About the Author
Ann is a 1983 graduate of Michigan State University and got her specialty certification in Emergency/ Critical Care in 2000, in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2008 and in Nutrition in 2013. In 2017 she attained her Fear Free Level on certification, and has since moved into level 2.
She has worked in general, emergency, specialty practice, education and management. Ann is active in her state, national and specialty organizations, and served on the organizing committees for Internal Medicine and Nutrition. She has mentored over 20 fellow VTSs and has worked on a variety of committees and positions. She is currently an instructor and Academic Advisor for Ashworth College’s Veterinary Technology Program, as well as an active speaker and writer.
Ann has over 50 published articles in various professional magazines as well as book chapters and a book, Nutrition and Disease Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses in its second edition in 2016 coauthored with Kara Burns. Ann received the 2009 Service Award for her state association (MAVT), the 2010 Achievement Award for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT), and in 2012 received the Jack L. Mara Memorial Lecture Award presented at NAVC.
Her fur/feather/fin family consists of 4 cats, 2 domestic geese, 14 chickens and a pond full of goldfish.
Written By This Author
Parasitology
Giardiasis in Cats
Giardia protozoa are quite hardy. Prevention and client education is key to keeping a cat happy and healthy.Parasitology
Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. Client education is key to prevention.Parasitology
Heartworm Disease in Dogs
The American Heartworm Society recommends that dogs be given heartworm preventives year-round and tested annually.Integrative Medicine
Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
It can be challenging to find nutraceuticals that do what their manufacturers say they do — here’s what’s behind the hype of probiotics and prebiotics.
Gastroenterology
The Gastrointestinal Microbiota: An Introduction
This article examines the important role microbiota plays in the development, immune regulation, and maintenance of an animal’s GI health.
Personal/Professional Development
Find Your Passion Through Education!
Find out how Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM, Nutrition) uses education to open new doors and stay on the cutting edge in the veterinary field.
Parasitology
Feline Heartworm Disease: Fact or Fiction?
In areas where dogs are exposed to mosquitoes that carry Dirofilaria immitis, so are cats.
Nutrition
Feeding Puzzles for Dogs and Cats Help Boost Nutrition and Enrichment
Mental stimulation can benefit pets’ health in many ways.
Infectious Disease
Zoonosis: What Is All the Fuss About?
For those who live and work with animals, zoonoses are occupational hazards that most other professionals do not encounter.