The Savvy VetTech

 
There has been an outbreak of Campylobacter that has been sourced to a pet store chain. This is a good reminder to always be diligent about hand-washing and cleaning the hospital.

No matter where pets come from, they can potentially carry a disease that can be passed on to humans or to other pets.

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Many people consider their pets as "children." Thus, custody over pets during divorce can be a hot topic. Alaska is the first state to amend their law to consider the well-being of the pet, and even assigning custody or joint-custody will be taken into consideration. Taking into consideration what is best for the pet and not the humans I think is a step in the right direction. 

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This article makes a good point. Even I did a Twitter Chat on Compassion Fatigue because it has become such a hot topic. It is important that the issues of suicide and depression are being talked about, but focusing on this issue at a constant could make it seem that vet med is a real downer. Instead of getting swept up in the negatives in our profession, it suggests that we try to focus on more of the positives! Think about what it is you love about your job. 

I love that every day is different. There are always different cases to see and I still learn something new every day! I even saw a dog with narcolepsy the other day (I have never seen that before, and thanks to the neurologist for diagnosing it)! And I think about the clients that really depend on us to help their pets- they truly appreciate our services and would be lost without us. I am thankful that this profession, even in times of recession, still seems to hang on. There will always be more pets that need us. And I love that in vet med there are different opportunities and avenues to explore if you really do get tired of doing one type of job.

I concur that getting too wrapped up in the stresses could be a real issue. Know the warning signs and risks for compassion fatigue, and take steps to prevent it, but don't dwell on the negative. Take steps to make your job more enjoyable. Do you have any thoughts on this topic?

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What are the best Vet Tech Schools?  This article lists what they consider to be the best 2 and 4 year veterinary technician programs. Did yours make the list? School ranks were determined based on several criteria including graduation rate, student-teacher ratios and financial-aid. 

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This link is for a free download from atdove.org regarding blood products, what they are for, what they contain, expiration, and easy to follow flow charts about them. What an easy way to review and remember the details on various blood products! Thank you atdove.org!  Go get them!

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We hear a lot about dog and cat days, but horses have their own days too! December 13th is the National Day of the Horse.

I found a short post about this special day from the AzVMA website from last year to see what it's all about.  

According to the article, the idea behind this national day is that it "encourages a dialog about the importance of horses in our culture, the importance of humane treatment of both domestic and wild horses, and the physical and emotional benefits of owning horses."

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In this great article by Jade Velasquez, LVT, she lists some reasons that are contributing to this issue. Wages, under-utilization, compassion fatigue, and toxic environment are the four she discusses. We know that the vet tech field has a high turnover.

This is why continuing education, certification, stress reduction, and vet tech appreciation are cornerstones for job satisfaction. Trying to fend off negativity and creating a more positive work environment should be the job of all hospital members. Take a moment to read this article to learn more!

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Cats and Dogs share many disease, although they may have different names or pathology in each species. This article discusses heartworm disease, obesity, arthritis, and dental disease. While dogs and cats can both get these diseases, they may show different symptoms. Check out the link to learn more!
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I have followed his account on Twitter, a kind-hearted man who cares for these abandoned cats in a small sanctuary in Aleppo.  You can see him at work in this YouTube video. 



I was saddened to read today that his sanctuary was hit by airstrikes, killing his dog Hope and some cats. He survived the bombings, but please keep this man and his good deeds in your prayers and thoughts. You can follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1509943749305018/ or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gattarodialeppo
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We hear about dogs and rattlesnake bites a lot, especially where I live in the state of Arizona. But, what about cats? Can they survive and is there a rattlesnake bite treatment?

Yes, they can survive, but timing may be everything! It acts mostly as a neurotoxin in cats, which can cause paralysis and mentation changes. They can also suffer from coagulation problems and vasculitis like dogs. Typically prognosis is not good, but if they receive treatment quickly (yes they can have antivenin) then they may have a better chance of survival. Check out this article link for more info!
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This story has a nice outcome and little "Fender" has a new home! But not all kittens are as lucky. Cats often climb into engines to keep warm, so winters are particularly dangerous. As the weather is starting to cool off, make sure to keep this in mind and be aware; if you hear anything suspicious to stop immediately!

Here is another link about How To Keep Kittens Out Of Your Motor especially if you are in a neighborhood where there are stray cats around.

Please share this post, save a life and be that peron who rescued!
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Dr. Robin Downing wrote this wonderful article regarding pain in our companion animals. Her article ties into the research she did for her Master's thesis. 

The article talks about the different aspects in the philosophy of pain as we address our patients- the four main considerations she points out as being 1) Respect for autonomy (the right of an individual for choice, and in vet med this is regarding the owner who is making medical decisions for their pet)  2) Nonmaleficence (do no harm)  3) Beneficence (taking positive action- "consider all the ways in which the pain may be anticipated, prevented and (when it cannot be prevented) treated. " and 4) Justice (presenting an action plan that provides the best option for pain). 

Take a moment to read it in its entirety. Thinking about how and why we approach pain in the ways that we do can help us to make and present the best options for pain control we can for our patients! 

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As you well know, arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a devastating condition for cats with a high mortality rate. It comes on suddenly and causes tremendous pain and suffering. If a cat is lucky enough to recover from a clot such as this, they are at an extremely high risk of developing another. It is great to see new studies that are looking for better ways of not only treating this disease but preventing it, especially in high-risk patients.
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A new poll has revealed the costumes pet parents are most likely to put their fur babies in this Halloween. TC Newman (@PurpleTCNewman) has the adorable details.

Who doesn't love pets in costumes? And no, it's not cruel, just cute. We wish you and your pets a safe and Happy Halloween!

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I hate to link such a sad post but I have been following the crisis in Venezuela for a while. It is not just this zoo, but many shelters and animal sanctuaries that are suffering. People cannot feed themselves and thus pets are given away or let go, and I think there are many people that may be unaware of the severe crisis going on there. 
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