In this session: Jane Sykes, BVSc (Hons), PhD, MBA, MPH, DAVCIM, FNAP, reviews the importance of understanding the difference between reservoir hosts and incidental hosts, how dogs can become infected, what clinical that should alert you to leptospirosis, how new diagnostic tests should be used, and the best approaches to treat and prevent the disease.
This trend of increasing incidence and regional spread is the confluence of a perfect storm — including a shift in the way pet owners acquire and care for their pets, a lack of awareness of how easily and efficiently heartworm infections are spread, and a lack of urgency regarding the growing nationwide risk of heartworm infection by pet owners.
It is important for doctors to have a basic knowledge of natural supplements (or at least have a colleague to whom they can refer for help in this area). With these thoughts in mind, I want to share some basic information about melatonin, a supplement clients often inquire about (likely because many of them are taking it, as well).
In this session: In dogs and cats, infectious diseases are emerging and evolving rapidly. These changes, and new research findings, bring various One Health (animal, human, environment) and antimicrobial resistance and stewardship challenges to the forefront for veterinarians and vet teams. Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), MRCVS, addresses these concerns specific to gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites and wellness screening and provides practical resources to aid clinical management and pet-owner communication.
The veterinary profession recognizes technicians who have obtained a VTS as having greater veterinary medical knowledge and having mastered advanced technical skills. Many technicians who have reached VTS status report an increased sense of job satisfaction and an increased level of respect among their colleagues.
In this session: Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, provides you with all the tools you need to tackle canine influenza virus in your patients. You will receive practical steps to assist in identifying these patients before they come in your door (and infect other dogs), making the diagnosis to best inform treatment, developing a dog/owner-specific prevention plan, and steps every facility should take to protect themselves from dog respiratory infections and outbreaks.
Aerosol disease transmission, including droplet nuclei travel, is often a misunderstood and underestimated mode of disease transmission. As a result, veterinarians and veterinary infection control plans frequently fail to recognize measures aimed at this modality of spread. If we take steps to limit aerosol disease transmission, we can protect our patients, humans, and the environment, protecting the human-animal bond and ensuring a One Health infection control plan.
Maybe this month should be dubbed Petober! There are five days just for dogs and cats, along recognition for reptiles and farm animals. Then, of course, there is a whole week just for our industry! (Get creative and recognize everyone throughout the year, of course!). Looking for social media post ideas or in-clinic promotions for your clinic? October holidays can mean a toys promotion on the 19th or consider a fun costume contest on the 31st. Spooktacular!
In this session: Kathleen Cooney, DVM, CHPV, CCFP, DACAW, explores euthanasia cases and looks at how pet owners and veterinarians define a good death experience. She discusses what is ideal compared to what is considered a dysthanasia, the opposite of a good death. The presentation then looks at determining how best to address dysthanasias when they happen, aiming to protect the mental health of pet owners and the veterinary team.
In this session: This presentation helps explain why families choose euthanasia over natural death. Faith Banks, DVM, CHPV, CCRT, looks at setting expectations and how to communicate the process to pet owners. The presentation covers pre-euthanasia sedation, euthanasia injection techniques, and aftercare, including memorialization options. Lastly, it discusses supporting pet owners through grief with resources and ongoing emotional support. This presentation helps the veterinarian and practice team perform in-home pet euthanasia compassionately and professionally.
