It's that time of year again!

Not sure if I ever really follow the resolutions I make for myself. But as I sit here thinking about my own resolutions for 2016, I couldn't help but think about resolutions Dog and Cat might make! (Or maybe these are secretly my resolutions for them...at least for Dog.)

We tend to forget about many of the safety issues we face on a daily basis in the workplace. This is a quick review on important safety procedures in veterinary practice.

Hazards cannot totally be avoided, but minimizing exposure and being diligent about safety is the ultimate goal. All hospitals are required to follow OSHA standards.

What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is part of the Department of Labor. It was established to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working individuals by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance." For more information visit: www.osha.gov

In case you missed it, the Twitter Chat with veterinary technician Emergency and Critical Care specialist Megan Brashear is now available on Storify! Twitter Chat on Holiday Toxins and Treatments We hope that you can join us for our next chat.

This month we are hosting a Twitter Chat on those pesky Holiday Toxins!

 We are excited to have veterinary technician specialist Megan Brashear as our special guest as she teaches us about the more common toxins of the holiday season. Just how toxic are they and how are they treated? Megan has 16 years of emergency/critical care experience, she is fan of trauma, toxins, and hair-on-fire scary critical anesthesia (her words)! Sounds like an exciting chat!

I noticed that this video of a giant sebaceous cyst got more likes that any other of my photos or videos on Instagram (@SavvyVetTech). I realized then that a lot of people find these gross videos fascinating based on the comments they were leaving.

It's a good thing I had our technician grab the camera just in case something cool came out. We weren't disappointed! So what exactly is a sebaceous cyst anyway?

This month we are featuring veterinary technician Sandra Lean-Leighton, RVT! Sandra has a very unique story and we are honored that she is sharing with us. She is previous actress who became a veterinary technician and now does a "Adventures of a Super Vet Tech" Show. Her story is sure to make you smile!

VTP:  When did you become a vet tech and how has your experience evolved into what it is today?

SL-L:  After 20 years in the performing arts as an actress, writer and producer, I made the best decision I ever made, to go into veterinary technology. I attended Seneca College in King City, Ontario. I worked in different small animal clinics for 2 years, then established my company Vet Tech Support Services being a locum veterinary technician in over 40 different veterinary clinics in the Toronto area. My work has taken me from "Vet to the Stars," caring for the pets of the rich and famous, to an ER referral clinic, working in dermatology and neurology, to shelter medicine at the Toronto Humane Society, one of the largest shelters in North America. I love the variety and challenge of meeting new people and learning a vast array of different veterinary approaches and techniques.

Two years ago I decided to combine my two careers. I've written a one-woman comedy about my experiences as a vet tech. I've been performing my show "Adventures of a SuperVetTech" for the vet industry and the general public as a motivation vehicle for vet techs and to raise the public profile of our profession. I am currently touring vet tech colleges and conferences and in July 2015 did a 7 show run at the Toronto Fringe Festival. The response has been amazing. I couldn't be happier.

Unfortunately pet owners sometimes find themselves with a litter of puppies and don't know how to care for them. Veterinary technicians are often the point of contact for these questions. Here are a few things to know and share!

This month we are hosting a Twitter Chat on monitoring and running smooth anesthesia for your patients! 

 We are excited to have special guest Melanie (Mele) Tong join us! Mele is a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia and analgesia and her story is very inspiring! I cannot wait for us to chat with her about anesthesia.

With the next VTNE testing window right around the corner, today let's review what to expect when you go to sit your exam!

This month we are honored to feature cardiology technician Casey Lehner-Reden, RVT!

VTP:  When did you become a vet tech and where do you work?

CL-R:  I have been in the veterinary field since I was 17 years of age. That puts me about 15 years into it now. It is crazy to think of how long it has been! I currently work for UC Davis at a satellite clinic in Sorrento Valley called UC Veterinary Medical Center – San Diego. We are a center of excellence based on cooperation with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC San Diego Health Sciences, and animal institutes of the San Diego region. We see patients that need care in specialties of cardiology, nephrology, urology, clinical dialysis, and nutrition. 

Urethral obstruction is a life threatening emergency in cats. It is mostly seen in young to middle-aged obese male neutered cats, but any cat can be affected. It is important to know and recognize symptoms of this disease. Male cats that have cystitis (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or Feline Urologic Syndrome) are at a greater risk for obstruction.

Have you been working on your veterinary technician degree? Or are you thinking about becoming a vet tech? Well, there is good news for you! 

In case you missed the Twitter Chat on Reducing Anxiety in Pets During Vet Visits, you can read it now! Lots of fantastic tips and information were shared by our participants and special guest and trainer Mikkel Becker. We hope you will join in the discussion at our next chat!