reason.

If this feedback is offered three months later, the moment is gone and the new hire is set up for failure, rather than success. When feedback is offered in the moment, that leaves the performance reviews to focus on career goals and collegial discussion.

4. Feeling unfairly criticized. There will be times when a team member feels they have been unfairly criticized. Inaccurate or ungrounded feedback leads to resentment. “This might not seem to be a big problem for bosses from the old school philosophy of ‘they’ll just have to get over it.’ It is, however, a big problem, because of the human desire for justice and for retribution,” states David Lee in his article, “Do You Know How To Give Constructive Feedback?” If this is the case, and a team member is feeling unfairly criticized, as a manager, allowing for continued, open dialog is imperative. Team members supported in conflict resolution will continue the conversation, finding common ground and solutions. When team members are not allowed to talk about their frustrations and feelings, the conflict will continue to brew, causing far more conflict.

5. Catch ’em doing something right. Giving reassuring, encouraging feedback is important. Catch your team members doing things right! For the team members that like positive reinforcement in front of others (some don’t!), acknowledge a job well done with others present.

Appreciation goes a long way! Be specific. As an example, “Tom, I saw you assist Mrs. Smith with her carrier and handle the umbrella this afternoon during the rain. I know how you are committed to client service, and I greatly ­appreciate it!”

Now, to flip the coin, and talk about receiving feedback—­ taking the information in as an opportunity for personal and professional development. Receiving feedback, with an open heart and mind, with patience and understanding, shows grit, leadership, and resolve. Remember, feedback can be a two-way street Continued on next page

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IN PRACTICE Continued from previous page

Further Reading

between team members, management, and leadership. Actively seeking feedback is a testament to leading by example. You may think you are behaving in one manner, but others perceive it differently (imagine that?!).

When you are the receiver, make sure you are understanding the message. “What I hear you saying is. . . .” Mirroring the statement will help in understanding. Remember to keep your emotions in check and consider the opportunity in professional growth. Soliciting feedback as a manager, team lead, veterinarian, or owner shows grit. Your team is watching the way you react and respond. Be aware of your actions and reactions to feedback.

I realize feedback can be tough, to give and receive, however, with practice, we can get better. Next time I ask a group of veterinary managers and leaders about giving and receiving feedback, maybe we can double the responses. 4 hands lifted in a room of 80! n

Five Steps to Giving Productive Feedback, Entrepreneur, http://www .entrepreneur.com/article/219437 How Feedback can help performance anxiety, Jane Shaw, DVM, PhD, Lisa Hunter, LSW http://www.veterinaryteambrief.com/article /how-feedback-can-help-performance-anxiety Team Satisfaction Pays; Organizational Development for Practice Success, Carin Smith, DVM, https://www.aaha.org/professional/store /product_detail.aspx?code=tmstp&title=team_satisfaction_pays _organizational_development_for_practice_success#gsc.tab=0 Tips in Giving and Receiving Feedback, The Baird Group (human healthcare), http://www.baird-group.com/articles/10-tips-for -giving-and-receiving-feedback-effectively Center for Creative Leadership’s guidebook Feedback That Works: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/feedback-that-works /id447907465?mt=11

A partnership with you to provide the best care for them.

At VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital we consider ourselves to be an extension 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 • 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

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IN PRACTICE Key Performance Indicators: The Clinical Signs of the Health of Your Practice Wendy Hauser, DVM Peak Veterinary Consulting

As veterinarians, we are diligent about measuring and monitoring our patients’ vital signs. While well trained in assessing our patient’s wellbeing, we are not as attentive to the indicators of our practice’s health: • What are the “clinical signs” of a healthy practice?

• How often should you evaluate these crucial metrics?

• How do you know if they are within normal limits or if they indicate a less than favorable prognosis?

What are the “clinical signs” of a healthy practice?

