Vet Wisdom® Café

Dr. Withrow Wins International Award

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that Tammy, Dana, and I (along with dozens more in the veterinary grief support field) wouldn't have our careers if it wasn't for the guidance and mentorship of a man named Dr. Steve Withrow.

Steve is the founder and former director of the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University and one of the true pioneers of the field of veterinary oncology. And, even though he rarely mentions it or takes credit for it, he is also one of the guiding lights who nurtured my field---veterinary grief counseling---into existence.

Steve has spent his career looking for what's NOT there, what isn't available, for both people and pets. That's how he identified the lack of cancer treatments for pets over 30 years ago.  It's also how he astutely noticed the lack of emotional support resources for people who were dealing with their pets' cancer.

But, in both cases, Dr. Withrow did more than just identify and notice---he took action.  He created clinical treatments and programs to address these needs, worked tirelessly to fund them, took every opportunity he had to teach others about them and then helped those who were interested to birth similar programs of their own.

Now, Dr. Withrow is nearing retirement and is being honored with almost every award and accolate that veterinary medicine has to bestow.  Recently, he was recognized with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's Scientific Achievement award in Jeju, Korea.  No small feat!

If there was such an organization as the World Small Animal Grief Support Association, Steve would win their Humanitarian award, as well.  Because, in my mind, he has done as much to improve the lives of people as he has to improve the lives of animals.

If you've ever had a pet who has been treated for cancer, you owe Dr. Withrow a debt of gratitude.  Without, Steve, cancer in pets would be a hopeless case.

Please take a moment more to read the story about Dr. Withrow's recent award here.  And, to learn even more about Steve and the reasons he is a veterinarian we all admire, read his "bio", written in his own words at http://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/fs-dr-withrow. I think you'll become a fan!

Thank you, Steve, for all you've done and for all you will continue to do in the years ahead!

--Laurel

Related articles you might find helpful:

Frequently asked questions: Cancer in Companion Animals

What to Do When You Learn Your Pet Has Cancer

"80 Bucks to Get a Chunk of Clay??!!?"

Not long ago, we got a call at World by the Tail, Inc., from a frantic veterinarian who was out of ClayPaws® kits and needed one right away.  You see, one of his best clients was coming in the next day to euthanize his dog and had specifically requested that they make a paw print for him.

Yikes!  What's a veterinarian to do when he's out of ClayPaws® kits?

Pay for us to "overnight" a couple to him via UPS.

It cost him $80.00.

And he never wavered.  Didn't even gasp.

When I told a friend about this vet's decision, she was horrified.  "He paid 80 bucks to get a chunk of clay?" she asked.

"No," I smiled.  "He paid $80.00 to ensure that he could meet his client's needs.  He paid $80.00 to provide the kind of compassionate care that he can feel good about for this grieving man.  And, he spent $80.00 so he could create a keepsake for his client that would last forever.  He paid $80.00 so his client would remain a loyal, grateful patron of his veterinary clinic, rather than leave due to anger and disappointment. He paid $80.00 so this man would tell his friends about the wonderful vet he has who gave his dog a peaceful death and a meaningful way to say good-bye to his human family. . ."

"Oh," my friend answered. "I get it."

I could have gone on forever.

I can't tell you how much I admire and respect this veterinarian for doing what he did for his client.  "Well, that's the cost of doing business the way I want to do it," he told us.  "After all, it's our fault we ran out, not my client's."

This year is the 250th anniversary of veterinary medicine. After 250 years of service to people and animals, you can be sure that there are many, many honorable, caring veterinarians out there who will stand on their heads to help you when you need them.

If you already work with one, thank him or her.  If you don't, find one.  You deserve them and they deserve you.

Great vets and great pet parents belong together.

Tell me about the great vet you know!

--Laurel

Related articles you might find helpful:

Encouraging Clients to Keep Linking Objects

 ClayPaws® Prints are Cherished Links to Pets

 

Hug Your Veterinarian! 2011 is World Veterinary Year!

The first veterinary medical college opened 250 years ago in Lyon, France.

To honor this anniversary, the United States Senate recently passed a resolution declaring 2011 as "World Veterinary Year."  There are many celebrations planned across the country to bring attention to and show appreciation for the veterinary profession.

In fact, the festivities got off to a great start with an opening ceremony on January 24th in Versailles, France.  Closing ceremonies will take place in October in Cape Town, South Africa.

Currently, there is only one veterinarian serving in the Senate.  His name is John Ensign (R-NV) and he is the one who brought the anniversary to the Senate's attention.

We're a country who likes our holidays and celebrations, so find a way to celebrate your vet today.  Send him or her a thank you note or bake some cookies and drop them off at their clinic.

Veterinarians have provided pet parents like us with over two centuries of animal care.  How many other professions can make that same claim?

For more information, visit www.vet2011.org

---Laurel

Thoughtful Holiday Gift for the Vets or Techs On Your List

"I have seen many pets arrive in our clinic for euthanasia, die in our care, or arrive deceased.  I show empathy for the pain and loss the family is experiencing.  I also find that making clay [imprints of pets'] paws for the clients allows me to grieve for the family's loss, and I feel better knowing I am creating a memory for them." --Andrea Tucker, Client Care Professional, Colorado Springs, CO

Andrea is quoted in a book called The Veterinary Caregiver's Book of Quotes by Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR.  While we're happy to learn that she makes clay paw prints for her clients, we're actually more excited about the feeling of empathy she demonstates. This book is filled to the brim with many more comforting and inspirational bits of advice and wisdom (like the quote above) from veterinary nurses and hospital managers like Andrea.

If you have a veterinarian or veterinary staff member on your shopping list this season, this book would make an ideal gift.  And, if you are a pet parent who is interested in gaining some insight into how these caring professionals really feel about their jobs and the clients they serve, it would make a great read for you, too!

Honestly, the dedication and empathy for others that characterizes the veterinary profession always leaves me in awe.  That feeling shines through in this book.    

You can get a copy through AAHA (the American Animal Hospital Association), the publisher or by visiting our website at www.veterinarywisdom.com/caregiverbookstore.htm.

Enjoy!

--Laurel

Related products you might like:

Handcrafted Silver Pins

Time to See Jenny Craig?

Obesity, It's one of the biggest health issues for people today but did you know that it is a problem with our pets as well? The September issue of Veterinary Practice News estimates that 45% of dogs and 58% of cats are overweight or obese. Just as with people, this excessive weight can mean various weight related diseases, and even a shorter life span.

Just as with people, one of the biggest obstacles we face at the pet hospital around this issue is the notion that food = love. Many pet owners feel that the best way to express their love for their pet is by feeding him/her frequently (and often with very high fat food). Additionally, those who are trying to reduce their pet's weight often feel that they are "depriving" their companion of love by cutting back on their food. In reality, just the opposite is true...if pet owners want to show how much they love their pet, they should keep their pet at a healthy weight.

Do you think that there is a connection between overweight people and overweight pets? If so, why do you think this is the case? I'd like to hear your ideas. (photo from bigstockphoto.com)

--Dana

Related articles you might find helpful:

8 Tips for Making Decisions for Your Pet

The 3 Ps

Want to know what Mary Tyler Moore and  Patti LaBelle have in common with my neighbor's 7 year-old cat? Not sure? Well ....they all have Diabetes.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce any (or not enough) insulin necessary to regulate the body's blood sugar levels correctly. It can cause major health problems, complications with other illnesses, and in some extreme cases, even death. November is American Diabetes Month and it's important for pet owners to know that their pets can have diabetes just like people. (for more information visit Dr. Ruth MacPhee at www.mycathasdiabetes.com)

Recent studies show that  approximately 1 in every 300 dogs, and 1 in every 200 cats have diabetes (Type 2). Fortunately, just as with people, there are many effective ways to manage a pet's diabetes by working closely with a family veterinarian. There are some obvious symptoms that come with diabetes. Doctors in human and veterinary medicine advise people to look for "The 3 Ps):

        1. Polydipsia: excessive thirst

        2. Polyphagia: excessive eating

        3. Polyuria: excessive urinating

These, along with weight loss and lethargy are important signs which could indicate diabetes and it's essential to take the pet to a qualified veterinarian. Do any of you have (or had) a pet with diabetes? What else should people know about this disease? Please let us know.  (photo from bigstockphoto.com)

--Dana

Related articles you might find helpful:

8 Tips for Making Decisions for Your Pet

ClayPaws® Prints are Cherished Links to Pets

A Veterinarian Hero

This story appeared in the November e-Insight newsletter from the CSU Vet. Med. college and I wanted to share it with you.

Last Labor Day weekend, a Colorado family (camping and hiking in the mountains with two small children) faced a difficult decision.  Their favorite pack llama named Wyatt broke his leg when he panicked while crossing a dangerous stream.  After preparing a splint from materials on hand, the family attempted to walk Wyatt back down the mountain.  But, Wyatt could only bear his own weight on his three good legs for very short distances.  At this rate, it would take days to get Wyatt back to the comfort of his trailer.

