Cover_June_VT.qxp:1
5/20/08
8:40 AM
Page US1
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
CE Credit from Alfred State College, SUNY
Vol. 29 No. 6 | June 2008
DEBBIE REED, BS, RVT Shedding Light on Equine Medicine
DERMATOLOGY Managing Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats PARASITOLOGY Equine Strongylosis Visit us at www.VetTechJournal.com
Hills-Presription_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
9:34 AM
Page cvr2
Milo before 5/10/07
Milo after 9/15/07
IT’S NOT A MIRACLE, IT’S THE POWER OF NUTRITION
™
“Why do I believe in Hill’s® Prescription Diet® pet food? Milo was so obese, he desperately needed radical change. We started feeding him Hill’s® Prescription Diet® r/d® pet food, and it’s like we’ve rolled back time. He’s a lot more active now. He’s happier and healthier. I don’t think we could have done it without r/d pet food.” – Dale McKee, DVM, Fort Wayne, IN
Share your success story at FeedingIsBelieving.com
®/™ Trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. ©2008 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Circle 134 on Reader Service Card
EditorsLetter_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:41 AM
Page 321
GuestEditorial
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
Vol. 29 No. 6
June 2008
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Hilda Guay 267-685-2435 | hguay@vetlearn.com MANAGING EDITOR Jill Greshes 267-685-2484 | jgreshes@vetlearn.com EDITORIAL Liz Donovan, Assistant Editor 267-685-2448 | edonovan@vetlearn.com VETERINARY ADVISERS Dorothy Normile, VMD, Chief Medical Officer Beth Thompson, VMD, Medical Director SALES AND MARKETING Joanne Carson, National Account Manager 267-685-2410 | 609-238-6147 | jcarson@vetlearn.com Boyd Shearon, Account Manager 913-322-1643 | 215-287-7871 | bshearon@vetlearn.com Linda Costantini, Sales Representative 267-685-2422 | lcostantini@vetlearn.com DESIGN Michelle Taylor, Senior Art Director 267-685-2474 | mtaylor@vetlearn.com David Beagin, Art Director 267-685-2461 | dbeagin@vetlearn.com PRODUCTION Marissa Kuchta, Senior Production Manager 267-685-2405 | mkuchta@vetlearn.com Elizabeth Ward, Associate Production Manager 267-685-2458 | eward@vetlearn.com CIRCULATION Barbara Horan, Circulation Specialist 267-685-2440 | bhoran@vetlearn.com Gina Donnelly, Customer Service Supervisor 800-426-9119 x2 | info@VetTechJournal.com
PUBLISHED BY
780 Township Line Road • Yardley, PA 19067 PRESIDENT Derrick Kraemer EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ray Lender 267-685-2417 | rlender@vetlearn.com Indexing: Veterinary Technician ® is included in the international indexing coverage of Index Veterinarius (CAB International), Focus On: Veterinary Science and Medicine (ISI), SciSearch (ISI), and Research Alert (ISI). Article retrieval systems include The Genuine Article (ISI) and The Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. Yearly author and subject indexes for Veterinary Technician are published in December.
www.VetTechJournal.com
The First Specialty Academy Is Still Going Strong Leslie Carter, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC), who is the critical care services supervisor at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, has been involved with the Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT) since its beginning. She currently serves as president and has been a charter member since 1996. Leslie also developed the first certifying examination as exam committee chair and has served on the Board of Regents since 2000 and on various committees. Twenty years ago this September, at the first International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium, I was one of a handful of veterinary technicians from around the country who found themselves drawn together one evening in conversations that would ultimately have farreaching impact. We realized that we all shared an intense passion for our specialty and faced similar challenges as we sought to define our roles within the specialty. We were warmly welcomed by the veterinarians in our specialty community and openly recognized as a valuable part of the emergency and critical care team. No doubt, this played a large role in inspiring us to envision how we might advance the knowledge and skills of technicians within this “new” specialty, promote professionalism, and ensure high standards of care and practice for those involved in veterinary emergency and critical care nursing. In 1996, the first veterinary technician specialty certifying body — AVECCT — was born out of those early discussions, and AVECCT was soon followed by the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists, the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, and the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians. As technicians in other disciplines continue to advance their knowledge and skills and strive to improve standards of care, the number of specialty certification academies will grow. As of this writing, groups representing technicians within the specialties of behavior and surgery are in the process of organizing specialty academies. It takes many dedicated individuals countless hours on committees and in elected positions to make a specialty academy work, and AVECCT is no exception. Some of AVECCT’s biggest challenges involve conducting the ongoing business of the academy while maintaining the focus on its mission. A major focus for the future will be to educate stakeholders — pet owners, veterinarians, and technicians — and promote specialty certification as a means to enhance the standard of care for pets, add value to the veterinary practice, and encourage professional growth while increasing job satisfaction. Now, with more than 200 members, AVECCT is continuing to grow and improve the quality of veterinary emergency and critical care. For example, a new undertaking — an exciting collaboration with the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care — involves considering the prospect of certifying emergency and critical care practices through the development of accreditation standards. AVECCT has continued the work initiated 20 years ago by a handful of technicians with a common goal. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of this specialty, and I believe that the future of veterinary technology holds great things for those who pursue their passion to ensure the advancement of a profession they love.
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
321
Contents_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:44 AM
Page 322
Contents
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
June 2008
Volume 29, Issue 6 For the benefit of those who wish to participate in the CE Program, the peer-reviewed CE articles contained in Veterinary Technician® meet the standards set by Alfred State College for 0.5 credit hour. Documentation will be issued by Alfred State College, a State University of New York (SUNY) College of Technology.
334 Debbie Reed, BS, RVT, riding her horse Roanie.
All clinical articles are peer reviewed.
COLUMNS 366 Brushing Up on Dentistry Promoting Dentistry in the Veterinary Practice Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
369 Tech Life Sitting Down on the Job Karina Benish, RVT, CW2
370 A Question of Conscience Pamelia S. Mason
The Client Who Cried “Wolf!”
366 Dentistry Demonstration
334
Giving Back — A Talk with Debbie Reed, BS, RVT Liz Donovan Debbie Reed, BS, RVT, is unique in that she now teaches in the veterinary technology program at her alma mater. Read about how she has grown to love teaching and why equine medicine is so important to her.
342
Sea Otter Research and Conservation Marissa Viens, RVT In recent years, California’s sea otter population has grown so slowly that the species is considered to be in crisis. Learn about the efforts that researchers are taking to try to help the population thrive so that these marine mammals do not face extinction.
322
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
David Beagin
FEATURES ON THE COVER Debbie Reed, BS, RVT, shows student Ashley Heinze how to conduct a fluorescein eye stain test.
See page 334 Photographed by Pamelia S. Mason
www.VetTechJournal.com
Merial_Frontline_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
10:13 AM
Page 323
Kills Adult Fleas
Kills Flea Eggs
Kills Ticks Kills Flea Larvae
FAST 3
Grand Slam. FRONTLINE® Plus contains two powerful active ingredients that kill ticks and fleas (adults, eggs and larvae) to provide extra protection for pets. • Fipronil kills adult fleas in multiple ways (by working on at least 3 different sites in their nervous system),1,2 kills ticks, and keeps killing all month long. • (S)-methoprene kills flea eggs and larvae to break the flea life cycle. That’s how FRONTLINE Plus eliminates existing infestations and protects pets against reinfestation.
LASTS4
FRONTLINE Plus also: • Aids in control of sarcoptic mange infestations. • Rapidly eliminates infestations of chewing lice. • Is approved for use on breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs and cats, as well as puppies and kittens 8 weeks of age and older.
To stop fleas and ticks, your recommendation counts.
For more details, visit www.FRONTLINE.com 1
Zhao X, Yeh JZ, Salgado VL, Narahashi T. Fipronil is a potent open channel blocker of glutamate-activated chloride channels in cockroach neurons. J Pharm Exp Ther 2004;310(1):192-201. 2 Ikeda T, Zhao X, Kono Y, Yeh JZ, Narahashi T. Fipronil modulation of glutamate-induced chloride currents in cockroach thoracic ganglion neurons. Neurotoxicology 2003;24:807-815. 3 Data on file at Merial. 4 McCall JW, Alva R, Irwin JP et al. Comparative efficacy of a combination of fipronil/(S)-methoprene, a combination of imidacloprid/ permethrin, and imidacloprid against fleas and ticks when administered topically to dogs. J Appl Res Vet Med 2004;2(1):74-77.
Circle 183 on Reader Service Card ®FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of Merial. ®ADVANTAGE is a registered trademark of Bayer Healthcare. ®K9 ADVANTIX is a registered trademark of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft. ©2007 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. FLE07ADSGRANDSLAMPG.
Contents_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:46 AM
Page 324
Contents
342
Image Copyright Kim Worrell, 2008. Used under license from Shutterstock.com.
Sea Otter Research and Conservation
CE ARTICLES 350
Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats Amanda Gordon, BS, CVA When food allergies are suspected in a pet, clinicians usually recommend food elimination and challenge trials. Read about how technicians play an essential role in helping clients implement these food trials.
359
Equine Strongylosis Josh L. Clark, MS, RVT Equine strongylosis, which is a common disease among grazing horses, is caused by infection with large strongyles and cyathostomins. Technicians play an important role in educating horse owners about the most appropriate methods for controlling these parasites, including good pasture management and strategic deworming.
324
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Volume 29, Issue 6
DEPARTMENTS 321 326 328 330 331 358 372 374 375 376 377
Guest Editorial Information Page Author Instructions Tech News Industry Briefs Picture This! Tech Tips Product Forum Index to Advertisers Market Showcase Classified Advertising
359 Equine Strongylosis
This Month on the Web Download a Client Toothbrushing Handout (see page 366) Read an Extra Question from our interview with Debbie Reed, BS, RVT (see page 334) View a Video from the LSU team that worked on Molly the pony (see page 330) www.VetTechJournal.com
Courtesy of Joseph W. Camp, PhD, Purdue University
June 2008
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
NutramaxProviable_USE.qxp:Bayer Advantage Ad_USE
5/20/08
10:19 AM
Page 325
New from Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.
Naturally Reestablishing Intestinal Health
Multi-strain probiotic • Contains billions of beneficial probiotic microorganisms per daily administration, guaranteed. • Two formulations: • Proviable-KP paste with kaolin and pectin for acute phase of GI imbalance • Proviable-DC capsules for long term intestinal health support • Combination kits: • Convenient for clients • Easy to dispense
Proviable is available in: cat/small dog combo kits, medium/large dog combo kits and 80 count capsules. Contact your authorized Proviable distributor today, or call Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. at 1-800-925-5187.
2208 Lakeside Boulevard • Edgewood, Maryland 21040 1-800-925-5187 • nutramaxlabs.com
Circle 192 on Reader Service Card
InfoCenter_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
9:56 AM
Page 326
InformationCenter
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
How to Contact Us Want to submit a manuscript? Check on your subscription? Send feedback?
Editorial Office VLS/Veterinary Technician 780 Township Line Road Yardley, PA 19067 Editorial Comments Phone: 800-426-9119, ext. 2446 Email: editor@VetTechJournal.com Fax: 800-556-3288 Submissions Please make sure that your contact information (full name and credentials [if applicable], mailing address, email address, and daytime phone number) is listed clearly on all submissions. Please follow up on submissions if you have not received an acknowledgment from our editorial office within 4 weeks. Manuscript Inquiries and Submissions Phone: 800-426-9119, ext. 2435 Email: hguay@vetlearn.com Fax: 800-556-3288 All Other Editorial Submissions Phone: 800-426-9119, ext. 2446 Email: editor@VetTechJournal.com Fax: 800-556-3288 Tech Tip Videos Visit www.VetTechJournal.com/ sharetechtip to upload your video.
Circulation and Subscription Inquiries If you are moving, please notify us 6 to 8 weeks in advance to ensure uninterrupted service. Send us your current mailing label with your old address and the effective date of change. For address changes, subscriptions, and other matters, please contact us by: Phone: 800-426-9119, option 2 Email: info@VetTechJournal.com Fax: 800-589-0036 Web: www.VetTechJournal.com Advertising and Sales Joanne Carson Phone: 267-685-2410 Email: jcarson@vetlearn.com Boyd Shearon Phone: 913-322-1643 Email: bshearon@vetlearn.com Linda Costantini Phone: 267-685-2422 Email: lcostantini@vetlearn.com Classified Advertising Liese Dixon Phone: 800-920-1695 Email: VetTechClassifieds@vetlearn.com Web: VetClassifieds.com
Art Inquiries Phone: 800-426-9119, ext. 2461 Email: dbeagin@vetlearn.com
Our Mission Veterinary Technician is designed to support and actively promote the professional status and value of veterinary technicians and assistants in their own eyes, in the eyes of their colleagues and employers, and within veterinary medicine as a whole. Veterinary Technician® (ISSN 8750-8990) is published monthly by Veterinary Learning Systems, a division of MediMedia USA, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. Copyright © 2008 Veterinary Learning Systems. All rights reserved. Canada Post international publications mail product (Canadian distribution) sales agreement number 40014103. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to MediMedia, PO Box 7224, Windsor, ON N9A 0B1. Printed in USA. No part of this issue may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Periodicals postage paid at Morrisville, PA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: $46 for one year, $83 for two years, $119 for three years. Canadian and Mexican rates: $55 for one year, $102 for two years, $142 for three years. Foreign rate: $66 for one year, $119 for two years, $166 for three years. (All checks must be payable to Veterinary Learning Systems in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. branch of a U.S. bank.) Selected back issues are available for $8 each (plus postage). Reprints are available for all Veterinary Technician articles; call 800-4269119. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Learning Systems, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067.
326
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Vol. 29 No. 6
June 2008
EDITORIAL BOARD Elaine Anthony, MA, CVT Kimberly Baldwin, LVT, VTS (ECC) Andrea Battaglia, LVT Dawn Bennett, DVM Tracy Blais, AS, BS, MEd, CVT Kathy Bliss, BS, LVT David Bolette, RVT, LATg Susan Bryant, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia) Melvin C. Chambliss, DVM Mindy Cohan, VMD Christina A. Cornelius, LVT Elizabeth G. Davis, DVM Harold Davis, Jr., BA, RVT, VTS (ECC, Anesthesia) Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM Cheryl Holloway, RVT Tara Lang, BS, RVT Pepi F. Leids, DVM Donna Letavish, CVT Heidi Lobprise, DVM Rosandra (Rose) Manduca, DVM Betty A. Marcucci, VMD, MA Tracey M. Martin, LVT Laura McLain Madsen, DVM Trisha McLaughlin, CVT Kathryn E. Michel, DVM, MS Christopher Norkus, BS, CVT, VTS (ECC, Anesthesia) Jody Nugent-Deal, RVT Kristina Palmer-Holtry, RVT Karl M. Peter, DVM Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS Virginia Rentko, VMD Nancy Shaffran, RVT, VTS (ECC) Julie Shaw, RVT Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, RVT P. Alleice Summers, DVM Mary Tefend, MS, LVT, VTS (ECC) Kelly Towne-Collins, AAS, LVT Ann Wortinger, LVT, VTS (ECC) Any statements, claims, or product endorsements made in Veterinary Technician are solely the opinions of our authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or Editorial Board.
www.VetTechJournal.com
CanadianNews_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:48 AM
Page 327
CanadianNews
Continuing Education
Courtesy of CAAHTT
SEPTEMBER
CAAHTT recently honored Gavin Hamilton, PhD, DVM, DACVS, with a Special Contribution Award. Dr. Hamilton has worked in veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, and during this time, he has played a vital role in creating accreditation programs for veterinary technicians. In 1966, while working in private practice in Saskatoon, Lucille Landals, AHT, member Saskatchewan, Dr. Hamilton deof the CVMA’s AHT/VT Program termined that trained support staff Accreditation Committee, presents Gavin Hamilton, PhD, were needed to assist veterinariDVM, DACVS, with CAAHTT’s ans in the clinic. So he worked Special Contribution Award. with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association to pursue the possibility of formally training veterinary support staff in an educational institution, with a curriculum that included practical, hands-on applications as well as academic work. In 1975, Dr. Hamilton collaborated with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), securing its endorsement of accreditation for animal health technologist/veterinary technician (AHT/VT) programs in Canada, and he single-handedly developed the policies and procedures for accreditation. In 1992, Dr. Hamilton supported CAAHTT representation on the CVMA’s AHT/VT Program Accreditation Committee. Currently, there are 17 CVMA-accredited programs in Canada that are overseen by the AHT/VT Program Accreditation Committee. Dr. Hamilton is the chair of this committee, which also includes two technicians. In this position, Dr. Hamilton works closely with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s accreditation committee so that technicians’ accreditation is accepted in both Canada and the United States — an effort that was approved in 2006. With this award, CAAHTT wishes to thank Dr. Hamilton for his devotion to the veterinary technology profession.
Lifelearn, Inc., Continuing Education: Advanced Emergency and Critical Care Nursing — September 6, Calgary, Alberta. In this 1-day intensive course, Andrea Steele, BSc, VTS (ECC), will discuss nursing techniques designed to maximize success when dealing with emergent arrivals and their ongoing care. Topics will include patient assessment and triage, stabilization, and critical care techniques, with detailed discussions on fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, pain management, monitoring techniques, and blood gas interpretation as well as cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation. Visit www.lifelearn.com for details. Toronto Academy of Veterinary Medicine: Quality Films and Techniques and Tips for Performing Contrast Studies — September 10, Dave and Buster’s, Toronto, Ontario. This presentation will focus on radiographic techniques designed to obtain the best-quality films and on the contrast procedures that are most useful in general practice. For more information, visit www.tavm.org. For more CE opportunities, visit www.caahtt-acttsa.ca and the Conference Calendar at www.VetTechJournal.com.
PROVINCIAL NEWS SASKATCHEWAN The SAVT is requesting nominations for its Award of Merit and its Appreciation Award, both of which will be presented at the Annual General Meeting and Conference banquet in November. Nominees for the Award of Merit should be active members of the SAVT, work in the field of animal health, and have made a significant contribution to the profession through outstanding performance and dedication. Current SAVT executive members are not eligible for this award. Nominations must be received by July 1. The Appreciation Award recognizes individuals who support, provide recognition for, and assist with the ongoing development of the SAVT. Nominees can include any individual who has made a significant contribution to the SAVT. The deadline for this award is September 1. More information on these awards, including nomination forms, is available at www.savt.ca.
In our continuing efforts to bring the most relevant news to Canadian technicians, Veterinary Technician has teamed up with CAAHTT.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
327
AuthorInstructions_June_VT:VT
5/28/08
2:26 PM
Page 328
Basic Guidelines for
g an Article for n i t i r W
Veterinary Technician
®
Getting Started Before you begin writing, contact our editorial office to make sure that an article on your particular topic is needed and that no other author is writing on the same subject.
How to Avoid Plagiarizing Keep in mind that when you are referencing a statement from a published source, the statement must be reworded so that it is different from, but has the same meaning as, the original statement. For example: Original source — Very young kittens (0 to 8 wk) are very susceptible to infection with FeLV. Cats older than 16 weeks are less likely to be infected, but cats of any age may acquire FeLV, particularly through prolonged contact. Plagiarism — Kittens that are 8 weeks of age or younger are very susceptible to infection with FeLV.1 Cats older than 16 weeks are not as likely to become infected, but cats of any age may acquire FeLV, particularly through prolonged contact.1
Updated February 2008
Acceptable rewording — Newborn kittens (≤8 wk of age) are more susceptible to FeLV infection than are adult cats; therefore, they have the greatest risk of infection if exposed to the virus.1 However, any cat that has prolonged contact with an FeLV-positive cat may contract the virus.1
328
Format Manuscripts should be typewritten and double-spaced. The paper must be submitted electronically via email or on a disk compatible with Microsoft Word 6.0 or better. The paper should include headings where appropriate. The maximum length of manuscripts is 5,000 words. Shorter manuscripts are also welcome. Trade Names Trade names are generally not to be used in the text unless mention is essential and fair representation is made of all available products. Footnotes Any explanatory notes or personal communications should be footnoted using alphabetic superscripts within the text. Review Articles All review articles must be accompanied by a 10-question, multiple-choice quiz that tests the reader’s comprehension of the main points of the article. True/False questions should not be included. References All points discussed in the text of review articles and clinical columns must be documented by references cited with numbered superscripts in the text. References should be listed in order of citation in the text — not alphabetically. Journal articles, clinical textbooks, and conference proceedings are suitable references. Web sites are acceptable; however, only sites associated with legitimate, unbiased groups or organizations (e.g., universities, government organizations, reputable national associations) should be used.
Editorial Correspondence For topic availability and questions, contact: Hilda Guay, Executive Editor Email: hguay@vetlearn.com Phone: 800-426-9119, ext. 2435 Fax: 800-556-3288 Mail: VLS/Veterinary Technician 780 Township Line Road Yardley, PA 19067
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Photographs and Illustrations Submission of highquality photographs, slides, electronic images, or line drawings that help clarify the subject matter is encouraged. All original material will be returned to the author upon request. The publisher cannot be held responsible for original material, however, and authors are advised to keep duplicates of all original artwork. Electronic images should be provided as individual JPG or TIF files at a minimum size of 4 × 4 inches and a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. You must obtain written permission from the original source for any figures, diagrams, etc., that you do not own the rights to. For more detailed information about image submission, call 800-426-9119, ext. 2461. Ancillary Visuals Tables, boxes, sidebars, and diagrams that help to explain or clarify the text can be submitted with the manuscript. These items cannot be taken from other sources unless they are modified or written permission is obtained from the original source. A glossary should be provided for all review articles and clinical columns. Web Content Authors are encouraged to provide additional material (client handouts, additional tables or boxes, figures, short case reports, videos) for inclusion on VetTechJournal.com. Review and Approval All clinical articles will be reviewed by at least two acknowledged experts in the appropriate field of medicine. Controversial subjects will be clarified by editorial commentary. The Veterinary Technician® editorial staff reserves the right to make revisions in text when appropriate. All manuscripts are edited for content, clarity, and style. Authors are given an opportunity to review edited manuscripts before publication. Honorarium and Author Information The contact author receives an honorarium (the amount of which depends on the type and length of the article) in addition to 10 copies of the issue in which the article or column appears. Make sure to include your contact information and availability upon manuscript submission. Please also list your degrees and your affiliation and its city/state location.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Merial-Vaccines_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
9:50 AM
Page 329
YOU KNOW dogs.
WE KNOW
safe, rapid protection is important to you. The foundation of CORE protection is safe, effective
Efficacy of RECOMBITEK Distemper Vaccine1
vaccination against distemper. RECOMBITEK® canine vaccines never compromise on distemper. Here’s how:
%Protection from Mortality
Contains core antigens recommended in AAHA Guidelines .
100%
• No whole distemper virus • No adjuvants • No risk of post-vaccinal encephalitis, shedding, or reversion to virulence
2
• Comprehensive humoral and cell-mediated immunity
60 40 20 0
• Proven, trusted protection
2
Paul MA, Carmichael LE, Childers H, et al. Report of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Task Force: 2006 AAHA canine vaccine guidelines. Available at: http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/About_Guidelines_Canine06.html. Accessed December 1, 2006. ®RECOMBITEK is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2008 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. REC08CNCANONEPGAD.
Ask your Merial Representative about flexible RECOMBITEK core vaccines that fit your protocols without compromise. To order Merial vaccines, contact your Merial Sales Representative or call 1-888-Merial-1 (1-888-637-4251). For more information visit www.merial.com.
100%
80
14% Unvaccinated RECOMBITEK Controls Distemper Vaccinates
1 Pardo
MC, Bauman JE, Mackowiak M.Protection of dogs against canine distemper by vaccination with a canarypox virus recombinant expressing canine distemper virus fusion and hemagglutin glycoproteins. AJVR 1997;58(8):833-836.