There are certain measures of performance that practice owners and managers should be tracking. These can be obtained in two different ways: either through the practice management software (PMS) program or through independent data mining programs, such as VetSuccess.1 My personal preference is to combine both methods to obtain a more comprehensive snapshot of practice performance. Minimally, the following financial metrics should be routinely evaluated: Gross Revenue: Hospital revenue as well as each doctor’s production

Available from most PMS reports, these metrics inform about overall practice growth or decline. Generally, there are three ways to increase hospital and doctor revenue: 1. Increased patient visits 2. Increased Average Client Transaction (achieved by increasing fees or less missed charges) 3. Improved adherence by clients to recommendations Average Client Transaction (ACT)

This data is available on the PMS report and represents the total revenue divided by the number of invoices generated.

1. This calculation factors in all transactions including those generated by doctors during examinations and surgery, as well as those invoices for over-the-counter sales such as pet diets, shampoos and other products.

2. Be aware that if an invoice is generated for a no-charge item, such as suture removal, it will adversely impact this figure as it increases the number of transactions without increasing the income generated from those transactions.

Average Medical Transaction per doctor

Most PMS will calculate this based on each doctor’s medical transactions divided by the number of invoices credited to that doctor.

1. This is a useful metric to follow to compare the doctors’ individual financial performance year over year as well as to one another. It should be pointed out that financial performance is only one measure of an effective associate or partner, therefore it is important to assess all benefits that the veterinarian provides to the hospital in performance evaluations.

2. If used to compare doctors, the following factors should be considered: PAG E 3 2 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

Do the doctors work roughly the same number of hours in surgery and in appointments?

Surgical invoices tend to be higher than most invoices generated in office visits. If you have one doctor that performs surgery more heavily than the other doctors, it is expected that higher transaction amounts and lower numbers of invoices will result in a higher average medical transactions figure. {{Are Preventive Care Plans offered in the hospital and are they promoted evenly throughout the doctor team?

If payments for services are spread out monthly this will lower the individual transaction charge. Therefore, if one doctor has a higher adherence rate to preventive care plans than the other doctors, it will lower the average medical transaction for that doctor.

3. If there are large discrepancies in either the year over year performance or between doctors with similar schedules then additional factors should be examined, such as the opportunity for additional coaching or training of the underperforming doctor as well as an evaluation of how appointments are being scheduled. Is one doctor being preferentially booked with the more difficult, and therefore likely more diagnostically involved, cases? {{

Active clients

An active client is defined as a client that has received services from your hospital in the preceding 12 months.

1. Most PMS systems will calculate the number of active clients, although the time frame might vary from services received in the past 12 months to even up to 18 months. Verify the time frame with your PMS provider to understand what you are actually measuring.

2. Decreasing numbers of clients are problematic for hospitals as follows: {{Lower numbers of active clients will mean decreased caseloads and contraction of business, making it difficult to maintain current hospital staffing and expansion will be virtually impossible. {{This metric is one that is heavily evaluated when an owner is contemplating a practice sale. Lower active clients negatively impact practice value. {{The primary referral source for new clients is word of mouth, according to a 2014 AAHA study.2 In this study, participants cited that “60% of people looking for a new veterinary hospital trust word of mouth referrals over anything else.” Practices with less active clients will have less opportunity for these referrals, further lowering the growth potential of the hospital.

New clients

A new client is identified by PMS reports as purchasing product or services from your hospital for the first time in the designated time frame. Attracting new clients is critical to hospital success, as they: 1. Compensate for clients that have left your hospital. In the AAHA study cited in the active clients’ section above, 60% of clients reported looking for a new veterinarian in the past five years! Without new clients, veterinary hospitals will not be able to maintain their current client base.

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IN PRACTICE Continued from previous page 2. They become active clients, adding to the growth and value of your hospital. Additionally, they serve as great promoters of your practice through word of mouth referrals, ensuring continued growth.

Number of transactions (invoices)

This calculation is available on the PMS reports and indicates how many transactions, or invoices are generated during a specific time frame. This number is in part an indication of efficiency.