After exhausting their resources (and Wyatt), and with nighttime rapidly approaching, the family made the difficult decision to leave Wyatt for the night and go get help.  They settled the llama off the trail and affixed a sign to his side, telling anyone who might find him that his leg was broken and help was on the way.

Then, they returned to the trail head without their beloved friend.

Once at their car, the family contacted their veterinarian back home who prescribed antibiotics, pain medication, and advised them about additional medical supplies they would need to help Wyatt get down the mountain.  For the next four days, the family took turns hiking back to Wyatt and trying to walk him further down the mountain, traveling shorter and shorter distances each day.

By the fourth day, Wyatt was too weak to go any further and they still had two miles to go...

On the recommendation of a friend, the family called the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University and got in touch with Dr. Rob Callan, the veterinarian on clinics that weekend.

And, Dr. Callan did more than offer his condolences and advice.  He and his wife Cindy gathered medical and casting supplies, along with the materials needed to make a gurney, and hiked in to meet Wyatt and his devoted caretakers.

It didn't take long for Dr. Callan to realize that they were going to have to carry Wyatt out.  So, with a light sedative to keep Wyatt calm and on the gurney---and the unexpected, but very appreciated help of another group of hikers who graciously joined the rescue effort---10 adults carried the 350 pound llama down the mountain to the safety of his trailer.  It took them 2 and 1/2 hours.

The group then drove Wyatt to CSU where he was treated and had surgery to fit him with a pin cast so his bone could be stablilized and allowed to heal.

Wyatt was due to have his cast removed last week on November 5 and is reportedly doing well---though a bit grumpy after being confined to a stall for so long.

While some veterinarians---and some families---may have given up and elected to euthanize a llama in Wyatt's situation, Dr. Callan and Wyatt's family literally "moved mountains" to save their friend.

That's one devoted family and one Veterinarian Hero in my book. (Photo and full story here.)

--Laurel

Related articles that might be helpful:

50 Ways to Build the Bond with Your Pet

ClayPaws® Prints are Cherished Links to Pets

Fighting Like Cats and Dogs

And now directly from the odd but true category. We all know the old saying about "fighting like cats and dogs." Yet, as thousands of pet owners will tell you, there are countless cats and dogs out there that get along just fine. In fact, we have clients who swear that their dogs and cats believe that they're just one big happy family. Such is the case of one of our clients, a physician in Colorado Springs. The other day he came in with both his cat and his dog for exams and heart worm tests. Now these two "pals" are reportedly, the best of friends. They always get along and often find each other to snuggle or play. In fact, they get along so well no one ever worries when they're together. Well, I guess even the best of friends can have their off days.

Let me describe the next few events as best as I can....cat hears loud noise outside in waiting room and jumps off the exam room table to go hide underneath the bench. Dog is curious as to why cat jumped and decides to investigate why cat is hiding underneath bench. Dog pokes his nose under the table and cat responds with hissing, demonic guttural sounds that only a terrified kitty can make. Upon hearing this hissing, dog comes completely unglued and loses his mind turning into a wild, growling, and snarling beast trying to bite whatever he can get near.

Now right before this charming encounter, Steve and the client were happily chatting away about the upcoming football season. It wasn't until they saw a flash of teeth, fur, and claws did they realize that they had a little problem on their hands. Curious as to what happened next? Owner pulls dog off of the cat while veterinarian scoops up cat and takes him to another room. After both are checked throughly for injuries, dog and cat are then reunited in the front lobby of the hospital. Upon seeing each other, dog walks over to cat, wags his tail, and starts licking the cat in the face. Cat responds by rubbing his face against the dogs and starts to purr loudly. Go figure.

For all of you who have both dogs and cats, what have been your experiences? Do you think that dogs and cats just instinctually "dislike" each other or is it more about socialization? I'd like to hear your stories! (photo from Dreamstime.com)

--Dana

 

Shopping for Pet Insurance - the Essentials

Following is a guest post from Stacy at Trupanion Pet Insurance. (We met Stacy at the Blogpaws conference. She featured a post about ClayPaws® kits at her blog last Friday. She presents the top things you should look for if shopping for pet insurance. We believe this information is important in planning ahead and being prepared for your pet. --Tammy

When you've made the decision that you're going to purchase pet insurance for your dog or cat, it's important to do thorough research first. Check out what each plan has to offer rather than making a hasty decision because no two pet insurance companies or plans are alike. You want to make sure that you find what is going to be best for your needs.

Coverage
Of course, the most important aspect of pet insurance is coverage. Most basic plans cover accidents, but it's a good idea to find a plan that covers both accidents and illnesses. Find out if there are any exclusions (some may exclude hereditary conditions, or cancer for example) and be sure that you are aware of everything that is and isn't covered.

Wellness coverage
You have the option of getting pet insurance that covers wellness such as vaccines and regular exams. Some people like to get this coverage so that they can lump all of their veterinary bills together and send them out to the insurance company. While it is nice to think that someone else is paying for your vet bills, the reality is that you're typically spending the same amount of money (and often more) on wellness through the insurance company as you would if you were to pay it directly to the veterinarian. My personal opinion is to skip on wellness coverage and save yourself the wait time to get your money reimbursed.

Payout limits
Most pet insurance plans have payout limits of some kind, the most common being per claim, per condition, or per year. It's important to take a look at all of these and take into consideration whether or not they would be enough for you in a worst-case-scenario. If your veterinarian is a little more on the expensive side, then you might want to find a plan with higher limits.

Lastly, ask questions! Make a list of everything that is unclear and give a call or an e-mail to each pet insurance company that you're considering to get all your questions answered. It's important to know exactly what you're getting so that there's no confusion when it comes time to file a claim. Good luck!

Stacy Kowalchuk is a rescue dog owner who works for Trupanion, an international pet insurance company based out of Seattle. Please feel free to contact her with any questions about pet insurance at stacy@trupanion.com.

Cat Care Costs and Doggie Deductibles

In today's post, Dana asks what you think about pet insurance. We think this information is important - planning ahead for your pet, being prepared, and informed. Tomorrow's post will be a guest post from Stacy at Trupanion Pet Insurance. Let us know what you think today, and learn what Stacy thinks you should look for in pet insurance tomorrow. --Tammy

Health insurance companies...I don't know about you, but I find my myself getting riled up at even the mention of the word. But what about pet health insurance? There is certainly a lot of controversy out there about this from both pet owners and the veterinary community. Some people feel that pet insurance is a wonderful idea (especially pet owners with many pets or pets with serious medical issues, as well as veterinarians who offer specialty services such as surgery, internal medicine, oncology, etc). There are also some veterinarians who worry about what pet health insurance might do to affect the quality of veterinary care (as is has in human medicine).

In a 2009 Consumer Reports survey, the majority of pet owners reported that their "cut-off" point for continuing treatment was about $500.00. However, a recent survey in dvmNewsmagazine found that the majority of pet owners will go as far as $1,400 as a cut-off- point.

Obviously, these two surveys may have polled very different "types" of pet owners and the ones who consider pets as family will go much farther with treatment. Still, it's interesting to see the disparity between these two amounts. If the larger amount is more accurate, I could see the potential benefit of pet health insurance (depending upon the policy coverage and deductible). Most of our clients who have insurance use Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI).

What do all of you out there think? Do any of you have/had veterinary pet insurance? How does it work? Is it worth the cost? And what about you veterinarians out there...what are your thoughts about this issues?

--Dana

Pain...It's No Game

The August 2010 edition of Veterinary Practice News contains an article advising veterinarians to use multi-modal approaches to pain relief. This is a hot button issue and just like in human medicine, pain management has become a new and progressive specialty that many practitioners refer to. At our hospital, good pain management is and always has, been the law of the land.

When Steve was in veterinary school at CSU, he was fortunate to be taught by one of the nation's premiere pain management specialists, Dr. James Gaynor (who now has a pain management specialty hospital here in Colorado Springs). Dr. Gaynor would always tell his students that there are 4 Laws or Principles of Pain Relief: (these are posted in our back treatment area right next to the controlled substances cabinet)

1. Use a multi-modal approach to pain management

2. Use pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative pain relief (before, during, and after)

3. NEVER make your patients prove to you that they need pain relief.

4. Good pain relief is good medicine and good business.

As a pet owner, what expectations do you have for your veterinarian about your pet's pain? Do you think veterinary medicine as a whole does a good job of addressing this issue? How do they compare with human medicine? Your thoughts?

--Dana

Doctor....Do Dead Pets Watch Over Us?

I've been reading a terrific book by a famous and well-known medium named Concetta Bertoldi (she consults regularly with members of Britain's royal family as well as with american celebrities and politicians). Her book, "Do Dead People Watch You Shower?" is a fascinating compilation of all the questions she's been asked over the years about life after death, and what she has said in reply.