Your knowledge. Our science. Their health. Circle 173 on Reader Service Card
TechNews_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:26 AM
Page 330
TechNews
Injured Pony’s Survival Inspires Many
330
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Courtesy of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
hen Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana in August 2005, Molly, a 15-year-old gray-speckled pony, was abandoned by her owners. After several weeks, she was rescued by Kaye Harris, owner of Pony Paradise — a haven for small ponies in St. Rose, Louisiana. However, after only a brief time in her new home, Molly was attacked by a rescued pit bull. She suffered severe lacerations on her head, neck, abdomen, and right front leg. Molly’s head, neck, and abdominal wounds healed well under the care of local veterinarian Allison Barca, DVM; however, her leg became infected, and it appeared that the blood supply to the lower part of the limb had been lost. Harris and Dr. Barca contacted Rustin Moore, PhD, DVM, DACVS, director of the Equine Health Studies Program at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. After evaluating Molly, Dr. Moore determined that the only option was amputation of the injured leg below the knee, but LSU veterinarians had never performed this procedure on a horse. “Amputation is not commonly done on a horse because adult horses are not very good at living on three legs — the opposite leg of the one missing usually fails,” Dr. Moore states. However, Molly showed great potential for survival. She shifted her weight so that she did not overload any of her three healthy legs, and she allowed veterinarians to handle and evaluate her. “Molly’s relatively small size and her attitude, intelligence, and courage were the biggest factors that led us to believe that she was as ideal a candidate as we could ever hope to have for this type of procedure.” In January 2006, Molly’s right front leg was amputated and replaced with a temporary prosthesis. While Molly’s infection was healing, Dr. Moore asked Dwayne Mara, clinical perfusionist with the Bayou Orthotic and Prosthetic Center in New Orleans, to design a permanent prosthesis. Although Molly was Mara’s first equine patient, the first prosthesis was a success, and Mara has continued to revise the artificial leg to improve its fit and comfort. Later that year, Molly returned to Pony Paradise, where she jogs and canters as if she had no disability. “The prosthetic device is amazing,” says Dr. Barca. “It has given Molly a On whole new life.” the Web! Molly’s new life includes visiting children’s View a Video from the LSU hospitals, shelters, nursing team that worked on Molly at homes, and rehabilitation www.VetTechJournal.com. centers. More recently,
Courtesy of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
W
(Above) Ky Mortensen, director of advancement for the Equine Health Studies Program at LSU, closely inspects Molly’s prosthesis. (Right) Kaye Harris removes Molly’s prosthesis to give her a leg rub.
Molly became the subject of a children’s book, Molly the Pony, published by Hoofcare Publishing. “It’s obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life,” says Dr. Moore. “She survived the hurricane and a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.”
A Worthy Cause... Veterinary Technician® will make a donation to the “Molly Fund,” which has been established as part of the LSU Foundation. This nonprofit charitable fund will be used to improve the health and well-being of horses such as Molly through the advancement of equine veterinary medicine. To make a donation, write “Molly Fund” on your check’s memo line, and mail to Ky Mortensen, Director of Advancement, Equine Health Studies Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. If you would like to submit to A Worthy Cause, contact editor@VetTechJournal.com.
www.VetTechJournal.com
TechNews_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:27 AM
Page 331
IndustryBriefs S TAT E N E W S COLORADO Julie Burgess, CVT, was named Technician of the Year at the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) spring conference in April. In 2001, Julie earned her associate’s degree in veterinary technology from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology after working for 10 years in another field. She currently works as the technician supervisor at the Franktown Animal Clinic in Franktown, Colorado, and as a veterinary technician at the Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Parker. In the nomination letter, the staff of the Franktown Animal Clinic wrote, “Julie is excellent at guiding us and helping us get the job done. Her people skills are as perfected as her technical skills.” The CACVT Technician of the Year Award is given to an individual who demonstrates a remarkable overall attitude while performing his or her job in a competent and professional manner.
The CACVT has announced its new executive board: Cecilia Garza, CVT, RVT (president); Julie Willer, CVT (vice president); Jasmin Robinson, CVT (secretary); and Kelly Miller, CVT (treasurer). The board will begin its 2-year term on June 28. RHODE ISLAND Starting September 13, the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) will launch the Walk ’N Wag Challenge, a statewide initiative to promote exercise and weight loss in pets. During the 12week challenge, owner-and-dog teams will compete by tracking both weight loss and distance walked. The RIVMA will encourage participants to visit their veterinarian’s office to be weighed; therefore, veterinary technicians will play a crucial role in the initiative. More information can be obtained by emailing walknwag@rivma.org or by calling 401751-0944.
www.VetTechJournal.com
New Vetsulin Manufacturing Facility Approved To meet the growing demand for its insulin product, Vetsulin, Intervet/ Schering-Plough recently announced that it has secured approval to produce the product at another manufacturing facility, located near Munich, Germany. In March, Vetsulin was approved for a feline indication, and simplified Vetsulin dosing guidelines for dogs were implemented. The new stateof-the-art, sterile facility allows for increased production capacity and the flexibility to expand production based on demand. The new canine dosing guidelines can be found in the new Vetsulin package insert or by visiting www.vetsulin.com.
Merial Named AQHA Corporate Partner The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the world’s largest equine breed registry, has named Merial an official corporate partner. In addition, three of Merial’s products — GASTROGARD (omeprazole), ULCERGARD (omeprazole), and EQUIOXX (firocoxib) — have been named official AQHA pharmaceutical products. For more information on this partnership, visit www.aqha.com/partners.
OxyFly Receives EPA Approval Novartis Animal Health has announced that it recently received registration approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency for its newest fly-control product, OxyFly. This broad-spectrum insecticide controls adult flies as well as fleas, ticks, litter beetles, and cockroaches in areas containing livestock and poultry and in pet housing facilities. It provides rapid knockdown of adult flies as well as long-lasting residual activity. OxyFly is available in spray- and paint-on formulations, is odor-free, and has a low toxicity profile. For additional information about this product, visit www.flycontrol.novartis.com.
FDA Approves Convenia The FDA has approved Convenia (cefovecin sodium), Pfizer Animal Health’s new antibiotic, which treats common skin infections in dogs and cats. Convenia provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment in a single-dose injection. According to Pfizer, this injectable product will eliminate the need for pet owners to administer oral medications for common skin conditions, thereby decreasing future veterinary visits due to client noncompliance. For more information on Convenia, visit www.convenia.com.
See YOUR NEWS in the pages of Veterinary Technician®! Send story ideas to: Email: edonovan@vetlearn.com Fax: 800-556-3288
For meeting information, visit our online Conference Calendar at www.VetTechJournal.com.
Tech News is compiled by VLS Assistant Editor Liz Donovan. Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
331
Nutraceuticals_QC_VF0508_FNL.qxp:VT
5/20/08
11:35 AM
Page 332
Quick Course Beneficial Bacteria: A Primer on Probiotics and GI Health J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph
A balanced intestinal microflora is important to overall health. Benefits include a healthier immune system, better ability to digest nutrients, protection against pathogens, help with intestinal transit, and production of vitamins and growth factors for intestinal cells. An imbalance of intestinal microflora, by contrast, has been associated with many gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. In humans, the administration of probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, has shown promise in the management of numerous conditions, including antimicrobial-associated diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and nonspecific diarrhea.1–4 Dogs and cats may encounter many of the same syndromes that are potentially probiotic responsive. It is important to note, however, that the canine and feline intestinal tracts are different from the intestinal tract of humans or other species in which probiotics have been evaluated. Therefore, research should be conducted in dogs and cats. Recent studies involving probiotic therapy in dogs and cats have shown variable results. Probiotics have demonstrated effects on the GI bacterial population and immune function, which suggests that certain probiotics may be beneficial for certain conditions and thus may be an additional agent in the veterinarian’s armamentarium. What Are Probiotics? Probiotics are nonpathogenic “living organisms, which upon ingestion in
certain numbers exert health effects beyond inherent basic nutrition.”5 These organisms are usually lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. The mechanisms of action of probiotics are variable, complex, and incompletely understood. Various mechanisms may be involved, including competition with pathogenic bacteria for colonization sites on the GI mucosa and nutrients, production of specific antimicrobial factors, alteration of the microenvironment, reduction of local inflammation, and alteration of immune responses.6–10
mucus, and a variety of factors potentially associated with efficacy, including production of antibacterial factors. Because the intestinal microflora is highly variable between species, it has been suggested that the most effective probiotics should be organisms that occur naturally in that host. One study12 found multiple enterococcal strains in canine feces, two of which (Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis) were judged to be very suitable for use as probiotics based on properties such as adhesive ability and tolerance to bile and low pH (as found in the stomach). A more recent study isolated several lactic acid bacterial strains from canine feces that show potential for use in probiotic products.13 Research in cats detected multiple strains, including Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bifidobacterium, in feces.14
All Bacteria Are Not the Same Because each bacterial species and strain appears to provide different probiotic advantages, a mixture of bacterial strains may offer greater health benefits than a single strain alone. In fact, an in vitro study found that combinations of probiotics were better at reducing pathogen adhesion than single probiotic strains.11 Regardless of the number of organisms chosen, they must possess certain properties to have any chance of exerting a beneficial effect. Among these are the ability to survive acid and bile (as would be encountered in the In this illustration, probiotics (shown in blue) adhere to the GI wall, competitively excluding the pathogenic stomach and small intestine), bacteria (shown in red). By competing for colonization the ability to adhere to sites and nutrients within the GI tract, probiotics help intestinal cells or intestinal reduce or eliminate the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., maker of Proviable™. For information on new Proviable™ multi-strain probiotic products (formulated containing a prebiotic) for dogs and cats, please call 800-925-5187 or visit nutramaxlabs.com.
Nutraceuticals_QC_VF0508_FNL.qxp:VT
5/20/08
11:37 AM
Page 333
Do Numbers Count? While the optimal number of colonyforming units (CFUs, a measure of bacterial concentration) in probiotic products is still being evaluated, some opinion leaders suggest that higher numbers are important to ensure adequate colonization of these beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Therefore, products that offer bacterial strains with CFUs in the billions rather than millions or thousands may be more beneficial clinically. Microencapsulation may also be useful to protect organisms from gastric acid and increase viable numbers that reach the lower GI tract. While yogurt was the origin of the concept of probiotic therapy, there is little evidence suggesting that yogurt would be effective because of the strains present and the very low numbers. What About Prebiotics? Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), arabinogalactans, inulin, and mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), that may be administered with probiotics to help promote growth and survival of the probiotics.15 A study in dogs16 confirmed a benefit to administering a probiotic strain in conjunction with FOS over administration of the probiotic alone. Differences in Quality and Efficacy Because probiotics are not considered drugs, and therefore not regulated by the FDA, manufacturers are not required to demonstrate efficacy or necessarily provide specific lists of organisms present or their concentration in the product. Product quality is also an issue. In a 2002 study of 13 commercial probiotic products (eight for veterinary use and five for human use),17 not a single veterinary product with label claims contained the indicated organisms at the indicated concentrations. Likewise, some veterinary diets labeled to contain probiotics have also been shown not to meet the label claim.18 Veterinarians
In healthy animals, the microfloral population in the intestine is complex and dynamic but in balance: Beneficial bacteria dominate, while pathogenic bacteria are repressed to low numbers. When this balance is disrupted, the result is an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, which in turn causes signs of GI disease. Probiotics may help reestablish healthy intestinal microflora after imbalances and help prevent imbalances caused by: • • • • • • •
© VStock / Alamy
PROBIOTICS: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
Antibiotic use Dietary indiscretion Food sensitivities Stress due to travel and kenneling Weaning of or other stress in puppies and kittens Metabolic disturbances Immune system–related GI conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel conditions)
interested in probiotic products are encouraged to seek out major manufacturers with stringent research and manufacturing standards and to scrutinize probiotics as they would any treatment option. While additional research is needed to determine the specific effects of probiotics in animals, these beneficial bacteria may offer veterinarians a natural and safe short- or long-term option as part of a multimodal approach to the management of GI conditions and for the maintenance of intestinal health. REFERENCES 1. Sartor RB: Therapeutic manipulation of the enteric microflora in inflammatory bowel diseases: antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics. Gastroenterology 126:1620–1633, 2004. 2. O’Mahony L, McCarthy J, Kelly P, et al: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles. Gastroenterology 128(3):541–551, 2006. 3. Floch MH, Madsen KK, Jenkins DJA, et al: Recommendations for probiotic use. J Clin Gastroenterol 40:275–278, 2006. 4. Vanderhoof JA, Whitney DB, Antonson DL, et al: Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. J Pediatr 135:564–568, 1999. 5. Guarner F, Schaafsma GJ: Probiotics. Int J Food Microbiol 39:237–238, 1998. 6. Fooks LJ, Gibson GR: Probiotics as modulators of gut flora. Br J Nutr 88(Suppl 1):S39– S49, 2002. 7. Hatcher GE, Lambrecht RS: Augmentation of macrophage phagocytic activity by cell-free extracts of selected lactic acid-producing bacteria. J Dairy Sci 76(9):2485–2492, September 1993.
8. Sauter SN, Allenspach K, Gaschen F, et al: Cytokine expression in an ex vivo culture system of duodenal samples from dogs with chronic enteropathies: modulation by probiotic bacteria. Domest Anim Endocrinol 29(4):605–622, 2005. 9. Veir JK, Knorr R, Cavadini C, et al: Effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) on immune functions in cats. Vet Ther 8(4):229–238, 2007. 10. Benyacoub J, Czarnecki-Maulden GL, Cavadini C, et al: Supplementation of food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions in young dogs. J Nutr 133(4):1158–1162, 2003. 11. Collado MC, Meriluoto J, Salminen S: In vitro analysis of probiotic strain combinations to inhibit pathogen adhesion to human intestinal mucus. Food Res Int 40:629–636, 2007. 12. Strompfova V, Laukova A, Ouwehand AC: Selection of enterococci for potential canine probiotic additives. Vet Microbiol 100(1-2):107–114, 2004. 13. Beasley SS, Manninen TJK, Saris PEJ: Lactic acid bacteria isolated from canine faeces. J Appl Microbiol 101:131–138, 2006. 14. Inness VL, McCartney AL, Khoo C, et al: Molecular characterization of the gut microflora of healthy and inflammatory bowel disease in cats using fluorescence in situ hybridisation with special reference to Desulfovibrio spp. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 91(1-2):48–53, 2007. 15. Zoran DL: Diet and GI: What’s new in 2002. Proc ACVIM:538–540, 2002. 16. Swanson KS, Grieshop CM, Flickinger EA, et al: Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus modify gut microbial populations, total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal protein catabolite concentrations in healthy adult dogs. J Nutr 132(12):3721–3731, 2002. 17. Weese JS: Microbiologic evaluation of commercial probiotics. JAVMA 220(6):794–797, 2002. 18. Weese JS, Arroyo L: Bacteriological evaluation of dog and cat diets that claim to contain probiotics. Can Vet J 44(3):212–216, 2003.
This information has not been peer reviewed and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by, the Publisher or Editorial Board. The Publisher is not responsible for any data, opinions, or statements provided herein.
CoverStory_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:41 AM
Page 334
Cover Story
Giving Back A Talk with Debbie Reed, BS, RVT Liz Donovan Veterinary Learning Systems
N
334
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Pamelia S. Mason
OT MANY technicians get the opportunity to teach at their alma mater. But Debbie Reed, BS, RVT, has been given that chance. At Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, she educates veterinary technology students about equine medicine while inspiring them to promote the profession. As a student, Debbie played a vital role in starting the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association (OVTA) and has since held each office in the OVTA. By being an active association member and educating new generations of technicians, she hopes to increase the public’s recognition of and appreciation for technicians. “It is so critical for technicians to be viewed and utilized as vital members of the health care team,” Debbie says. “For this to happen, the public needs to understand the technician’s role in the veterinary clinic.”
www.VetTechJournal.com
CoverStory_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:42 AM
Page 335
Cover Story
To help ensure that veterinary technology students receive the highest-quality education, Debbie serves as chairperson of the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which accredits veterinary technology programs. Here, Debbie tells us about her work on the CVTEA, her desire to promote the veterinary technology profession, and her love of teaching — a job she considers both challenging and rewarding. How long have you worked at Murray State College, and what positions have you held?
How did you become interested in working with horses?
I began working at Murray State in 1987, when I was hired as a clinical veterinary technician. In 1994, I was offered my current position as a veterinary technology instructor. I currently teach both small and large animal courses, but equine medicine is my passion.
I’m originally from Florida, where I grew up on a ranch. My parents have pictures of me riding a horse at 6 months old, and I’ve been riding ever since. When I was in college studying veterinary technology, I was required to do a preceptorship. It was only natural that I chose an equine assignment — I worked on a breeding farm in Texas. After that experience, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in equine medicine.
What is unique about equine medicine? Horses are massive animals, but medically, they’re very delicate. They are prone to a lot of secondary diseases. A horse that is being treated for colic could easily develop laminitis, which is a severely debilitating disease that often leads to death. Anesthesia on a horse is also different because of its size. Working with a 1,200-lb animal that is lying on its back under anesthesia is a unique experience.
What insight do you share with students regarding their career? I tell students that in my opinion, they have chosen one of the best professions in the world. At times, it can be a challenging profession to be in because of the lack of recognition, but it has grown tremendously
V I TA L S TAT I S T I C S D E B B I E R E E D Awards National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award (2007), Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Technician of the Year (1992)
Education BS in marketing, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK (1995); AAS in veterinary technology, Murray State College, Tishomingo, OK (1981)
Professional Associations Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (member), AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (chairperson, former vice chairperson), Murray State College Veterinary Technology Advisory Committee (member), Murray State College Veterinary Technology Alumni Association (chairman), NAVTA (member), Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association (treasurer, past president, past vice president, past secretary) Debbie lives with her husband, Marc, and their 16-year-old son, Justin, on a 160-acre ranch. The family has five dogs, including a Jack Russell terrier (named Sweeper after his habit of chasing the broom), two Pembroke Welsh corgis (Pete and Dottie), a Great Dane (AJ), and a blue heeler (Cinch). The ranch is also home to 12 horses, about 12 goats, and several dozen cattle.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Pamelia S. Mason
Family and Pets
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
335
CoverStory_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:42 AM
Page 336
Cover Story
CHEWABLES
Off the Cuff
CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: For use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense). DOSAGE: HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The recommended dosing schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:
Up to 25 26 - 50 51 - 100
1 1 1
68 mcg 136 mcg 272 mcg
57 mg 114 mg 227 mg
Color Coding 0n Foil-Backing and Carton Blue Green Brown
HEARTGARD Plus is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older. For dogs over 100 lb use the appropriate combination of these chewables. ADMINISTRATION: Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food.The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended. HEARTGARD Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes. When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease prevention program, the first dose of HEARTGARD Plus must be given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication. If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with HEARTGARD Plus and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen will minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms. Monthly treatment with HEARTGARD Plus also provides effective treatment and control of ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites. EFFICACY: HEARTGARD Plus Chewables, given orally using the recommended dose and regimen, are effective against the tissue larval stage of D.immitis for a month (30 days) after infection and, as a result, prevent the development of the adult stage. HEARTGARD Plus Chewables are also effective against canine ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). ACCEPTABILITY: In acceptability and field trials, HEARTGARD Plus Chewables were shown to be an acceptable oral dosage form that was consumed at first offering by the majority of dogs. PRECAUTIONS: All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with HEARTGARD Plus which is not effective against adult D. immitis. Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with HEARTGARD Plus. While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in HEARTGARD Plus at the recommended dose level, HEARTGARD Plus is not effective for microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivity-type reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans. Store at controlled room temperature of 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C). Excursions between 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C) are permitted. Protect product from light. ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical field trials with HEARTGARD Plus, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1% of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation. SAFETY: HEARTGARD Plus has been shown to be bioequivalent to HEARTGARD, with respect to the bioavailability of ivermectin. The dose regimens of HEARTGARD Plus and HEARTGARD are the same with regard to ivermectin (6 mcg/kg). Studies with ivermectin indicate that certain dogs of the Collie breed are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels (more than 16 times the target use level) than dogs of other breeds. At elevated doses, sensitive dogs showed adverse reactions which included mydriasis, depression, ataxia, tremors, drooling, paresis, recumbency, excitability, stupor, coma and death. HEARTGARD demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of HEARTGARD products in dogs, including Collies, when used as recommended. HEARTGARD Plus has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks. In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid preparations have been administered with HEARTGARD Plus in a heartworm disease prevention program. In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in intestinal transit time. HOW SUPPLIED: HEARTGARD Plus is available in three dosage strengths (see DOSAGE section) for dogs of different weights. Each strength comes in convenient cartons of 6 and 12 chewables. For customer service, please contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251.
What is your favorite season? Spring. I love watching how things come to life and how green and crisp everything gets. I was raised in Florida, so I never had the opportunity to see the changes of the season until I moved to Oklahoma. What fact about yourself would your friends be surprised to hear? Once, I was Good Morning America’s “Hero of the Day.” If you were to be stranded on a desert island, what one item would you bring with you? A radio. I like to have music playing all the time.
Pamelia S. Mason
Dog Chewables Ivermectin Pyrantel Weight Per Month Content Content
What was your favorite vacation? My husband and I took our son to Disney World when he was 4 years old. I am from Daytona, so I had been to Disney World many times before that, but this time was the best by far. You have never seen Disney until you’ve seen it through the eyes of a child. It was great to see his excitement.
Jim is one of 12 horses that Debbie owns.
in the last 10 years. Everyone in this profession is 100% passionate about what they do. I also tell students that although they chose this career because they love and want to help animals, they have to realize that their work has to go beyond that, too. They have to strive to educate the public and veterinarians about the value of technicians so that the profession can progress and technicians can be able to provide the best care possible.
Is there a way to ensure that the quality of veterinary technology programs is as high as it can be? Accreditation is one way to standardize the profession to help ensure that each program provides technicians with the same quality of education. With a level of standardization in the profession, the public will have a better idea of what a technician is, and technicians will start to receive the recognition and pay that they deserve.
1
Of dogs showing a preference in three studies conducted by independent investigators, dogs preferred HEARTGARD Plus Chewables over INTERCEPTOR® (milbemycin oxime) FLAVOR TABS® by a margin of 37 to 1; data on file at Merial. 2 Results of a survey of more than 12,500 households by AC Nielsen. Data on file at Merial. ®HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks, and TM ”Paws To Save Pets” and the Paw & Blue Ribbon logo are trademarks, of Merial. ®INTERCEPTOR is a registered trademark of the Novartis Corporation. ®FLAVOR TABS is a registered trademark of Novartis AG. ©2008 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. HGD08PBTRDSINGLE
336
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
www.VetTechJournal.com
Merial_Heartgard_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
10:05 AM
Page 337
Dogs can’t wait for their
Recommend the Real-Beef Chewable with confidence, because it’s the heartworm preventive preferred by dogs1 and owners2.
HEARTGARD is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com.
HEARTGARD ® (ivermectin) Brand Products – recommended with confidence for over 20 years Circle 190 on Reader Service Card SEE PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ON PAGE 336.
CoverStory_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:43 AM
Page 338
Cover Story
You are actively involved in overseeing accreditation of veterinary technology programs as the chairperson of the AVMA’s CVTEA. Can you tell me about the CVTEA and what you have observed during your tenure? The committee is made up of a diverse group of 19 people from every discipline of PERSONAL INTEREST
Not Her First Time at the Rodeo
E
ver since Debbie was 7 years old, she has loved the rodeo. Her father was involved in rodeos all his life, serving as director, president, and vice president of the state High School Rodeo Association; he was also a member of various local riding clubs. Debbie wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, so as a young child, she learned the skills needed to participate in basic rodeo events, including barrel racing and pole bending. Her favorite event, however, has always been roping, which involves lassoing a steer while riding a horse. Debbie and her family now participate in team roping competitions together. In this event, a steer is released from a chute, and two ropers, each on horseback, ride up to the steer. One roper lassos the steer around the horns, while the other ropes the steer’s back feet. This technique was, and on some ranches continues to be, used by cowboys to capture a steer in order to administer medication or brand it. In 2008, Debbie and her son qualified to compete in the United States Team Roping Championships National Finals, which offer a first-place award of $80,000. Being able to combine her two passions — her family and rodeos — makes team roping even more special to Debbie. “Team roping is a big event that the family can enjoy together,” she says. “I love the camaraderie of it. The rodeo is one of those things that once it gets in your blood, it never leaves.”
veterinary medicine. Our job is to monitor the 150 schools that have been given accreditation and ensure that they are meeting the 11 required standards of accreditation. We do this by reviewing the schools’ annual reports and by conducting site visits. As an educator, it has been very beneficial for me to be able to visit other veterinary technology schools — to see what their facilities look like and how their programs are run. What I have noticed is that the challenges are always there — budgets are low, attrition rates are high, and the staff are overworked. But, at each school, the director, instructors, and students are all dedicated and enthusiastic.
How do your students benefit from your unique perspective as both a technician and an educator? One of the benefits is that students feel that they can relate to me. We’re all technicians — we understand the struggles of being in this profession, and we understand the differences between a veterinarian and a technician and between a technician and an assistant. The fact that I attended Murray State also makes students feel more comfortable approaching me with questions because they know that I was once in their position.