1. Is the appointment schedule under-utilized? If so, a frank discussion about whose role it is to “fill” the schedule should occur, in addition to methods to increase appointment scheduling such as forward booking and making overdue reminder phone calls. Additional marketing efforts might be needed.

2. If the appointment schedule is overbooked, are there missed opportunities for growth? Adding a part time or relief veterinarian would allow for increased appointment capacity and provide better services to clients whose pets need your services. This in turn creates a better hospital-client bond.

Number of transactions (invoices) per active client

This calculation is one that often needs to be performed manually and is determined by dividing the number of transactions (invoices) by the number of active clients. This is a very important metric in that it helps to measure how many times an active client visits your hospital during the time frame measured, which is usually annually for this metric. While having a large number of active clients is desirable, what really matters is how many times they seek your services.

1. If you have a large number of clients that seek veterinary services or purchase products once yearly they do not contribute to the overall growth of the practice.

2. By increasing the number of times a client visits your hospital, animal health care team members have more opportunities to bond with the client and provide a higher level of care to your patients.

3. Methods to increase this value include more complete medical recommendations, increased client adherence to the recommendations and forward booking of appointments.3 Percentage of revenue from unique profit centers

This data can be extrapolated from PMS systems and is actually presented in a chart format in VetSuccess reports. Percentage of income from profit centers usually reflect the culture and philosophy of the practice. For example, does your hospital heavily promote preventive care services? If so, it will be evident in looking at income from examinations, diagnostics and dentistry.

If you have doctors on your team that perform advanced surgical procedures, it will be reflected in the anesthesia, surgery and possibly diagnostic profit centers. It is important to understand which profit centers generate income for the following reasons 1. Are there changes over time in the profit center categories?

If so: {{Has there been a conscious change in hospital focus? {{Are clients less willing to adhere to recommendations?

Evaluate communication and client education, as well as team training.

Has there been a change in service offerings, such as a doctor that is passionate about dentistry or the departure of a doctor that performed advanced surgery?

2. Are your marketing efforts aligned with revenue from profit centers? For example, if preventive care plans are important to your hospital, what percentage of the revenue derives from the plans and how do you promote them?

3. How do you measure the outcomes of either increased hospital focus or marketing efforts? Evaluating changes in profit centers is one method to track changes. {{

Percentage of expense from unique expense categories

It is important to understand that productivity does not correlate with profitability. It is essential that leadership teams manage the expense side of the equation. Typically, the largest expenses in a veterinary hospital are payroll and Cost of Goods Sold (Inventory). Aggressively managing these expense categories, in addition to others, will help improve the profitability of hospitals.

Well managed hospitals can reinvest in current or upgraded facilities, equipment, medications and staff necessary to provide the best patient care and provide for the financial security of the practice, its owners and the staff.

How often should you evaluate these crucial metrics?

I recommend that practices minimally evaluate the above metrics on a monthly and annual basis. There are some metrics that might be “spot checked” throughout the month, such as gross revenue, ACT, number of transactions, number of clients seen and number of new clients obtained. This spot checking can provide for early detection of emerging trends and allows for corrective actions as needed.

How do you know if your results are within normal limits or if they indicate a less than favorable prognosis?

Compare your hospital’s profit centers, team productivity, and expense centers to industry benchmarks. One excellent resource is the AAHA Financial and Productivity Pulsepoints. Published every two years, this publication not only provides current benchmarks, but explains how they are derived and includes suggestions for improved performance. n Notes 1. http://vetsuccessinc.com/ 2. https://www.aaha.org/professional/resources/accreditation_ awareness.aspx 3. Forward Booking Appointments: Is Your Practice Benefitting? CVMA VOICE 2015:2 (pp 24–25)

About the Author: Wendy Hauser, DVM, established Peak Veterinary Consulting in January 2015 after working as an industry Technical Services Veterinarian. With a DVM from OK State in 1988, she has practiced for 28 years as an associate and owner.

