Ann Wortinger

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

Roundworm Infections in Dogs

Preventing roundworm exposure through diligent fecal pick-up, year-round monthly preventives, and always treating dams and puppies before and after delivery are the best ways at keeping dogs infection-free.

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.

Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM, Nutrition) It is obvious from my string of initials that I love to learn. For each of my specialty certifications, I am required to do 60 hours of continuing education (CE) every 5 years or, on average, 12 hours every year. That is 36 hours per year just for my specialty certifications. In 2019, that number will go up when I renew my license under Michigan’s new CE requirements.

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.