About the Author
Kara Burns is an LVT with master’s degrees in physiology and counseling psychology. She began her career in human medicine working as an emergency psychologist and a poison specialist for humans and animals. Kara is the founder and president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians and has attained her VTS (Nutrition). She is the editor in chief of Today’s Veterinary Nurse. She also works as an independent nutritional consultant, and is the immediate past president of NAVTA. She has authored many articles, textbooks, and textbook chapters and is an internationally invited speaker, focusing on topics of nutrition, leadership, and technician utilization.
Written By This Author
Personal/Professional Development
Making a Positive Impact
Help us celebrate the 2022 Rippie Scholars!Nutrition
Feeding the Cancer Patient
Nutritional management of cancer patients has the ability to influence the course of the disease as well as involve clients in part of their pet's treatment.Personal/Professional Development
The Beauty in Change
"Autumn is the time of year to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have."Cardiology
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and the Role of Nutrition
Nutritional intervention can play a role in improving the quality of life for cats with HCM.Personal/Professional Development
The Changing of Seasons
"Do what fills your cup and recharges you . . . Turn your face to the sun and let the shadows fall behind you. Seize the opportunities. Invest in you!"Nutrition
VTS in Nutrition
Earning a VTS (Nutrition) helps veterinary nurses become integral members of the veterinary nutrition team and helping pets live longer, healthier lives.Personal/Professional Development
Driven by Passion
Passion is what has led and motivated these Rippie Scholars throughout their careers. Join us in congratulating them!Nutrition
Treat Nutrition: The Why, How, and What of Proper Treating
The veterinary healthcare team should understand the “why” behind an owner’s need to provide treats and be prepared with appropriate recommendations for treats based on the individual pet and the owner when nutritional adjustments are needed.Personal/Professional Development
Stepping Forward
The veterinary nursing profession is full of strong-willed, loving, smart individuals.
Exotic Medicine
Avian Nutrition: It’s for the Birds
Pet bird owners influence their bird’s diet and therefore have a major impact on their birds’ health and longevity. Educating the owner on proper nutrition is one of the most important roles of the veterinary healthcare team.Personal Wellbeing
Hope: The Shot in the Arm We Need
It's been a tough year for the veterinary profession. But we persevered. We learned new skills, pivoted practice protocols, and we're coming out on the other side.Personal/Professional Development
Nutrition Coach Certification: Helping Pets Live Long, Vibrant Lives
Nutrition is becoming increasingly important to both veterinary professionals and owners. Becoming certified and establishing yourself as the point of contact to clients will ensure optimal results.Personal Wellbeing
The Importance of Taking Care of You
Self-care: this term gets tossed around often, especially in our profession. But what is self-care to you?Personal/Professional Development
The Veterinary Nurse’s Role in the Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond is more complex than you think, and learning everything you can about it will benefit your beloved patients, your client relationships, and your practice's function.Nutrition
Osteoarthritis: Getting Patients Moving Through Nutrition
Clinical nutrition plays a critical role in successful long-term management of patients with osteoarthritis.News
Support for Veterinary Professionals When a Colleague Has Died by Suicide
Throughout September, the nation recognizes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to help inform people about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide.
Personal Wellbeing
Strength in Numbers
2020 has brought a host of trials, from COVID to a surge in systemic racism, but the veterinary profession is rallying together to shine a light and overcome.
News
Coronavirus False Alarm for Pet Pug Highlights Importance of Confirmatory Testing
Reports of a pet dog testing positive for the new coronavirus circulated in April, but the USDA was unable to confirm the result, signaling that it may be a false alarm.News
Coronavirus FAQs for Pet Owners: How to Promote Safe, Healthy Behavior
Pet owners have questions for veterinary nurses about their pets and coronavirus—here’s how to ease their fears and promote their pet’s health.
News
COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grants Show Strong Support for Veterinary Nurses
The AVMA, NAVTA, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Zoetis came together to provide $200,000 in a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant program for veterinary nurses and veterinary assistants in need.Personal/Professional Development
A Light in the Storm
Hear from TVN’s Editor in Chief on the COVID-19 pandemic and the winners of the NAVC’s Rippie Scholarship.
News
Can Cats Spread COVID-19 to Other Cats?
Veterinary teams should be ready to address questions regarding whether cats can spread COVID-19 to help ease fear and encourage responsible behavior.