Debbie and her son, Justin, compete in the Summer 2007 WestArk Championship Roping competition in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
338
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
© 2008 Buddy Berry
Did teaching come naturally to you? To be honest, when I first started teaching, I hated it! I loved working in the clinical setting, and I missed that experience. But then, somebody told me that teaching is so much more than being in a classroom because, as an educator, you become a role model, and you are able to inspire students while building long-lasting relationships with them. That comment stuck with me because it’s so true. I love the idea that I could change one student’s life, whether I motivate him or her or instill some of the passion that I have for my career. It’s so inspiring when you help a student who is scared to place a catheter or administer anesthesia gain not only book knowledge but also confidence in what he or she does. I was very nervous when I started teaching because I never thought of myself as an educator by nature. I had to put in a lot of www.VetTechJournal.com
Pfizer_Slentrol.qxp:Sound Technologies_USE
5/20/08
10:24 AM
Page 339
MAKE THE CONNECTION between OBESITY…
and the RISKS owners don’t see Have the SLENTROL conversation Research shows that clients who are told about the serious health risks associated with canine obesity are more motivated to take action.1 Don’t wait to have the SLENTROL conversation—your clients need you to tell them how to achieve a healthy weight for their dogs. SLENTROL is proven to help obese dogs achieve healthy weight, regardless of their past weight-loss history. With its phased approach, SLENTROL gives you the time to work with dog owners to develop the feeding and exercise habits that will maintain weight loss after treatment is completed. SLENTROL should not be used in cats, dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, or in dogs with liver disease. The most common side effect is vomiting. In addition, dogs may experience diarrhea, lethargy, or anorexia. The client should be made aware that if any of these signs persist for more than 2 days the dog should be re-evaluated. SLENTROL is not for use in humans under any circumstances. Additional information available at www.SLENTROL.com. Reference: 1. Data on file. Pfizer market research SL1007. Pfizer Inc, New York, NY.
SEE PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ON PAGE 340. © 2008 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA/May 2008. SLE0108006
Circle 153 on Reader Service Card
LESS WEIGHT. MORE LIVING.
CoverStory_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:43 AM
Page 340
Cover Story
Oral solution for use in dogs only.
Pamelia S. Mason
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: SLENTROL (dirlotapide) Oral Solution is indicated for the management of obesity in dogs. CONTRAINDICATIONS: SLENTROL should not be used in cats. SLENTROL increases the risk of producing hepatic lipidosis during weight loss in obese cats. SLENTROL is not recommended for use in dogs currently receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy. Do not use in dogs with liver disease. WARNINGS: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Adverse reactions associated with humans ingesting dirlotapide include: abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, increased serum transaminases, nausea, and vomiting. SLENTROL may cause eye-irritation. If accidental eye exposure occurs, flush the eyes immediately with clean water. PRECAUTIONS: Safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been established. Caution should be taken when considering any weight loss program in growing dogs, including treatment with SLENTROL. SLENTROL has not been evaluated in dogs less than 1 year of age. All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination that includes laboratory tests to screen for underlying conditions. Pre-existing endocrine disease, including hyperadrenalcorticalism (Cushing’s disease), should be managed prior to use of SLENTROL. SLENTROL may produce a mild to moderate elevation in serum hepatic transaminase activity. If the elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity is mild, continue SLENTROL and monitor as needed. If there is a marked elevation in ALT activity above the normal reference range or there is a simultaneous increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), or total bilirubin, discontinue treatment with SLENTROL. Elevations in hepatic transaminase activity usually decrease when SLENTROL is discontinued. The safety of SLENTROL use in dogs has not been evaluated beyond 1 year. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The adverse reactions associated with treatment with SLENTROL include vomiting, loose stools/diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia. These adverse reactions were mainly observed during the first month of treatment or during the week after a dose increase. Vomiting was usually mild in severity, of short duration, and resolved with continued SLENTROL treatment. The SLENTROL-treated dogs generally had an increased frequency and duration of vomiting and diarrhea compared to the control dogs. The control dogs received corn oil. Adverse Reactions During Weight Loss: Percentage of Patients with Reported Signs Treatment
Control n = 88
SLENTROL n = 170
Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Anorexia Constipation Dehydration
21.6% 6.8% 3.4% 2.3% 1.1% 0%
24.7% 12.4% 9.4% 7.6% 2.4% 1.2%
In addition to the adverse reactions listed above, there were other abnormal findings. Many control and SLENTROL-treated dogs had dental disease, abnormal skin and ear findings, and lameness/arthritis. The incidence of these findings were similar in both control and SLENTROL-treated groups and most dogs had similar lesions noted pre-treatment. Two dogs in the SLENTROL treatment group developed corneal ulcers. One SLENTROL-treated and one control dog developed signs consistent with pancreatitis. One treated dog developed inappropriate urination and defecation and another treated dog developed polyuria and polydipsia. A 5-year-old Beagle with no medical history of seizures in the SLENTROL treatment group had a seizure on Day 52 of the study. The dog continued to receive SLENTROL until additional seizures occurred 11 and 12 days later. The investigator referred the case to a neurologist and the seizures continued approximately twice weekly. The neurologist found no lesions that support the causality of the seizures. A 5-year-old Dachshund developed a hepatopathy after 82 days of treatment and was withdrawn from the study for vomiting, increased hepatic enzymes, and anorexia. Vomiting continued for a few days after stopping treatment and the dog was hospitalized due to the anorexia. ALT activity levels continued to rise after all clinical observations resolved. During weight stabilization, vomiting (16.1%) and lethargy (4.8%) were the most frequent adverse reactions associated with treatment with SLENTROL. Other adverse reactions included diarrhea (1.6%), anorexia (1.6%), and ataxia (1.6%). In the post-treatment period, a 6 year old spayed female Chihuahua, was found dead by the owner 7 days after stopping dirlotapide therapy. The cause of death was not conclusive but did not appear to be related to the dirlotapide therapy. Some dogs treated with SLENTROL displayed a mild to moderate elevation in serum hepatic transaminase activity early in treatment that decreased over time while treatment continued. Hepatic transaminases generally returned to normal when treatment was discontinued (See Precautions for further information).
Debbie shows veterinary technology student Natalie Kirk how to conduct an endoscopic examination.
Serum Chemistry Results: Percentage of Dogs Control n = 88 Serum Analyte ALT a > 120 IU/L AST b > 60 IU/L ALP c > 125 IU/L Cholesterol > 320 mg/dL
SLENTROL n = 170
Pre d
Post e
Pre d
Post e
3.4% 0% 11.4% 14.8%
6.0% 4.8% 16.9% 9.6%
4.7% 3.5% 17.6% 14.7%
9.9% 9.2% 9.9% 4.6%
a ALT = serum alanine aminotransferase activity, b AST = serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, c ALP = serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Dogs with ALP activity > 325 IU/L were excluded from the study. d Pre = % of dogs with values above the laboratory reference range at pre-treatment. e Post = % of dogs with values above the laboratory reference range after 4 months of treatment.
hard work to be comfortable teaching, but I had wonderful mentors who helped me through the process. I was told a long time ago, if you want to do something well, you have to not only work hard but also find somebody who already does it well and study and copy them. That’s what I did. I’ve studied my colleagues over the years, picked their brains, and copied their techniques. Kay Helms, DVM, the former program director at Murray State, was a great mentor to me. She once told me, “You teach people every day. You just don’t realize it. Pretend that you’re not standing in front of a classroom, and just instruct the students as you would new technicians in the clinic.” Teaching has never come naturally to me, but I love it, and I am continuing to learn to do it well. Every day that I struggle, I just remember that I am first and foremost a technician, and that will never change.
To report a suspected adverse reaction call Pfizer Animal Health at 1-800-366-5288. For a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for SLENTROL oral solution call 1-800-733-5500. STORAGE INFORMATION: Store in original container at room temperature 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F). HOW SUPPLIED: SLENTROL is available in 20, 50 and 150 mL bottles containing 5 mg/mL of dirlotapide in solution. U.S. Patent No. 6,720,351
On the Web!
NADA #141-260, Approved by FDA
Read an Extra Question from our interview with Debbie at www.VetTechJournal.com.
Distributed by: Div. of Pfizer Inc NY, NY 10017
820 600 000 October 2006
340
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
www.VetTechJournal.com
vetlearn_release_AD_1pg_part2_VTspecific.qxp:www_teaser_RD5
5/20/08
9:20 AM
Page 341
CLINICAL EXPERTISE AND MORE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
EMERGENCY RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRE Provided by
Date: ______________ Arrival time: ____________ Time received: ___________ ETT initials: _____________ Time examined by veterinarian: ____________________ Veterinarian’s initials: ______ Owner’s name:__________________________________ Pet’s name: _____________________________________ Species: ❏ Canine ❏ Feline ❏ Other: _________________ Breed: ______________________________________ Age: ________ Sex: ❏ Male ❏ Female ❏ Neutered/spayed
Reason for Emergency Visit Presenting complaint: ___________________________________________________________________________ Duration of illness or condition: ___________________________________________________________________
Patient History 1. How is the pet’s appetite? ❏ Normal ❏ Decreased ❏ Not eating Type of diet being fed: __________________ 2. Is the pet vomiting? ❏ No ❏ Yes If yes, describe appearance and frequency: ____________________________ 3. Does the pet have diarrhea? ❏ No ❏ Yes If yes, describe appearance and frequency: ______________________ 4. Is the pet urinating? ❏ No ❏ Yes If yes, describe: ❏ Normal ❏ Blood in urine ❏ Slow, painful urination 5. How is the pet housed? ❏ Indoors ❏ Outdoors ❏ Roams freely ❏ Always fenced in or leashed 6. List any medications currently being taken and why: _________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Was any over-the-counter medication given? ❏ Tylenol ❏ Aspirin ❏ Other: ___________________________ 8. Was the pet exposed to a toxin? ❏ No ❏ Yes If yes, describe: ________________________________________ 9. Have any changes in the pet’s environment occurred? ❏ No ❏ Yes If yes, describe: _______________________ 10. Other changes: ______________________________________________________________________________
Initial Assessment 1. Respiratory rate/ventilatory nature: ________ ❏ Eupneic (normal) ❏ Tachypnea (rapid breathing) ❏ Increased effort ❏ Dyspneic (out of breath) 2. Lung sounds: ❏ Clear ❏ Harsh ❏ Crackles ❏ Absent 3. Heart rate/pulse rate: ____/____ Pulse quality: ❏ Normal ❏ Bounding ❏ Poor ❏ Weak ❏ Unable to palpate 4. Capillary refill time: ________ 5. Mucous membrane color: ❏ Pink ❏ Brick red ❏ Pale pink ❏ White ❏ Icteric (jaundiced) 6. Temperature (rectal/aural): _______ 7. Pain scale rating (1 = comfortable; 5 = painful): 1 2 3 4 5 8. Ambulatory: ❏ Yes ❏ No Lameness noted: _________ Other: _______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Level of consciousness: ❏ BAR (bright, alert, reactive) ❏ QAR (quiet, alert, reactive) ❏ Lethargic 10. Behavior code: ❏ Red (caution) ❏ Yellow (normal behavior) ❏ Blue (very sweet disposition) Emergency Severity Index 1 Time assessment completed: _________
2
3
4
5
Your most comprehensive for trusted
source
information, including: • Thousands of journal articles • FREE accredited CE, available when you are • Web-exclusive content, including video Tech Tips and downloadable forms and handouts • TechTalk E-Newsletter • Discussion Board • State and national news • Classified ads
Young_SeaOtters_June_VT_B:VT
5/30/08
12:00 PM
Page 342
Peer Reviewed
Sea Otter Research and Conservation
T
Marissa Viens, RVT Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, California
Image Copyright Kim Worrell, 2008. Used under license from Shutterstock.com.
HE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM is home to the Sea Otter Research and Conservation (SORAC) program. The program’s mission is to contribute to the recovery of the southern sea otter population by supporting the species recovery activities outlined in the Final Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis).1 The SORAC team conducts and supports research, provides medical care for captive-held and free-ranging otters, and responds to reports of stranded sea otters — which are often sick, injured, or orphaned — along the California coast. Sea otters play an integral role in maintaining nearshore ecosystems, such as the kelp forest, by consuming sea urchins, which feed on kelp.2 Kelp forests provide food and shelter for large numbers of fish and invertebrate species as well as protect coastlines from damaging waves. By responding to live strandings of southern sea otters, SORAC program staff acquire frontline information about the health of the otter population and contribute expertise and resources to southern sea otter conservation.
342
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
www.VetTechJournal.com
Young_SeaOtters_June_VT_B:VT
5/30/08
12:12 PM
Page 343
Peer Reviewed
Adult male otters typically weigh 60 to 75 lb (27.2 to 34 kg) and can reach a length of 4 to 4.5 ft (1.2 to 1.4 m). Adult female otters typically weigh 40 to 55 lb (18.1 to 24.9 kg) and can reach a length of 4 ft (1.2 m).2 The pelage of sea otters is made up of two layers — outer guard hairs and dense, fine underfur.2 At its thickest point, the fur contains more than a million hairs per square inch.2,3
Population Range The southern sea otter population ranges from as far south as Santa Barbara County to as far north as San Mateo County; however, some sightings have occurred outside this range. Because the population spans a large area of the California coastline, the SORAC team works closely with personnel from agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), the US Geological Survey (USGS), and The Marine Mammal Center to monitor, transport, and handle sea otters.
Status Sea otters are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and are afforded additional safeguards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. For the southern sea otter to be delisted as a threatened species, the population must maintain a minimum average of 3,090 animals for at least a 3-year period.1 According to spring surveys conducted over the past few years by the USGS Western Ecological Research Center (see graph at right), the southern sea otter population has increased; however, the mortality rate remains high, and recent gains do not provide a conclusive indication that the population will continue to grow.4 The SORAC team is working with researchers to determine why the growth rate is sluggish.
sea otter, The Marine Mammal Center is notified and responds to the scene. If the stranded animal is a sea otter, SORAC staff remain at the location to evaluate the otter’s condition (i.e., mental status and general body condition), examine it for obvious signs of trauma, assess its flight response, and consider environmental factors (e.g., rough seas, harassment by humans) that may have led to stranding. After discussing the case with the aquarium’s staff veterinarian and the SORAC animal care coordinator, staff either transport the otter to the aquarium for closer examination and treatment or leave the otter on-site but return to monitor its condition. Sometimes, large swells or storms will separate normal, healthy, dependent-age (<8 weeks old) pups from their mothers. In these cases, SORAC personnel will attempt to reunite a stranded pup with its mother. However, time is critical. If too much time elapses, or if a pup is removed from the original stranding location, a mother sea otter may abandon her search or leave the area, especially if she feels threatened by human activity. Staff will then have to bring the pup to the aquarium for care. If dead otters are found on the beach, or if live otters must be euthanized after arriving at the aquarium, they are transported to a CDFG facility in Santa Cruz, where they undergo a complete necropsy to determine whether the death was the result of natural
San Francisco Monterey
Point Conception
San Nicolas Island
Map showing the current range of the southern sea otter. The population at San Nicolas Island was placed there during a translocation project conducted from 1987 to 1990.
Sea Otter Counts: 3-Year Running Averages 3,500
3,000
2,500
Number of Otters
Background of the Southern Sea Otter Physical Characteristics
2,000
Key: Total Independents Pups Delisting
1,500
1,000
Stranding Response One of the SORAC team’s roles is to respond to locations where southern sea otters have stranded. The Monterey Bay Aquarium receives calls from citizens who discover stranded sea otters along the shore, and SORAC personnel respond to the stranding locations. Upon arrival, staff determine the species of the stranded animal. If it is not a www.VetTechJournal.com
500
0 1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
Year
Graph showing southern sea otter population growth trends from 1983 to 2007, based on a 3-year running average of annual census counts. Modified from US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center: Spring Surveys, 3-Year Averages. Available at www.werc.usgs.gov/otters/ ca-survey3yr.html. Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
343
Young_SeaOtters_June_VT_B:VT
5/30/08
12:33 PM
Page 344
Peer Reviewed
Acanthocephalan_A parasitic worm living in the intestines of vertebrates and having a retractile proboscis covered with hooked spines used for attachment to a host; also called spiny-headed worm Diatom_Microscopic one-celled or colonial algae with silica cell walls consisting of two interlocking symmetric valves Pelage_Hairy, furry, or woolly coat of a mammal
causes, disease, trauma, and/or human causes. During the necropsy, tissue samples are collected and preserved for future testing.
Courtesy of Andrew Johnson, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Glossary
Causes of Stranding Sea otters strand for a number of reasons. Many otters strand because of illness or disease, such as protozoal encephalitis, domoic acid intoxication, or acanthocephalan peritonitis (see box on page 345).5–8 Otters may be harassed or injured as a result of human activities (e.g., boat strikes, fishing line entanglements), or they may be attacked by sharks or suffer trauma during mating or territorial disputes with other otters. Juvenile otters or recently weaned pups may strand because of disease or foraging inefficiency. Juvenile otters struggling to find food may acquire heavy loads of acanthocephalan parasites by foraging for easier-tocatch prey items, such as sand crabs, which can harbor the parasite eggs.5,6 Prime-age adult female and male otters most often strand because of disease or trauma.5 The body condition of female otters that have recently given birth to or weaned a pup can deteriorate rapidly because of the increased energy requirements of pregnancy and lactation.5,9 As a result, they may lose their ability to thermoregulate or forage. In addition, when a male otter mates with a female otter, he bites her nose or face, sometimes causing severe nose wounds that can lead to infection, reluctance to forage, thermoregulatory problems, and even death.5,9 In all of these situations, SORAC staff respond to the stranding location and, if necessary, retrieve ill or injured sea otters for medical treatment.
Female otter with a mating wound of the nose. The otter stranded in 2002 and was released after 2 months of treatment. Researchers have seen her with at least one pup since her release.
The Public’s Role The public plays a role in the health of the sea otter, both directly and indirectly. Direct interactions between humans and sea otters can contribute to stranding, but members of the public can compromise the health of the sea otter through certain practices (e.g., discarding plastic materials into the ocean, flushing cat litter) that adversely affect the oceanic environment. In 2006, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 2485 (see box on page 346),10 which requires that warning labels be placed on flushable cat litter to alert consumers of its potentially harmful effects on the marine ecosystem.
Postrescue Activities
Courtesy of Randy Wilder, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Otter wearing flipper tags. The flipper tag combination is Right Red 4/5 (between the fourth and fifth digits) and Left Chartreuse 1/2 (between the first and second digits).
344
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
SORAC personnel evaluate the health of each sea otter that is brought to the aquarium. Many otters receive care with the goal of returning them to the wild. Some otters admitted to the SORAC program do not qualify for release, usually because of a poor prognosis (e.g., in the case of severe disease or injury) or because SORAC staff believe that the otter would not survive after release. Captive placement — in aquariums or research facilities — and euthanasia are other alternatives for animals that have a low chance of survival in the wild. Animals that are returned to health and can be released are marked for identification. Researchers then track the otters to monitor their activity, assimilation into the free-ranging population, long-term survival, and reproductive success.
Identification and Tracking Researchers use a variety of methods and technologies — such as flipper tags, radio transmitters, and microchips — to identify www.VetTechJournal.com
Young_SeaOtters_June_VT_B:VT
5/30/08
2:09 PM
Page 345
C
(A) Abdominal transmitter, (B) three prototypes of subcutaneous transmitters, and (C) time-depth recorder.
and track otters that have been captured and released. Flipper tags are placed in the webbing between the digits of the flipper; these tags allow field trackers to identify the animal with binoculars or a spotting scope. The color combination and the position of the tag on the flipper vary with each animal. Radio transmitters are surgically implanted abdominally or subcutaneously, depending on the research project protocols and the condition of the animal. With a VHF receiver, researchers can listen for the unique frequency of each deployed transmitter and locate otters even in low-visibility conditions. Microchips, or passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, are implanted subcutaneously in the inguinal region of each released animal. This location is much easier to scan when rewww.VetTechJournal.com
Courtesy of Marissa Viens, RVT, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Courtesy of Michelle Staedler, Monterey Bay Aquarium
B
Common Diseases Affecting Sea Otters A variety of diseases can affect sea otters, potentially causing them to strand. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii or Sarcocystis neurona can cause an otter to develop protozoal encephalitis.5,7,a Infective Toxoplasma oocysts are typically shed in the feces of both wild and domestic cats, whereas Sarcocystis oocysts are found in the feces of opossums. Exposure to the protozoa occurs when otters ingest contaminated food. Exposure and infection can cause neurologic damage that interferes with foraging, grooming, and thermoregulation. Protozoal encephalitis can cause tremors, paresis, seizures, coma, and death.a Studies are currently under way to examine the potential land-to-sea movement of these organisms. Domoic acid intoxication can occur after ingestion of food sources containing domoic acid. It affects not only sea otters but also seals, sea lions, whales, and avian species. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by a diatom of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia and is responsible for amnesic shellfish poisoning.8 Exposure to domoic acid can cause tremors, disorientation, seizures, coma, and death in marine mammals and has been linked to cardiac disease in sea otters.b,c Exposure to acanthocephalan parasites can cause fatal peritonitis.5–7 Acanthocephalan parasites are spiny-headed worms that embed in and can eventually perforate the lining of the intestines, leading to peritonitis and death.5,6 Two types of acanthocephalans are commonly found in sea otters: Profilicollis spp (perforating) and Corynosoma spp (nonperforating).6 Currently, treatment options utilizing albendazole are being explored but are experimental. Some factors of concern are that rehabilitation time is long (at least 6 to 8 months) and that the sample size of treated animals is small; therefore, long-term survival is not quantifiable. Laparoscopy is commonly used to identify the degree of perforation and damage caused by Profilicollis spp. a Thomas NJ, Dubey JP, Lindsay DS, et al: Protozoal meningoencephalitis in sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis): A histopathological and immunohistochemical study of naturally occurring cases. J Comp Pathol 137:102–121, 2007. b Domoic acid, in Dierauf LA, Gulland FM (eds): CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, ed 2. Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 2001, p 495. c Kreuder C, Miller MA, Lowenstine LJ, et al: Evaluation of cardiac lesions and risk factors associated with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). Am J Vet Res 66(2):289–299, 2005.
Laparoscopic image of perforating acanthocephalans. Note the parasites on the omentum and the yellow nodules on the intestines.
straining an otter, and there is less migration of the chip than if it were implanted in the scapular region. A PIT tag is often the sole means of identifying individual otters, since flipper tags can fall off and radio transmitters can fail. PIT tags are also helpful when attempting to reunite stranded pups with their mothers. When a pup is found stranded, a PIT tag is implanted in the pup. Tagging allows the SORAC team to identify the pup (alive or dead) if it becomes stranded again.
Data Collection Time-depth recorders (TDRs) gather data on an otter’s activity and diving behavior, including dive depth, dive time, surface time, and body temperature. The TDR records data every 2 seconds for approximately 2 Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
345
Courtesy of Mike Murray, DVM, Monterey Bay Aquarium
A
Courtesy of Marissa Viens, RVT, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Peer Reviewed
Young_SeaOtters_June_VT_B:VT
5/30/08
12:07 PM
Page 346
Peer Reviewed
Assembly Bill No. 2485 (Authored by Jones and Laird)10
Raises fines to $25,000/animal for the illegal taking and/or killing of sea otters
Allows taxpayers to contribute to the California Sea Otter Fund through their state
income tax return form Establishes a research program directed at studying nonpoint source pollution and
wastewater treatment for pathogens Requires cat litter products to be labeled in order to alert consumers of the harmful
effects of flushing these products down the toilet or disposing of them in a storm drain or gutter years and creates an archive. Researchers must recapture an animal in order to retrieve the instrument and access the data. They use the TDR information to create a dive profile, which is then correlated with visual observations from activity budgets. An activity budget is a measure of the time an otter spends performing certain activities, such as grooming, foraging, or resting. Activity budgets have given researchers a better understanding of an otter’s activity over a 12- or 24-hour period. They are useful tools in monitoring pup development, foraging strategy, habitat use, and social dynamics. Using visual observations, researchers record the otter’s behavior at 5or 10-minute intervals for up to 24 hours and log the information into a database. Day-to-day tracking of tagged southern sea otters is performed by SORAC staff and volunteers, who resight each sea otter and collect foraging data. When a tagged animal is located, specific information, such as the animal’s general location (including GPS coordinates), sex and life stage status (male, female, or female with pup), and activities, as well as the environmental conditions, is entered into a Palm Pilot. Foraging data — including dive time, surface time, and prey type, quantity, and handling time — are recorded manually. Staff then download or enter all of the information into a computer database for analysis.