One of the questions posed to her involved pets. Question: " Are our pets waiting for us on the other the side?" Her response was very interesting to me so I'd like to paraphrase it here..."Of course our pets are waiting for us. Pets give us the nearest thing to unconditional love we can ever know on this side. Often, when I'm doing a reading, someone on the other side will tell me to tell my client, "your dog is here or Whiskers can hardly wait to see you again." Sometimes a pet doesn't even wait for you to cross, they come back and visit you on this side in various ways. People who dream about their pets or claim to see them for brief glimpses are probably being visited by that beloved pet who is checking to see if you are all right."

What do you all think? During times of pet death or euthanasia at our hospital, we often will get questions like this about pet souls, what happens to them after death, and if we will ever see them again. As a veterinary professional, it can get really tricky when a client asks these types of questions. You don't want to risk upsetting your client if their beliefs are very different from your own and yet it's nice to be able to express what you truly believe.

How about you? Would you like your veterinarian (veterinary hospital) to give you his/her honest opinions about pet death, pet souls, and the after-life? I'd like to hear your opinions.

--Dana

New law in Massachusetts

Last week, a new law went into effect in Massachusetts. The law bans surgical devocalization of animals. As the Boston Globe put it - "the right to free speech -- for dogs and cats."

The governor signed the bill into law on April 22. The new law bans "de-barking" in any case except a case of medical necessity. Devocalizing a pet in Massachusetts now could carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2500. The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association opposed the legislation.

Laws surrounding devocalization vary from state to state, but it seems that it is largely still legal in most states. California is apparently considering a similar bill to the one in Massachusetts now. (Devocalization is illegal in the UK, though I don't know what penalties are involved.)

I've only known one dog who had this procedure done. He lived in a tiny apartment and he would not stop barking. His owner wanted to keep him, but because of his barking, would have had to give him up without the surgery. (I didn't meet this dog until well after the surgery had been done.) In his case, he had no side-effects from the surgery (as many animals do). He still "barked" constantly, but there was little or no noise. He made a small sound that sounded like "blacket".

I personally would never consider doing a devocalization. If I were in a situation with an animal would wouldn't learn to be quiet when appropriate, I think I would rather try to re-home to a place where barking wouldn't be a problem.

What do you think of the new law on the books in Massachusetts? Would you ever want to devocalize a pet?

--Tammy

Parvo Virus and Eggs...Sunny Side Up

Picture this for breakfast...bacon, pancakes, hash browns, and Parvo virus eggs...yummy!!! That's what many veterinary professionals sign up for to fulfill  continuing education requirements. Licensed veterinarians and technicians are required to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) hours in a two year period. When there's no time or money to go to one of the major conferences, you end up with Parvo virus along side your morning coffee.

CE is essential for staying current on the latest treatments, advances, and technologies (like many other professions). Unfortunately, some people have little time or money to do this so they have to be creative. An early morning breakfast lecture or a saturday dinner symposium with a taco bar is the perfect solution. It's just what the doctor ordered. There are no lost work hours, no huge travel expenses, and on top of everything else, you get to eat!! 

Steve and I have attended our fair share of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, afternoon snacks, cookies and milk, etc. I've even taught some courses to provide CE for others. One of the things that I've always liked about CE is that it gives you a chance to get together with your peers and share your stories, struggles, whatever. While convenient and still of high quality, some of these quick courses end up feeling very rushed. You race to get there and then spend the rest of your time worrying that you can't absorb everything fast enough (along with the occasional indigestion). 

What other professions can you think of that require CE to maintain their licenses? What are your thoughts about CE courses being rushed? How would you feel if you paid your vet for an office visit only to find out later that there's a new and better treatment for parasites? Please share your thoughts!

--Dana

Summertime Safety Part 2

We've talked about it before...the lazy days of summer. What a wonderful time for us and our pets. Yet, with increased activity and more time outdoors, our pets are also more vulnerable to harm. Last time, I gave you a list of potential toxins commonly found in "summer" products. Today, we're going to cover physical injuries often seen during the summer months. So away we go:

• Cuts, lacerations, and severed tendons on the paws caused by lawn edging
• Torn knee, leg, and joint ligaments from excessive jumping, running, or hiking 
• Broken bones from falls or accidents
• Rattlesnake bites and other venomous snakes and insects
• Other unfortunate encounters with wildlife such as porcupines, skunks, and predatory animals (particularly with small pets)
• Eye, nose, and ear injuries sustained from poking the head into bushes or holes
• Dehydration and heat stroke during very hot weather
• Health problems from parasites such as mosquitoes, heart worm, tics, and fleas (while these are not injuries, they still pose significant threats during the summer months)

So how do you keep your pet safe while still enjoying your summer? Let's go with what every mom in the universe has done for her own human children:

• Create a first aid kit: items such as ointments, gauze pads, styptic powder (stops bleeding from cut toenails), saline, isoprophyl alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting), towels, tweezers, scissors, and muzzle

• Make a list of pet emergency contacts: these can include your own veterinarian, overnight emergency hospitals, the ASPCA Poison Control Center, and the local humane society in your area
  
• Make a list of pet emergency contacts: these can include your own veterinarian, overnight emergency care, the ASPCA Poison Control Center, and the local humane society in your area
  
• Signed authorization to permit emergency medical treatment at boarding facilities, pet sitters, and pet daycare "camps" 

Have I overlooked anything else? Just like before, I welcome any of your ideas and suggestions. Now let's all go out and have a wonderful summer with our pets. (photo from istockphoto.com)

--Dana

Summertime Safety

Summer is nearly upon us and that's good news for our companion animals. It means longer days, camping trips, hikes, playing  ball in the backyard, and generally enjoying the relaxing "dog days" of summer. However, summertime can also mean increased dangers to our pets. These dangers can include poisoning from toxic plants/flowers/insecticides, and poisoning from household products/foods.

Imagine this...I'm having a barbecue party with friends in my back yard. We're grilling burgers, playing croquet, and soaking up the summer weather. While I'm distracted with serving potato salad, I don't see one of my dogs munching on grapes that my kids accidentally dropped on our deck. "Uh Houston...we have a problem" (grapes are highly toxic and even a few can cause significant kidney damage).

Luckily, the ASPCA has made a list of the top 10 poisons dangerous to our pets: (www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control)

1.Human medications. Last year, over 45,000 calls were received by the ASPCA poison control center involving a pet accidentally ingesting a human medication (acetaminophen and cats for example...NOT a good scene).

2. Insecticides

3. "People" food such as grapes, raisins, avocados, baker's chocolate (or any food containing methylxanthines), and any food with the sugar substitute xylitol

4. Plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Lilies

5. Misuse of veterinary medications

6. Rodenticides

7. Household cleaners including bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants

8. Heavy metals like lead, zinc, and mercury found in paint, linoleum, and lead dust

9 Garden products such as fertilizers and products that accelerate and enhance flower growth

10. Chemical hazards such as ethylene glycol (found in engine antifreeze/coolant), paint thinners, pool/spa chemicals, and drain cleaners. 

Can anyone think of some other possible toxins for our pets? I welcome your ideas and suggestions!

P.S. Hey folks, a few days after writing this post, I realized that the  list of "people food" hazards was incomplete. I also need to include:

• Leeks, onion, garlic, and chives (large amounts can cause red blood cell destruction
• Caffeine (it affects the animal's metabolism in damaging ways)
• Yeast  or any type of dough with yeast in it (the yeast grows in the stomach causing it to distend and sometimes twist...this is known as "GDV-" gastric dilitation and volvulas and can be fatal)
• Fatty foods like butter, meat scraps, and grease (can cause severe pancreatitis)
• Alcohol (animals have trouble metabolizing it)

Glad we got those in there...let's protect our pets!

(photo from Dreamstime.com)

--Dana

More Than Coffee Mugs And Pens

We just recently switched heartworm medications we use for our clients. This new product is slightly more superior, but that's not the primary reason we switched it. In fact, The reason has absolutely nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with communication (I know....Dana's favorite topic). In this day of high tech and the internet, why is the personal touch still so important?

The previous medicine we used worked wonderfully and there were very few problems with it. However, the drug rep for that company left much to be desired and was truly the invisible man. We never heard from him... ever. No visits, no calls, no offers to do some staff training, no pamphlets about the product... nothing. It had been so long since any of us has seen this man that we didn't even recognize his name when he sent us a fax assuming we would be making a summer order.

What about the other drug company you ask? This representative has visited our hospital 5 times in two weeks, provided product samples, product coupons, educational material,  has offered to teach staff on the latest parasite treatments, and has even brought the staff lunch (and cookies... twice)! He's also offered to share the cost of mailing cards to all our clients about heart worm.  Call it a bribe if you want, but all things being equal, I'm going to go with the one who visits me, helps me develop my business, offers assistance, keeps my employees educated, and keeps my staff happy (never underestimate the power of  cookies)!