She is highly engaged in AAHA, serving as a director and Vice President on the AAHA Board of Directors and currently serves as the AAHA delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. Dr. Hauser is a communications coach at CSU’s CVM. The co-author of The Veterinarian’s Guide to Healthy Pet Plans, she enjoys consulting and presenting workshops on hospital culture, leadership, client relations, and operations. She may be reached at drhauser@peak veterinaryconsulting.com.

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IN PRACTICE Easy to Implement Pet Behavior Policies That Will Benefit Your Practice and Your Patients Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB and Daniel Estep, PhD, CAAB Animal Behavior Associates, Inc.

We’ve worked with the veterinary medical profession and with pet owners for way more years than we like to think about at times! During those thirty-some-odd years, it seems there’s been ongoing encouragement or advocacy for veterinarians to incorporate “behavior” (sometimes very nebulously defined) into their veterinary practices.

Response to this advocacy appears to be mixed. Some veterinarians have embraced it whole heartedly, others agree with the message but don’t quite know the specific steps to take to “incorporate behavior” (whatever that might mean), while others are more dubious overall.

In this article, we’re going to suggest five concrete steps you can take to use information about behavior to improve your clients’ relationships with their pets, make patients easier to handle and staff safer, increase the chances of preventing behavior problems, and getting earlier interventions when needed from credentialed behavior and training professionals.

Encourage owners to stop yelling at their pets

During a recent in-home visit, an owner shocked us both by screaming at her dog to “Get off!” when the dog jumped on Suzanne. Dan, who was still outside, was worried something awful had happened because of the intensity of the owner’s scream.

The dog was just overly excited, not threatening or dangerous, and her owner’s scream caused her to flatten herself to the floor.

During another recent appointment, the owners were verbally correcting their dog for virtually everything. Don’t sniff that, don’t ask for attention, don’t go there, and on and on. There was no opportunity for the dog to engage in normal exploratory or friendly greeting behaviors.

While it’s somewhat natural for people to focus on what they don’t want from their pets, it is extraordinarily better for them to tell their pets what to do rather than what not to do. While this might not be the right approach all the time, it’s definitely an under-utilized response.

Instead of yelling “Get off!” the owner could have calmly called her dog, or asked her dog to sit. We suggest getting in the habit of doing the same thing when handling dogs in your practice. There are many reasons why this is a more productive approach, but to keep this article at a reasonable length, we’ll have to ask you to trust us on this one.

Abandon the “dominance model” for having a good relationship with dogs and preventing problems

There has been so much written that is readily available about the fallacy of “pack leadership” and “being alpha” over dogs that we’re surprised this mythology still persists. There’s so much that’s wrong with these ideas, but let’s focus on just a couple of PAG E 3 4 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

concrete recommendations. First, never, ever recommend or engage in “alpha rolls,” scruff shakes, or “dominance downs,” and discourage clients from using them. This is analogous to challenging a dog to a fight, which puts people at risk of being bitten, and makes the dog more defensive.

Instead, help clients evaluate what behavior the dog was engaging in that prompted them to try these techniques. If it was aggression toward a family member, getting physical with the dog only increases the bite risk. If the dog was resisting doing what the owner asked, this is a training problem, not a “dominance” problem, and the appropriate training procedures should be implemented.

To be clear, dogs can, and do, develop relationships or have interactions with each other that can be described as dominantsubordinate. Most dogs seem inherently predisposed to assume subordinate roles with people. Behavior problems such as food guarding, threats over access to space, or relinquishment of toys may or may not be related to social status. But even if they are, pet owners need to know that physical confrontations are not the way to resolve them. They, and you, do not need to show the dog who is boss.