News
Stress Busters for Dogs and Cats During Quarantine
Dogs and cats may be feeling stressed from the coronavirus quarantine—help pet owners identify and reduce stress in their dogs and cats with these activities.News
How to Handle the Influx of New Pet Adoptions During COVID-19
Pet fostering and adoption are surging in many communities across the country—what does this mean for veterinary practices in a COVID-19 world?News
How to Help Pet Owners Stay Calm About Coronavirus-Positive Cats
With reports of pets testing positive for the coronavirus, pet owners will have questions. Here's how to answer them.News
Quarantine and Pets: How to Help Pet Owners Adjust
Put down the clippers: pet owners may be looking to start grooming and running their pets while in COVID-19 quarantine. Here's how to communicate best practices.News
What Veterinary Teams Need to Know About Ivermectin and COVID-19
The parasite drug ivermectin shows early promise against COVID-19 in vitro; FDA warns that humans should not use ivermectin intended for animals as treatment for COVID-19.Practice Management
Be a Leader for Your Team During the Coronavirus Crisis
Leadership is crucial in a veterinary setting, especially during a crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is catalyzing change in workplace dynamics and displaying the importance of a strong, empathetic leader.News
Lions, Tigers, Domestic Cats, and COVID-19: How Do We Educate Pet Owners?
Veterinary teams have been educating pet owners that there currently is no evidence indicating the spread of the COVID-19 virus from pets to other animals or humans, based on the guidance of infectious disease experts along with U.S. and global human and animal health organizations.News
COVID-19, Telemedicine and Veterinary Nurses
The COVID-19 crisis has brought new challenges for veterinary nurses. Telemedicine is a technology that could help clinics cope.News
Is Your Team Suffering From Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety?
Many people are suffering from anxiety due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Veterinary professionals have an extra burden — in addition to coping with the challenges of their own daily lives, they must remain calm, collected and compassionate with frazzled pet owners. Here are a few tips for alleviating some of the stress veterinary team members may be experiencing.News
Coronavirus Basics Q&A with Editor-in-Chief Kara Burns
TVN’s editor-in-chief Kara Burns recommends that veterinary nurses advise their clients to avoid taking their dogs to dog parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.News
Why Sanitization Is Crucial in Combating the Coronavirus in Veterinary Hospitals
The new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, can remain viable on surfaces for days, emphasizing the importance of sanitization in veterinary hospitals and clinics.News
A Look at COVID-19 From Our Editor in Chief
No one knows better how COVID-19 is affecting the veterinary industry than our Editor in Chief and Director of Veterinary Nursing, Kara Burns. We asked her some questions pertaining to clients, patients, and veterinary staff and practitioners.Personal/Professional Development
Recognizing the Best
The Earl H. Rippie, Jr. Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship recognizes veterinary nurses who have demonstrated leadership skills and have made a positive impact on the professionAnesthesiology
Multimodal Analgesia for Periodontal Therapy
Treatment of periodontal disease in all veterinary patients is prudent, and the use of analgesia, including general anesthesia, is essential to the comprehensive treatment plan.
Nutrition
Grain-Free Diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy
As niche pet food markets continue to grow, veterinarians are worried they could cause more problems than they could help.
Personal/Professional Development
The Magic of New Beginnings
Self-reflection can provide lessons, insights, and clarity for the future.
Nutrition
Catabolism in the Critical Patient
Greater awareness of cachexia will help provide practical approaches to managing body weight and lean body mass in dogs and cats, as well as more directed targets for treatment.
This Is Your Celebration!
Fall is almost upon us and with it comes numerous awareness weeks and months in the veterinary world, including National Veterinary Technician Week.
Practice Management
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Each member of the veterinary healthcare team plays an important role that is critical to the overall success of the team and, subsequently, to the overall wellness of the patient and success of the hospital.
News
Honoring the Best: Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Awards
This year’s recipients of the the Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship were presented at VMX 2019 in Orlando.
News
The Future Looks Bright
The veterinary nurse profession is a compassionate, ever evolving, and expanding one of hard-working, intelligent, and thoughtful individuals who care deeply for pets and the people who love them.
Endocrinology
Key Nutritional Factors in Treating Pancreatitis
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are one of the leading causes for which pets present to veterinary hospitals.