Additional Sea Otter Research Resources California Sea Otter Research
(www.seaotterresearch.org) Defenders of Wildlife (www.
defenders.org/programs_and_ policy/wildlife_conservation/ imperiled_species/sea_otter/ index.php) Friends of the Sea Otter (www.seaotters.org) International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (www.iaaam.org) The Marine Mammal Center (www.tmmc.org) Otter Project (www.otterproject.org) TOPP — Tagging of Pacific Predators (www.topp.org)
Courtesy of Anne Tewksbury
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
346
Marissa Viens, RVT
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Conclusion As inhabitants of the nearshore environment, sea otters act as sentinels for the health of the inhabitants of the nearshore ocean. They also play an important predatory role by controlling the sea urchin population, thereby protecting the kelp forest and the many other species that depend on this ecosystem. Through the efforts of researchers, managers, and volunteers, the sea otter population has been able to make a comeback from near extinction. With the continued work of the SORAC program and other research programs, the southern sea otter can become a conservation success story. Acknowledgments: The author thanks Andy Johnson; Mike Murray, DVM; Michelle Staedler; Karl Mayer; the SORAC program staff and volunteers; and our sea otter research colleagues.
References 1. US Fish and Wildlife Service: Final Revised Recovery Plan for the Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). Portland, OR, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003, I–XI, 1–165 pp. 2. VanBlaricom GR, Ames JA, Harris MD, Hardy RA: Sea otters, in Leet WS, Dewees CM, Klingbeil R, Larson EJ (eds): California’s Living Marine Resources: A Status Report. California Department of Fish and Game, 2001, pp 536–540. 3. Williams TD, Allen DD, Groff JM, Glass RL: An analysis of California sea otter (Enhydra lutris) pelage and integument. Mar Mamm Sci 8:1–18, 1992. 4. US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center: Spring Surveys, 3-Year Averages. Accessed May 2008 at www.werc.usgs.gov/otters/ca-survey3yr.html. 5. Kreuder C, Miller MA, Jessup DA, et al: Patterns of mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) from 1998–2001. J Wildl Dis 39(3):495–509, 2003. 6. Mayer KA, Dailey MD, Miller MA: Helminth parasites of the southern sea otter Enhydra lutris nereis in central California: Abundance, distribution and pathology. Dis Aquat Organ 53(1):77–88, 2003. 7. Estes JA, Hatfield BB, Ralls K, Ames J: Causes of mortality in California sea otters during periods of population growth and decline. Mar Mamm Sci 19(1):198–216, 2003. 8. Lefebvre KA, Bargu S, Kieckhefer T, Silver MW: From sanddabs to blue whales: The pervasiveness of domoic acid. Toxicon 40(7):971–977, 2002. 9. Staedler M, Riedman M: Fatal mating injuries in female sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). Mammalia 57(1):135– 139, 1993. 10. Assembly Bill No. 2485. Available at info.sen.ca.gov/ pub/05-06/bill/asm/ab_2451-2500/ab_2485_bill_ 20060918_chaptered.pdf.
Marissa is a veterinary technician at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. She enjoys working in this type of environment because it fosters learning and education. She wrote her article to support the mission of the aquarium, which is to inspire conservation of the ocean. Marissa and her husband, Adam, have a long-haired black cat named Buddha.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Bayer_AdvantageMulti_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
11:03 AM
Page 347
One topical application, once a month, keeps dogs and cats one step ahead of fleas, heartworms and a whole lot more.
FLEAS HEA HEARTWORMS ROU ROUNDWORMS HOO HOOKWORMS WHI WHIPWORMS (IN DOGS) EAR MITES (IN CATS)
Get the facts on Advantage Multi ® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution. Contact your Bayer Sales Representative or call Bayer Account Services at 1.800.633.3796.
Advantage Multi ® for Dogs (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. WARNINGS: For the first 30 minutes after application: Ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated dogs, and separate treated dogs from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Ingestion of this product by dogs may cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting and generalized muscle tremors. In avermectin sensitive dogs, the signs may be more severe and may include coma and death. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not administer the product orally. Do not use this product (containing 2.5% moxidectin) on cats. HUMAN WARNINGS: Children should not come in contact with the application site for two (2) hours after application.
Advantage Multi ® for Cats (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. PRECAUTIONS: Avoid oral ingestion. WARNINGS: Do not use on sick, debilitated, or underweight cats (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Do not use on cats less than 9 weeks of age or less than 2 lbs. body weight. HUMAN WARNINGS: Children should not come in contact with the application site for thirty (30) minutes after application. © 2008 Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201 Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Advantage Multi are trademarks of Bayer. AM08070n
SEE PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ON PAGES 348 AND 349.
1227-30030_Cat-DOGTradeAd_s2_nolabel.indd 1
5/15/08 7:48:25 PM
Bayer_AdvantageMulti_lgl.qxp:VT
1227-30030_Cat-DOGTradeAd_s2LABEL.indd 1
5/20/08
10:57 AM
Page 348
5/15/08 7:51:37 PM
Bayer_AdvantageMulti_lgl.qxp:VT
1227-30030_Cat-DOGTradeAd_s2LABEL.indd 2
5/20/08
10:57 AM
Page 349
5/15/08 7:51:38 PM
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:29 AM
Page 350
CE Article #1
Diagnosis and Management of
Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Amanda Gordon, BS, CVA Texas A&M University
D
OGS AND CATS with adverse reactions have found that certain canine breeds — softcoated wheaton terriers, Dalmatians, West to food show an abnormal response to Highland white terriers, collies, shar-peis, Lhasa an ingested food or food additive.1,2 apsos, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, miniature schnauzers, Labrador retrievers, dachsThese adverse reactions are classified into two cat- hunds, poodles, German shepherds, golden egories: (1) food allergy or hypersensitivity and (2) retrievers, and boxers — are more prone to developing food allergies.12–15 food intolerance.3 Food allergy or hypersensitivity is an adverse reaction to food caused by an Cats No sex predilection has been reported in immunologic response (typically IgE-mediated cats with food allergies.6 In addition, no age type I hypersensitivity; however, types III and IV predilection has been documented; however, the mean age of onset of clinical signs in cats also are highly suspected),4 whereas food intoler- is 4 to 5 years.6 Two studies reported that twoance is an adverse reaction to food due to a non- thirds of cats with food allergies were Siamese or Siamese mixed breeds, suggesting that this immunologic cause (e.g., food poisoning, garbage breed might be at increased risk.10,13 ingestion, ingestion of chocolate or onions).1–4 Clinical Signs
Although pets routinely ingest a number of diverse foods, food-related reactions occur relatively infrequently.1 Adverse food reactions are thought to account for only 1% to 6% of all canine and feline dermatoses in general practice and 10% to 20% of all cases seen in dermatology practices.1,5–12 Although some adverse reactions can occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen, delayed responses can take several hours — or even days — to develop.1,3
Signalment Dogs No sex or age predilections have been reported for dogs with food allergies6; however, several researchers indicate that 33% of the dogs that were studied were less than 1 year of age when they developed clinical signs of food allergies.13 Most researchers have not identified a breed disposition.6 However, other researchers 350
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
In dogs, nonseasonal pruritus (i.e., itching), sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) problems, is the most common clinical sign of food allergies.10 Pruritus is usually generalized but may occur on the feet, ears,16 face (muzzle and chin),2 and inguinal region.13 Perianal pruritus also can be an indication of food allergies.17 In dogs with adverse reactions to food, several primary and secondary skin lesions can develop. These lesions may include papules, erythroderma, excoriations, hyperpigmentation, epidermal collarettes, pododermatitis, seborrhea sicca, and otitis externa.1,18 Dogs with adverse reactions to food may develop recurrent skin infections, often related to Staphylococcus intermedius or Malassezia spp.17 In 10% to 15% of dogs with skin infections caused by adverse reactions to food, concurrent GI signs (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, frequent defecation, colitis)4 developed.3,10,19 Neurologic signs, such as malaise and seizures, www.VetTechJournal.com
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:29 AM
Page 351
Peer Reviewed
Dogs with adverse reactions to food can develop otitis externa.
have been reported.3,16,18 Although asthma and other respiratory signs have also been reported, these clinical signs are rare.3,16,18 Nonseasonal pruritus is the most common, consistent clinical finding in cats with food allergies.6 Affected cats often present with generalized pruritus; pruritus of the head, face, pinnae, or neck; miliary dermatitis; symmetric alopecia; or eosinophilic granuloma complex lesions.6,18,20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22 In one study, one-third of the cats with adverse food reactions developed angioedema, urticaria, or conjunctivitis.1,22 GI signs (usually diarrhea, but sometimes vomiting) occur in 10% to 15% of feline patients with food allergies.6,7,23 In one study, 33% of pruritic cats with food allergies also had concurrent GI problems.24
Diagnosis For patients with suspected food allergies, a thorough patient history, including a detailed dietary history,a should be obtained and a complete physical examination should be performed. Before the clinician can make a tentative diagnosis of food allergy, other pruritic disorders, such as atopy and flea allergy dermatitis,1 must be ruled out.4 Therefore, it may be necessary to obtain skin scrapings, cytology samples, or fungal cultures, depending on physical examination findings as well as the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clinical signs and history.4 It is often difficult for clinicians to diagnose food allergies in dogs and cats for several reasons: a
Visit www.VetTechJournal.com to download a sample Diet History Form.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Chronic pododermatitis is another clinical sign that has been identified in some dogs with food allergies.
Presence of clinical signs of other allergies or conditions2 Presence of secondary infections2 Inaccuracy of history provided by the client2 Lack of diagnostic tests available25 Several tests, including intradermal skin testing and serum chemistry allergy testing (e.g., ELISA, radioallergosorbent test), have been described for diagnosing food allergies; however, these tests are generally believed to be inaccurate for this purpose.4,26 New diagnostic methods, however, are always being developed. In human patients with suspected GI-related food allergies, the use of the colonoscopic allergen provocation (COLAP) test is being studied. During the COLAP test, the duodenal mucosa is challenged with potential allergen extracts via endoscopy or other noninvasive means. The presence of a mucosal wheal and flare is evaluated to determine the possibility of a reaction. The COLAP test, however, is considered controversial in human medicine because not all researchers agree that GIrelated food allergies exist.27 The COLAP test has only recently been studied in veterinary medicine.25,28 More research is still needed to determine the role of the COLAP test as a viable diagnostic tool for veterinary patients. Currently, the ideal method of diagnosing food allergies in dogs and cats is to initiate dietary elimination and challenge studies.1,10,13,21,22 These trials are time consuming; however, they are the most effective way of identifying a particular allergen. Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
351
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:30 AM
Page 352
CE Article #1 Food Allergies Food Elimination Trials The goal of a food elimination trial is to feed an affected dog or cat a novel protein diet to which it has not been previously exposed in order to try to eliminate the offending allergen from the pet’s diet. The ideal elimination food must meet the following criteria1: Contain only one or two novel protein sources Have high-protein digestibility (>87%) or contain a protein hydrolysate Be free of food additives Contain no excessive levels of vasoactive amines (e.g., histamine) Be nutritionally adequate for the pet’s species, age, and lifestyle
Most Common Food Allergens Cats21 Beef Fish Milk and milk products Dogsa Beef Milk and milk products Wheat a
Roudebush P: Ingredients associated with adverse food reactions in cats and dogs. Adv Small Anim Med Surg 15(9):1, 2002.
352
Since there is no “standard” diet — commercial or homemade — for every pet, the clinician must select a diet after carefully investigating all of the foods to which a pet has already been exposed.6,7 For testing purposes, the owner can opt to feed the pet a homemade diet or a commercially prepared diet.1 Although the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology surveyed veterinarians and reported that homemade foods were recommended more frequently,29 homemade diets are labor intensive for the owner and may not provide adequate nutrition for the pet, especially young, growing animals.29,30 If the owner decides to feed the pet a homemade diet, a veterinary nutritionist should be consulted to make sure that the diet is nutritionally adequate. Numerous factors must be taken into consideration when making a homemade diet. For example, cats should have taurine (unflavored) added to their diet.4 Also, it is important to keep in mind that it can be difficult for owners to consistently make enough food for large-breed dogs and to make diets palatable for cats.4 Another option is for the owner to feed the pet a hypoallergenic commercial diet. There are numerous commercial pet foods available with limited and different protein sources.1 Commercial pet foods offer numerous benefits. These diets (1) are convenient, (2) often contain novel protein sources, and (3) are nutritionally balanced and complete for the intended species.1 It is important to note, however, that not all commercial foods have been adequately tested in dogs and cats with
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
known food allergies, especially those with dermatologic or GI signs.1,13,19,31–34 Client compliance is crucial to the success of an elimination trial. The owner should be instructed to give the pet only water and the elimination diet — no other foods or flavored substances. The elimination diet should be fed to the pet for 8 to 12 weeks.18 During this time, treats, flavored vitamin supplements, flavored chewable medications, fatty acid supplements, and chew toys should be avoided.1 Flavored medications should be replaced by equally effective nonflavored preparations.16 Malt-flavored toothpastes should be used instead of protein-flavored toothpastes.16 The owner should be instructed to keep a daily dietary log and to record observations regarding the pet’s clinical signs.1 When owners are encouraged to provide detailed daily accounts and bring that information with them during recheck examinations, clinicians are more likely to get a better idea of how the pet is really progressing. If the animal’s clinical signs do not improve while the pet is on the diet, another trial using a different commercial diet or a homemade diet should be considered. After the dog or cat has been on the diet for an adequate amount of time and has shown some response, the pet’s diet should be challenged.35
Challenge Diet After a pet responds to the elimination diet, the animal should be challenged with its previous diet to confirm the diagnosis of food allergies.35 Clinical signs usually appear within 2 weeks of initiating the pet’s regular diet.35 At this point, the pet should be fed the elimination diet again and then challenged with the suspected allergens individually.35 Each specific allergen should be added to the pet’s diet one at a time for 1 to 2 weeks to determine which of the allergens is causing the adverse food reactions (see box at left for common allergens).35 After the offending allergen has been identified, the veterinary staff can help the owner select an appropriate diet. For pets with adverse food reactions, the most effective treatment is to just avoid feeding the pet a diet that contains the offending food allergen.1
Role of the Technician As mentioned previously, client compliance is extremely important when a food allergy is suspected in a pet. Veterinary technicians are www.VetTechJournal.com
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:30 AM
Page 353
Peer Reviewed
often the main source of information when the client has questions regarding the clinician’s recommended dietary changes. Technicians can help clients by following up with them on a regular basis to make sure that they are feeding the pet the elimination diet and no other forbidden foods. In addition, technicians can communicate to pet owners the importance of keeping a food diary during a food elimination trial. Technicians can show owners how to properly fill out the diaryb and then follow up with them during the trial to answer any questions that they may have. They can also question the owner during follow-up to make sure that he or she is tracking the progression of the pet’s clinical signs. Once the offending allergen has been identified, the technician can work with the owner to find an appropriate diet that is palatable to the pet.
Conclusion It can be very frustrating for owners when pets develop clinical signs related to food allergies. Conducting food trials and recording observations of the progression of these clinical signs can be extremely time consuming for the owner. Therefore, technicians must stress the importance of identifying the cause of the food allergy. Once the allergen has been successfully identified, a new diet can be implemented so that the pet can live a comfortable and healthy life.
References 1. Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Shanley KJ: Adverse reactions to food, in Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, Roudebush P (eds): Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, ed 4. Topeka, KS, Mark Morris Institute, 2000, pp 431–453. 2. Kennis R: Use of atopic dogs to investigate adverse reactions to food. JAVMA 221:638–640, 2002. 3. Leistra MHG, Markwell PJ, Willemse T: Evaluation of selected–protein-source diets for management of dogs with adverse reactions to foods. JAVMA 219(10):1411–1414, 2001. 4. Rothstein E: How to diagnose and manage adverse food reactions. Proc Tufts Anim Expo 2002. 5. MacDonald JM: Food allergy, in Griffin CE, Kwochka KW, MacDonald JM (eds): Current Veterinary Dermatology. St. Louis, Mosby, 1993, pp 121–132. b
For a sample food diary, see Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Shanley KJ: Adverse reactions to food, in Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, Roudebush P (eds): Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, ed 4. Topeka, KS, Mark Morris Institute, 2000, pp 444–445.
www.VetTechJournal.com
6. Scott DW, Miller WH, Griffin CE: Skin immune system and allergic skin diseases, in Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology, ed 6. Philadelphia, Saunders, 2001. 7. Reedy LM, Miller WH, Willemse T: Allergic Skin Diseases of Dogs and Cats, ed 2. Philadelphia, Saunders, 1997. 8. Chalmers S, Medleau L: Recognizing the signs of feline allergic dermatoses. Vet Med 84:388, 1989. 9. August JR: Dietary hypersensitivity in dogs: Cutaneous manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 7:469, 1985. 10. Carlotti DN, Remy I, Prost C: Food allergy in dogs and cats: A review and report of 43 cases. Vet Dermatol 1:55, 1990. 11. Denis S, Paradis M: L’allergie alimentaire chez le chien et le chat. I. Revue de la literature. Méd Vét Québec 24:11, 1994. 12. Denis S, Paradis M: L’allergie alimentaire chez le chien et le chat. II. Revue de la literature. Méd Vét Québec 24:15, 1994. 13. Rosser EJ: Diagnosis of food allergy in dogs. JAVMA 203:259–262, 1993. 14. Harvey RG: Food allergy and dietary intolerance in dogs: A report of 25 cases. J Small Anim Pract 33:22, 1993. 15. White SD: Food allergy in dogs. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 20:261, 1998. 16. White SD: Update on food allergy in the dog and cat. Proc World Small Anim Vet Assoc World Congr 2001. 17. Beale KM: Adverse food reactions. Proc West Vet Conf 2004. 18. White SD: Update on allergies: Food allergy. Proc Northeast Vet Conf 2004. 19. Paterson S: Food hypersensitivity in 20 dogs with skin and gastrointestinal signs. J Small Anim Pract 36:529–534, 1994. 20. Jackson HA: Food allergy and pruritic skin disease. Proc Brit Small Anim Vet Congr 2007. 21. White SD, Sequoia D: Food hypersensitivity in cats: 14 cases (1982–1987). JAVMA 194:692– 692, 1989. 22. Rosser EJ: Food allergy in the cat: A prospective study of 13 cats, in Ihrke PJ, Mason I, Shite SD (eds): Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, vol 2. Oxford, England, Pergamon Press, 1993, pp 33–39. 23. Guaguére E: Intolérance alimentaire à manifestations cutanées: À propos de 17 cas chez le chat. Prat Méd Chir Anim Comp 28:451, 1993. 24. Guilford WG, Markwell PJ, Jones BR, et al: Prevalence of food sensitivity in cats with chronic pruritus, vomiting, or diarrhea, in Kwochka KW, Willemse T, Von Tscharner C (eds): Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, vol III. Boston, Butterworth Heinemann, 1998, p 493. 25. Allenspach K: Food allergy in dogs — New insights. Proc ACVIM 2004. 26. Halliwell REW: Diagnosing, treating, and preventing food allergies. Proc WSAVA Congr 2002.
Glossary Collarette_A narrow rim of loosened keratin overhanging the periphery of a circumscribed skin lesion and attached to the normal surrounding skin Dermatosis_Skin disorder usually not characterized by inflammation Erythroderma_Abnormally red skin covering large areas of the body Excoriation_Superficial, traumatic abrasion or scratch in which some of the skin is removed Miliary dermatitis_Skin inflammation characterized by redness, itchiness, and the outbreak of lesions Otitis externa_Infection of the outer ear that leads into the ear canal Papule_Small, solid, elevated lesion of the skin Pinna_The projecting external part of the ear Pododermatitis_Infection in the footpad that causes swelling and pain Seborrhea sicca_Dry, scaly skin Urticaria_A vascular reaction that is often immunologically based; also known as hives
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
353
vetSTREET_2pg_ad_Multitasking.qxp:Layout 1
5/30/08
Introducing our supporting charter partners:
9:26 AM
Page 354
vetSTREET_2pg_ad_Multitasking.qxp:Layout 1
5/30/08
The
9:33 AM
Page 355
true
definition of
multitasking While she was treating patients today, this doctor also ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Emailed 27 reminders for upcoming services Sold 12 flea, tick, and heartworm products Refilled 9 prescriptions Promoted her practice’s upcoming puppy class to 211 new owners Fielded 6 boarding and appointment requests Sent birthday e-cards to 14 patients
Who’s
helping
her?
Vetstreet™ is. Easy to set up and easy to use, this powerful practice communication and management tool keeps you in touch with your clients 24/7. Visit Vetstreet.com today to see how we can help you increase client satisfaction and compliance and enhance your bottom line.
™ ™
To find out what Vetstreet can do for your practice, visit Vetstreet.com, call toll-free: 888.799.8387, or email us at info@vetstreet.com.
Circle 186 on Reader Service Card
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:32 AM
Page 356
CE Article #1 Food Allergies 27. Crowe SE: Gastrointestinal food allergies: Do they exist? Curr Gastroenterol Rep 3(4):351–357, 2001. 28. Allenspach K, Vaden SL, Harris TS, et al: Evaluation of colonoscopic allergen provocation as a diagnostic tool in dogs with proven food hypersensitivity reactions. J Small Anim Pract 47(1):21–26, 2006. 29. Roudebush P, Cowell CS: Results of a hypoallergenic diet survey of veterinarians in North America with a nutritional evaluation of homemade diet prescriptions. Vet Derm 3:23–28, 1992.
238, 1995. 32. Leib MS, Hay WH, Roth L: Plasmacytic–lymphocytic colitis in dogs, in Kirk RW (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy X: Small Animal Practice. Philadelphia, Saunders, 1989, pp 939–944. 33. Roudebush P, Schick RO: Evaluation of a commercial canned lamb and rice diet for the management of adverse reactions to food in dogs. Vet Dermatol 5:63–67, 1995.
30. Lloyd D: Diagnosis and management of adverse food reactions in the dog. Proc World Small Anim Vet Assoc World Congr 2006.
34. Roudebush P, McKeever PJ: Evaluation of a commercial canned lamb and rice diet for the management of cutaneous adverse reactions to foods in cats. Vet Dermatol 4:1–4, 1993.
31. Simpson JW, Maskell IE, Markwell PJ: Use of a restricted antigen diet in the management of idiopathic canine colitis. J Small Anim Pract 35:233–
35. White SD: Food allergy and other skin diseases that respond to dietary management. Proc Canine Med Symp 2005.
“Food allergy in pets is an important issue,” says Amanda. “Although identifying a potential food allergen may seem daunting, clinical signs can often be resolved by educating Amanda the owner about the importance of elimination and chalGordon, BS, CVA lenge trials and encouraging compliance.” Amanda works as a veterinary assistant in the dermatology department at Texas A&M University. She is currently assisting Christine Rees, DVM, DACVD, and other investigators in a study of dermatomyositis in collies and Shetland sheepdogs. Amanda has a 4-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever (Remington, pictured with Amanda), three mixed-breed cats (Piewackette, Kamakazi, and Yeti), and four boar goats (Bubba, Thelma, Louise, and Half-n-Half). ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Article #1 CE Test The article you have read qualifies for 0.5 credit hour. To receive credit from Alfred State College, choose the best answer to each of the following questions. Either fax (800-589-0036) your answers or participate online.
1. Pets with food _____________ show an adverse reaction to food caused by an immunologic response. a. hypersensitivities b. intolerance c. allergies d. a and c 2. Which of the following is not an example of a nonimmunologic cause of adverse food reactions? a. garbage ingestion b. IgE-mediated immune response c. chocolate ingestion d. food poisoning
356
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
3. Researchers reported a higher incidence of food allergies in which breed of cats? c. Siamese a. Persian b. Sphinx d. Maine coon 4. The most common clinical sign of food allergies in dogs is a. diarrhea. b. nonseasonal pruritus. c. vomiting. d. weight loss. 5. In cats with food allergies, the mean age of onset of clinical signs is _____________ years. a. 1 to 2 b. 3 to 4
Go to www.VetTechJournal.com now to take this CE Test.
c. 4 to 5 d. 5 to 6 6. Which of the following statements regarding the diagnosis of food allergies is false? a. The pet may have developed a secondary infection that complicates diagnosis. b. Clinical signs of another allergy or condition may be present. c. Clients often supply inaccurate information when providing a history of their pet. d. Intradermal skin testing is considered the “gold standard” test for diagnosing food allergies.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Summit_VetPharm.qxp:Sound Technologies_USE
5/20/08
10:28 AM
Page 357
One giant leap for catkind.
