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VET TECH PRESS
Northern Virginia Community College Veterinary Technology Program - SPRING 2014
Compassion Fatigue by Jessica Sanderson
In veterinary medicine, caring is an intricate act
that innervates your every action. Care must not be
paid only to patients and clients, but also to our colleagues. To show this level of care and compassion
regularly, a sacrifice is wrought from an individual.
We spend our days in veterinary medicine giving
love to injured animals, hugs to grieving owners, and
last embraces to dying pets. We are the sponge that
absorbs every disgruntled word, every frustrated cry,
and every exasperated sigh. Compassion fatigue is
the result of caring so much for others that we have
forgotten to care for ourselves.
Compassion fatigue easily preys upon individuals
in care-giving professions, such as those of the veterinary field. Those of us attracted to these positions,
come ingrained with the idea that other’s needs are
more important than our own. We are the perfectionists, and are generally conscientious on the whole.
Pre-dispositions such as these are a perfect set-up
to be let down. A sense of hopelessness and negativity takes up residence where consideration and kindness once dwelled. As our reserves deplete, compassion fatigue develops into a very real problem. There
is no time to stop in veterinary medicine, and recognizing this issue can become a major obstacle to healing.
The burn of compassion fatigue can feel similar to
an aching back and tired feet at the end of a long shift.
It is not a simple task to separate the heart-sore feelings of euthanizing a pet that was under your care for
years, from the endless frustrations of work. Compassion fatigue begets a cycle of destruction that must
first be recognized in order to be healed.
This complex issue has a very real set of symptoms. Individuals discover that they bottle up emotions, give in to compulsive behaviors, start to isolate
themselves from others, have trouble sleeping, are
prone to nightmares, voice complaints, have issue
with administration, mentally and physically are worn
down, and find no pleasure in activities outside.
Compassion fatigue is very real and very common
in the veterinary field. Many people do not even realize how much it is already affecting them. In order to
continue on our journey, sometimes we must stop and
replenish our inner reserves. Many times compassion
fatigue will be mistaken for the normal rigors of our
profession, but the normal rigors should not linger or
bleed into the rest of our lives.
Allowing your spirit to burn out hinders your ability
to be the best caretaker and diminishes your strength
to persevere in the presence of disease, disability, and
discomfort. We are the soldiers of our own battlefield.
We must arm ourselves daily to survive the struggles.
Remember, you do not struggle alone, give comfort
and support to those in the trenches with you.
In this issue:
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Natural Remedies (page 2)

Post-op Rehab (page 3)

Senior Pets (page 4)

Cat Care (page 4-5)

ER Readiness (page 5)
Student Gloria Rittgers sits with a patient
during recovery from an anesthetic procedure
at Northern Virginia Community College.
Photo by Jennifer Smith
1
Alternative Veterinary Therapies
Advocate For “Natural-Minded” Clients and Your Patients by Gray Akers
The term “natural” is in everywhere; superfoods
abound in the grocery store, acupuncture and homeopathy are becoming household words, holistic eateries are booming industries, and more frustrated pet
owners are turning to home remedies and complementary medicine to treat their pets for a variety of
preventative and therapeutic pursuits. As veterinary
professionals, it is up to us to understand and empathize with clients’ concerns, record thorough histories
and educate clients on the proper use of supplements and natural remedies, and above all, regard
these herbal and complementary therapies as potent
medicines with strong pharmacologic properties to be
used with caution and respect.
Client compliance is a constant struggle for veterinary professionals, and in most cases a team effort
from all facets of the veterinary staff is one’s best bet
in making a client feel listened to, understood, and
respected. Widespread supplemental therapies such
as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, fatty
acids for integument and immune support, and amino
acid and plant-based liver supplements such as Denosyl (containing SAM-E) still meet resistance from
some veterinarians and their staff. Such attitudes are
harmful to the veterinary community as a whole, and
they should be countered by a caring staff that
acknowledges their clients’ beliefs and validates their
perspective but also offers scientific and evidencebased medical advice for the benefit of their pet. In so
doing, the pet owner will feel more trusting and inclined to engage with the veterinary team openly without fear of criticism.
With a cooperative, trusting client, it is up to the
veterinary staff to take and record pertinent, thorough
medical histories that take into account all aspects of
the animal’s lifestyle, conditions, and behavior. With
an incomplete history recorded by the technician or
veterinarian, such an interaction may be missed and
the animal may experience significant adverse effects.
Asking a client specifically about their pet’s possible
regimen of herbs, vitamins, or supplements leaves
little room for such mistakes.