I know that there's a lot of controversy about drug companies working with human medicine. Understandably, people want to know that their doctor is prescribing a particular drug because it's medical necessary, not because the company hands out attractive coffee mugs and pens. However, if we're talking about the same exact drug from one company to another, the choice seems obvious.

What do you all think about drug companies and their representatives visiting your vet's office (or even your own doctor's office)? Do you think it's ethical and how should the doctors (in both professions) respond? Is there a difference between accepting a free lunch and accepting a free vacation to Bermuda? Your thoughts please!

--Dana

Male vs. Female: Are There Gender Differences in Vet Med?

"I've always seen a male veterinarian with my ferrets, but the one I go to now is young and doesn't seem to have much compassion for my guys.  Should I switch to a woman?"  --Meaghan (via email)

Interesting question, Meaghan, and I want to hear what all of you readers out there think about this one.  What's your experience with male vs. female vets in terms of feeling like they understand and support you?

Personally, I haven't found a gender difference, but I do agree that there can be a vast range of difference in warmth and attitude.  I've worked with female veterinarians who were stoic and abrupt and male veterinarians who were warm and would cry at the drop of a hat.  It's the personality you want to connect with, not the body parts!

The April 15, 2010, JAVMA reports that women now outnumber men among U.S. veterinarians, with females numbering close to 45,000 and males at just over 43,000.  So, if you do prefer to work with female professionals, you have that option.  But, of these 88,000 veterinarians, how many of them would describe themselves as client-focused and/or compassionate is anyone's guess.

Which do you prefer and why? (photo from Dreamstime.com)

--Laurel

Heroes Among Us

At some point in our lives, most of us will meet and perhaps even befriend a person who stands above all the others. This is the person we will always remember for their heroic accomplishments...the person who sets the standard so high that very few can ever measure up. In my life, this person is a veterinarian who I've known for more than 15 years. He is an amazing doctor, a brilliant surgeon, a fantastic teacher, and does all of these things with grace, humor, kindness and humanity. Who is my hero you ask?...Dr. Steve Withrow.

Dr. Withrow is a hero to many, many people. As the director of the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he has changed the face of veterinary oncology forever (as well as human oncology). Dr. Withrow, a veterinary surgeon, has been at CSU since 1978. Since that time, he has accomplished so many things and received so many awards it would take an entire day to list them all.

Recently Dr. Withrow has received 3 more distinguished awards (can you imagine having to dust his award cabinet)? His newest awards include: 

• The Bourgelat Award (given by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association)
• The "Hero in Veterinary Medicine Award" (given by the the American College of Veterinary Medicine)
• The prestigious John E. McCoy Award (given by Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine)

Don't go away yet my friends...there's more. Dr. Withrow was one of the very first veterinarians to recognize the need for emotional support of his clients. He understood the pain that people can feel when their pets are diagnosed with cancer. He realized that top notch cancer treatment involved emotional support as well as state-of-the-art medical treatments. So in typical Withrow form, he took his ideas and turned them into action. He created the "Changes Program" (along with our Laurel Lagoni and Carolyn Butler). "Changes"was a pioneering support program at Colorado State and is now referred to as The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine. At Argus, this much-needed emotional support continues to this very day.

I was lucky and blessed to have worked at "Changes" for several years with these talented individuals.They have forever changed the way in which veterinary teams work with thier client's emotions.While it's been almost 9 years since I left the program, I can still hear Dr. Withrow's words when I'm working with clients. Over the years, when funding for the program was dangerously low, guess who was the very first in line to help and fight for the program?  You got it .

Personally, I'm lucky to also know Dr. Withrow as a colleague and friend (even a father figure). Although it's been almost 10 years since I've worked with him, he was one of the first people I heard from when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was so comforting to hear from him during that tough time. Just knowing he was on my side helped me immediately to handle my overwhelming fear and anxiety.

So please join me in thanking a hero with the heart of a giant. Thank you for everything...thank you Dr. Steve Withrow.(Photo and full story of awards from Today at Colorado State University).

--Dana

AWAREness Is The Key

As many of you know, I write frequently about on-line pharmacies and the potential dangers they pose to the health of our pets if they are unsupervised or mismanaged. Well, I'm happy to tell you that the U.S. FDA has now created a brochure for pet owners outlining the safe and appropriate use of online pharmacies.

This brochure contains excellent suggestions for pet owners wanting to purchase medications online (and I'm sure will help veterinary practice owners sleep better at night). They encourage the following guidelines using the acronym A W A R E:

Ask your veterinarian what he/she thinks about a particular on-line pharmacy before buying medications there. While it's true that purchasing some medications online can save you time and money, your pet's health should always be the number one priority. If you work together with your veterinarian, your pet will benefit. Be careful with pharmacy sites that do not require a prescription or will continue to refill medications even when the prescribing veterinarian has declined the refill. For certain medications, there's an important medical reason to decline the refill (the pet's health status must be evaluated periodically by physical exams or blood panels). Most veterinarians will allow refills for up to  6 months (although there are exceptions for many drugs). Also, beware of sites that have no physical address or are not located in the U.S.

Watch for red flags. Things to look for include: pharmacies that send unusual looking, broken, or previously opened bottles; medications with a different name than the one prescribed; and any other things that seem unusual.

Ask about the pharmacy's accreditation. Before purchasing, check to see if the pharmacy follows the guidelines for accreditation. They must be accredited by Vet Vipps (Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites).

Report any problems with a medication and any suspicious behavior to the FDA. Accredited online pharmacies are required to follow certain protocols and this includes monitoring a medicine's side effects or other problems.

Educate yourself about online pharmacies. The good news is that by reading this blog, you've already done just that! Do any of you have other ideas or things to look for? I'm curious.

Obviously, following these guidelines won't eliminate all potential dangers completely but it's certainly a giant step in the right direction. Isn't it great when you can let go of some of your stress and worry (even a small amount)? Whew!.... I feel better already!

--Dana

Please Pass the Aspirin

Well I can't say that life at the pet hospital is boring these days...as many of you know, we've had our share of unexpected "events". One of these involved a cracked water line that ended up flooding the hospital and creating one massive headache.

It's now time to reach for that second dose of aspirin. We are now having the hospital "re mediated" (which is a fancy way of saying that they're going tear open all our walls in order to remove any mold that has developed). So for the next few days, we will be working amidst hammers, loud machines, and distracting surroundings (fortunately, the company doing this is willing to do work on week-ends).I guess the silver lining is that we know ahead of time about this so we can plan accordingly. Who knew that a small split in a dental instrument could cause so much trouble?

We always say that a clean, uncluttered hospital is essential in making a good impression. How do you feel when a company or place you frequent is doing renovations and the physical appearance is less than desirable? 

--Dana

Water, Water Everywhere...But Not a Drop To Drink

Have you ever worked at a job where you couldn't use the bathroom the whole day?  Sound a little uncomfortable and stressful? Well, for one day last week, there was a whole lot of uncomfortable stress going around our pet hospital.

At first the day was humming along quite nicely...we had two dental cleanings happening simultaneously, several minor procedures were underway, and there was plenty of staff to help. We were all feeling positive about how the day's schedule was right on track. Was is it that they say about never commenting on how well a day is going?  We're living proof that the minute you do, something bad follows immediately.  Right as Steve started to extract some infected teeth, the entire water supply to the hospital simply vanished. As it turned out, a major water main had broken down the street and in order to repair it, the utility company needed to shut off all water to the surrounding area for the entire day.

I guess that no one felt the need to inform all the local businesses about this, but then again, maybe we just expect too much. With no water, the dental procedures came to a screeching halt and we were forced to bring these patients out of anesthesia before completing the work. But this wasn't the only fun tidbit that day. No one could use the bathroom (clients or employees); we couldn't wash any bedding; and it was basically impossible to accomplish one single thing (from medical treatments to just about anything else).

Small business owners know that on any given day, something unexpected can always happen. Well it seems to me that we've had more than our fair share of "happenings" lately. I'm always up for some excitement now and then, but why does it have to be something that shuts down business for the entire day? It's not very fun telling clients that they will need to bring their pets back in, put them under anesthesia yet again, and take another entire day to complete work that should have been completed today. If you were one of these clients, how would you feel and how would you want your veterinary hospital handle it? I'm interested in your thoughts.

Thanks for listening and FYI, that whole "stop thinking about needing to pee thing"....it doesn't work so well.

--Dana

Some Good Old Fashioned Communication?