Introducing Vectra™ flea control. Out-of-this-world protection for cats everywhere.
A ggiant iant lleap eap ffor or cats cats
New VVectra New ectra™ ffor or CCats ats & KKittens ittens aand nd Ve VVectra ectra™ ffor or CCats ats ccontain ontain a ddual-action ual-action fformulation ormulation flfleas eas hhave ave nnever ever W bbefore efore eencountered. ncountered. Dinotefuran Dinotefuran iiss a 33rd rd ggeneration, eneration, qquick-kill uick-kill aadulticide. dulticide. PPyriproxyfen yriproxyfen iiss a ppotent, otent, 1W llong-lasting ong-lasting IIGR. GR. Together, Together, tthey hey provide yyour feline patients with monthh of protection against all stage stagess of fleas, and protection a full mont 1W Vectra is gentle enough re-infestation. against reinfestation. Vectra e to be used on 1 W kittens as a young as 8 weeks of age. The T space-age applicator is so un nique and easy to use, it’ unique it’ss W Vectra is also protected withh Bloodhound TTechnology patented. patented d. Vectra echnology that tra tracks acks every package from It’s a production ensure andd pro product authenticity..W It’s productio on to veterinary purchase to ens ure veterinary exclusivity an oduct authenticity giant leap leaap forward for your patients and your practice.
CContact ontact yyour our ssales ales rrepresentative epresentative rregarding egarding local local and and state state approval approval and and product product availability. availability. FFor or m more ore iinformation nformation oonn nnew ew VVectra ectra oorr ttoo oorder rder aany ny ooff tthe he VVectra ectra ffamily amily ooff pproducts, roducts, ccall all 8800-999-0297, 00-999-0297, visit visit summitvetpharm.com summitvetpharm.com or or contact contact your your Summit Summit VetPharm VetPharm or or Abbott Abbott Animal Animal Health Health representative. representative. Circle 127 on Reader Service Card
1. VVectra ectra™ TTechnical echnical Monog Monograph, graph, 02/2008.
©2008 Summit VVetPharm W V etPharm LLC. Fort Le Lee, e, NJ 07024 W Vectra ectra and Bloodhound are trademarks of Summit S VVetPharm. etPharm.
W W
Gordon_FoodAllergies_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:34 AM
Page 358
CE Article #1 Food Allergies
7. The ideal method of diagnosing food allergies in dogs and cats is to conduct a. dietary elimination trials. b. intradermal skin tests. c. radioallergosorbent tests. d. COLAP tests.
c. no food additives d. nutritionally adequate for the pet’s species, age, and lifestyle 9. Which of the following statements regarding elimination trials is false? a. Instead of using proteinflavored toothpaste, the owner should use maltflavored toothpaste. b. The pet should be fed a novel protein diet to which it has never been exposed.
8. Which of the following is not a characteristic of an ideal elimination diet? a. one or two novel protein sources b. excessive levels of vasoactive amines
c. Flavored vitamin supplements should not be given to the pet when feeding an elimination diet. d. If making a homemade diet for dogs, it is important to add taurine to the diet. 10. Which of the following is not considered a common allergen in dogs? a. beef c. wheat b. duck d. milk products
PICTURE TH!S A Real “Nail”-Biter Clyde, a 10-year-old domestic shorthair, presented to our hospital with front limb lameness. The cat’s front paws had been declawed; this procedure had been done at another hospital when Clyde was much younger. On examination, one front paw had an abnormally hard, swollen area. Radiographs were obtained, revealing a bony protuberance from the end of one of the phalanges. The decision was made to perform surgery, and during the procedure, it was discovered that one of the nails had not been completely removed and had grown continuously in a circular fashion. The resulting nail and nail bed were removed, and Clyde recovered without incident.
Courtesy of Ranee Bak
er, RVT
Submitted by Ranee Baker, RVT, Kingsbrook Animal Hospital, Frederick, Maryland.
Do You Have a Unique Image?
780 Township Line Road Yardley, PA 19067
358
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Courtesy of Ranee Bak
Send submissions by Email: editor@VetTechJournal.com Mail: VLS/Veterinary Technician
er, RVT
Send us your interesting, extraordinary, or even amusing images. They can be radiographs, cytology slides, photographs, or any type of unique image. Provide a brief description of what the image is showing, along with your name and contact information. We pay $50 per published image.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Clark_Strongylosis_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:37 AM
Page 359
CE Article #2
Equine Strongylosis Josh L. Clark, MS, RVT Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana
Causative Agents and Nomenclature Strongyles are classified into two groups: large and small. The large strongyles that infect horses include three Strongylus spp — Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, and Strongylus equinus — and several Triodontophorus spp. Small strongyles consist of more than 50 different species from several different genera. However, most of the small strongyles that infect horses belong to four genera: Cyathostomum, Cylicocyclus, Cylicodontophorus, and Cylicostephanus.1 Although it is still acceptable to refer to these parasites as small strongyles, the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology has recommended that they be referred to as cyathostomins — the term that will be used throughout the remainder of this article — and that the disease they cause be referred to as cyathostominosis.2
Life Cycle Large strongyles and cyathostomins both have a direct life cycle — they do not require an intermediate host for development. Adult parasites live in the lumen of the large intestine and cecum, producing eggs. The eggs are passed in the feces, where they hatch into L1-stage larvae and molt twice, first to the L2 stage and then to the L3 stage, during which the larvae are infective.1,3–5 The development of the larval stages can vary substantially depending on the climate; the rate of eggs www.VetTechJournal.com
Courtesy of Joseph W. Camp, PhD, Purdue University
E
QUINE STRONGYLOSIS, a common disease among grazing horses, is caused by infection with a group of nematode parasites known as strongyles. Strongylosis occurs when horses graze on pastures contaminated with strongyle larvae, which hatch from eggs passed in the feces of infected horses. Veterinary technicians should educate owners about the life cycle of strongyles and the most appropriate methods for controlling these parasites, including good pasture management and strategic deworming.
A typical strongyletype egg found on a fecal flotation test; original magnification х400.
hatching increases proportionately to an increase in environmental temperature.3,4 The minimum time between the passage of eggs in the feces and the development of L3-stage larvae is 1 week.3 In southern, temperate climates, eggs and larvae may survive the winter and then serve as the initial source of infection in the spring.3,4 However, temperatures in the summer are often too hot and dry for many larvae to survive. In northern, colder climates, summer is the ideal time for strongyle eggs to hatch and for infective larvae to develop. Although eggs will not hatch in the winter months, it is possible for larvae to survive.3 Although the life cycle of large strongyles and cyathostomins is the same, the differences in their larval development have a direct impact on how the parasite causes disease in the host. It is important to note that cyathostomin larvae and the larvae of S. vulgaris, S. edentatus, and S. equinus have unique transmission pathways, encystation processes, and migration patterns. The larvae of large strongyles migrate throughout the body and eventually return to the large intestine to mature. S. vulgaris larvae migrate extensively to the cranial mesenteric artery, whereas S. edentatus and S. equinus larvae tend to migrate to other parts of the body, including the liver, pancreas, and perirenal and retroperitoneal tissues.5 Because of this migration, the prepatent period — the period between ingestion of infective-stage larvae and the earliest Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
359
Clark_Strongylosis_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:37 AM
Page 360
CE Article #2 Equine Strongylosis
The key to controlling large strongyles and cyathostomins is to minimize the number of eggs that contaminate pastures.
360
time at which eggs can be recovered from the host’s feces — may be relatively long, ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on the types of large strongyles present.1 After they are ingested, the L3-stage larvae of cyathostomins penetrate the mucosa of the large intestine and cecum. Within 1 to 2 weeks, each larva becomes encysted in a fibrous capsule.3 Following encystation, the larva progresses through four discrete developmental stages. The early L3 stage is considered the invading stage, after which the larva reaches the late L3 stage.3 The late L3-stage larva then molts into an early L4-stage larva and a late L4-stage larva.3 The entire development process takes place in the cyst that was formed in the mucosal or submucosal lining.3 At the end of this process, the late L4-stage larva emerges from the cyst and enters the lumen of the large intestine and cecum. This progression through the L3 and L4 stages can take about 5 to 6 weeks, or larval development may stop at the early L3 stage for a period of up to 2.5 years.3 It is becoming increasingly apparent that many L3stage larvae stop developing during the winter and then emerge in large numbers from the large intestinal mucosa; this emergence is considered the most common cause of clinical disease associated with cyathostomin infection.1
Pathogenesis Among the large strongyles, S. vulgaris is usually the cause of the most severe disease.1 Migration of S. vulgaris larvae to the cranial mesenteric artery can cause thrombus formation.6 Damage to this artery and its branches usually results in interference of blood flow to the intestine and can cause a variety of sequelae, including colic; gangrenous enteritis; intestinal stasis, torsion, or intussusception; and possibly rupture.5 There have also been a small number of documented cases in which S. vulgaris larvae migrated into the brain or spinal cord.7 The clinical signs of infection vary depending on where the larvae enter and migrate.7 Adult large strongyles can cause anemia and unthriftiness.1 They have substantial oral cavities, which allow them to grasp and attach to the lining of the large intestine and cecum.3 The adults typically feed on mucosal plugs in the large intestine, damaging the large intestinal mucosa and causing secondary damage to blood vessels and a significant amount of bleed-
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
ing.1 One particular species of large strongyle, Triodontophorus tenuicollis, tends to feed in large clusters of more than 20 adults and can cause large, deep ulcers in the large intestine.3 Adult cyathostomins living in the lumen of the host’s large intestine and cecum cause very little damage. These nematodes have small, shallow oral cavities, making it hard for them to attach to the large intestinal mucosa.3 The majority of damage is caused by the larvae during different stages — when they first penetrate the intestinal mucosa and when they emerge from their encysted state.3 After the larvae become encysted in the mucosal lining of the cecum and ventral colon, the fibrous capsules around them not only protect the host from the excretory and secretory products of the parasite but also protect the parasite from the immune and inflammatory responses of the host.3,6 When these cysts rupture and the larvae emerge, severe damage can occur within the host; the damage increases proportionately to the number of larvae that emerge at one time.4
Clinical Signs The clinical signs of strongylosis are often nonspecific and usually depend on the age of the horse and the severity of the infection. Infection with large strongyles can result in weight loss, compromised performance, and dull haircoat.4 The migrating larvae of S. vulgaris do not necessarily cause discrete clinical signs but have been implicated as a cause of colic.3 Cyathostomins can also cause nonspecific signs, such as weight loss, compromised performance, rough haircoat, and poor growth.4 However, in young horses and ponies, an acute condition called larval cyathostominosis can occur, during which large numbers of hypobiotic larvae emerge from the intestinal wall, potentially causing sudden, rapid weight loss; severe diarrhea; subcutaneous edema; and distinct hypoproteinemia.4,5,8–10 This condition is more likely to occur in late winter or early spring in northern regions and in late summer or early autumn in southern regions, when larvae emerge from their hypobiotic state.3
Diagnosis Obtaining a thorough history is essential in diagnosing strongylosis. Parasitic infection should be suspected in horses that have a history of chronic weight loss and that have been kept www.VetTechJournal.com
Clark_Strongylosis_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:41 AM
Page 361
Peer Reviewed
in locations with poor pasture management protocols and erratic deworming practices.6 In horses with mixed infections — when both large strongyles and cyathostomins are present — about 95% of the eggs found at fecal flotation testing will usually be produced by cyathostomins. The eggs of cyathostomins and large strongyles cannot be differentiated microscopically3 and are therefore referred to as strongyle-type eggs. Strongyle-type eggs are oval and thin shelled, contain an 8- to 16-cell morula, and measure approximately 90 × 50 μm. Since nearly all grazing horses will harbor at least some load of strongyles, identifying typical strongyle-type eggs at fecal flotation testing is of limited value in diagnosing strongylosis.1,3,4 Quantitative methods are also of little value in diagnosing strongylosis. First, it is possible that the larval stages of the parasite are responsible for causing clinical disease, in which case very few eggs will be found upon examining the feces.4 Second, the number of eggs usually will not correlate with the number of parasites present.3 Finding a small number of eggs does not necessarily mean that there is a low parasite burden, just as finding a large number of eggs does not necessarily mean that there is a high parasite burden. If egg count testing is conducted, fecal cultures can be used to evaluate the relative contributions of the various strongyle types present to the total egg count.3 Laboratory findings will often reveal mild anemia, neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia.3,4,6 Many of these abnormalities are due to the inflammatory process caused by cyathostomin larvae entering and exiting the lining of the large intestine and cecum. Research related to the diagnosis and identification of cyathostomins is currently being conducted. For example, Matthews and colleagues9 have indicated that there are efforts being made to develop species-specific DNA probes, a phylogenetic tree for cyathostomins, and an immunodiagnostic assay for mucosal cyathostomins. All of these developments have the potential to aid in the diagnosis of infection and the differentiation of cyathostomins to the species level and may also help to explain the mechanisms of drug resistance (discussed below), which is affecting the use of several of the anthelmintics prescribed to control cyathostomins.9 www.VetTechJournal.com
Treatment, Control, and Prevention There are several groups of drugs that are effective against large strongyles and cyathostomins, including benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and tetrahydropyrimidines.1,3–5,11 All of these drugs can effectively kill adult parasites, but few of the drugs can effectively kill all of the larval stages. Although adult large strongyles and cyathostomins are relatively easy to treat, the larval stages of these parasites can present more of a challenge. However, research conducted by Steinbach et al12 has indicated that fenbendazole and moxidectin (a macrocyclic lactone) are both effective against encysted cyathostomin larvae. Fenbendazole, ivermectin, and moxidectin have all been proven effective against the migrating larvae of large strongyles.3 The key to controlling large strongyles and cyathostomins is to minimize the number of eggs that contaminate pastures. In the past, owners often administered anthelmintics to their horses at 6- to 8-week intervals or as frequently as once a month. Although frequent administration effectively controlled pasture contamination, overuse of some anthelmintics and adaptations by cyathostomins eventually diminished the efficacy of frequent, routine deworming.13 Cyathostomins have become increasingly resistant to some of the more common anthelmintics used to control strongylosis.3–5,11,13,14 Currently, resistance to benzimidazoles has become widespread,3–6,11 and resistance to pyrantel salts (tetrahydropyrimidines) is increasing.11 To date, there have been no reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactones.11 Authorities differ regarding the necessity of continuing the practice of deworming all horses on a regular basis. Taylor and colleagues1 recommend that all horses older than 2 months of age be dewormed regularly every 6 to 8 weeks. However, some experts advocate a greater focus on strategic deworming, good pasture management, and better stable hygiene.3,4,14 Cullinane et al4 and Mercier et al13 recommend that strategic deworming be implemented and that the use of anthelmintics be reduced as much as possible while still maintaining the health of the herd. Regardless of how often anthelmintics are administered, there is general agreement that the class of drug used should be rotated on a regular basis — either annually or biannually.1,3–5,14
Glossary Hypobiosis_Arrested stage of development; refers to nematode larvae that temporarily stop developing within the host Intussusception_Enfolding of one portion of the intestine into another portion Morula_Solid mass of blastomeres resulting from cleavage of the fertilized ovum Nematode_Unsegmented, cylindrical worm of the class Nematoda; also called roundworm Phylogenetic_Related to the evolutionary development or history of a biological species Unthriftiness_Failure to grow or gain weight as expected despite an adequate diet and no overt clinical signs of illness
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
361
Clark_Strongylosis_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:38 AM
Page 362
CE Article #2 Equine Strongylosis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Josh L. Clark, MS, RVT Josh is an instructional technologist in the veterinary technology distance learning program at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Indiana. In 2005, he was appointed to serve a 6-year term on the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Josh and his wife, Susan, share their home with Chong, a cattle dog– Labrador mix, and four domestic shorthaired cats — Cincinnati, Floyd, Scarlett, and Scrappy. In his free time, Josh enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and listening to music. 362
In general, strategic deworming is intended to focus on the group of animals most at risk for developing clinical disease, which is usually a minority of the entire population.3 Strategic deworming should coincide with the times of the year when egg output will be the highest, most commonly in the spring and fall.14 Lees et al14 suggest that if deworming in the spring lowers pasture contamination sufficiently, it may not be necessary to deworm later in the grazing season. However, in an effort to prevent outbreaks of larval cyathostominosis, horses should be treated at the end of the grazing season with one of the compounds that are effective against larvae encysted in the intestinal mucosa.1,4 Reinemeyer and colleagues3 suggest an approach called selective treatment, in which each horse in the herd is evaluated with regard to the degree to which it contaminates the pasture; a control program is then developed accordingly. The rationale behind selective treatment is that although nearly all horses carry some load of large strongyles and cyathostomins, the degree to which each horse contaminates the pasture with eggs will vary.3 Each horse is classified as a low, moderate, or high contaminator based on fecal egg count testing conducted after a period in which deworming was not performed.3 When selective treatment is implemented, horses classified as low contaminators may not need to be dewormed because they do not contribute substantially to pasture contamination.3 One pasture management technique that has been proven to decrease the number of eggs and infective larvae involves the removal of feces from pastures on a biweekly basis.3–5 Removal can be accomplished manually or with a specialized “pasture sweeping” machine. A drawback of this technique is that it can be very labor intensive, especially if feces removal is performed manually. However, Cullinane et al4 consider removal of feces from pastures before eggs hatch and larvae migrate onto the pasture to be the most important measure in the control of equine strongylosis. Various management factors related to stable hygiene and pasture rotation should also be evaluated. For example, paddock rotation should be implemented in order to keep nursing mares and their foals from grazing
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
on the same pasture in consecutive years, and the least contaminated pastures should be reserved for nursing mares and their foals.1 Overstocking should be avoided, and any new horses being brought into the facility should be dewormed and kept separated from the herd for 72 hours.1,4 If an adequate control program has been established, treatment for clinical strongylosis should not be necessary.1
Conclusion It may not be possible to completely eradicate cyathostomins. Although large strongyles have largely been eradicated from well-managed farms in the United States, cyathostomins are still prevalent, and the larval stages can be quite pathogenic.3 When a patient presents with clinical signs of infection, such as chronic weight loss, poor haircoat, or compromised performance, or the more serious signs of larval cyathostominosis (e.g., severe diarrhea, rapid weight loss), cyathostomin infection should be suspected. By recognizing the clinical signs of infection, understanding the life cycles of both large strongyles and cyathostomins, and keeping up-to-date on the most effective methods of controlling these parasites, veterinary technicians can help owners keep their herds healthy.
References 1. Taylor MA, Coop RL, Wall RL: Veterinary Parasitology, ed 3. Ames, IA, Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 2. Lichtenfels JR, Gibbons LM, Krecek RC: Recommended terminology and advances in the systematics of the Cyathostominea (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) of horses. Vet Parasitol 107(4):337– 342, 2002. 3. Reinemeyer CR, Nielsen MK, Sellon DC: Nematodes, in Sellon DC, Long MT (eds): Equine Infectious Diseases. St. Louis, Saunders Elsevier, 2007. 4. Cullinane AA, Barr B, Bernard W, et al: Infectious diseases, in Higgins AJ, Snyder JR (eds): The Equine Manual, ed 2. Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders, 2006, pp 1–111. 5. Gastrointestinal parasites of horses, in Kahn CM (ed): The Merck Veterinary Manual, ed 9. Whitehouse Station, NJ, Merck & Company, 2005, pp 265–270. 6. Eades SC, Waguespack RW: The gastrointestinal and digestive system, in Higgins AJ, Snyder JR (eds): The Equine Manual, ed 2. Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders, 2006, pp 529–626. 7. Hahn CN: The nervous system, in Higgins AJ,
www.VetTechJournal.com
Merial-Oravet_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
9:39 AM
Page 363
Thanks to OraVet™, Frankie got help with his halitosis problem – and he got Lucille. Frankie just wished his owner had started him on OraVet sooner.
OraVet is clinically proven to help reduce plaque and calculus formation. TM
OraVet is an oral healthcare system that starts with your dental cleaning protocol and continues in the dog owner’s home. The OraVet system facilitates dog-owner compliance and helps improve the oral health of dogs. MAKE ORAVET A PART OF EVERY PROPHY. For more information, please contact your local Merial Sales Representative or Merial Sales Agent Representative, call us at 1-888-MERIAL-1 (1-888-637-4251) or visit www.oravet.com. TM ORAVET and FLIP THE LIP are trademarks of Merial. ©2008 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. OVT08CNFRNKTRADEAD.
Circle 151 on Reader Service Card
Encourage each client to “Flip the Lip™” and check their pet’s teeth.
Clark_Strongylosis_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:38 AM
Page 364
CE Article #2 Equine Strongylosis Snyder JR (eds): The Equine Manual, ed 2. Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders, 2006, pp 1105–1146.
resistance in horses receiving daily administration of pyrantel tartrate. JAVMA 228(1):101–103, 2006.
8. Traversa D, Iorio R, Klei TR, et al: New method for simultaneous species-specific identification of equine strongyles (Nematoda, Strongylida) by reverse line blot hybridization. J Clin Microbiol 45(9):2937–2942, 2007.
12. Steinbach T, Bauer C, Sasse H, et al: Small strongyle infection: Consequences of larvicidal treatment of horses with fenbendazole and moxidectin. Vet Parasitol 139(1–3):115–131, 2006.
9. Matthews JB, Hodgkinson JE, Dowdall SM, Proudman CJ: Recent developments in research into the Cyathostominae and Anoplocephala perfoliata. Vet Res 35(4):371–381, 2004. 10. Hodgkinson JE: Molecular diagnosis and equine parasitology. Vet Parasitol 136(2):109–116, 2006. 11. Brazik EL, Luquire JT, Little D: Pyrantel pamoate
13. Mercier P, Chick B, Alves-Branco F, White CR: Comparative efficacy, persistent effect, and treatment intervals of anthelmintic pastes in naturally infected horses. Vet Parasitol 99(1):29–39, 2001. 14. Lees P, Ayliffe TR, Baggot JD, et al: Toxicology and pharmacology, in Higgins AJ, Snyder JR (eds): The Equine Manual, ed 2. Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders, 2006, pp 223–304.
Article #2 CE Test The article you have read qualifies for 0.5 credit hour. To receive credit from Alfred State College, choose the best answer to each of the following questions. Either fax (800-589-0036) your answers or participate online.
1. The minimum time between the passage of eggs in the host’s feces and the development of L3-stage larvae is a. 6 hours. c. 1 week. b. 2 days. d. 3 months. 2. Cyathostomin resistance to ___________ has become widespread. a. benzimidazoles b. macrocyclic lactones c. tetrahydropyrimidines d. none of the above 3. In northern, colder climates, ___________ is the ideal time for strongyle eggs to hatch and for infective larvae to develop. a. spring c. fall b. summer d. winter 4. Which of the following regarding larval cyathostominosis is false? a. The condition is associated with the emergence of large numbers of hypobiotic larvae from the host’s intestinal wall. b. The condition occurs in young horses and ponies. c. Clinical signs include severe diarrhea and sudden, rapid weight loss.
364
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
d. The condition is more likely to occur in late summer or early autumn in northern regions and in late winter or early spring in southern regions. 5. Strategic deworming a. coincides with the times of the year when egg output will be the highest. b. involves frequent administration of anthelmintics. c. focuses on the animals most at risk for developing clinical disease. d. a and c 6. Depending on the types of large strongyles present, the prepatent period can range from a. 12 to 24 hours. b. 8 to 10 days. c. 2 to 4 weeks. d. 6 to 12 months. 7. Which of the following regarding cyathostomins is true? a. The majority of damage to the host is caused by adult parasites. b. Their oral cavities allow them to grasp and attach to the lining of the host’s large intestine and cecum.
Go to www.VetTechJournal.com now to take this CE Test.
c. Their larvae encyst in the mucosal lining of the cecum and ventral colon. d. Resistance to anthelmintics has not been reported. 8. Among the large strongyles, _________ is usually the cause of the most severe disease because the larvae migrate to the cranial mesenteric artery, potentially causing thrombus formation. a. S. edentatus b. S. equinus c. S. vulgaris d. Triodontophorus tenuicollis 9. Any new horses brought into the facility should be dewormed and kept separated from the herd for a. 12 hours. b. 24 hours. c. 48 hours. d. 72 hours. 10. Large strongyles and cyathostomins a. are never found on overgrazed pastures. b. live in the host’s kidneys. c. have an indirect life cycle. d. none of the above
www.VetTechJournal.com
VT_Enews_1pgAd_TT8FVT:VT
5/28/08
9:14 AM
Page 365
Get Connected with
TechTalk!