Make it a point to start conversations about the pet’s behavior during every routine appointment and anytime your observe behavior “red flags”

We initially made this point over 12 years ago in our article on behavior wellness1. For any number of reasons, pet owners often don’t think to mention concerns they have about their pets’ behaviors. Even when people have been referred to us by veterinarians, we are often surprised by information we uncover in a behavior history that folks have failed to mention to their veterinarians. For example: Just because clients don’t mention concerns about their pets’ behavior, doesn’t mean there are not issues that could benefit from early intervention. Family dogs might be getting into regular skirmishes with each other, but if owners think this is normal, and no injuries have occurred, they might not see a reason to mention it. They will though—days, weeks, or months later when the conflicts escalate and somebody gets hurt.

Get in the habit of asking open-ended questions about behavior. “How are your cats getting along?” is a better question than “Do your cats fight?” Even better might be “Describe your cats’ relationships with one another.” While you could spend an hour that you don’t have asking about every aspect of behavior, we’d suggest using using the “What does your pet do when . . . ?” phrase as in the following examples.

What Does Your Dog Do When: 1. she’s left alone?

2. visitors come to your house?

3. children approach to pet her?

4. you need to take something away from her?

5. she encounters another dog during a walk?

To avoid “Yes” or “No” answers to questions about destructive and elimination behavior, consider asking “How often” or How frequently” rather than “Is your cat destructive?”

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IN PRACTICE Continued from previous page Vet and expand your behavior and training referral network

If you’re along the Front Range, there should be no problem identifying a certified trainer, non-degreed behavior consultant, or degreed behaviorist to partner with when your clients need training or behavior help you don’t provide in-house. In more outlying areas, many residents are accustomed to driving for specialized services, including those for serious medical or behavioral problems their pets may have. It’s rare that you couldn’t identify a behavior or training resource a client couldn’t get to a within a two- to three-hour drive.

For serious problems, if local trainers in small communities don’t feel comfortable working with, or following up after, the initial visit to a Front Range resource, the more experienced distance professional can coach both the local person and the client using Skype or other online platforms.

In general, certification from a reliable professional entity should be the starting place in vetting your referral sources.

Perhaps the best way to determine if a trainer, behaviorist, or consultant is right for your practice is to ask them to do an inservice presentation. While some folks may be great trainers but not so good at public speaking, they should still be willing to do a training demonstration or a Q&A session. Client feedback is always important as well.

3. When possible, use treats and food generously to help calm pets. For frightened—but not aggressive—pets, be willing to perform exams on the floor. Use exercise mats covered with towels to make a comfortable surface.

Finally, don’t feel as if you have to do it all when it comes to behavior. Start with little things that work for you and your staff.

But also don’t get stuck with out-of-date dominance based information or trainers who rely on punitive tools and techniques such as choke chains, pinch collars, and remote controlled shock collars; applying too much brawn in your handling and restraint methods; or taking too much of a “wait and see” approach when you or your clients identify behavior concerns. n Sources Hetts, S., Estep, D. and M.L. Heinke, 2004. “Behavior wellness concepts for the general veterinary practice.” JAVMA 225 (4): 506–513.

Stevens, et al., 2016. “Efficacy of a single dose of trazodone hydro­chloride given to cats prior to veterinary visits to reduce signs of transport- and examination-related anxiety.” JAVMA 249 (2): 202–207.

Implement as many components of the initiatives on pet-friendly veterinary visits as make sense for your practice

Several veterinarians we’ve talked to feel overwhelmed with all the recommended changes being promoted by the various initiatives. They are also worried about the extra staff and appointment time they feel some may require. We understand these concerns, but at the same time lowering patient stress while at the veterinary hospital has such win-win-win potential it can’t be discounted. If you don’t know where to start, we suggest the following: 1. With emergency situations being an exception, small animal restraint should require no more than two people. If the animal is panicking and can’t be controlled with two folks, it’s time to try other options. These options might include a Thunder Cap™ (formerly called a Calming Cap™), a muzzle, medication or chemical restraint, or rescheduling the procedure. This is particularly true for something like nail trims.