Good communication...it's a simple thing and it can really make a difference in someone's life. A short while ago, I told you about the new medical marijuana dispensary that set up shop right next door to our pet hospital. At the time, I was very concerned given the nature of the"item" being dispensed. Many of you provided much needed reassurance but I was still concerned with all the controlled substances we have at our hospital. It seems my fears are justified, but there is a bit of good news as well. Since the dispensary opened (less than 3 weeks ago), there have been several calls to the police from nearby home owners about excessive noise and disruptive behavior (what a shocker). And then last week, two people broke into the dispensary overnight hoping to steal any of the marijuana they could find. Fortunately, the police were notified by the alarm service and both of these individuals were caught.

Good news you ask? A few days later, there was an article in our local newspaper about the situation. The owner of the dispensary was interviewed and he informed everyone that this dispensary isn't really a dispensary at all....it is simply a place where people can meet with a doctor in order to obtain a medical marijuana card! There are no products or drugs on site, it is simply a small doctor's office. That was music to our ears so please feel free to share!

My question is this...why didn't the dispensary owner share that information with us (and the other surrounding businesses) earlier? I already have enough gray hair thank you very much. So much stress could have been avoided with just one simple phone call. What do all of you think?

--Dana

Education Station

Every year, veterinary hospitals all over the country celebrate February as the official "Dental Health Awareness Month." The goal is to educate pet owners about the importance of keeping their pet's teeth clean and show how regular cleanings can add years on to their pet's life.

At Mountain Shadows, we promote dental health the entire year but in February, we usually offer a 15% discount on all dental cleanings in order to boost participation. So far, it looks like this discount may help generate some new business in this depressed economy. Our hope is that once the client and patient come in, our entire staff can answer their questions or concerns about dental issues.

What are your opinions about veterinarians becoming "educators?" I  talk about that frequently but I've always wondered what separates the good ones from the rude ones. How should a veterinarian go about educating his/her clients without sounding judgmental or critical? I welcome your ideas.

--Dana

Maui Waui And Your Veterinarian?

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd say the following words, "we've got potential pot problems at our pet  hospital." As everyone probably knows, it is now legal to dispense marijuana for medical purposes here in Colorado. I never really paid much attention to the hoop-la surrounding it  until I saw that a new marijuana dispensary has opened up right next door to our pet hospital (yes, the universe just keeps handing us these little goodies). We were stunned to see the sign outside (apparently there are few to no zoning restrictions for these dispensaries so surrounding businesses do not need to be notified when they've moved in).

Now I'm not going to get involved in all the political and philosophical controversies regarding marijuana usage. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand and agree with the need to help patients with their pain and side effects of chemotherapy. However, I am concerned about how this may impact our business. We are located smack dab in the middle of a residential area (the local elementary school is just up the road). We advertise ourselves as a family practice rooted in the community, but I wonder how the community feels about getting Fido's vaccinations while college students are getting their ganja right next door?

Let's face it, there will be people who buy the marijuana for something other than medical purposes. Ever since marijuana has been legalized, dispensaries are popping up all over the city like weeds (pun intended). As it stands right now, it seems fairly easy to obtain a medical marijuana card (most dispensaries can set same day appointments to see a "medical marijuana doctor" and from what I've heard, hardly anyone is refused). In fact, one can even apply for a marijuana card online (I found this out from reading hot tips from the "Pot Doc").

So here's my question...how much do you think this will impact our business? What, if anything, can we do to address this problem? Should we work to get this dispensary to move to a location farther away from residential areas and schools? Will we lose clients because of concerns over personal safety? I have no clear answers, but I can tell you that it makes me very nervous when I think about the many controlled substances we have on site at our facility. So I appeal to all of you out there.....help please!!!!!!!

--Dana

Let The Goo Keep On Rolling

As any small business owner will tell you...bad things tend to happen in bunches so that when the goo hits the fan, there's a huge mess everywhere. Recently, we have found that owning a pet hospital can be a royal pain when the gooey mess comes calling.

Our goo started before the holidays when one of the water lines from our dental equipment cracked and ended up flooding our treatment area and surgery suite with several inches of water. But hey, after a $15,000-20,000 dollar repair and professional "restoration," things should be back to normal (if this was to be a holiday gift we would have gone with the rotten eggnog and stale fruitcake thank you very much).

Next came the groomer who has been theoretically renting space from us at our hospital. I say in theory because she owes us several thousand dollars in back rent. A few days ago, she dropped off the face of the earth after removing all her belongings in the dark of night. We've not heard from her since and I doubt we will.

But hey that's okay because the veterinary nurse we hired a few weeks ago just didn't show up for work one day. Not even the police know what happened to her but lucky for us she has a key to the pet hospital and we now must spend several hundred dollars changing all the locks and keys to the building.

Many of you have worked in or owned small businesses so these situations may sound familiar to you. My question to you is how do you get through it all until the bunches of goo stop coming?

--Dana

Eye Contact Or Computer Screens?

One of the newest rages in Vet Medicine are EVMR's (electronic veterinary medical records). Just as in human medicine, many veterinarians are using this technology in caring for patients. EVMR's offer the general practitioner a wealth of easy accessible information. There's no flipping through charts, or trying to read an illegible note or lab report. Digital images also allow for better and more precise x-rays.

The downside of all this? It's easy to get lost in the new technology and forget about the most important thing of all...the client and the patient. I've heard about many pet hospitals who struggle with keeping their services "personal" while implementing more advanced record keeping. For example, EVMR takes some of the doctor's eye contact away (to look at the laptop computer). In fact, a study done in human medicine found that 62% of respondents mentioned loss of eye contact as a concern and a barrier to use. (Banfield, Vol. 5, number 6).

For me, I embrace new technology and all the bells and whistles that accompany AS LONG AS the interpersonal communication remains the same! Making a connection with a client is critical for developing trust whether or not there is advanced technology. Things like open body language, eye contact, and interpersonal warmth must always exist in good working relationships.

Have any of you experienced some problems with your veterinarian after implementing new technology? I'm curious as to your thoughts and ideas.

--Dana

Acupuncture for dogs

This video is of a former colleague of both Laurel's and mine at the CSU Vet Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Narda Robinson is a veterinarian, medical acupuncturist, and osteopathic physician. She teaches at CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and she is the director of the CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine. She treats animals using acupuncture, and teaches the techniques to students and other veterinarians.

This short video shows Dr. Robinson at work with her patient, Jack. The technique is quite amazing to watch! The results speak for themselves with her patients!

Have you ever had acupuncture done for your animals? How about for yourself? I have had it done for me! I would definitely consider it for an animal as well.

--Tammy

Pet Health Insurance...A Good Idea?

According to the December, 2009 edition of Veterinary Practice News, more than nine out of 10 (94%) pet owners know that pet insurance exists but are likely to avoid buying plans because of cost concerns. An online survey conducted by the marketing firm LePoideven Rickinger Group, polled 800 veterinary professionals and 4,600 pet owners to determine their awareness of pet insurance.

One of the most significant findings was the relatively high number of veterinarians who had no opinion (or a low opinion) of the facts of pet insurance (40% of veterinarians surveyed do not recommend pet health insurance). Pet health insurance has gained popularity over the last few years, but it's still fairly uncommon and somewhat controversial.

Those who endorse pet insurance see it as a way to help save a pet's life by allowing the owner to avoid decisions based solely on "economic euthanasia." This sounds appealing, but there are also people who worry that the proliferation of pet health insurance would change veterinary medicine (and NOT for the better). Many  worry that health insurance would make veterinary costs sky-high and become out of control (just as in human medicine). Also, veterinarians worry about these insurance companies dictating for them what treatments they can provide for their patients.

I can see both sides of the pet health insurance debate. What about you? Do any of you have pet health insurance and if so, what are your opinions and experiences? Would you recommend it to other pet owners? What do you think?

--Dana

Should You Get a Refund?

"My vet has been treating my dog for a skin condition for several months and nothing is changing.  Am I entitled to a refund?''  --Impatient

Weelllll.....no.  Think of it this way.  Would you ask for a refund from your dentist or your family doctor if they were treating you for a condition that, despite their skill and knowledge, did not improve your problem?

Veterinarians are doctors, on par with the other professionals we address with this title.  And, while they are committed to using their advanced training to the benefit of your pet, medicine is not an exact science.  Just like with people, there are many reasons a specific treatment may not do what you and your vet hope it will do.

When you agree to pay your veterinarian to treat your pet, you are paying for them to make an honest and earnest attempt to examine, test, diagnose, recommend treatment, and then administer that treatment to the best of their ability.  And, part of that treatment's effectiveness may depend on you.  Are you complying with all your vet's instructions?

I'm not sure why we often think of veterinary care as a negotiable service.  Is it because we don't understand the treatments and feel suspicious of the true need for them?  Is it because, despite our claims to LOVE our pets, we don't really feel we should spend a lot of money on them?  Is it because insurance has created human health care that is "covered" for many and therefore doesn't seem to "cost" us as much out of our own pockets?