TechTalk is your source for additional content, including: 䊳
Exclusive Online Articles 䊳 Technician Spotlights 䊳 News Bites 䊳 Bonus Tech Tips 䊳
and More!
Go to VetTechJournal.com/subscribe now to sign up. T T8F VT
Byard_Dentistry_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:52 AM
Page 366
BrushingUpOnDentistry
Promoting Dentistry in the Veterinary Practice
CCORDING TO THE American Veterinary Dental Society, an astounding 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years of age have some degree of periodontal disease. Many pet owners, however, are unaware of the importance of providing oral health care for their pet. They do not realize that dental disease can lead to other health-related problems. For veterinarians and technicians who work in general practice and provide routine dental services, it is important to promote these services while at the same time emphasizing the importance of oral health care to their clients. Staff Education
Free download! Toothbrushing Guidelines for Pet Owners can be downloaded at www.VetTechJournal.com. 366
Before technicians can educate clients, they must have a good understanding of proper dental care, consider dental care a priority, and be knowledgeable about the dental procedures performed in the practice. Technicians should feel comfortable discussing routine dental cleaning with clients as well as any procedures that the veterinarian may recommend. Clients may have concerns, especially regarding their pet’s safety during the procedure; therefore, technicians should be prepared to answer any questions. They should also be able to demonstrate toothbrushing techniques so that clients can provide proper at-home oral care. There are numerous ways for technicians to advance their dental skills and knowledge. They can attend local, regional, and national conferences that offer dentistry lectures, wet labs, and continuing education opportunities. Reading articles about dentistry in clinical journals can also help technicians to keep abreast of current dentistry information. Having “lunch and learn” sessions in the practice
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
David Beagin
A
Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) Rau Animal Hospital Glenside, Pennsylvania
Vickie shows Christopher Unger from Oreland, Pennsylvania, how to brush his dog Shiloh’s teeth.
is another way to educate the staff about dental techniques. The practice owner or manager can contact dental product suppliers and have representatives come to the clinic and conduct demonstrations, review techniques, present new information, and answer questions.
Client Interaction Educate the Client During every visit, the technician should assess the pet’s teeth and discuss the importance of dental care with the client, emphasizing that failing to maintain the pet’s oral health could lead to infections, abscesses, and consequent systemic illnesses. Maintaining good oral hygiene should be discussed during the client’s initial visit — ideally starting with the first puppy or kitten visit — and during every visit thereafter. Emphasis should be placed on promoting oral care when the patient is young because puppies and kittens will more readily adapt to having their teeth brushed.1 Technicians should inform new puppy and kitten owners that in addition to benefiting from regular oral care at a young age, these pets will often have improved social skills and be easier to handle during veterinary visits.1 Most clients need to hear oral care recommendations several times before they will act www.VetTechJournal.com
Byard_Dentistry_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:52 AM
Page 367
BrushingUpOnDentistry Peer Reviewed on them. Clients must be given the same consistent message by all team members. Technicians should be able to address the reasons why clients may not comply with recommendations (e.g., they did not “hear” the recommendation, they have concerns about anesthesia), clearly explain the types of procedures recommended (e.g., dental cleaning, periodontal disease treatment), and review at-home oral maintenance techniques (e.g., toothbrushing, giving the pet treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council). Simply giving the client a pamphlet on dental care, a toothpaste sample, and a finger toothbrush is not sufficient to ensure compliance. The client must be shown how to brush the pet’s teeth and told how to fit the task into his or her schedule (e.g., brush the pet’s teeth at night when the client brushes his or her own teeth). Ultimately, the technician must be passionate about dental care and share this passion with the client.
schedule dental care once the pet’s presenting condition has resolved. Even when clients acknowledge that they have received oral care recommendations from the veterinary staff, they may be reluctant to schedule a dental procedure because they are concerned about the risks of anesthesia, especially for older pets. The technician should educate the client about the types of anesthetics available and help alleviate the client’s fears by explaining that the pet will undergo a preanesthetic evaluation and will be monitored continuously during the dental procedure. Clients may also be hesitant to schedule a dental procedure because they do not understand the importance of the procedure; therefore, technicians must emphasize that good dental health is essential to the pet’s overall health and well-being. Technicians should explain that pets can mask pain extremely well; therefore, many owners are often unaware that their pet has a serious dental problem.
Address Barriers to Seeking Dental Care There are a number of reasons why clients may not seek dental care for their pets. Veterinary professionals often believe that cost is the main barrier to regular oral care. However, according to an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) client compliance survey, prohibitive cost was considered a barrier to dental care by only 7% of respondents. The number one reason why respondents did not seek dental services was that they never “heard” the recommendation from the veterinarian or other clinic staff. The AAHA survey results indicate that even when a recommendation regarding oral care is made, clients may not hear the recommendation or remember it, in part because several topics (e.g., housetraining, vaccination, sterilization) are usually discussed during a typical appointment. Therefore, during checkups, appointment length should be evaluated and time should be allotted to discuss oral care with clients. In addition, the pet’s oral score or stage should be noted in the patient’s record during every visit, if possible. When a pet presents to the clinic with a serious medical condition, however, staff should recognize that the client’s concerns regarding the pet’s current condition may make it difficult to conduct an in-depth discussion of preventive oral care; therefore, reminder cards and other tools to increase client compliance (discussed below) can be used to remind the client to www.VetTechJournal.com
Use Proper Terminology When educating the client about the importance of regular dental care, the technician should use proper terminology. The technician should ensure that the client understands the necessity of regular dental prophylaxis (i.e., cleaning and polishing), which is sometimes incorrectly referred to as “a dental” or “a prophy.” A patient undergoing dental prophylaxis receives a comprehensive oral health assessment, scaling below the gum line, fluoride treatment, and professional teeth cleaning under general anesthesia. In addition, oral radiographs are often obtained. The technician should explain that prophylaxis is intended to prevent — but not treat — periodontal disease.2 If periodontal disease has already occurred, the pet will require more extensive dental care.
Dentistry Marketing Outside of the Box Contact local pet stores and get permission to demonstrate toothbrushing techniques when the stores hold their “Pet Adoption Day.” Advertise the practice’s dental services by buying coupon space on paper placemats in the local diner or in church bulletins. Contact the local newspaper and ask a reporter to interview a technician in the practice about the importance of oral health care for pets. Hold a dental education night at the clinic. Not only will this teach clients about oral care, but it will help build relationships with clients. Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
367
Byard_Dentistry_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
10:52 AM
Page 368
BrushingUpOnDentistry If serious oral problems are observed, the pet may have to be referred to a veterinary dentist for treatment.
Demonstrate Toothbrushing Techniques Technicians have an opportunity to discuss oral health care with clients during wellness visits and regular checkups; however, theoretical education alone cannot ensure client compliance with recommendations, particularly those involving at-home oral hygiene, which is necessary to maintain a pet’s dental health. In addition to giving clients pet toothbrushes and toothpaste, technicians should demonstrate how to use these products. Technicians who routinely brush their own pet’s teeth will feel more comfortable demonstrating toothbrushing skills on a client’s pet. Technicians should be able to demonstrate these skills using either a dog or a cat. If the pet is uncooperative, the technician should be able to instruct the owner on steps (e.g., put toothpaste on a finger and let the pet lick the toothpaste, use a finger toothbrush) that can be taken to acclimate the pet to the toothpaste and the toothbrush. Toothbrushing sessions can be videotaped and uploaded to a desktop computer in the clinic to assist with the demonstration. To increase compliance with toothbrushing recommendations, it may be helpful to give clients a handout with photos or illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and tips.
Promoting Dental Services ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) Vickie Byard was featured on the February 2008 cover of Veterinary Technician. She is the inpatient supervisor and dentistry coordinator at Rau Animal Hospital in Glenside, Pennsylvania, and is president-elect and exam chairperson of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. Vickie has two cats, Crayons and Sassy. When she is not working, Vickie enjoys flyfishing and photography.
368
To promote the practice’s dental services and encourage client compliance with dental care recommendations, it is essential to develop a marketing strategy. All staff should participate in marketing efforts targeted to both existing clients as well as potential new clients in the community.
Internal Marketing Before a practice can market dentistry services to its clients, management must first market these services to the staff. Providing dentistry education in the clinic is one way to emphasize the importance of these services so that team members can reinforce any dental recommendations made by the veterinarian. Several methods can be used to promote dental services to existing clients. A message about the clinic’s oral health care services
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
can be played when clients who call the clinic are put on hold. In the waiting area, posters advertising National Pet Dental Health Month (February) or other special dentistry-awareness events can be displayed. Dental models can be placed in the examination rooms to help initiate discussions about oral care. Dental health brochures or handouts can be provided to clients, and picture books showing photos of patients’ teeth “before” and “after” dental procedures can be made available. The practice can also promote its dental services to clients by including a recommendation on the patient invoice regarding dental procedures, by sending reminder cards, by including information on dental health topics in clinic-generated newsletters mailed to clients, and by offering free educational seminars on dental care, which can also be open to the public.
External Marketing In addition to offering free seminars to help attract potential new clients, the practice can promote its dental services in local newspapers, on bulletin boards in pet care supply stores, through direct mail advertising, and on its Web site. The practice also can generate community interest by holding an openhouse event and inviting the media. Tours can be given of the hospital, dental kits can be distributed, and proper toothbrushing techniques can be demonstrated. In order to obtain referrals, the practice can market its dental services to other practices that do not perform dental procedures.
Conclusion With the increased emphasis on wellness care for pets, it is important that the entire team promote regular dental care, just as they promote regular vaccination. By actively marketing its dentistry services, a practice can increase its revenue and opportunities for growth while improving the quality of life for its patients.
References 1. Myers WS: Best practices: How to promote dentistry year-round. Atlantic Coast Vet Conf 2005. 2. Holmstrom SE, Bellows J, Colmery B, et al: AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Accessed May 2008 at www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/ Dental_Care_Guidelines.pdf.
www.VetTechJournal.com
TechLife_June_VT:TechLife_Template_VT
5/30/08
10:50 AM
Page 369
TechLife A Celebration of Technicians and Their Lives
Sitting Down on the Job
Courtesy of Tufts University
At your next performance review, consider letting your supervisor know how much time you spend sitting down on the job!
SCOOBY needs three different antibiotics that make him nauseated if given too quickly. So, I sit with him for 45 minutes while I slowly administer the medications. SARAH has just come out of surgery, is disoriented, and doesn’t know where she is. I sit with her until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. PATCHES has been a patient for several years, but now the chemotherapy treatments have failed and the cancer has metastasized. I sit with him and his owner as he falls asleep — no longer feeling any pain.
surgery and will be confined to a crate for many weeks afterward. The day before surgery, I take him outside several times to play. After surgery, I will sit with him and try to get him to understand how to “be still”! CUDDLES can’t walk, but she still kneads the bedding in her kennel as I administer drugs to help the thrombus dissolve. She likes to be petted, and she “talks” to me as I sit and perform her range-of-motion exercises. SMOKEY, a cat with kidney failure, is going home. I sit with her owners for about 45 minutes, showing them how to administer fluids and other medications that she needs to survive.
JUMBO ate several things that he shouldn’t have. As I sit with him, I tell him that when he wakes up, all the pain in his belly will be gone because we will remove the pieces of the toy that he ate 3 days ago.
MUFFIN, who has a bad heart, needs an ultrasonogram. So, I sit in a dark room with her while the test is conducted.
STONEWALL’s owners always come to visit him right before my shift is over. Stonewall gets so anxious that I sit with him until he fades into an exhausted slumber or another nurse takes pity on me and sits with him.
As I prepare to leave for the day, my replacement is busy sitting down on the job. Her day starts much like mine.
MARLEY is the happiest puppy I have ever met, and he can’t stop licking everything. He is scheduled for hip www.VetTechJournal.com
Karina Benish, RVT, CW2 San Diego, California Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
369
Q_of_Conscience_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:19 AM
Page 370
AQuestionOfConscience
The Client Who
Cried “Wolf!”
A
REGULAR CLIENT, who often overreacts to her pet’s medical problems, comes into the clinic and says that her pet is ill. You believe that the animal’s ailment could be underlining a more serious condition, but the veterinarian believes that the client is overreacting again. What do you do? I would inform the practice administrator of the situation and let him or her speak to the involved parties. Marcy We have a similar client. This lady is very in-tune with her dog. We take a complete history every time she brings her dog to the clinic, and we ask her many open-ended questions so that we can observe the signs she is describing. The client has never been wrong — we have found some serious problems with her dog, which proves that she isn’t overreacting. On the contrary, she sees the signs before the problem becomes serious. I wish more clients were like her. Anonymous This situation would depend on my relationship with the veterinarian as well as the veterinarian’s receptivity to my input. As the pet’s advocate, I would not remain silent. I would approach the veterinarian privately and discuss my support for further consideration and diagnostics. Suzanne, CVT 370
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
A Question of Conscience presents reader solutions to common ethical dilemmas. Reader responses are followed by comments from an ethics expert, who presents the ethical and legal ramifications of each scenario.
As veterinary professionals, it is our obligation to serve our clients and patients to the best of our ability, as stated in the Veterinary Practice Act. Also, who knows their pets better than the owners? Anonymous
I would approach the veterinarian and tell him that while I acknowledge that the client has overreacted in the past, I am concerned that the patient’s clinical signs warrant investigation. Karen
I work for a veterinarian who sees many of these “quirky clients.” We check out every possibility and, several times, have been able to catch disease processes early because of the client’s keen eyes. But in the past, I have worked with doctors who would not have been so quick to work with these clients. As a technician who often answered the phone, I found myself having to justify some appointments to the doctor. I hated this scrutiny. To answer the question, I would treat the client and the pet as I would any other client and pet. Anonymous
We have a responsibility to our patients and to our clients, who trust us to care for their pet. Every client deserves to be treated appropriately regardless of whether we think that he or she is overreacting. Anonymous
I would tell the veterinarian that despite the history of this client, I am concerned that the situation warrants further investigation. Tasha
Once the history has been obtained and the veterinarian has refused to follow up on the complaint, as a technician, there isn’t anything else that you can do. Anonymous I would remind the doctor that even though the client may be overreacting again, we should still check the pet completely because it may be sick. We are here for the pet, and we can’t refuse to treat the animal just because the owner is a little “off.” Amanda www.VetTechJournal.com
Q_of_Conscience_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:19 AM
Page 371
AQuestionOfConscience
Our Ethics Expert Comments Living ethically requires that we be fair and consistent and act in a manner that we would like to see in others. This means that we must treat morally equivalent individuals equally and not favor certain individuals for reasons that are morally irrelevant. In ethical decision making, we must treat similar cases similarly. We are morally bound to satisfy the majority of stakeholders, and our decisions must be defensible. In any dilemma, stakeholders — individuals who may benefit or be harmed by the outcome — have interests. These interests are defined by each individual stakeholder and can be generally described as the stakeholder’s wants, needs, or potential for benefits. In this scenario, the stakeholders include the client, the pet, the veterinarian, the technician, and the hospital staff. The list of stakeholders may even extend to include the entire profession of veterinary medicine. If this veterinarian treats the client’s concerns as superficial or noncredible, no one’s interests will have been addressed. Although the veterinarian may believe he has benefited from sparing himself a few minutes with an annoying client, the potential negative consequences far outweigh the positive ones. In addition to the lost income, he risks his reputation, the reputation of the practice, and the reputation of the entirety of veterinary medicine by failing (in the moral sense) to treat this client and her pet similarly to how he would treat other clients and their pets.
Nadine Hackman, MS, VMD, MBE (Master’s in Bioethics)
Nadine Hackman, MS, VMD, MBE (Master’s in Bioethics), is the director of the veterinary technology program at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where she teaches classes in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, surgery, and professional ethics. She is also a guest lecturer for the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Bioethics. Nadine has two grown daughters, and she and her fiancé live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with two golden retrievers and a collie.
Consider This . . . Your neighbor, who is unfriendly and known to be a drug user, owns an unvaccinated intact male cat that spends most of its time outdoors. The owner doesn’t look after the cat, and the cat behaves as though it were feral. During the night, it is frequently heard vocalizing, and it sprays on your property. If you had the resources to capture your neighbor’s cat and have it neutered without your neighbor knowing, would you? What other approaches might you take in this situation? Submitted by Mary B. Thury, DVM, Globe University Send your thoughts — in 50 words or less — by August 1. Responses will be edited.
Do you have an ethical dilemma? We are looking for Questions of Conscience from our readers. We will pay $25 for any question that is published in the journal. Be sure to include your full name, address, and daytime phone number so that we can contact you. Email: editor@VetTechJournal.com Fax: 800-556-3288 Mail: Veterinary Learning Systems, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067
www.VetTechJournal.com
On the Web! Respond to this month’s ethical dilemma at www.VetTechJournal.com and click on Discussion Board.
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
371
TechTips_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:42 AM
Page 372
TechTips
TIP of the MONTH
Each published Tip of the Month contributor receives a Veterinary Technician® scrub top in addition to $50.
Tom Patterson
To obtain an oral sample from a bird without using a metal speculum, which can injure the beak, the veterinarian at my clinic uses a Nylabone that has been hollowed out with a drill. A swab can easily pass through the hole, and the Nylabone is strong enough to hold the bird’s beak open but soft enough to not injure the bird. Tom Patterson Hicksville, NY Tricks of the Trade We developed a convenient method to keep track of tissue samples during surgery. We save the tops from 10- to 60-ml syringe cases, number them with a marker, and gassterilize them. Once a sample is obtained, the veterinarian places it in the syringe top, while the technician writes down the type of tissue each top contains. After surgery, the samples are placed in the proper containers for biopsy. Elizabeth Shank Riverdale, GA Because we frequently use alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, we store these liquids in large Boston round bottles, which are kept in the treatment area. To protect the hydrogen peroxide from light, which can cause chemical breakdown, and to distinguish it from the alcohol, we wrap the bottle in Vetrap. Sara Baker, LVT Dorr, MI 372
JUNE 2008 | Veterinary Technician
In our intensive care unit, we keep a chart on the wall that lists compatible and incompatible medications. It is much easier to quickly consult this chart in a moment’s notice rather than look up the information in the formulary. Jennifer Simmons, LVT Leesburg, VA We created kits that contain all the materials needed for dermatology or ophthalmology appointments. Each skin cytology kit contains scalpel blades, slides, tape, mineral oil, and a hemostat. Each eye test kit includes cotton swabs, cotton balls, Schirmer tear test strips, and fluorescein strips. Yvonne Baden, RVT Toledo, OH
Client Communications Because there is a lot of information to relay to new pet owners, we split the information up over the puppy or kitten’s three initial visits. If the
owner can make only two of the three appointments, we group the information from visits two and three together. With this method, we can give clients all the information that they need to care for their new pet without overwhelming them, and they are less likely to miss important details. The technicians at the Animal Hospital of Ashwaubenon Ashwaubenon, SC In each exam room, we keep a wellness packet that includes parasite control brochures, vaccine information, and our “Road Map to Health” guide. The guide describes what owners should expect at each year’s regular examination. We review the information in the packet with clients at each appointment so that they know how to provide their pet with the highest level of care. Elissa Curtin Sammamish, WA www.VetTechJournal.com
TechTips_June_VT:VT
5/23/08
10:42 AM
Page 373
TechTips
TECH TIP CHALLENGE
That Darn Cat! In the March issue, we asked what tips you have for working with an aggressive cat. Here are some of your responses:
Before handling an aggressive cat, I lightly tap it on the head with a capped pen. The tapping usually distracts the cat, which is then able to be examined or undergo treatment. Nicole Cooper Concord, CA Before vaccinating an aggressive cat, we place it in a clear Plexiglas box that is turned on its side. We confine the cat to one side of the box by slowly pushing the lid halfway down the box. Through large holes in the lid, the veterinarian can administer the vaccinations in the cat’s back leg. Jessica Hegel Bismarck, ND
?
Terri Janus
To restrain a fractious cat before performing a jugular venipuncture, I tightly wrap a towel around the cat’s body, creating a “kitty burrito.” I also place a slip leash around the cat’s neck in case the cat escapes my hold. If restraint is still difficult, I ask the veterinarian if sedation would be appropriate, since this is sometimes the safest method for both the patient and the staff. Laura Wikert, CVT Waterford, WI
To avoid being bitten by an extremely aggressive cat, I use a method that involves rolling a small kitchen towel lengthwise to form a tube. I place the towel around the cat’s neck, holding the two ends together at the top of the neck. When doing this, it is extremely important to not cut off the airway. With this method, the cat will usually freeze in place instead of trying to escape. Terri Janus Bloomington, MN
Terri Janus
Before handling an aggressive cat in the examination room, I spray Feliway in the air, on the carrier, and on my hands. I then let the cat sit quietly in the carrier for a few minutes to calm down. Jamie Davis McCordsville, IN
TECH TIP CHALLENGE
$50 paid for each published response! What tips do you have for keeping the clinic tidy? Send submissions by July 15.
Answers to our Tech Tip Challenge or other Tech Tip submissions should be sent to: Email: editor@VetTechJournal.com Fax: 800-556-3288 Mail: VLS/Veterinary Technician, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067
Jessica Hegel
We pay $50 for each tip, question, or solution selected for publication. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and will be edited for length and clarity. Photos are welcome. Be sure to include your full name, address, and daytime phone number so that we can contact you.
www.VetTechJournal.com
Videotape your tech tips and upload them to www.VetTechJournal.com/sharetechtip. We pay $100 for each Tech Tip video that we post on www.VetTechJournal.com. Tech Tips are compiled by VLS Assistant Editor Liz Donovan.
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
373
ProductForum_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:45 AM
Page 374
ProductForum IDEXX Laboratories
VetLab Sample Prep Rack IDEXX’s new sample prep rack is designed to complement the IDEXX VetLab Suite of integrated in-house analyzers. This product features a tiered Accessories not included. rack, which allows for countertop organization of samples, making it easier for technicians to conduct laboratory tests. It holds commonly used sample collection devices, such as tubes, pipettes, and sample cups. Patient blood and urine samples can be securely stored in the rack, preventing accidental spills. The rack is durable, easy to clean, and able to withstand refrigeration if samples require cold storage.
Six-Drawer Pro II Unit Constructed of lightweight wood and designed to fit in most midsized SUVs, this portable unit provides organized storage and work space for house- or farmcall practitioners. The unit features a fold-up work surface that tightly seals out dust and moisture and a stainless-steel top rail. The drawers are removable and dividable, making the unit easy to clean. The product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. 800-776-9984 䡲 www.laboit.com Circle 102 on Reader Service Card
800-355-2896 䡲 www.idexx.com Circle 101 on Reader Service Card
Mars Veterinary
AVMA Accredited A VMA V Accr
Veter Veterinary TTechnology echn D egre Degrees • Associate’s Associate’s degree d egree
La Boit, Inc.
e n i l On
• Bachelor’s degree
(727) 27 7) 341-4SPC www.spcollege.edu/hec/vt w.spcollege.edu/hec/vt
St. Petersburg u g College urg Excellence in education uccation i since i 1927 Circle 181 on Reader Service Card
Wisdom Panel MX Test for Dogs Mars Veterinary has expanded the availability of its Wisdom Panel MX mixed-breed test for dogs by offering the product online. The Wisdom Panel MX, a comprehensive DNAbased test that identifies the genetic makeup of mixed-breed dogs, is able to detect more than 130 American Kennel Club breeds. To promote communication with the veterinary clinic, dog owners who purchase the sample collection kit online will be instructed to visit their veterinarian for test administration. 888-K9PET-TEST 䡲 www.whatsmydog.com Circle 103 on Reader Service Card
For more information about the products highlighted in this section, fill out and return the Reader Service Card inserted between pages 376 and 377 of this issue. The product and service descriptions presented in Product Forum are provided by the manufacturers and are not necessarily endorsed by Veterinary Technician.
374
JUNE 2008
www.VetTechJournal.com
ProductForum_June_VT:VT
5/30/08
11:45 AM
Page 375
ProductForum Medi-Dose, Inc./EPS, Inc.
Bon Mangé, Inc.
EPS is now offering oral dispensers that are latex-free and feature a one-piece plunger construction, which allows the plunger to more easily slide through the barrel. The unique tip design facilitates simpler dispensing of oral and topical medications, reduces residual content, and ensures maximum delivery of medication. The oral dispensers can be capped with standard tip caps or with EPS’s “wagon wheel” cap, which provides a solid base for standing dispensers on a countertop. This product features graduations in both milliliters and fractionated teaspoon measurements and is available in 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-ml sizes.