2. Help cat owners make the trip to the veterinary hospital less frightening for their pets. Too many cats arrive scared and defensive, making reasonable handling almost impossible.

Have owners spray a large towel with Feliway™, wrap the cat in it, and then put both in the carrier. Even better, give owners step-by-step instructions on how to acclimate their cats to carriers.You can find video instructions on this from the Catalyst Council at www.catalystcouncil.org/resources /health_welfare/cat_carrier_video/. A recent paper suggests pre-visit administration of trazadone may help make veterinary visits less stressful for cats2.

Welcome to Peak Veterinary Consulting Founded by Dr. Wendy Hauser,

Peak Veterinary Consulting offers veterinary practice management consulting including: 3 Business Operations 3 Culture and Team Building 3 Workshops & Seminars for Veterinary Hospitals and Veterinary Industry Partners 3 Competitive Market Analysis 3 Financial Analysis 3 Preventive Care Package Creation and Team Training The goal of these services is to improve operations, enhance your customers experience and, ultimately, improve the bottom line. Dr. Hauser’s knowledge and skills as a veterinarian—including building a successful hospital from the ground up—provide her real world experience with the joys, challenges, frustrations and responsibilities that we encounter with each day.

This unique insight provides the common ground needed to creatively help hospitals overcome the barriers that are stifling their success.

For more information: Please visit www.PeakVeterinaryConsulting.com or contact Dr. Hauser at drhauser@peakveterinaryconsulting.com CVMA Voice 201 6: 3 | PAG E 35

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CVMA NEWS

Welcome to your CVMA Chapter and District update page in the CVMA VOICE! Here you will find items of importance and interest for your chapter or district. If you have anything you would like to see included here, please send your items, information, or articles to camicacciatore@colovma.org.

CVMA DISTRICT 7 | COLORADO SPRINGS

CVMA is pleased to announce that CVMA District 7 | Colorado Springs will soon make the switch to CVMA chapter status.

As Chapter 7, Colorado Springs will continue with its current activities and members will still enjoy their district benefits as a chapter of CVMA, as well as new offerings created just for your chapter. Look to your representatives and upcoming communications, and for your CVMA membership renewal in early October. If you have any questions, please call the CVMA office at 303.318.0447.

CVMA CHAPTER 6 | DENVER AREA

Upcoming Impactions and Meetings Below you will find a list of upcoming Impactions. Please under­ stand that these events are subject to change. So add them to your calendar, but be sure to check the Chapter 6 | Denver Area page at colovma.org, where you’ll find a calendar of events and any updates or changes. Also look to your monthly chapter communication email from CVMA. Please come join us, meet other members, and make connections in 2016!

Finding Meaning in Veterinary Medicine Meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the third week of each month alternating between Tuesdays and Wednesdays as follows, and will be hosted by Dr. H. Howells.

Tuesday, October 18 Wednesday, November 16 Tuesday, December 20 Trivia Impaction NEW DATE! Wednesday, November 30 (7:00 PM) Glass Half Full 7301 S Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO 80120

Area Luncheon Update Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey on area luncheons and other Chapter 6 social activities. We’ve gone through the responses and read all of your comments and feedback.

So what did we find out?

You are busy! Your daily practice life doesn’t leave you much free time during the day to get away for an area lunch, no matter how much you enjoy connecting with your colleagues and hearing the latest Chapter 6 updates. In fact, the overwhelming majority of you (79%) said that you were okay with moving on from area lunches, especially if other social and education opportunities at more convenient times were made available.

As a result, CVMA Chapter 6 leaders are exploring the creation of all-area early-evening gatherings with an education component, and area lunches are being phased out. These all-area gatherings will be in addition to the monthly Impactions for outings like trivia night, ice cream socials, mushroom forays, ski tailgates, family events, and whatever other social events your area would like to hold.