You can ask your veterinarian for a revised estimate and treatment plan at any time.  You can also choose to stop your pet's treatment at any time.  A veterinarian can never "force" you to treat your pet.  When you agree to a treatment plan, there is an implied contract that you will pay to have that work done, but there is no implied guarantee that the outcome will be exactly what you both hope for...

I'm interested in hearing what you all think about "negotiating" vet fees.

--Laurel

Doctors In Dangerous Waters

In October, I presented six lectures at the Wild West Veterinary Conference in Reno, Nevada (WWVC).   I was more than a bit tired after coming home but that conference has made me realize that the field of veterinary medicine faces a very real threat. As usual, I presented material to help veterinary professionals communicate more effectively with their clients in order to promotes client loyalty. The audiences were terrific and quite enthusiastic but I was stunned to see how many veterinary professionals wanted help with taking care of themselves as well as their clients.

My lecture covered the topic of compassion fatigue (a deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion accompanied by acute emotional pain). Compassion fatigue was originally thought to be a condition that afflicts disaster relief workers, fire fighters, paramedics, etc). In the past 10 years, more and more people are realizing that this type of professional burn-out can affect anyone who works in a "helping" profession. In the medical field, human doctors were the first ones identified as vulnerable but in the past few years, consultants, counselors and managers are addressing compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine as well.

The veterinary profession is a highly stressful. There's a a great deal of animal sickness, injuries, and heartbreaking stories. Workers in veterinary medicine witness death death five times more frequently that their counterparts in human medicine. That's a whole bunch of death and stress. Additionally, since euthanasia is acceptable and practiced routinely in vet medicine, these professionals are the ones who actually facilitate their own patients' deaths (obviously done to prevent needless suffering). Ultimately, no matter what the intent is behind it, it's still the purposeful act of taking a life. Doing this and also supporting grieving pet owners can take it's toll over time.

Ways to prevent and deal with compassion fatigue in medicine are still being developed so many professionals out there are in quite a bit of distress. I worry about these folks and hope that they can learn new self-care skills to make their stress a bit easier to bear. I'm curious as to what you all think (pet owners and veterinary professional alike). Do you see this problem in your own lives or in others in the "helping" professions? If so, what do you think should be done to help deal with it? (photo from Dreamstime.com)

--Dana

Breathing Easier

I've certainly had cats on my mind lately and I've got some great news! I just finished reading an article about a possible cure for feline asthma in one of the latest online veterinary journals (AAHA NewStat 10/28/09). Apparently, 1%-5% of all cats suffer from feline asthma (that translates into 4.1 million cats!) This can be a very serious disease and is potentially fatal so it's good to hear about the progress they're making.

The funding for this research comes from the Morris Animal Foundation. They provide essential funding to veterinary schools all over the country for the advancement of animal medicine. This latest study conducted by Carol Reinero, DVM, DACVM, PhD looks to be quite promising.

Have any of you had cats afflicted with feline asthma? If so, how did it affect your relationships with them and their quality of life? Once again, I ask you cat lovers to send us your thoughts!

--Dana

Wanted: Large animal vets

Usually you'll hear more about veterinary news from Dana or Laurel. I go all over the web looking for news about pets, celebrities and their pets, and the like. But, I came across an interesting news piece about large animal veterinarians recently that I thought I'd share!

It seems that veterinary medicine is lacking in veterinarians who specialize in large animals. One state, Kentucky, is taking steps to make sure they have enough veterinarians taking care of their large and food animals. The Kentucky Large/Food Animal Incentive Program offers the possibility of repaying up to $6000 a year of outstanding student loans of eligible veterinarians, vet technicians and veterinary technologists who practice mostly large/food animal medicine.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said, "This program is important to Kentucky's animal agriculture industry and our food supply. Veterinarians are leaving large animal practices faster than they can be replaced." Commissioner Farmer goes on to say that livestock account for a huge portion of the state's economy and it is important to be sure they have enough veterinarians to care for the animals.

Now, I am not a "farm" girl, but I do know the importance of having veterinary care specialized for large animals. I lived in an apartment on a farm for about 10 years. While I didn't have to care for the animals, I was always aware of what was happening with them. (I really loved having the animals around. It was mainly pygmy goats and horses. Pictured on the left is one of the pygmy babies. He came with me to visit at CSU when I worked there!) There were several times when an emergency vet had to be called. It was so great to know that there was a great veterinarian on call who specialized in large animal medicine. We also lived close to CSU and my friend/landlord had to take horses there on more than one occasion.

I like hearing that states are making programs like Kentucky's to give incentive for specializing in large animal medicine. Do you know if your state has any similar programs?

--Tammy

Close Encounters of The Cat Kind

This past week-end in Denver I lectured to a group of feline practitioners at their annual society meeting (AAFP). It was a fun time, a bit unusual, and a valuable learning experience. It was also the first time that I had ever lectured to veterinarians who work exclusively with cats.

The AAFP is committed to improving the lives of all domestic cats. They support cat advocacy programs and provide advanced medical continuing education for feline doctors. There are those in veterinary medicine who feel that cats are a bit under served when compared to dogs. While it's true that more people own dogs than cats, it's still very important for cat owners to have access to quality medical care.

As I spent time with this group, I started to realize that cat owners deal with some unique emotional issues. As we all know, cats and dogs are quite different as are some of their medical needs. Cats in general, tend to be more stoic than dogs. I've blogged about this stoicism before... but it bears repeating because many cat owners have a hard time knowing when their cat is in any pain. If owners  cannot know for sure, there's always the potential for them to miss a serious illness or problem. This can translate into an immense amount of guilt when their cat dies.

Cats also also tend to have longer life spans that dogs (some live well past 15-16 years and a select few can live into their 20's!)" These longer life spans can create tremendously strong bonds as a person can literally "grow-up" with their cat. When people have relationships with their cats dating all the way back to  childhood, their grief can feel quite overwhelming (they are not only grieving the cat's death, but they are grieving the end of an era as well).

What are some other emotions experienced by cat owners? Do you feel that any of these are quite different than for dog owners? I want to hear from all our cat lovers out there! (photo is of Tammy's cat Henry)

--Dana

A Good Dose Of Job Security

In today's economic climate, almost every business in the country is experiencing difficult times. I was happy then to read about an economic study conducted by "Packaged Facts: a unit of Market Research Group in New York.* According to this study, the overall US market for pet care services will grow annually by about 9 percent and exceed 34 billion by 2013.

That growth is faster than the annual 7 percent rate in the past five years during which the market grew from 17.1 billion in 2004 to 22.7 billion in 2008. The study also says that veterinary services account for 75 percent of the overall pet care services market and is expected to lead growth in the overall market.

This seems logical since veterinary care is the most essential type of service compared to services such as grooming, training, and boarding. I wonder though if the improvement of emotional support in veterinary care is also a reason for this good news? When money is tight, people are probably willing to pay for a service as long as they believe that service is of good quality medically and emotionally.

What kinds of things do you predict for the field of veterinary medicine economically and otherwise? Do you think good communication makes or breaks a business in a slow economy? Let's hear from you!

--Dana

*Source (Veterinary Practice News, September 2009, Page 5).

Let's Hear It For The Nurse!

The September/October issue of Trends Magazine has an interesting article about veterinary as technicians (at our hospital we call them nurses) and how they are under-utilized. Overall, it seems that they are not doing many of the tasks that certified nurses are specifically trained to do. However, with the emergence of larger veterinary hospitals, things are changing. The nurses are no longer limited to just holding patients, drawing blood, and filling prescriptions. In fact, they are starting to take on similar roles much like nurses in human hospitals. This means that they can monitor a patient's condition, summarize intake findings, and carry out treatment protocols that the doctor prescribes.

When nurses take on more tasks and responsibilities, the hospital benefits by saving money (the nurses are doing tasks that are often done by higher-paid veterinarians and the doctors have more time to do things that only a doctor can do ( such as diagnosing a medical problem or performing surgery.) To quote certified nurse, Elise Atkinson at Alameda East Animal Hospital..."we want responsibility , and above all, we want doctors to have faith in us."

At our hospital, we try very hard to utilize our nurses effectively. We even have what we call "nurse-only appointments" (they involve things like vaccinations, wound checks, and removal of stitches). By utilizing our nurses more effectively, they also seems to have more job satisfaction because they are being challenged more. It's a win-win situation across the board.

As pet parents, what do you all think? How do you view the veterinary nurses who work with your veterinarian? What kind of experiences have you had and do you think they are under-utilized? All you nurses out there...please feel free to chime in! (photo from bigstockphoto.com)

--Dana

"Dr." Groomer

Let me start out right now telling you that groomers as a whole, are terrific people and work hard at what they do. They care about their clients and their pets. However, we occasionally have difficult days when a groomer has "diagnosed" a problem with a pet and the owner comes in telling us what treatment must be done.