In the case of clients medicating their pets without
input from a veterinarian, dosage or administration
frequency of certain herbal or natural products may be
significantly divergent from medical guidelines, possibly resulting in overdose or sensitivity toxicities. Oftentimes it takes a proactive, well-rounded veterinary
team to ask the right questions and ensure that the
most accurate, thorough history is being recorded regarding a patient. It could be the difference between a
successful or a failing treatment.
Natural therapies are growing in popularity and
show no signs of losing steam. Although some alternative therapies practiced by these clients may be
misguided, harmful, or ineffective, the veterinary staff
must acknowledge their clients’ perspective to cultivate a mutually respectful relationship that facilitates
meaningful client education and compliance. Complementary therapy is possibly a contentious issue in
modern veterinary medicine, but through appropriate
communication and self-education, it need not be a
hindrance to a pet patient’s optimal medical care.
Household Toxicities in Dogs and Cats
Foods
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Colby, the dog, enjoying nature.
Photo by Jennifer Smith
Chocolate
Caffeine
Xylitol
Ethanol
Garlic
Onion
Grapes
Raisins
Complied by Lisa Resnick
Plants
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Lillies
Azaleas
Rhododendrons
Sago plant
Oleander
Other
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Rodenticides
Prescription and
OTC drugs
2
Alternative Veterinary Therapies
The Importance of Post-Operative Rehabilitation for Canines by Bernadette Walker
Post-operative rehabilitation for dogs is an integral
part of a patient’s recovery. To maximize and maintain
the benefits of many surgical procedures, postoperative physical therapy has become a vital component to the patient’s healing process.
When a patient is recovering from an orthopedic
surgery, healing times may vary depending on the
procedure and the patient’s comfort level. Success of
the surgery, patient age and weight, and client compliance all may affect the patient’s progress. It is important to emphasize to clients that they are a vital
part of their pet’s post-operative rehabilitation process.
Clients are often instructed during the first few
days after their pet’s surgery to administer pain medications, apply cold or warm compresses, assist in mobility, and sometimes provide gentle massage. Encouraging a client to play an active role with their pet’s
recovery can be a wonderful bonding experience and
helps speed the healing process. Depending on a patient’s condition or type of surgery, patients may begin
a formal post-operative rehabilitation program within 2
weeks following a surgical procedure. Rehabilitation
programs often begin with a detailed evaluation and
progress examination of the patient. Treatment plans
are usually established on the patient’s current condition, past activity levels, and mobility goals for the future.
Once a treatment plan is in place, rehabilitation
may include a combination of hands-on techniques
and therapeutic exercise programs that specifically
address pain reduction, promote tissue healing,
strength training, greater mobility/range of motion, and
overall functional improvement.
Benefits of Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Pain and swelling,
patient comfort

Decrease in pain and
swelling
Pain medication may
be used at a minimum
or not at all
Progress after severe
orthopedic surgery or
neurologic injury
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Less pain
Increase in mobility
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Faster
More complete
Less healing
complications
Improved muscle
function
Increased muscle
strength
Increased range of
motion
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Recovery time
Overall muscle
function, strength,
and range of motion
Chart by Bernadette
Walker
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Two main concerns of post-surgical procedures
are pain control and loss of mobility/range of motion.
Rehabilitation programs are specifically designed and
implemented to address these concerns along with
other issues that arise in the healing and recovery
process. The goals of treatment are often patient specific and may change during the course of treatment
based on the needs of and the progress of the patient.
Pet outpatient Brenna receives laser and acupuncture
treatment at Veterinary Surgical Centers.
Photo Courtesy of Jameswalkerstudios.com.
Innovative technology includes therapeutic lasers,
ultrasound and electrical stimulation machines to facilitate tissue healing to decrease pain and swelling.
These technologies are often combined with specialized hands on techniques such as massage therapy,
underwater treadmill sessions, and individualized therapeutic exercise programs to restore a patient’s mobility, strength and function. Post-operative treatment
plans differ in length also depending on the patient’s
progress, generally lasting from 4 to 7 weeks.
Goals of a post-operative rehabilitation treatment
plan fluctuate from week to week during a program
and are patient-specific. Each week offers its own
benefit and challenges for the patient. However exercises and treatment sessions overlap to ensure a balanced program.
Client communication is a major component in the
post-operative rehabilitation process. Educating the
client of the importance of regular therapy and athome care all influence the patient’s recovery and
overall benefit of a rehabilitation program. In addition,
most patients who are discharged following a rehabilitation program go home with an exercise program to
continue on the path to a complete recovery with
goals to maintain an optimum, active, and healthy lifestyle.