For the rest of 2016, we will be phasing out area lunches gradually so they can continue where members desire to volunteer to host and plan them. We will make sure we keep you posted on schedules for any remaining lunches, through the usual email invitations and in the monthly Chapter 6 | Denver Area email you should be receiving the first Wednesday of each month (so be sure we have your most current email address).

Below is a brief summary of each area’s luncheon schedule through the end of 2016: Central Area: Lunches will continue through December 2016 as planned.

East Area: No additional lunches planned.

North Area: No additional lunches planned.

South Area: No additional lunches planned.

West Area: Lunches will continue as long as there are willing hosts. Watch your email for invitations per usual.

We encourage you to reach out to your area director if you would like to suggest an all-area gathering, or Dr. Jeff Fankhauser, chair of the Member Connections Committee, if you have ideas for future Impactions.

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CVMA NEWS Continued from previous page Again, thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you at CVMA Chapter 6 | Denver Area gatherings and Impactions!

Professional Development Series 2016/17 The CVMA Professional Development Series (PDS) is a longstanding cornerstone of continuing education in the Denver area.

Now, as part of CVMA’s rich portfolio of education offerings, preferred pricing is available to all CVMA members. Be sure to log in when registering online to receive your maximum discount!

PDS kicked off in September and this season offers essential topics in clinical education, featuring case-based, interactive sessions with experts sharing their experience and insights.

October 26, 2016 Use Hematology, Cytology, and Hemostasis to Aid in Diagnosis of Disease Susan J. Tornquist, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVP

November 9, 2016 The Use of Regenerative Therapies to Aid in the Treatment of Joint Disease James L. Cook, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, OTSC February 8, 2017 Ophthalmology for the General Practitioner: Tips from the Trenches Tammy Miller Michau, DVM, MS, MSpVM, DACVO March 8, 2017 Feline Internal Medicine: Using Case Based Examples to Improve Diagnostic and Treatment Success John R. August, BVetMed, MA, MRCVS, DACVIM April 12, 2017 What’s New in Pharmacology: Tackling Old Problems with New Ideas Dawn Merton Boothe, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal ­Medicine), ACVCP Visit the PDS page at colovma.org for more information and to register. n

CVMA CVA Program Grow Your Team—While Growing Your Bottom Line!

CVMA is proud to recognize and certify the designation of CVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA). The CVMA CVA program provides continuing education for veterinary medical personnel, enabling them to become more informed, skilled, and trusted members of the veterinary medical team.

This program was designed to help staff to pursue veterinary medicine as a career, not just a job.

Investing in your employees saves your practice from having to deal with less turnover for your practice and costly replacement and re-training efforts! To learn more and to enroll today, visit www.colovma.4act.com.

And coming soon: CVA Levels II and III. Contact Katie Koch, CVMA’s manager of membership engagement, at 303.539.7275 for more information.

Did you know? If you are a CVMA Premium or Core member, the $325 enrollment fee for the CVA program is waived as part of your membership level!

ANIMAL ALLERGY & DERMATOLOGY OF COLORADO We are excited to announce that we will be increasing coverage at all locations beginning October 2016!

Dr. Leigh Gray DVM, DACVD will be joining our practice this fall. We will be offering increased appointment availability at Animal Emergency & Specialty Center in Parker, CO.

2016 CVA Graduates Please join us in congratulating the newest graduate of the CMVA Certified Veterinary Assistant program!

Amanda Alexander, CVA I Cottonwood Veterinary Service Buena Vista, CO

We appreciate your trust in our care and look forward to continued partnerships! www.animalallergycolorado.com

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CVMA NEWS BIG Changes for the CVMA Website!

CVMA is pleased to announce that we have a brand-new website!

Not only does the new colovma.org have a bold, beautiful look, it offers a mobile-friendly, easy-to-navigate, intuitive experience to get you the information you need with just a few clicks.

From CE offerings to veterinary resources to programs and membership, everything you need is in one easy-to-use place!

And like any new adventure, the website is a work in progress.

