Spring 2018

No question: dogs are on the move. Whether it’s a homeless dog being relocated following a major hurricane event, a canine companion accompanying his owner on vacation or a show dog traveling for competition or exhibition, road trips can be life-enhancing—or even lifesaving—for dogs.

When it comes to weight, cats are faring worse than their canine counterparts, with more than a 169% increase in overweight cats over the past 10 years, according to Banfield Pet Hospital.

Veterinary medicine has made great strides in the treatment of chronic pain in cats. The veterinary paradigm has shifted from questioning whether animals feel pain to recognizing and treating their pain.

Abnormal fatigue, lack of appetite, faster-than-normal pulse, weight loss, pale gums, and loss of energy are common symptoms of feline anemia.

Unless fleas or flea dirt (flea feces) are found on the pet, it may be difficult to convince owners that their pet may be dealing with FAD.

Diet selection and growth rate management are equally critical in preventing developmental orthopedic disease in growing large-breed dogs.

Patient is placed in a body sling and patient lift. Assisted standing and walking improve circulation and respiration, strengthen and re-educate the muscles, and encourage neuromuscular function.

IV fluid therapy is a skill veterinary technicians utilize daily.

All of us in the field know what a blessing it is to do what we do. While there are also hardships, there remains the constant drive to be the best caretakers for those entrusted to our care.

Many veterinarians find practice goals of simultaneously providing a high level of medical care and attaining acceptable profit margins can no longer be met without the care provided by credentialed veterinary technicians.

A letter from the editor, Lynne Johnson-Harris

The Veterinary Nurse Initiative is building momentum to create one title with set standards across the United States in 2018.