Groomers, animal behaviorists, trainers, and animal care specialists certainly have experience working with animals and have knowledge that exceeds the average person. They can alert an owner about a change in their animal's coat or other problems. But...it is a bad situation when a client comes to us saying that the groomer has decided her dog has cardiac problems (this happened just last week). ???? How would the groomer come by that conclusion? That's a pretty bold statement and seems out of bounds to me. What's worse is that the client often believes the groomer even to the point where they argue with the veterinarian about the diagnosis. I'm sorry, but this makes about enough sense as it does for me to consult my hairstylist about my cancer treatment. It just seems weird but it happens more frequently than you think.

Because owners are loyal to their groomers, it can be very difficult to convince clients that their groomer is incorrect about advice they've given (especially with dermatological problems). It's also frustrating because the pet is the one who suffers the most. It would be so much easier and save a lot of time and heartache if groomers refrained from diagnosing medical problems all together.

Opinions everyone...what are your thoughts about this? If there are any professional groomers or animal care specialists out there to lend us your opinions? I welcome your ideas and feedback! (photo from bigstockphoto.com)

--Dana

Finding The Safety Net

Most veterinarians who own a practice have experienced it before...it's the stressful and regrettable job of having to "fire" a client. This happens so rarely (thank goodness), but it is an amazingly stressful experience for the entire hospital staff.

Last week, we had to face this stress and ask a client to never come back to our hospital. There's no doubt that we did the right thing (he made several overt threats to our staff members; and he mentioned bringing a gun each time). He started coming to us because another veterinary hospital had fired him the week before. It feels so wrong to turn away a sick animal, but we simply had no other choice. We're lucky because this other hospital warned us when this client requested his records to be sent to us. They helped us to be prepared and it was nice to know that competitor or not, we're all in this together.  

At our staff meeting, we discussed our frustrations about the situation. It's always so hard to see an innocent animal suffer at the hands of a disturbed person but this situation allowed us to talk with our employees about safety policies. You never want to think about those things, but it's necessary and we took this time to debrief. Everyone on staff told us that this debriefing was quite helpful.

I'm curious about your thoughts. At what point is it necessary for a veterinarian to "fire" a client? How should the veterinarian determine these things? I'd like to hear from you!

--Dana

"Soft Skills" Deluxe

Here at the café we often talk about the importance of effective communication in the veterinary profession. In the past 20 years, there's been an impressive "communication movement" that has allowed many more veterinary schools to improve their training and many veterinary organizations are offering more continuing education about these issues. While many veterinary schools and professional organizations are addressing this need, there is still much work to be done.

The September 8, 2009 on-line issue of Exceptional Veterinary Team magazine (myEVT) contains an article discussing this very problem. In the article: "Veterinary School: What They Don't Teach;" Dr. D. shares her frustration about having limited training in this area and how she felt unprepared to deal with her clients emotions in her first job out of school. The author states, "although I was confident in my medical skills, the way the client's tear-filled eyes locked onto mine as I explained the effects of snake bites made me more than a bit nervous...after all, veterinary school taught me how to treat an injury but not how to deal with distraught pet owners."

It's true that many more veterinary schools today are changing and adapting their curriculum to help students learn communication skills. It's also true, however, that there are some schools that still provide no training at all. The financial pressures Universities face in today's economy are just as intense as the pressures in many other institutions and businesses. It can be hard for them to find adequate resources to provide training with Dr. D. calls the "soft skills." When push comes to shove, they feel that the medical information has to take priority.

What do you all think about this issue? How do you go about ranking the importance of topics in veterinary curriculum? Should there be a formula, and what should be done when no money is available to teach communication skills? I'd like to hear your thoughts! (photo from istockphoto.com)

--Dana

A Rock And A Hard Place

Anyone who has ever owned or worked at a veterinary hospital has faced this dilemma...

We have a client who is very kind, conscientious, and cares deeply for her dog. Unfortunately, her dog is outrageously aggressive with anyone besides her so it's very stressful when she brings the dog in to see us. We've tried many times to explain to her the gravity and seriousness of the situation, but she just doesn't seem to want to hear it. We try to remind her that if she were to get scratched, bitten, or injured by her dog during a veterinary exam, we would be the ones held responsible...not her. We've tried many strategies and plans with this dog to keep everyone safe, (certain restraint techniques, behavioral interventions, distraction, the client coming into the treatment area with us, etc., but nothing works very well). The only thing that we've found to be effective is sedating the dog ahead of time.

I understand why someone wouldn't want to sedate his/her dog unless it's absolutely necessary. However, in this case it IS necessary and we can't seem to get through to her. Sometimes she will even acknowledge the potential dangers to herself, but it's very hard to get her to think about the dangers to our staff as well. Just because we work with animals and know about their aggressive behaviors, it doesn't mean that we're safe from the harm caused by that aggression. Our staff depends on us to provide a safe work environment and we simply can't risk safety to accommodate one client and one patient. Unfortunately, we've had to set a boundary with her where we won't see her dog unless it is mildly sedated. This is such an uncommon thing, and it feels just horrible to put a pet owner into a situation like this. The worst part of all of this is that this dog is not receiving adequate medical care as a result.

My question to all of you...how would you approach this client if your were in our shoes? We've tried many ways to explain the issues to her, but so far not much luck. It's almost as if she doesn't want to realize how dangerous her dog can be. It's so hard to tell someone this, and we end up being the bad guy. Because of her frustration, this client calls us frequently wanting veterinary "advice" via the phone since she won't agree to sedate the dog for an examination. Once again, we're the bad guy having to tell her that we can't make a diagnosis over the phone; we need to examine the dog; and only then can we provide appropriate treatment.

I can't remember when I've felt this "stuck" with a client. Help me out here folks...am I missing something? I want your ideas!

--Dana

Computerized Co-Workers

Today's technology...it changes so fast now that you could upgrade your computer (iPhone, Blackberry, etc) on a weekly basis. It's wonderful, efficient, sophisticated, and very polished. Yet, as amazing as new technology is, I sometimes worry about it's effect on human interactions. We're all probably familiar with the joke about 2 teenagers who are texting each other and "conversing" electronically while they are sitting right next to each other. It's funny, but in a way, kind of sad. Are we so seduced by shiny electronic things that we fail to even acknowledge the people sitting right in front of us? I wonder sometimes.

My job as a consultant requires me to do the bulk of my work via computer. There's no doubt that it's more convenient and probably more efficient, but there are days when I really miss the company of another co-worker. One benefit of having a job is the relationships and friendships that you build at that particular job. With co-workers, you feel companionship, camaraderie, and you can easily identify the humorous aspects of your work. Co-workers also help you when you have a difficult or stressful day. For my work, I find that it's really hard to make friends with or build camaraderie with an e-mail account. Establishing a solid relationship with someone whom you've never met, or even talked to is challenging. I try as best as I can to infuse "humanity" into my e-mails, but at the end of the day, I'm still sitting in front of my computer with not another person in sight. It can be lonely, isolating, and unfulfilling from an interpersonal standpoint.

I'm probably biased because I'm trained in communication and that is my specialty, but I think it's an important point. At our pet hospital, we see more and more veterinary software that allows clients to check in or consult with their veterinarian via a website or e-mail address. Sure it's convenient, but does that mean it's better? Is the quality of the interaction as good or as satisfying? Maybe I'm just from an older generation, but I prefer to actually interact with my doctors every once and awhile (at the very least by phone).

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think veterinary medicine is losing it's personal touch from all this fancy technology? Where do you all see the profession going towards? What do you think about our society in general? Let me know your ideas! (photo from istockphoto.com)

--Dana

Cool Customers

Quiz time everyone. How can you tell when a cat is sick? The answer....when the cat dies. While this expression used by some feline practitioners is crude, it's based on experience. An article in the July 2009 issue of Veterinary Forum talks about this very problem. As many veterinarians and cat owners will tell you, It's hard to know when cats are ill because they are the ultimate masters of hiding illness and pain.

Several studies over the past 5 years show that on average, dog owners take their dogs in for regular exams twice as frequently as cat owners. Is this because cat owners care less than dog owners? I highly doubt it. It's just that cats are so stoic, they can be in severe pain while still sitting on your lap purring. At our pet hospital, our associate veterinarian once treated a cat with an open leg fracture and while the nurses were holding her for radio-graphs, she was calming swishing her tail purring softly.

The good news is that veterinarians are doing a better job of educating cat owners about this and advising them to obtain yearly exams even if their cat shows no signs of problems. In fact, the American Association of Feline Practitioners has now created 3 distinct age classifications for cats. 7-10 year-old cats are middle-aged; 11-14 are seniors; and 15 years and older are now called "geriatric" cats. The hope is that this new classification will encourage cat owners to seek more regular veterinary care as their cats get older.

What do all of you cat lovers out there think about this? Are your cats as stoic as their reputation portrays them? What classification does your cat (s) fall into? It's time for some good cat conversation around the milk bowl!