Even after we launch, we will still be switching over pages and updating links and information, so let us know if you can’t easily find something you need and we’ll get you where you need to go or add the necessary resources.

We’re excited about the new colovma.org and we hope you will be too! n

CVMA Announces Online Marketplace In addition to the new website, CVMA has launched a brand new member service, the CVMA Marketplace, to help you connect with companies providing products and services for veterinarians.

The Marketplace features a simple, uncluttered interface connecting veterinarians directly to relevant business categories quickly. Members can easily locate companies to secure new products and services and even use the brand new RFP tool to quickly submit proposal requests directly through the site.

Whether you are seeking diagnostic equipment, services, medical devices, practice management services, or distributors, the CVMA Marketplace is your source to locate new vendors, products, services, and service providers easily and quickly.

Bookmark www.colovmamarketplace.org and utilize the site whenever you need competitive proposals or bids on products and services to help your practice run more efficiently or generate more revenue.

Please note CVMA offers listings as a convenience. Inclusion in the Marketplace does not imply CVMA’s endorsement or guarantee of any company, product, program, service, claim, or technique. n

CVMA CE West a Delight in Colorado Wine Country Summer education has never been so beautiful. In early June, registrants from across the state made the scenic trek to Colorado’s wine country—Palisade, a gem on the western slope—to begin a weekend of education while relaxing, touring the lush vineyards, and tasting (and purchasing!) local wines.

The meeting kicked off Friday evening, June 3, with a welcome reception for all paid attendees and their guests. With a Colorado blue sky and a beauty of a butte to welcome them, attendees and sponsors enjoyed Chef Dave’s delicious appetizers and a bit of the “grape” from Grand River’s fine wineries. After the reception, making our way to a beckoning rocker on the veranda or a lawn chair beneath the gazebo, “Live in the Vines” began with live music, a hot grill, and libations under the stars.

And what is a trip to wine country without a wine pairing dinner? Using local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and wines, Wine Country Inn’s executive chef created a special menu for CVMA attendees. This optional dinner sells out every year and this year was no exception! What a great way to connect with colleagues and get to know and thank sponsors for sharing (and making possible!) this great CE West meeting. Sponsored by Henry Shein PAG E 3 8 | CV M A Vo ice 2016 : 3

Animal Health, MWI Animal Health, Royal Canin, and Vetoquinol, this intimate meeting created quality time over three days for learning, eating, and relaxing.

Over the next two days, 70 attendees explored 12 hours of practical anesthesia and pain management continuing education content featuring Khursheed Mama, DVM, DACVAA and Eugene Steffey, VMD, PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA who alternated topics targeting the interests of small and large animal practitioners alike. Using case-based examples, attendees enjoyed highly interactive sessions: • Drugs Used in Equine Anesthesia and Analgesia • Sedation and Analgesia in the Peri-anesthetic Period • Anesthesia Induction and Maintenance Protocols • Peri-Anesthetic Respiratory System Support and Monitoring CVMA was very fortunate to have Dr. Mama and Dr. Steffey as presenters for the CE West program. It is only through the interest and cooperation of experts such as these that the CVMA has achieved recognition as a provider of superior educational programs.

CVMA CE West provided the perfect combination of professional education, wine-related events, and exceptional sponsor opportunity. Mark your calendar for June 2–4, 2017 and join us for CVMA CE West. n

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VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES

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LOOK FOR YOUR 2017 CVMA MEMBERSHIP INFO . . . COMING SOON!

Ready to enjoy the dog’s life?

It’s Time.

Most veterinarians only buy or sell a practice once.

We have specialized in veterinary practice sales for over 39 years.

The Simmons team consists of Brokers, Lawyers, CPA’s, Business Experts and Credited Valuation Analysts who are involved in hundreds of veterinary practice transactions every year.

Kathy Morris, CPA, CVA & David King, DVM, CVA Simmons Intermountain 303-805-7627 | kathy@simmonsintermountain.com