Sorbay Pet Oral Care Mist is an all-natural dental care product that is designed to remove tartar from dogs’ and cats’ teeth and eliminate bad breath. It is made of three active ingredients: citric acid, which stimulates increased saliva flow; tannic acid, which disrupts the structure and function of proteins and complex sugars commonly found in foods; and sodium lauryl sulfate, which emulsifies fats and oils and solubilizes proteins and complex sugars. It is also treated with an artificial sweetener to improve palatability. Pet Oral Care Mist is designed for both spray- and wipe-on administration.
800-523-8966 䡲 www.medidose.com Circle 104 on Reader Service Card
800-553-1224 䡲 www.bonmange.com Circle 105 on Reader Service Card
Oral Dispensers
Sorbay Pet Oral Care Mist
Index to Advertisers For more information about products advertised in this issue, see the Reader Service Card inserted between pages 376 and 377.
Company Bayer Animal Health Fort Dodge Animal Health Hill’s Pet Nutrition IVECCS Merial
Nutramax Laboratories Pfizer Animal Health St. Petersburg College Summit VetPharm Veterinary Learning Systems
Vetstreet
Product Advantage Multi ProMeris Prescription Diet Canine d/d Prescription Diet Canine r/d 14th International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium Frontline Plus Heartgard Plus OraVet Recombitek Proviable for Dogs and Cats Slentrol Online Veterinary Technology Program Vectra for Cats and Kittens TechTalk e-newsletter Veterinary Technician® Is Now Free VetLearn.com Practice Communication and Marketing Tool
Reader Service # 195 134
183 190 151 173 192 153 181 127
186
Page # 347, 348–349 Cover 4 Cover 2 (Canada only) Cover 2 (US only) Cover 3 323 336, 337 363 329 325 339, 340 374 357 365 327 (US only) 341 354–355
The following advertisers appear in our Market Showcase section, which begins on page 376. Alpine Publications MED I.D. Petknap, Inc. Veterinary Solutions WhereTechsConnect.com
www.VetTechJournal.com
Dictionary of Veterinary Terms BIPS Capsules X-Ray Identification System Pet Burial Bags World’s Best Dog & Cat Muzzle Job Source and Marketplace for Vet Techs
118 120 120 121 122 123
Veterinary Technician | JUNE 2008
375
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:49 AM
Page 376
MarketShowcase
▲ Circle 118 on Reader Service Card
▲ Circle 120 on Reader Service Card
World’s Best Dog & Cat Muzzle ▲ Circle 121 on Reader Service Card
free!
GET MORE EXPOSURE FOR www.
vetclassifieds .com
The durable, soft plastic Vetsol cat & dog muzzle goes on easily, is comfortable, and stays put! Great for exams, drawing blood, taking x-rays, and grooming.
Catheter Guards
ALL MARKET SHOWCASE PRINT ADS are placed on VetClassifieds.com for free!
Save time and money by protecting your patients’ IV catheters.
To place an ad, call Linda Costantini at 800-426-9119, ext 2422 Image Copyright of Llin Sergey, 2008 Used under license from Shutterstock.com.
VETERINARY SOLUTIONS PO BOX 16195, SEATTLE, WA 98116-0195
BONUS!
www.vetsol.com • becky@vetsol.com 858-232-0081 ▲ Circle 122 on Reader Service Card ▲ Circle 123 on Reader Service Card
Our
free Reader Service Program generates
Image Copyright of ANP, 2008 Used under license from Shutterstock.com.
highly qualified leads for your sales force.
376
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN AD, CONTACT LINDA COSTANTINI Phone 800-426-9119, ext 2422, or 267-685-2422 Email lcostantini@vetlearn.com • Fax 201-231-6373 June 2008 | Veterinary Technician
www.VetTechJournal.com
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 377
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
ARIZONA
arate cat-only hospital. Benefits available. Phone: 203-8475875; fax: 203-849-3015; email: strawberryh@snet.net.
FLORIDA – Veterinary technician needed for small animal
Your Talent. Our Team. As the nation’s largest network of veterinary hospitals and clinical laboratories, we know our support staff and professionals are critical to our success. That’s why we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits including:
practice in Tallahassee. Located in a great university community close to the Gulf Coast. Salary and benefits for full-time. Contact Dr. Carter for an application and interview: 850-878-4799.
Technicians Wanted Two career-oriented, full-time technicians needed for outstanding emergency and specialty hospital located in Tucson. Excellent benefits include health/dental, CE allowance, and paid time off. Fun-loving, friendly work environment with lots of Tucson sunshine!! To apply, download an application at www.southernazvets.com; email your resume to hr@southernazvets.com; or mail your resume to HR, 141 East Fort Lowell Road Tucson, AZ 85705.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
CALIFORNIA – RVT (or RVT-eligible individual) wanted
• 401(k) retirement plan
for progressive, service-oriented, ten-doctor practice in Corte Madera. A great opportunity for an energetic, selfmotivated team player to utilize his or her full range of skills. Full-time position with competitive salary and benefits package. Please contact Lani: fax 415-924-6235 or email lani.dacosta@sbcglobal.net.
• Generous discount for personal pet care • Continuing education opportunities • Transfer opportunities and relocation • Exciting career advancement opportunities and specialty tech positions • Flexible scheduling These are just a few of the reasons why some of the nation’s top veterinary professionals consider joining VCA Animal Hospitals to be their smartest career move yet. Of course, working in one of VCA’s state-of-the-art facilities also has its advantages! Join us in one of our specialty hospitals and multi-doctor progressive practices. Come share your talent with our team and be a part of our family of over 1,800 doctors and 200 boardcertified specialists. We offer positions in 39 states and have more than 450 locations across the United States. Please visit us at www.vcapets.com. And feel free to contact us at (800) 216-8699 or talent@vcamail.com.
ALASKA – Experienced licensed or unlicensed technician needed for busy emergency hospital open evenings, weekends, and holidays. Have your days free to see the sights of Alaska. Competitive wages, health and dental insurance, vacation pay, and continuing education opportunities. Send resume to PET Emergency Treatment, 2320 East Dowling Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
LOOK NO FURTHER. We’ve got your ideal job! www.VetTechJournal.com
CALIFORNIA – Excellent career opportunities for compassionate, skilled veterinary technicians in our state-ofthe-art, AAHA-accredited, multispecialty referral hospital. We are currently seeking experienced critical care/emergency and surgical technicians to join our team. RVT/VTS and anesthesia experience a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, CE, 401(k). Contact Mary Rattray at 818-244-7977. Send resume to Animal Specialty Group, 4641 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039; email asgvets@asgvets.com; fax 818-507-9418; website: www.asgvets.com.
COLORADO – Busy mountain practice in gorgeous Gunnison seeks full-time certified or experienced veterinary technician. Applicant should be skilled in anesthesia, nursing, radiology, lab work, dental care, and venipuncture. Work with our board-certified internal medicine specialist and a local orthopedic surgeon. We have a complete in-house lab, state-of-the-art anesthesia equipment, ultrasound, fiber optics, x-ray and dental x-ray, EKG, and a blood pressure unit. We emphasize individualized patient care. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Benefits include CE, uniform allowance, pet care discounts, health insurance stipend, and matching IRA. Gunnison is located in the Rocky Mountains and provides a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. Please contact Dr. Steffanie Jacobson, DVM, DACVIM: call 970-641-2460; fax 970-641-0817; email rockymountainvet@yahoo.com.
CONNECTICUT – Five-doctor, veterinarian-owned, AAHA-accredited hospital in Norwalk needs a technician. Work in a fun environment that promotes teamwork and personal growth. Great salary and benefits, including continuing education at national meetings. Contact Dr. Michele Lamothe at 203-846-3495 or email brah@aol.com. Visit us at www.broadriveranimalhospital.com.
CONNECTICUT – Busy six-doctor small animal practice in Norwalk seeks compassionate full- or part-time technician skilled in anesthesia monitoring, dentistry, radiology, laboratory work, and nursing care. Practice offers full surgical schedule, grooming services, large boarding facility, and sep-
FLORIDA – The Cat Hospital of Orlando is seeking a fulltime veterinary technician with a commitment to excellent patient care. Applicant must be accomplished in phlebotomy, catheter placement, laboratory procedures, surgical support, and dental prophylaxis. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Full benefits. Fax resume to 407-831-5434. Visit our website at www.kittydoctor.com. FLORIDA – North Miami Beach/Aventura area small animal practice seeks skilled, professional, self-motivated veterinary technician for full-time position. Technical skills will be fully utilized. Send resume to Tricia Hunt, practice manager: email TJHCVT@aol.com or fax 305-935-8730.
FLORIDA – The SPCA Tampa Bay seeks a full-time CVT for our progressive animal shelter. Provide emergency and general medical care to sick and injured animals and assist veterinarian in day-to-day operations of the medical department. Excellent benefits; salary commensurate with experience. Job description available upon request. Send resume to SPCA Tampa Bay, Attn: Director of Operations, 9099 130th Avenue North, Largo, FL 33773; or email to Connie@spcatampabay.org. EOE.
FLORIDA – Noah’s Place 24-Hour Animal Medical Center, a full-service, AAHA-accredited animal hospital in St. Petersburg, is seeking full- and part-time staff members to join our team. Current open positions include: client care coordinator (front desk), inpatient technician, outpatient technician, and technician assistant. To learn more about our hospital, please visit our website at www. Noahs24.com. For more about these positions, please visit www.noahs24.net/technician.
THE NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE
is AUGUST, which closes JUNE 26 For information about ad placement, call Liese Dixon at 800-920-1695. Veterinary Technician | June 2008
377
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 378
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
FLORIDA - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS/NURSES We are a state-of-the-art small animal referral practice located in West Palm Beach. Our in-house veterinarians and consultants specialize in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, neurology, cardiology, radiology, and behavior sciences. We have a place for you, whatever your interests may be!
Qualities we require in a technician/nurse include the following: • Clinical as well as interpersonal skills • Desire to directly assist with case management • Self-motivator and active team member • New graduates welcome! Excellent compensation adds to our quality working environment. Additional benefits include medical and dental insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, uniform reimbursement, CE, and discounted services for your own pets! The greater West Palm Beach area is a growing, pleasant region of Florida with a comfortable climate. With magnificent beaches lining the Atlantic coast and one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, outdoor recreational activities abound. Just a short drive to Miami Beach will bring you to the multicultural center of south Florida. Two hours north will take you to the Orlando area where you will find a number of theme parks and the Kennedy Space Center.
If interested, please call and/or fax your resume to our HR Director, Jennifer, at Palm Beach Veterinary Referral & Critical Care Center at 561-434-5700. Fax: 561-296-2888 • Email: pbvrs@earthlink.net
FLORIDA
FLORIDA – MIAMI VETERINARY SPECIALISTS is a state-of-the-art veterinary referral practice with multiple board-certified specialists on site. MVS practices high-quality, cutting-edge veterinary medicine. MVS is looking for highly enthusiastic, self-motivated, experienced team players to join our fast-growing technician staff. Work to your fullest capability with our specialists assisting in: Ultrasonography • Endoscopy • Oncologic surgery • Neurologic surgery • Dermatology • Fluoroscopy • Orthopedic surgery • Soft tissue surgery • Internal medicine • 24-hour emergency care • And much more Specialized duties include: patient monitoring (including anesthesia), ICU and critical care, surgical prep, sterility assistance, specialized diagnostics and treatments, radiography, and the ability to think and handle responsibility. Benefits include: 401(k), CE, paid vacation, medical/dental insurance, pet discounts, and more. New graduates welcome. Interested veterinary technicians, please apply in person: Miami Veterinary Specialists 8601 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143 or fax resume to 305-665-2821, Attn: Brad, or call 305-665-2820 for more information. www.mvshospital.com
378 June 2008 | Veterinary Technician
Coral Springs Animal Hospital, a primary care/multispecialty/critical care/emergency facility, open 24 hours/day, is always accepting applications for enthusiastic, motivated, compassionate, dedicated, quality-minded AHTs and CVTs or similarly experienced technicians without a degree. New graduates are encouraged to apply. We practice professional, excellent veterinary medicine and surgery with the highest degree of ethics and integrity. We are looking for individuals who want to use their veterinary nursing technical skills to the fullest. Technicians with the desire to work at a premium facility that has a great record of retaining excellent veterinary nurses are encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with experience but will range from $32,000–$44,000+ plus shift pay differentials. We also have a generous benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, paid vacation, paid sick or personal days, paid holidays, CE, uniform allowance, retirement plan with employer matching, bonuses, discounted pet care. Drug-free workplace. Four-day workweek. Please visit our website at www.coralspringsanimalhosp.com. Please send resume to: Coral Springs Animal Hospital 1730 University Drive Coral Springs, FL 33071 Attn: Megan Kelly, Nurse Manager Phone 954-753-1800; Fax 954-343-0238
TECHNICIANS WANTED FLORIDA – Emergency Pet Care LLC, an off-hours small animal emergency hospital located in Jacksonville, is seeking a dedicated, passionate CVT to be our head treatment nurse. Responsibilities include: nursing duties, patient advocacy, inventory and equipment management, staff education, client management, and basic managerial responsibilities. We have a variety of “toys” to work with, including: digital x-ray, ultrasound, Doppler blood pressure, vital scan monitor, full in-house blood machines, endoscope, fluid/syringe infusion pumps, VetEd tablets, and Avimark software. Our doctors are always willing to share knowledge and CE is available and encouraged. Candidates for this full-time, salaried position must possess excellent communication skills, a professional work ethic, and a minimum of 4 years’ technical experience. We offer a generous benefit package, including CE, health benefits, and a flexible schedule in a thriving beach community. Nights, holidays, and weekend hours required. Mail resume, attn: Office Manager, to 14185-7 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32250. FLORIDA – Veterinary hospital in Palm Coast is seeking a full-time, experienced technician to join our team. Florida state licensure is preferred, but applicants with hands-on experience in a small animal hospital will be considered. Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in all skills necessary for basic patient care, anesthesia, radiography, and surgical assistance, such as placing IV catheters, anesthesia and intubation, venipuncture, surgical preparation and monitoring, restraint, assessment and triage, radiograph techniques, dental prophylaxis, client education, and general care of companion animals. Competitive salary and benefits for the right person. Qualified applicants please contact: Lynn Williams Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital 30 Lupi Court, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Email: LWilliams@safehavenvet.com Fax: 386-446-8317
ILLINOIS EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS and CVTs WANTED Are you a professional? We have full-time positions open for CVTs or experienced emergency and critical care technicians to become members of our team. Our hospital is a 24-hour emergency and treatment center that features specialty surgery, critical care, and internal medicine. Our team of veterinarians and technicians is here because they believe that emergency and critical care offers the opportunity to practice the highest level of veterinary medicine. Sound challenging? We think so! We are looking for technicians who have the desire to learn and want to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills in these specialty fields. We offer a competitive salary and complete benefits package.
Interested candidates, please contact Cathie Moses at 847-548-5300 or fax your resume to 224-656-5180. Email: sshogren@aetcenter.com.
www.VetTechJournal.com
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 379
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED ILLINOIS – Full-time positions available for CVTs at our fastpaced, 24-hour referral hospital in the Chicago area. The right candidates are energetic, detail-oriented, dependable selfstarters. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k), company-sponsored CE, health insurance, paid vacation, and much more. Come join our team, where you will utilize all of your skills daily. Qualified candidates, please email resume to mary.burke@vcamail.com; or fax 708-749-1716. ILLINOIS – New facility! Incredible staff! The flexibility to enjoy your personal life! Sound too good to be true? Not at the Glenview Animal Hospital in Glenview! We need a technician to join our family. Customer-service–oriented first and foremost! Certification preferred; experience a plus. Fax or email resume to Missy: 847-724-4855; glenviewah@ glenviewanimalhospital.com.
ILLINOIS Seeking a fulfilling and challenging career? Join Animal Emergency & Referral Center, one of the area’s fastest-growing veterinary centers, located in Chicago’s northern suburbs. AERC is a 24-hour emergency/critical care and specialty referral hospital, where board-certified specialists head each referral discipline: cardiology, imaging, internal medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, and orthopedic/soft tissue surgery. We seek experienced, energetic, skilled technicians to support our emergency/ICU and specialty departments. All of our talented and dedicated doctors and technical staff are committed to providing compassionate, progressive patient care and services 24/7. At AERC, we appreciate, encourage, and reward talent! We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes health/dental/life insurance, uniform/CE allowances, 401(k), paid vacation/sick time, and no rotating shifts. Fax Sheri at 847-564-9604. Email srothschild@AERCenter.com. Visit us at www.aercenter.com.
TECHNICIANS WANTED
MASSACHUSETTS
ILLINOIS – State-of-the-art emergency practice in the heart of Chicago is seeking talented veterinary technicians to join our team of compassionate, care-oriented, adrenaline-fueled supertechs. There’s never a dull moment at Chicago’s only after-hours emergency service, open nights, weekends and holidays. Enjoy all that Chicago has to offer by day; practice by night. We offer a flexible schedule, competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and an environment focused on patient care. Contact Alice Murtas, Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services 3123 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 Phone: 773-281-7110; Fax: 773-281-7928 Email: alice@chicagoveterinaryemergency.com. MARYLAND – Experienced veterinary technician needed for progressive, high-quality, state-of-the-art referral and emergency center. Located on 30 acres in Frederick. Great salary and working conditions. Fax resume and cover letter to 301-874-8880 or email jfinnegan@greenbriarpethospital.com. Visit our website at www.greenbriarpethospital.com. MARYLAND – Our team-oriented, high-tech small animal hospital seeks a competent veterinary technician. Great pay and benefits. Send your resume/inquires to Dr. Esra Yavuz: Animal Medical Center, 142B North Bond Street, Bel Air, MD 21014; email esra@doctoresra.com; or fax 410-420-9175. MARYLAND
ILLINOIS – Veterinary Specialty Center is a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary specialty referral hospital located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. There are great opportunities for certified technicians and veterinary assistants to join our team. Our growing specialties include surgery, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, radiology/imaging, emergency and critical care, dermatology, physical therapy, behavior, and ophthalmology. We have an excellent work environment with outstanding compensation and benefits. For more information on these exciting and challenging opportunities, please contact: Evelyn Feekin Veterinary Specialty Center 1515 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Fax 847-459-1848 • Phone 847-459-7535 x312 or email at efeekin@vetspecialty.com.
TECHNICIANS WANTED
Technicians/Technician Supervisor Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine, in Annapolis and Towson, is currently hiring full-time registered or experienced veterinary technicians as well as an experienced technician supervisor. Both offices are part of the Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center and are convenient to Baltimore, historic Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. Applicants should be compassionate, detail-oriented, and organized. We offer an excellent benefit package including health, dental, 401(k), and much more! Please call Kim Thomas at 800-788-2872 or fax resume to 410-224-2295. Visit our website at www.atlanticvetintmed.com to meet our doctors and staff.
Cape Animal Referral and Emergency Center (C.A.R.E.) is excited to offer a CVT/RVT the opportunity to grow with us in our newly formed oncology service. C.A.R.E. is seeking candidates who possess strong technical skills, a broad knowledge base, and the desire to become an integral part of the growth and development of the oncology service. Primary responsibilities will include supporting our board-certified oncologist with client relations, patient nursing, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, and client education regarding the treatment of cancer in companion animals. We offer a competitive salary, 100% paid medical benefits (full-time employees), CE reimbursement, paid vacation, uniform reimbursement, and personal pet benefits. C.A.R.E. is well equipped with all the state-ofthe-art equipment that you would expect at a progressive referral and emergency facility. Our beautiful, cutting-edge facility is located on Cape Cod and is the only 24/7 referral and emergency hospital serving Cape Cod and the Islands. Our 10,000–sq. ft. facility contains our emergency service as well as veterinary specialists in surgery, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, and cardiology. In addition, we are now proud to offer rehabilitation services and acupuncture to our patients. The C.A.R.E. team works hard and plays hard! If you share our love of veterinary medicine, please contact our nursing supervisor, Danielle Provost, CVT, at 508-398-7575 or email dprovost@carevet.net. You may also visit us at our website at www.carevet.net.
THE NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE
is AUGUST, which closes JUNE 26 For information about ad placement, call Liese Dixon at 800-920-1695.
PLACE YOUR AD: VetTechClassifieds@vetlearn.com www.VetTechJournal.com
Veterinary Technician | June 2008
379
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 380
ClassifiedAdvertising
*Source: December 2007 BPA Statement
TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
reach over 18,600 total qualified subscribers* with your ad in Veterinary Technician classifieds. We offer discounts for multiple ad placements, whether in one journal or across our line of publications—Compendium, Compendium Equine, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Forum, and Product Forum and Market News.
6039 South Westnedge Avenue, Portage, MI 49002; fax to 269-323-3636; or phone 269-760-4056.
MASSACHUSETTS
Come join the Tufts team on our beautiful Grafton campus! Put your skills to work in our state of the art teaching hospitals where certification, education and experience are rewarded. Challenge yourself to excel in an environment that values Veterinary Technicians as essential team members.
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS • Small Animal Emergency and Critical care • Small Animal Medicine • Large Animal Medicine • Neurology • Anesthesia • Animal Care Attendants • Pharmacy opportunities Competitive salary and outstanding benefits package. Apply online or call the Human Resources Office for more information. Tufts University is an AA/EO employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. (508) 839-7975
www.tufts.edu
MICHIGAN – Small animal emergency/referral hospital in Kalamazoo is in need of another LVT. Board-certified surgeon and emergency/critical care specialist on staff. LVT duties will include anesthesia, surgical assistance, intensive care nursing, radiology, and clinical laboratory work. Full-time position with excellent salary and benefits. Send resume to Southwest Michigan Animal Emergency/Referral Hospital,
NEW JERSEY – RVT needed for busy, two-doctor, AAHA-accredited small animal practice in beautiful Sussex County. Must be a motivated self-starter and team player with proficiency in technical and client relation skills. Competitive salary; benefits include vacation/personal time, health insurance, uniforms, CE, 401(k). Fax cover letter and resume to 973-729-4092, attn: Diane; or email dvanlear59@yahoo.com.
NEW JERSEY – Full- or part-time technician needed for six-doctor practice in Morris Plains. We are a small animal/exotics practice with our own on-site ultrasound, chemotherapy, endoscopy. Duties include outpatient client communication, surgery, anesthesia monitoring, hospital treatments, and general nursing care. Includes some weekend/evening hours. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume, Attn: Peggy, to Community Animal Hospital, 921 Route 53, Morris Plains, NJ 07950; email communityah@optonline.net; or fax 973-984-1855. Phone: 973-267-4220.
NEW YORK – Immediate openings for licensed veterinary technicians at progressive, seven-veterinarian, AAHA-accredited hospital located 30 miles east of Syracuse. Excellent salary and benefits, including health insurance and continuing education. Send resume to Frank Capella, DVM: Village Veterinary Hospital, 230 Genesee Street, Canastota, NY 13032; phone: 315-363-8700; fax: 315-363-1383; email: vvhmail@villagevetcanastota.com; website: www. villagevetcanastota.com. NEW YORK – Full-time LVT for busy, progressive small animal practice in central New York. Experience preferred but will consider new graduate. Familiarity with IDEXX VetLyte, LaserCyte, and VetTest a plus. Proficiency with anesthesia and lab work required. No emergency coverage; rotating weekends. We utilize our technicians to their full potential! Contact Dr. Marcia Ziegler-Alexander at mezdvm@aol.com.
NEW YORK – Bideawee seeks head LVT and LVTs for full-/part-time positions at its Manhattan location to assist veterinarians in caring for resident animals and private clients’ animals. Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package. Email cover letter/resume to greg.carastro@bideawee.org.
Classified Advertising LIESE DIXON Phone 800-920-1695 or 267-685-2491 • Fax 201-231-6373 Email VetTechClassifieds@vetlearn.com Market Showcase Display Advertising LINDA COSTANTINI Phone 800-426-9119, ext 2422, or 267-685-2422 Fax 201-231-6373 • Email lcostantini@vetlearn.com 380 June 2008 | Veterinary Technician
NEW YORK
Licensed Veterinary Technicians Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital — located at the ASPCA’s New York City Headquarters and featured on Animal Planet’s “Animal Precinct” — needs veterinary technicians. If you are a highly dedicated New York State licensed or license-eligible veterinary technician seeking a fast-paced, rewarding work environment that will utilize all of your skills, this job is for you! We offer generous benefits for full-time employees, including: medical; dental; LTD; 401(k); a hospital discount; vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off; and more! For full job details and application instructions, please visit us at www.aspca.org (click “Jobs at the ASPCA,” then “Licensed Veterinary Technician”). EOE.