--Dana

Chips Off The Old Block

The August 2009 issue of Veterinary Practice News contains an article about Trakr (a german shepherd search and rescue dog) who has been cloned. Trakr died this past April, but his 4 cloned offspring (Trustt, Solace, Valor, and Prodigy) now live in his image (literally).Trakr was a famous search and rescue dog credited with making hundreds of arrests and helping scores of missing people. He also found the last human survivor in the rubble of the 9/11 attacks in New York City. His owner, retired police officer James Symington, took the 4 cloned pups home this past June. (Symington is pictured with his pups.)

Trakr was cloned at the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in South Korea under the direction of Dr. Hwang Woo-Suk (the first person in the world to ever clone a dog in 2005). This cloning was authorized and paid for by CioArts International in Mill Valley, California. Trakr was selected from a large group of other dogs because he was thought to be the world's most "clone worthy" dog.

This issue changes the boundaries of how technology affects the natural order of life and death. There is much controversy about cloning but I personally am quite hesitant about doing such things. Although the 4 cloned pups might be identical to Trakr in appearance,they won't necessarily have the same tracking skills or temperament. With canine rescue and assistance work, a dog's temperament, experience, and other personality traits play a very large role in the dog's capabilities. Since the cloned pups will not have the same life experiences, they will probably be completely different from the original Trakr.  After all, life experiences affect a dog's behavior throughout it's lifetime (like with obedience training and early socialization). If this is the case, then what's the point of cloning him anyway? If other german shepherds can be trained to do similar work, why even bother?

What are your thoughts about these questions? Do you think cloning is a good idea? How might cloning affect the human-animal bond and issues such as grief and loss? How should people go about deciding which animals are more "clone worthy" than others? Let's hear your opinions! (AP Photo)

--Dana

Simple Gestures and Peace of Mind

Here in Colorado Springs, we have several veterinary specialty practices (surgeons, internal medicine specialists, oncologists, and even a veterinary dentist)! I've recently had dealings with the surgery center since my own dog Chance had two surgeries on his knee.

On the day of his surgery when we were leaving the hospital, I noticed a small, pretty basket on the front counter that was filled with paw print stones. The stones had little notes attached to them saying "please take one of these stones to keep you close to your pet." Wow...I've known about this innovative product for quite awhile, but I had not experienced the reassurance first hand.

I immediately felt more at ease with leaving my dog in their care, and I felt secure in the knowledge that they were "good people" who I could trust. All of this from one sensitive gesture...it was powerful.

World By The Tail Inc. educates veterinarians about the importance of acknowledging the human animal bond. If veterinarians show clients how much they care, clients will also believe that they will cure. It's amazing how important this perception is.

What does your veterinary hospital do to demonstrate a sense of caring? Do they use any of World By The Tail's products to convey this care? I'm interested in hearing from you!

--Dana

Internet Pharmacy Dilemmas: Part Two

I've written about this topic before...it's the problems associated with pet owners buying their pet's medication via the internet. As I stated then, drug companies won't sell pet medications to these companies. If something goes wrong, the drug company assumes no responsibility and the veterinarian who prescribed the drug is left dealing with the aftermath. Even when the owner signs a written document about the risks of using on-line pharmacies, it is the veterinary hospital who is still vulnerable to lawsuits.

A few weeks ago, this problem got kicked up a notch. One of our clients sent an internet pharmacy a prescription pain reliever (for her dog). What the client ended up receiving was a completely different drug than the one that was prescribed. In the package, there was a note assuring the pet owner that "this medication can be substituted for the prescribed medication."

Now I'm all for free enterprise, but this seems just wrong to me. We probably have good grounds for taking legal action against the pharmacy, but it would takes lots of time and lots of money (these pharmacies make a HUGE profit). It's only a matter of time before some unfortunate pet becomes sick or dies from this crazy behavior.  

What do you think is the best way to warn clients about these pharmacies? Since these companies can often sell the medication at a lower cost, many people buy from them. Yet...is the savings worth it? How should we warn and educate clients without scaring them? Please share your thoughts...we appreciate your help!

--Dana

Understanding Fluffy and Fido

It happens at least once a week. It's the client who needs help with his/her pet's behavior problems. We do the best that we can, but there are situations when the problem requires someone with specific expertise on this issue.

We are lucky at our hospital because we can refer our clients to Dr. Dan Estep, and Dr. Suzanne Hetts at Animal Behavior Associates. They are excellent animal behaviorists and have helped many of our clients with some very complex behavior problems. We also refer clients to Bark Busters (a service for dogs only).

I'm realizing that knowledge about animal behavior is instrumental in  helping pet owners and nurturing the human-animal bond. Some veterinary school teach behavior classes but some do not. What is your opinion about this?  Do you think that veterinarians should have more training in animal behavior? Should the state licensing boards require that veterinarians have advanced knowledge about common problems seen in dogs and cats? Is that placing too much of a burden on the veterinarian? Let's hear your thoughts!

--Dana

Encounters With Wild Kingdom

Last week, one our client's brought in her 30 pound female Sheltie for treatment. Apparently, this feisty little girl had an encounter with a mountain lion! Obviously, the cat must of been scared off before the "battle" could go very far. As it was, the dog  had several deep puncture wounds, lacerations, and some torn ligaments. I always wonder if dogs can appreciate their own size in relation to the rest of the world? This dog was certainly brave, but very, very lucky to have survived this encounter. I suppose some of the answer lies in the dog's type of breed and his/her level of aggressiveness.

I know that many small dogs get attacked by foxes, coyotes, as well as mountain lions. This can be devastating for the pet owner if the dog dies as a result.Lots of people have very strong opinions about this problem. What are yours?  Have any of your pets ever had encounters with wildlife? What was the other animal and what happened?  Please share your stories!

--Dana

Media Mania

There are times at our pet hospital when time is very tight. When talking to clients about surgeries or other complicated procedures, it is very helpful to have written material the client can take home. What do you think about taking a video home?

More and more, veterinary hospitals are using DVDs to help explain procedures and surgeries. This can be very powerful since we all know how "seeing is believing." For example, some veterinary oncologists use DVDs to educate pet owners about chemotherapy. At our pet hospital, we use DVD's for various issues such as behavior problems and specific surgeries.

I'm realizing that using DVDs can be a very helpful tool for educating pet owners. I am now working on making videos for even standard procedures (such as a spay or neuter which of course, is NOT standard for the pet owner. I also want to make a video about euthanasia (what to expect, what will happen, the drugs involved, etc). When Laurel Lagoni directed the Argus Institute at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, she and her colleagues made videos about euthanasia and pet loss (sponsored by AAHA). These videos yielded positive comments and helped many pet owners.

What about you? Has your veterinarian ever offered a video that explains medical procedures? If so, was it helpful? Some veterinarians worry that using videos might negatively affect the personal connection he/she has with the client. What do you all think?

--Dana

Copping An Attitude

As everyone across the country knows, the economy is in pretty bad shape. Unemployment is very high and many small businesses are struggling. A LOT of people are out of work and competing for jobs. At our pet hospital, we recently had to hire a new technician (nurse). It took only two days for us to receive over 40 applications!

So what now? How do you go about choosing between applicants when they appear to have the same skills and the same level of experience? I asked our hospital manager how she deals with this dilemma. Her answer was simple...she hires the person who has a better attitude. This is a logical strategy but it's also an interesting one. Imagine this scenario: two applicants and just one open position. Applicant #1 has an AMAZING attitude but limited technical skills. Applicant #2 is technically gifted, but lacks enthusiasm for the job. Who do you pick? You probably know the answer...it's time to welcome applicant #1 into the fold!

This answer proves the point that veterinary care is so much more than just knowing how to insert catheters and draw blood. Veterinary care involves sophisticated communication between a pet owner and a pet hospital. You can teach technical procedures but can you teach a person how to have a good attitude? I'm not so sure.

What are your thoughts? If you were a manager interviewing people for an open job, what would you look for? Do you think a positive attitude can actually be "taught?" I'm curious about your ideas! (photo from dreamstime.com)

--Dana

Hitting Close To Home

Last week, I gave a staff training about how to support grieving pet owners. We have recently hired some new staff and I routinely give these trainings to insure that our staff can respond sensitively to these issues.

When the training was over, one employee approached me in private. She was distressed and worried that supporting clients in their grief will trigger her own struggles with death and loss. This is a legitimate concern and it probably happens frequently to many veterinary professionals. I gave the employee ideas about setting good personal boundaries and ways to keep the focus of the conversation on the client. However, it is a difficult reality and can be very hard to work with.

What is your opinion about this? Would you be offended if someone at your veterinarinarian's office shared some of their personal struggles with you? When might this be appropriate and how far should the person go with the self-disclosure? I'm interested in your opinions!

--Dana