3
Client Education
On the Subject of Senior Pets by Megan Jensen
No matter how many times they say to us “they will
never grow old,” pets will age. Whether it’s realizing
one’s own mortality or that the once energetic puppy
has slowed and greyed, owners hate to admit that
their pets won’t be around forever. So how do we, as
veterinary health care providers, help our clients deal
and come to terms with the subject of an aging pet?
First, we have to define what a senior pet is. We
NOVA Veterinary Technology student Katrin Ventocilla with
her dog Sophie.
Photo by Michael Robinson
all know the trick of multiplying an animal’s age by
seven to get their approximate age in human years,
but how do we rationalize this number and make it
diagnostic? Studies show that an average dog or cat
is considered middle aged at 7 to 8 years of age, and
that this is the ideal time to start thinking about preventative senior care. But owners commonly say, “He
doesn’t seem to be sick or painful. Why do I need to
start thinking about bloodwork now?” We should expect these comments and then help owners think
about the importance of creating a diagnostic baseline
for their pets or aiding in diagnosis of a disease before
it becomes physically symptomatic.
Secondly, how can a clinic further raise client compliance of preventative care? Once clients understand
the importance of preventative care during their appointments, we can provide them with pre-made senior pet care packets. These packets should include in
depth and easy-to-understand information, addressing
the importance of blood cell counts (CBCs), serum
chemistry profiles, fecal floatations, blood pressure
screenings, and urinalysis. Other important information that should be included in the senior packet is
information on weight management, the importance of
dental hygiene, common signs of aging, and early disease warning signs. It may help clients to better understand their pets’ health if it is described in human
medical terms.
Lastly, hospital personnel can give priority care to
senior pets and their owners by creating preventative
care programs that clients can sign-up for on either an
annual or biannual basis. Create a list of services that
can be packaged and discounted. This rewards clients for completing this preventative health care
screening. Clinics can also reward these exceptional
clients with discounts on routine dental cleaning and
other therapeutic treatments.
Since the key to immortality has not yet been discovered, aging is something to which everyone can
relate. It is our job to make sure our clients are accurately and fully informed on their pet’s life-stage status. By making the client-veterinary relationship more
cohesive and team-oriented we can enhance the qual-
Have We Seen Your Cat Lately? by Kierianne Knollman
“Have we seen your cat lately?” This is a simple
and easy question for not only our receptionists to ask
but our veterinary staff as well. Clients don’t bring
their cats in for various reasons including, but not limited to: “Oh, he’s just a cat, he seems healthy to me,”
“My cat doesn’t go outside so why does he need a
Rabies vaccine?” “The cat gets really car sick,” “The
cat isn’t really ours. We just feed him, because he
lives outdoors and is a neighborhood cat.” These
statements all show the clients lack of knowledge regarding the health of the animal and who has true
ownership of them.
Each jurisdiction is different, but in most cases if a
client is feeding a cat, even if it is a stray it can be
considered legal animal ownership. Therefore, that
owner needs to comply with pet ownership law, in-
cluding providing medical care. Rabies vaccination is
required by law for both dogs and cats in the state of
Virginia.
As veterinary professionals we need to bring to the
owner’s attention that keeping their cat indoors will
keep it safer. Even if cats are kept inside away from
several dangers it does not mean it is not at risk for
certain diseases brought in by other pets and people.
The cat will still be at risk for other disease states that
are species-specific.
According the Humane Society for the United
States, in 2012 there were 95.6 million cats owned in
the U.S. Three times as many cats were not seen by a
veterinarian than dogs, says the American Association
for Feline Practitioners,
(Continued on page 5)
4
Client Education
Cotton, the
cat receiving acupuncture.
Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?
(Continued from page 4)
and the American Animal Hospital Association. They
are under the impression that indoor cats are less susceptible to illness, and the owner’s will only bring the
patient in to the vet if they are exhibiting any signs of
illness. As we all know, cats are incredibly adept at
hiding illness. Owners need to be informed that bringing in their cat at least once every year can catch disease states and problems early.
Ways for veterinary staff to encourage cat owners
about bringing in their pets for veterinary visits can
include sending out reminder emails for existing patients, asking the owner if there are any other pets
that they would like us to set up an appointment for, or
leaving out educational literature about the importance
of preventative and maintenance health visits for the
feline pets. Posting information on the walls of the
veterinary hospital and on the practice website about
the importance of preventative medicine in our cats
Photo by
Mary Aller,
DVM.
can also help our clients make informed decisions
about the need to have their cat seen.
We have to remind owners that routine visits, vaccinations, and examinations are to prevent and detect
problems early, to avoid suffering, further disease
complications, and more expensive treatments down
the road. The most important point for veterinary staff
to impress upon clients is the overall, long-term health
of the pet and peace-of-mind for the owner. We want
to build client compliance so we can better assist the
client, and help our patients.
Are You Ready...
Is Your Hospital Prepared for an Emergency? by Jenny Carr
For the average veterinary practice, life-threatening
emergencies such as cardiopulmonary arrest are not
on the forefront of everyone’s mind. But, if a patient
were to arrest or have a life-threatening emergency,
would your hospital be prepared to help save that patient’s life? It takes a well-prepared, well-trained, and
organized hospital to quickly and properly perform
lifesaving procedures.
All staff should know where the cart is located and
where items are inside the cart. The cart or portable
toolbox should be checked every shift change to ensure all supplies are there. Drugs should also be
checked on a regular basis to ensure they have not
expired. The drawers should be labeled on the outside as to their contents.
A well-trained veterinary staff is critical in helping
patients in the emergent situation. Hospital staff
should work as a team in times of emergency and
everyone should know their roles. In an emergency,
there should be a team leader guiding and directing
the staff. This will usually be a veterinarian directing
Drugs To Be Kept In CRASH Cart
Mandatory
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Atropine
Epinephrine
Lidocaine
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Recommended
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Dopamine
Dobutamine
Norepinephrine
Vasopressin
Glycopyrrolate
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technicians to intubate, give drugs, etc.. If the doctor
steps away for any reason, a licensed veterinary technician should take over that leadership role. Assistants
can obtain supplies, document drugs given and times,
and hold the patient in proper position. The front staff
helps by taking care of the waiting client family.
Hospitals should run mock practice codes to help
staff work as a team and understand roles during an
emergency. Doctors and veterinary technicians should
also be knowledgeable on how to properly and safely
use a defibrillator.. Emergency drugs should be precalculated and kept on the monitoring sheet before an
anesthetic procedure. A properly trained staff that can
work as a knowledgeable team in emergency procedures will have a better chance of achieving a successful outcome.
People trust veterinarians to take care of their pets.
Pets are rarely seen as just “pets,” but instead viewed
as family members and friends. The best way a hospital can take care of these furry family members is to
be prepared to help them in a time of crisis. If a hospital is well-stocked with emergency supplies, wellorganized with a well-trained and knowledgeable staff,
they have a better chance of saving a pet patient’s life.
Naloxone
Diphenhydramine
Mannitol
Furosemide
Propofol
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Propranolol
Doxapram
Terbutaline
Heparin
Flumazenil
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Calcium
Gluconate
Nitroprusside
Acepromazine
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Complied by Jenny Carr
5
The Northern Virginia Community College Veterinary Technology Program
graduating class of 2014 would like to thank their families, friends, teachers and
clinics for all their help and support in preparing the next generation of Licensed
Veterinary Technicians to enter the field of veterinary medicine. Thank you all!
NOVA Veterinary Technology On-Campus Program 2014 Graduates
(not in photo order)
Gray Akers, Crystal Bailey, Jennifer Carr, Stacie Craddock, Allison Craig, Jessica Del Toro,
Sara Doan, J Forte, Kristin Hakala, Katherine Hall, Jessica Hansen, Breanna Hargbol, Ed
Hickey, Megan Jensen, Danielle Kinsey, Kierianne Knollman, Laura Koch, Natalie Lalande’,
Nicole Latane’, Ian McCabe, Sarah McKinney, Kristen Mitchell, Pamela Pasch, Anjali Raj,
Lisa Resnick, Gloria Rittgers, Cailey Roeske, Julia Roop, Jessica Sanderson, Jill Sites,
Jennifer Smith, Mark Speth, Rachel Stephens, RosaLena Tabacchi, Marc Taylor, Katrin
Ventocilla, Malcolm Vernem, Magdalena Voelker, Bernadette Walker, Samantha Wooten
Assistant Dean and Associate Professor
Tregel Cockburn, DVM
Distance Learning Program Head and Prof.
Mary Aller, DVM, MS
Professor Leslie Sinn, DVM
Assistant Professors and Instructors
Amy Laubinger, DVM and Paige Geier, DVM
Bonnie Webster, LVT and Diane Schrenzel, LVT
Admin. Assts Linda Karol and Deborah Fulton
Chief Editor:
Jennifer Smith
Assistant Editors:
Jessica Del Toro,
Ed Hickey,
Pamela Pasch,
Cailey Roeske,
Anjali Raj, Julia Roop,
Samantha Wooten
Northern Virginia Community
College Veterinary Technology
Department, Loudoun Campus
21200 Campus Drive
LA Building
Sterling, VA 20164
703-450-2525
[email protected]