Spring 2020
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Articles
Recognizing the Best
Apply for the Earl H. Rippie, Jr. Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes veterinary nurses who have demonstrated leadership skills and have made a positive impact on the profession, and get the chance to win a full experience at VMX 2021!
The Veterinary Technician Association’s Role in Public Education
Veterinary technician associations are on the front lines of advocating for the profession at the state level and providing public education so that the critical work performed by members of our profession is recognized. Behind the scenes, veterinary nurses contribute to the work of their state veterinary technician associations, working to elevate the profession and to ignite the passion in others to consider the profession as a career.
Diets and Dietary Supplements for Anxiety in Dogs
No longer is nutritional management limited to diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency; it now also addresses emotional disorders such as anxiety. A variety of nutritional compounds and supplements that help improve emotional stability in companion animals have been identified.
Seizing the Moment
This article will focus on the questions to ask when faced with uncertain seizure events in pets, as well as tips for keeping the pet owner calm and helping them to maintain a safe environment for their pet. It will also outline the best procedure for bringing a pet to the clinic safely and how to communicate that procedure to a stressed and anxious pet owner.
CBD for Dogs and Cats—What’s New?
As a result of public interest in the medicinal use of CBD in human medicine, interest in its possible use for pets is growing as well. But whereas research on the effects of CBD in humans has been ongoing for many years, similar research on dogs, cats, and other species is just beginning, with many questions remaining regarding safety, efficacy, dosage, and more.
Building Meaningful Connections
While the goal of most other veterinary professionals is to help as many pets as possible, that isn’t possible without also making meaningful connections with clients.
Recognizing, Treating, and Monitoring Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Sepsis
SIRS and sepsis patients represent some of the most severely critically ill veterinary patients. Following evidence-based medicine and implementing patient care bundles can greatly reduce patient morbidity and mortality, and providing supportive, diligent nursing care is essential in promoting a positive outcome.
A-Fib You Not: Quivering Through a PDA Ligation
This case report describes a young dog who experienced simultaneous bradycardia and atrial fibrillation while undergoing surgery to repair a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In addition to describing the approach used by the surgical team to manage the cardiac event, this case report describes alternative approaches and proposes possible causes.
The Veterinary Nurse’s Role in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections
Veterinary nurses are integral in preventing, managing, and controlling disease transmission in veterinary hospitals. From the moment a client calls about a potentially infectious pet, the veterinary nurse’s knowledge of the disease process and hospital protocols is key to making informed decisions about patient handling.
Basic Principles of Wound Care
In veterinary medicine, wounds are common. Although they can be challenging, they can also be rewarding when managed properly by the veterinary team.
Stop Workplace Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has the same effects, and should have the same repercussions, as traditional bullying or harassment. Read this article for insight on how to manage workplace bullying in your practice.
No Pain, All Gain: Becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
Becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner is a great way for veterinary nurses to be more involved patients’ pain management process and client education and compliance.
A New Solution: Relief Veterinary Technicians
The concept of a Relief Credentialed Veterinary Technician (rCVT)/Nurse is new to many managers and practice owners, but could drastically improve the teamwork and efficiency of a clinic or hospital.