NEW YORK – Licensed or license-eligible technician needed at six-veterinarian, AAHA-accredited, 24/7 fullservice hospital on the Upper East Side. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, VetScan, endoscope, laser surgery, and excellent technical support. Appointments 7 days/week. Competitive pay and benefits; flexible schedules. See website: www.parkeastanimalhospital.com. Fax or email resume: 212-355-3620; parkeast@aol.com. NEW YORK – Great opportunity for licensed or licenseeligible veterinary technician at Central Animal Hospital in Scarsdale, 30 minutes from NYC. We are a team-oriented, six-doctor/six-tech, AAHA-accredited small animal hospital with the latest equipment. Benefits: 4-day work-week, competitive salary, CE, medical, six paid holidays, 2 weeks’ vacation, 401(k)/profit sharing plans. Apartment available. NO night emergencies! Call Paul Staar 914-723-1250.
To place your classified or Market Showcase ad, contact us today! www.VetTechJournal.com
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 381
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED
TECHNICIANS WANTED
NEW YORK – Love Border collies? Want
OHIO – The Veterinary Referral Clinic & Emergency Center in Bedford Heights is looking for full- or part-time registered (or eligible) veterinary technicians to work in the emergency center and specialty hospital. $2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS when hired for our busy emergency center!
more meaningful work? Come help 200 rescued dogs each year heal and begin new lives at Glen Highland Farm! As the farm’s full-time canine caretaker, you will ensure that they receive the nurture, love, and freedom they need to find balance. Must be an experienced veterinary technician who has: dog training, rehabilitation, and rescue experience; in-depth familiarity with Border collies; and confidence in multiple-dog situations. Position starts August 2008. Health benefits and competitive salary offered; we also pay your pets’ veterinary bills! Private, rent-free, on-site residence provided. Come experience the satisfaction of rehabilitation in rural upstate New York, far from chaotic urban and suburban living! (Albany is 1.5 hours away.) For detailed information, visit www.glenhighlandfarm.com/whatsnew.htm.
NORTH CAROLINA Full-time RVT wanted for family-oriented five-doctor animal hospital in Charlotte. Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Fax resume to 704-369-0789; email dpmanager@mallardcreekvet.com; or call 704-598-6525.
OHIO
Registered Veterinary Technicians Needed Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital is in need of registered veterinary technicians to assist with our high-volume, state-of-the-art central hospital and referral center. We offer a wide range of services: internal medicine, surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology, and emergency and critical care. Primary responsibilities would include assisting with animal care, basic laboratory duties, diagnostic techniques, and surgical procedures, with a secondary function involving client contact, reception skills, and personal technical development. Candidates must be licensed RVTs in Ohio with a proven ability to function in a fast-paced environment. New and experienced technicians welcome. We offer competitive wages, health benefits, uniforms, paid time off, and a rewarding work environment. If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume to: Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, Attn: Human Resources 1053 South Cleveland-Massillon Road, Akron, OH 44321 Fax 330-666-0519 or email to s.steen@metropolitanvet.com (subject: Registered Veterinary Technician).
www.VetTechJournal.com
We offer an outstanding wage with shift differential; comprehensive medical and dental health insurance; 401(k)/profit sharing; paid vacation; sick, personal, and holiday time off; uniform allowance; pet care discounts and allowances; and compensation for continuing education and license fees. Please contact Kathy George, hospital administrator, at KGeorge@nvanet.com or fax resume to 216-831-5980.
TECHNICIANS WANTED PENNSYLVANIA Certified veterinary technician wanted to join our team. Exeter Veterinary Hospital is a four-veterinarian, progressive, computerized, AAHA-accredited companion animal hospital east of Reading. Duties include, but are not limited to, in-house laboratory, radiology, surgery, dentistry, and client services. We are a well-equipped facility including an ultrasound, laser, endoscope, and complete dental room. Benefits package includes a retirement plan; uniform allowance; holiday, sick, and vacation pay; as well as continuing education. If interested, please contact Jenessa, staff manager, or Richard Rosato, hospital manager, at 610-779-2300 or fax resume to 610-779-3166.
PENNSYLVANIA – Rewarding full- or part-time posiOHIO – Shaker Animal Clinic is seeking a lead veterinary tion available for a compassionate, experienced technitechnician who is registered in Ohio and has management experience. This individual must be a self-motivated, highenergy team player who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment. We are a dynamic, full-service small animal veterinary clinic with digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, and I-131 therapy. Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and discounted services. Salary commensurate with experience. Please fax resume to our practice manager, Tiffany Westfall, at 216-561-3825; or email thooper@ shakeranimalclinic.com. No phone calls, please.
OREGON – Full-time CVT needed for two-doctor small animal/exotics/wildlife practice where everyone’s opinions and input are valued. Located in beautiful Klamath Falls, we offer a competitive salary, attractive benefits, and a great work environment with fantastic clientele. Send resume to manager@everettveterinary.com or fax 541-884-7518.
PENNSYLVANIA Gwynedd Veterinary Hospital and Emergency Service is a busy 24-hour medical care and referral facility with a 16-doctor and 30-technician team providing comprehensive care and ER services, located 45 minutes northwest of Philadelphia. We have two board-certified specialists on our staff who regularly perform endoscopy, ultrasound, and orthopedic surgery. Our clients appreciate the excellent patient care delivery that we offer, including digital radiography, in-house coagulation testing, multilumen catheterization, capnography, and TPN. Salary is commensurate with experience. Your colleagues are talented and focused on quality patient care using the latest techniques and medications. We offer a flexible schedule and excellent benefits. Please fax resume to 215-699-7754 Attn: Cindy Lorenz Email: gwyneddvethosp@comcast.net Visit our website at: www.gwyneddvethospital.com.
cian at Allergy, Ear, and Skin Care for Animals, a referral/specialty dermatology practice located in southern Bucks County’s Neshaminy/Langhorne area. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Fax resume to 215-354-9462, or email aesca@allergyearskincare. com. NO CALLS.
PENNSYLVANIA – Full-time veterinary technician needed to join our three-doctor practice near Reading. We have a modern facility and a great staff that includes four licensed technicians. License and experience preferred but will consider others with related experience or education. Competitive wages and complete benefits package, including full employee health care coverage. Call Dr. Jim Priebe at 610-926-8866, or send resume to: Leesport Animal Hospital, 221 Hafer Drive, Leesport, PA 19533; fax 610-926-3860.
TENNESSEE – We are growing again and have openings for two licensed or license-eligible veterinary technicians. Pet Emergency Treatment Service offers after-hours emergency care for dogs and cats in the Brentwood/Franklin area. We have one part-time and three full-time emergency doctors, six full-time LVTs, and other great support staff. We are next door to an established daytime surgery specialty practice. Excellent pay and benefits for the right candidate. Rotating schedule has large blocks of time off. Email your resume and inquiry to PETSEmergency@aol.com or call 615-554-7387. TEXAS
Looking for a job? Let us help! Veterinary Staffing Solutions is a staffing agency dedicated to the veterinary industry. We are currently interviewing experienced veterinary technicians, assistants, receptionists, and kennel attendants for available positions throughout Texas. Why use us? We provide anonymous job searches and save you time by forwarding your resume to the most progressive practices. We also offer resume and interview critiquing and relocation services — all FREE to our candidates! Please email resumes and questions to admin@vetss.org or call 281-363-8157. Visit us at www.vetss.org.
Veterinary Technician | June 2008
381
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 382
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED TEXAS
Veterinary Technician The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston needs a full-time (40 hours/week) veterinary technician to provide technical expertise in all aspects of anesthesia; aseptic surgery support; pre- and postoperative care; and clinical and laboratory support services. Responsibilities will include administering treatments as directed by supervisors; anesthesia induction, maintenance and monitoring; surgical/veterinary record-keeping; operation, set-up, and maintenance of surgical equipment and the operating suite; radiograph exposure and development; sample collection and processing; and participating in daily rounds and health checks. High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of related experience required. AALAS certification (ALAT level), RVT, or equivalent preferred. Interested candidates should apply online at www.utmb.edu/hcm (Job Title: Veterinary Technician; Job ID #5031). UTMB at Galveston is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that proudly values diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
TEXAS – Experienced veterinary technician needed to join our established, AAHA-accredited practice. Located in northwestern San Antonio, we are a busy, full-service small animal hospital that provides complete patient care and boarding services. Technicians support six doctors through all phases of patient care and treatment. Email resume to spankratz@babcockhills.com or call 210-697-8581.
TECHNICIANS WANTED UTAH – We are seeking skilled veterinary technicians with a perfect mix of technical and client service capabilities for a high-energy practice in the quaint 9th and 9th district in beautiful Salt Lake City. Our brand-new, state-of-the-art, AAHA-accredited facility is now open. Full-time positions are now available with very competitive wages, great benefits, and team-based work environment. Commitment to excellent patient care and client service a must! Highly motivated technicians who thrive in a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding position may fax resumes with an intro letter to 801-328-9158 or email info@upcvet.com www.uvhdc.com
TEXAS We are seeking experienced technicians and RVTs for our progressive, after-hours emergency hospital located in North Houston. Practice in a new, state-of-the-art facility with the highest standards of patient care. We offer a great work environment, an excellent salary/benefits package, uniforms, CE, flexible schedules, and a terrific support staff. This is veterinary emergency medicine at its best! $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS! Send resume to hr@aeucc.com.
TEXAS – The Animal Emergency Center of West Houston, the fastest-growing AAHA-accredited emergency center in the country, is currently looking to hire compassionate, confident, motivated, team-oriented, and experienced nurses for full-time positions in our state-of-the-art facility. Potential candidates should show a willingness to learn, love to interact with people, have good typing skills, and have knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Candidates should be able to multitask and be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays. We offer very competitive wages (to be determined with experience) and benefits (health insurance, vacation, sick time, CE, license fees, uniform allowance, etc.). Interested candidates can email their resumes to aecwh.aecwh@hotoffice.net or fax to 832-593-8388. 382 June 2008 | Veterinary Technician
VIRGINIA – Lakeside Animal Hospital is seeking an energetic, experienced, full-time licensed/certified technician with a special interest in dentistry and/or anesthesia. We’re an AAHA-accredited three-doctor practice that sees companion animals and exotics. The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented team player who enthusiastic about teaching senior and junior assistants and educating clients. Strong computer and multimedia skills desired. We offer a very competitive salary; signing bonus of $1,500; health and dental insurance; IRA; CE allowance; moving allowance; and substantial flextime. Interested technicians should call, email, or visit Lakeside Animal Hospital: 5206 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228; phone: 804-262-8697; fax: 804-266-0807; email: lakesideanimalhosp@yahoo.com. Attn: HR Manager Gina.
VIRGINIA – Our busy small animal/exotics practice, loVIRGINIA – We are looking for a full- or part-time LVT cated in the West End of Richmond, seeks a highly motito join our growing AAHA-accredited practice. Our four-doctor/two-LVT small animal practice has great clients and a well-trained, highly committed staff and we need another eager LVT to grow with us. Duties include providing nursing care, taking radiographs, monitoring anesthesia, assisting in surgeries, collecting and processing laboratory specimens, and giving routine vaccines. We offer boarding and grooming services, so your knowledge and skills will be put to good use. We offer highly competitive benefits, including paid vacation, continuing education, and insurance. Salary commensurate with skills and experience. Please contact Sherry Meier, Office Manager; Ross W. Moore, DVM; or Toni Connell, DVM: Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic, 13444 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20110; call 703-791-2083; or email kirby13444@aol.com. Calls preferred.
VIRGINIA $1,000 Sign-On Bonus
TECHNICIANS WANTED
Experienced Veterinary Technicians Wanted The LifeCentre for Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care in Leesburg has full-/part-time licensed technician positions available in our emergency/critical care and internal medicine departments. We are seeking skilled, experienced, compassionate individuals to meet the expanding needs of our emergency and specialty practice located in northern Virginia. Our group recently moved into a brand-new, state-of-the-art, 18,300–sq. ft. facility that was designed from the ground up as a referral hospital. The facility has all the toys, including CT, digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house lab equipment, telemetry, and new MRI machine on site. We offer the ability for the right individuals to join our team and be challenged and appreciated by the doctors, staff, and clients. We offer competitive pay ($1,500 signing bonus) and benefits, including health insurance, 401(k), CE allowance, moving allowance, vacation, and personal paid leave. Please email your resume to: LeesburgLVT@aol.com or fax to 703-777-3396 Attn: Human Resources.
vated, team-oriented LVT. We are offering a great benefits package that includes relocation assistance if needed. Contact our hospital administrator, Sonja Keefe, LVT, at 804672-7200.
VIRGINIA – Seeking highly motivated and responsible licensed veterinary technician to join Veterinary Internal Medicine Practice in Manassas. Applicant must be a team player, hard working, and willing to work in a fast-paced environment. Great benefits package. Starting salary $35,000/year. Available position: Monday–Friday 3–11, occasional Saturday am shifts. Fax resume to 703-3684703 or call Dee/Dr. Smith at 703-330-8809.
VIRGINIA
Technician Wanted Full-time, experienced technician wanted to join a great staff at our state-of-the-art facility in Leesburg. Position requires a hard-working, dependable, motivated, and cheerful person. Hours include afternoon shifts and some Saturdays. Full benefits package, including 401(k), health insurance, and paid leave. Please contact Kelli Boswell: call 703-777-7781 (Monday-Friday 8–6, Saturday 9–12) or email kelli@noahvets.com.
WASHINGTON – Experienced part-/full-time veterinary technician wanted for well-established, two-veterinarian small animal practice, where we emphasize client education. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail required. Current license preferred. A sense of humor is appreciated. Selected applicant will be an integral part of our animal healthcare team and will perform all aspects of small animal medicine, including dentistry, surgery, anesthesia monitoring, catheter placement, radiology, chemotherapy, etc. We offer a comfortable working environment and a flexible work schedule with competitive salary and benefits (including healthcare, paid vacation, continuing education, and licensing fees) plus an employer-sponsored SIMPLE retirement plan. Contact Alder Trail Animal Hospital: 5757 Highway 303 Northeast, Bremerton, WA 98311; phone: 360-377-3971; email: yeik@budsters.com.
www.VetTechJournal.com
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 383
ClassifiedAdvertising TECHNICIANS WANTED
MANAGERS/SUPERVISORS WANTED
WASHINGTON – Want to see your knowledge and skills utilized to their full potential? Interested in pursuing a career in emergency and critical care or surgery? Alpine Animal Hospital is a large, AAHA-accredited hospital in Issaquah (just east of Seattle) that offers 24-hour emergency care and an excellent day practice. We have ultrasound, endoscopy, digital radiology, and an ACVECC specialist and need new, energetic team members. We are looking for motivated licensed or experienced ER technicians and a licensed technician for daytime surgery support. This is a great opportunity to utilize your skills in a learning environment and work with our specialist, who works weekends! The ideal candidates are self-motivated, compassionate, skilled, fun, and great team players! Benefits: signing bonus, CE compensation, M/D/V, matched 401(k), license dues, pet benefits, vacation/sick days, uniforms, competitive salary, and relocation assistance (where applicable). Email resume to Allison Perkins, LVT at allison.perkins@vcamail.com or fax 425-391-7439.
NEW YORK – Veterinary Specialists & Animal Emergency Services in Rochester is hiring! Our hospital consists of a high-volume, fast-paced referral practice with board-certified specialists in cardiology, ophthalmology, and surgery and a 24/7 emergency service staffed with experienced, internship-trained emergency doctors. Our support staff includes dedicated, compassionate animal care assistants and customer service representatives and a highly skilled group of certified technicians — including AVECCT- and AVTA-certified specialists. We are currently accepting applications for several open positions, including client services manager and veterinary technician supervisor. The client services manager manages the customer service/reception staff and supports every hospital department. Candidates must have client services management experience with 15+ staff members and excellent customer service, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and computer skills (including Word, Excel, and IntraVet proficiency). The veterinary technician supervisor will oversee the technical support staff on the overnight shift. Qualified candidates have 1–2 years of supervisory experience and New York State licensure. Please send resume, Attn: Human Resources, to: Animal Hospital of Pittsford 2816 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14618. We offer a competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and 401(k). EOE. For all available employment opportunities and more information about us, please visit www.monroevets.com.
WASHINGTON – Fast-paced, six-doctor, AAHA-accredited hospital located in Seattle is looking for a responsible, enthusiastic, full-time LVT or experienced assistant with lots of initiative who is committed to high-quality animal care and superior client service in a team-oriented atmosphere. Benefits include health and dental insurance, 401(k), CE, uniforms, and more. Salary DOE. Contact David, technician supervisor: Elliott Bay Animal Hospital, 2042 15th Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119; phone 206-285-7387; fax 206-285-9074; email dzajac@elliottbayah.com. Visit www.elliottbayah.com.
WASHINGTON – Our well-equipped, five-veterinarian, AAHA-accredited facility in Lacey is hiring one or two fullor part-time LVTs. We are a fun-loving team that works to provide awesome patient care. Your skills will be fully utilized. Both new and experienced LVTs are welcome to apply. Contact Mayme Revel, Operations Manager: 360438-9623 or mtnviewvet@comcast.net. Check us out at www.mountainviewvet.com.
WISCONSIN – CVT position available for five-doctor practice. Use ALL of your skills with laser, ultrasound, laparoscopy, echocardiography, and more. Excellent pet benefits, vacation, CE allowance, health insurance. For more information, contact Melinda at 920-434-1010, or send resume to Animal Hospital of Howard, 635 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313.
MANAGERS/ SUPERVISORS WANTED FLORIDA – Noah’s Place 24-Hour Animal Medical Center, a full-service, AAHA-accredited animal hospital, is seeking an experienced professional (LVT, CVT, RVT, or RN) with strong management background to fill the position of director of nursing services. To learn more about our hospital, please visit our website at www.Noahs24.com. For full position offering, please visit www.noahs24.net/directorofnursing.
LOOK NO FURTHER. We’ve got your ideal job! www.VetTechJournal.com
CLINICAL EXPERTISE AND MORE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Your most comprehensive source for trusted information, including: • Thousands of journal articles • FREE accredited CE, available when you are • Web-exclusive content, including video Tech Tips and downloadable forms and handouts • TechTalk E-Newsletter • Discussion Board • State and national news • Classified ads
VT0608_Classifieds:Layout 1
5/23/08
10:50 AM
Page 384
C L A S S I F I E D S ORDER FORM Please Place My Ad In ®
The Complete Journal for the Veterinary Health Care Team
C O N T I N U I N G E D U C A T I O N F O R V E T E R I N A R I A N S TM
for ____________ issues
for ____________ issues
for ____________ issues
for ____________ issues
Pricing, Discounts, and Options Price per word (40-word minimum charge) $2.20
Single Ad Placement
Available Discounts* ❏ Single ad placed in multiple issues (e.g., one ad placed for 2 months in Veterinary Forum) ❏ Single ad placed in multiple journals (e.g., one ad placed for 1 month each in Veterinary Forum and Compendium) ❏ Single ad in multiple journals for multiple months (e.g., one ad placed for 2 months each in Veterinary Forum and Compendium)
10% off 15% off 20% off
Add-On Options (one-time cost) $30 ❏ Early Internet Exposure — Place your ad on VetClassifieds.com 30 days before your first issue release date. ❏ Instant Internet Exposure — Your ad appears on VetClassifieds.com up to 7 weeks before your first issue release date. (one-time cost) $45 ❏ Confidential Forwarding Service — Direct inquiries to our attention; we send them to you via mail and/or email. (one-time cost) $40 ❏ Deluxe Package — Add a box border and bold contact information. Choose from six styles (see below). $50 ❏ Premium Package — Deluxe package plus your logo (email as high-resolution tiff, jpeg, or eps file). $100 Deluxe/Premium Package Style Sample (circle letter) A B C
D
E
F
*First ad pays full price. Subsequent ads are eligible for one discount per ad, barring promotional specials. Percentage discounts are taken from total cost of ad.
Payment I will pay by (check one):
Check
Money Order
MasterCard
VISA
American Express
Call for details regarding check or money order payments.
Expiration Date ________ /_________
Credit Card Number
Cardholder Name ______________________________________________ Contact Name ____________________________________ Clinic/Company __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________________________ Telephone (
) ______________________________________________ Fax (
) ______________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (credit card billing address if different from above)
Authorized Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________________ SPECIFICATIONS
ORDERING INFORMATION
• Counting Words: A new word is counted after every space. City, state, zip code, and phone/fax numbers are one word each. Email and Internet addresses are three words each.
Mail or fax order form and your ad to: Classified Advertising,Veterinary Learning Systems, 780 Township Line Road,Yardley, PA 19067 • Fax 201-231-6373 Email your ad and payment information to: VetForumClassifieds@vetlearn.com CompendiumClassifieds@vetlearn.com VetTechClassifieds@vetlearn.com CompendiumEquineClassifieds@vetlearn.com
• Payment: Include complete billing information with all orders. • Deadlines: No cancellation after the deadline date. All ads received after the deadline will be printed in the following issue of the appropriate journal(s).
For more information about classified advertising, call Liese Dixon at 800-920-1695 (toll-free) or 267-685-2491. For information about placing a display ad in Market Showcase, call Linda Costantini at 800-426-9119, ext. 2422 (toll-free), or 267-685-2422.
IVECCS_USE.qxp:VT
5/22/08
10:17 AM
Page cvr3
FTDodge_ProMeris_USE.qxp:VT
5/20/08
9:27 AM
Page cvr4
THE PARTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OVER FOR
FLEAS AND TICKS. ®
ProMeris . The next generation of ï¬&#x201A;ea and tick control.
EFFECTIVE CHEMISTRY Mode of action provides effective and long-lasting control of fleas.
LONG LASTING Controls fleas for up to six weeks and ticks for up to four weeks on dogs. Controls fleas for up to seven weeks on cats. Fits easily into a monthly regimen.
FLEA & TICK PROTECTION Kills fleas and ticks on dogs. Kills fleas on cats.
GENTLE Formulated for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older and cats and kittens 8 weeks and older.
EASY TO USE Non-drip applicator design makes treatment a snap.
WATERPROOF Keeps working on dogs even after swimming.
Discover the difference. ProMeris: s -ETAmUMIZONE n NO OTHER mEA CONTROL PRODUCT UTILIZES THIS ACTIVE INGREDIENT s -ETAmUMIZONE KILLS mEAS BY TARGETING VOLTAGE DEPENDENT SODIUM CHANNELS ALONG PRESYNAPTIC AND POSTSYNAPTIC NERVES RESULTING IN PARALYSIS AND DEATH s #ONVENIENT TOPICAL APPLICATION s &EATURES lRST TOPICAL FORMULATION OF AMITRAZ FOR WELL RECOGNIZED AND PROVEN TICK CONTROL ON DOGS
Dosing Convenience: s &IVE SIZES FOR DOGS AND TWO SIZES FOR CATS WITH THREE OR SIX DOSE PACKS FOR MONTHLY APPLICATION
$ISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE 0RO-ERIS OFFERS YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS #ONTACT YOUR 0RO-ERIS DISTRIBUTOR VISIT WWW 0RO-ERIS COM OR CALL 02/-%2)3 TODAY Circle 195 on Reader Service Card
Available A vailable from m the following authorized authorize ed veterinary distributors: distributorrs: $6- 2ESOURCES s 'REEAT 7ESTERN !NIMAL (EALTH 3UPPLY s (EENRY 3CHEIN !NIMAL (EALTH s -IDWEST 6ET 3UPPLY s .,3 !NIMAL (EALTH $6- 2ESOURCES s 'REAT 7ESTERN !NIMAL (EALTH 3UPPLY s (ENRY 3CHEIN !NIMAL (EALTH s -IDWEST 6ET 3UPPLY s .,3 !NIMAL (EALTH .ELSON ,ABORATORIES s s 0ENN 6ET 3UPPLY s 0#) !NIMAL (EALTHH s 6ET 0HARM s 6ICTOR -EDICAL #OMPAANY s 7EBSTER 6ET 3UPPLY s )6%3#/ .ELSON ,ABORATORIES s 0ENN 6ET 3UPPLY s 0#) !NIMAL (EALTH s 6ET 0HARM s 6ICTOR -EDICAL #OMPANY s 7EBSTER 6ET 3UPPLY s )6%3#/ ProMeris is a registered trademark of o Wyeth. ©2008 Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth.