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Dedicated to promoting Veterinary Technicians and quality animalhealthcare through: • Education • Legislation • High Ethical Standards
Summer 2009
Inside this issue:OAVT Updates.........................2
Letters........................................2
Stories From Animal Hosp........3
Discovery 2009.........................3
Heat Exhaustion/Stroke.............4
Intraosseous Cath. Placement....6
Tech School Updates.................5
Employment Opportunity..........9
Pet and Tech Tips......................9
Continuing Education .............10
Nominations............................10
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians • 7745 Hathaway Park Court, Ohio 43016 • www.OhioRVT.org
The Constitution Committee has been busy updating and revising theOAVT Constitution and By-laws. These changes will be voted upon atthe Annual Discovery Meeting held this October, 2009 during the AnnualBusiness Meeting. All members are encouraged to view the proposedconstitution on the OAVT website at www.ohiorvt.org.
Here are some of the most notable changes to the constitution:• The executive board will be made up of a President, Vice President,Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.• In the past there have been 9 districts in Ohio which coincided with theOVMAs districts. Under the new constitution the wording is changed tosay there will be district representation. This was done to allow theOAVT to change the districts, if needed, to allow all counties to haveactive representation.• All executive board positions will be for a term of two (2) years.• The Legislative and Newsletter Committees have been added into theconstitution. (The Constitution Committee has removed the “jobdescriptions” of each committee in the Constitution to allow them toexpand on their duties as needed).
The OAVT By-laws will have the actual “job descriptions” for eachexecutive office, committees and membership definitions. This was doneto allow for ease of changes in the future without having to open the entireconstitution.
Again, we encourage all of our members to view the proposed constitutionon our website. The voting for the constitution will be held on October11, 2009 during the Business Meeting. A majority of those in attendanceis required for passage. If you have any questions please let us know.
Proposed Constitution and By-Laws
A dog can express more with his tailin minutes than hisowner can express with his tongue inhours.
Anonymous
Cats are the ultimate narcissists. Youcan tell this because of all the timethey spend on personal grooming.Dogs aren't like this. A dog's idea ofpersonalgrooming is to roll on a dead fish.
James Gorman
People that hate cats will come backas mice in their next life.
Faith Resnick
Executive BoardPRESIDENT:Mary Bentley, [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT:Linda Heidenreich, [email protected]
TREASURER:Peggy Dahlhausen, [email protected]
SECRETARY:Kim Myers, [email protected]
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:Nikki Myers, [email protected]
EXECUTIVE SECRETARYBarbara [email protected]
Constitution ChairJanet Lazarus, RVT
Discovery ChairLinda Heidenreich, RVT
Finance Committee ChairPeggy Dahlhausen, RVT
Legislative Committee ChairLinda Heidenreich, RVT
Membership Committee ChairVicki Riley, RVT
Website Committee ChairLinda Heidenreich, RVT
MVC Committee ChairVicki Riley, RVT
Scholarship Committee ChairMarty Murphy, RVT
Newsletter Committee ChairNichole Kelland, RVT
Public Relations Committee ChairNichole Kelland, RVT
Executive Committees
From the Editor:
I hope you are enjoying the new format of the OAVT Newsletter. Iwould like to thank everyone that has participated in the recent issues.If you have stories, articles, tips or even sayings that you would like tosee in the newsletter please e-mail them to us. Our goal is to continueto make the OAVT Newsletter informative but also fun and helpful.
Nichole Kelland, RVT
Publication of articles and advertising does not imply endorsement of products, services orstatements made concerning them. All articles and advertising are subject to approval of theeditor. The editor reserves the right to reject articles and advertising. Before articles arere-printed, written approval by the OAVT Newsletter Committee is necessary. Newsletterinquiries to OAVT, 7745 Hathaway Park Ct, Dublin, Ohio 43016, [email protected]
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Two
www.OhioRVT.org
Up-Coming OAVT Board Meetings
The OAVT holds board meetings every other month in Worthington, Ohio atMedVet. We welcome all members that want to get involved in improving ourprofession. We appreciate new and creative ideas and we want to hear youropinions. Please join us at the following meetings: September 27, October10-11** and November 15. Meetings start at 10:30 am with committeemeetings held from 10:00-10:30 am. If you would like to join us, please visitour web site for directions.
**Annual Discovery Business Meeting**
OAVT UPDATES
From the President:
Over the past several months your OAVT board members have been verybusy. We are pleased to say that the final touches are underway forDiscovery 2009 and that our Constitution Committee has worked veryhard to update our Constitution in order to be voted on in October.Also, during the past several months, we have received several lettersfrom our members regarding different issues. One of the letters was inregard to technicians practicing “veterinary medicine”. We did forwardthe letter to the OVMLB because unfortunately we are unable toinvestigate these situations. Upon follow up with the OVMLB, this letterwas reviewed and an investigation was done. When sending a letter to theOAVT or OVMLB we do recommend that you do not send itanonymously. If you have any questions or concerns please do nothesitate to contact us.
Mary Bentley, RVT
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Three
www.OhioRVT.org
Continued from Page 1
The OAVT Newsletter is looking for articles andtips from our members. Articles/Tips can be ondiseases, dealing with clients or animal relatedtopics. All articles should be a minimum of 1page in length. Once published in the newsletteryou will receive $20.00. Articles can be sent [email protected]
The newsletter editor and committee has the right to acceptor reject any article. If changes need to be made we willwork with you until a final draft is agreed upon.
Stories From The Animal HospitalBy: Janet Lazarus
A woman had been trying to remove a tick from herdog, but it just wouldn’t come off. She had beentrying to remove a nipple.
The receptionist forwarded a behavior call to me.The woman’s complaint was that a neighbor hadrelated that her dog would bark and scratch (actuallydestroy) the door frame during thunderstorms whenshe was not home. My first questions were meant todistinguish if we were dealing with separationanxiety, thunderstorm phobia, or both. As ithappened during thunderstorms, even when she washome, I ruled out separation anxiety. I spent a good20 minutes detailing desensitization and distractiontechniques. Also, rather than baby and comfort thedog during storms, this would be a good time to getout that favorite toy and play games. I thensuggested, since these methods take time, that in themeantime, she try to find a room fairly wellinsulated from the outside noise and keep a radio onto drown out the background noises. The womanresponded, “Well, that sounds like a good idea,because he doesn’t seem to be bothered by thestorms when he’s inside the house!” The dog wasbeing kept on a screened-in porch, and the womanhadn’t considered that her dog was actually outside!
The receptionist brought back the stoolspecimen to be checked for worms. It wasan odd mushy, green, so I set up the fecal,which turned out to be negative. When Iinformed the owner, he said, “Oh, good.Our dog had whipworms and I was afraidthe baby had caught them.”I was just appalled that I was forced towork with human poop! Gross! I felt violat-ed! But I calmly tried to reassure the manthat whipworms are not usually contagiousto people, and the only way whipwormscould be transmitted was by ingestion. Thebaby would have had to eat the dog’sinfected stool. “Well, she did!”
Discovery 2009 UpdateDiscovery Committee
October is fast approaching and we are putting the finishing touches on the OAVT’s Discovery conference. Theconference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Worthington. The following is a list of Discovery 2009 Speakersand their subjects: • Dr. Tom Klein - Dental topics and digital dental radiograph hands-on lab • Dr. Diane Wilson - Anesthetic topics • Melissa Inman, RVT - Anesthetic topics • Renee Jessen, RVT - OVMLB updates • Dr. Julie Bilchak - Heartworm disease • Dr. Alice Jeromin - Dermatology topics • Dr. Gwen Myers - Marine mammals and snake topics • Kay Knox- Controlled Substance topics
• Saturday night will once again have Dr. Jay Zachman with nutrition topics
Please check the website, www.ohiorvt.org, in August for a complete program and beginning in September, youwill be able to access the 2009 Discovery registration. Hope to see you there.
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Four
www.OhioRVT.org
As the Summer weather is quickly approaching, theVeterinary Medical Team needs to be prepared to treatheat exhaustion/stroke.
There are several causes for heat exhaustion/stroke(heatstroke occurs when pets have neurologic changes)including, but not limited to, environmental heat andhumidity (pets confined to cars, overheating atgrooming facilities, left outside, malfunctioning centralair), exercise (especially brachycephalic breeds,geriatric pets with laryngeal paralysis, pets with upperairway disease, cardiovascular disease, thyroiddisease), toxicosis (organophosphates, tremorgenictoxins), and anesthesia (respiratory depressants).
There are several complications that follow heatstrokesuch as severe hyperthermia, multi-organ failure,seizures, arrhythmias, cerebral edema, pulmonaryedema, compromised or a damaged hypothalamus,coma, and cardiopulmonary arrest. This article willdiscuss immediate as well as long term treatment, andprevention. The information in this article is to aidyou, the Registered Veterinary Technician, in assistingyour Veterinarian to treat patients more effectively.This does not by any means, encourage you to treatpatients or act as a Veterinarian.
It is imperative to immediately begin the coolingprocess as soon as a compromised patient is found. Ifan animal is found outside, and is more than 15-30minutes away from a Veterinary medical facility, a coolwater bath with a hose (remember to run the water thathas been trapped in the hose, which has been heated bythe sun, out first so you do not burn the animal), maybe applied to the pet’s abdomen followed by ice packsto the jugular veins, abdomen (wrap the ice packs withtowels to prevent them from adhering to the wet skin orfur), axillary, and inguinal areas. The pet shouldimmediately be presented to a Veterinarian forcontinued treatment, no matter how low the owner isable to get the temperature at home or “out in thefield”. In transit to the medical facility, the owner canuse a hand held fan to circulate air over pet to promotecooling by evaporation.
The patient’s physical exam findings may include, againnot limited to, panting, hypersalivation, hyperthermia (aseverely elevated body temperature >105*F), severedehydration, dusky or injected mucous membranes,tachycardia, (bradycardia prior to arrest), arrhythmias(can be noted on auscultation as well as an ECG), shock,respiratory distress (stridor), abnormal lung sounds,hematochezia, hematemesis, petechia, ecchymosis,melena, oliguria or anuria, seizures, stupor, coma, andfinally cardiopulmonary arrest.
When an animal presents to your Veterinary office, vitalsigns with thoracic auscultation should be obtained.Secondly, place a large bore IV catheter, for a large dog,you may want to place two catheters, (place the largestIV catheter possible that will not impede venous return),and administer a shock dose (50-90cc/kg) of crystalloidIV fluids. The patient should be cooled with a cool waterbath to abdomen only, you may need to shave long orthick haired pets. If you submerge the entire patient oruse iced baths, cutaneous vasoconstriction occurs whichimpairs heat loss and encourages shivering which in turnincreases body temperature. If the patient’s temperatureis resistant to decreasing, you can wrap the IV fluidline(s) with ice packs, place fans over body to circulateair over pet for evaporative cooling, wrap pads withsaline soaked gauze (it is no longer recommended to usealcohol as is it believed to absorb into the bloodstreamthrough the pads), iced gastric lavage (you should to treatthe patient with anti-emetics as this can cause severenausea), cool water enemas (note this will decrease yourability to obtain an accurate rectal temperature), andfinally cold peritoneal lavage. You can also place aurinary catheter as a cooling process (as the urine is ashot as the blood, but will not have IV fluids cooling theurine that is already in the bladder).
The patient should be cooled and closely monitoreduntil the temperature is 102.0-102.5*, then toweled dry.The patient’s temperature should be closely monitored,every 10-20 minutes, until the T is 101*, when a lightblanket should be placed over the pet. Due to thepotential for the pet to not be able to thermoregulate, thetemperature should be monitored every 2 hours, if not
Heat Exhaustion/StrokeBy:Bethany Kinneer
Continued on page 5
more often, until stabilization as been proven; overnightmonitoring is ideal.
Hyperthermia can lead to multi-organ compromise orfailure, so several blood panels should be performed andevaluated. Chemistry profile may reveal Azotemia(elevated BUN), elevated LDH and alkaline phosphatase,high activities of alanine and aspartate transaminate,hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, hyperglycemia,hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperkalemia.CBC abnormalities may include a stress leukogram,thrombocytopenia, and hemoconcentration. Blood gasesmay show a mix of acid/base disorder ~respiratoryalkalosis due to excessive panting and metabolic acidosisdue to shock and increased muscle activity. Acoagulation profile may indicate disseminatedintravascular coagulation. An in-house PT/PTT can beperformed (if available) to immediately evaluate for acoagulopathy. Please note that a clotting profile must befrom a “clean” venapucture ideally with a 20 or 21Gneedle, and can not be drawn from IV catheter orbutterfly tubing. Also, if clotting factors are a concern,venapuncture should be avoided with the jugular vein,and cephalic veins should be “saved” for IV catheterplacements. A urinalysis (which may be obtained from asterilely placed urinary catheter that may have previouslybeen placed ~ cystocentesis should be avoided if there isa concern of a coagulopathy) may reveal concentratedurine, proteinuria, cylindruira (urinary casts that are inthe shape of cylinders of various origins), andoccasionally myoglobinuria (evidence of severe muscledegeneration).
After the initial shock dose of fluids, hydration status,blood pressure, central venous pressure (if available-requires a central line), and heart and lung sounds shouldbe evaluated for additional IV fluids or crystalloids.Acute renal failure can be treated with Dopamine (CRI of2-4ug/kg/min) to increase renal blood flow, andFurosemide (2mg/kg IV TID); the urinary catheterwill be able to assist in monitoring for oliguria(reduced daily output of urine; sign of renalinsufficiency) and anuria (complete suppressionof urine formation by the kidneys; signs of renalfailure). Cerebral edema, which can lead tostupor or coma, can be treated with Mannitol(0.5-1g/kg IV over 20-30 minutes) with holding
IV fluids during administration and 30 minutes after.Mannitol should not be used during the initialresuscitation process. Dexamethasone SodiumPhosphate (1-2mg/kg IV) or Prednisilone SodiumSucconate (10-20mg/kg IV) may also be used to treatcerebral edema, while aiding with any laryngeal edema.Ventricular arrhythmias can be treated with Lidocaine(boluses of 2mg/kg IV boluses which can be followed by25-75ug/kg/min CRI). Metabolic acidosis can be treatedwith Sodium Bicarbonate (0.3 x body weight in kg's x(21 - patient HCO3-); give half of this dose slowly, thenre-evaluate blood gases if additional administration isindicated; NaHO3 is contraindicated with patients inrespiratory acidosis). DIC can be treated with freshfrozen plasma (20cc/kg IV) with Heparin (50-70 U/kgwith 25G needle SQ Q6H). Seizures and tremors can betreated with Diazepam (0.5mg/kg IV PRN), and ifneeded Phenobarbital 2mg/kg IV (give slowly -no morethan 60mg/min) or IM. Treatment of electrolyteimbalances need to be decreased at a slow a rate, often12-48 hours, specifically hypernatremia. Hypernatremiais corrected with hypotonic fluids (D5W or 5% Dextrosein sterile water) to decrease serum sodium by 0.5mEq/H.
The prognosis of the patient is guarded to poor depend-ing on the status of presentation, duration and intensity ofhyperthermia with the time required to achievenormothermia, and additionally owner's finances. Theprobability of a full recovery is highly unlikely. Patientsmay have residual neurologic deficits, nephrogenicdiabetes insipidus (diabetes insipidus (DI)-a disorder ofwater metabolism characterized by polyuria, urine of lowSG, or osmolarity, and polydipsia; nephrogenic DI-renalinsensitivity to ADH) permanent damage to thethermoregulatory center, and will forever be predisposedto future hyperthermic events.
The best treatment is prevention coupled with educatingowners to always allow access to fresh cold water, shade,
avoiding exercising pets in extreme heat, closelymonitoring weight (especially brachycephalicbreeds, geriatric pets), and always being aware oftheir surroundings – do they know where their petis? If not, check the car, garage, and outside. Timeis of the essence!
*** The medication doses are referenced from The 5Minute Veterinary Consult ***
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Five
www.OhioRVT.org
Purpose
Intraosseous (IO) catheters arepredominately used when avenous catheter is unable to beplaced. One reason why avenous catheter may not beplaced is the size of the animal.A half a pound Pomeranian orChihuahua is an example ofthis. Their veins can be toosmall even for the smallest 26gcatheter. Other reasons includethe patient is hypovolemic,or hasextremely tough skin that wouldburr a normal venous catheter(like a reptile). The patient willnot tolerate an IV catheter (likebirds and ferrets). In generalavian, rodents and reptilesshould always have an IOcatheter placed instead of an IVcatheter.
Supplies needed
Analgesia will be the first thingfor most patients receiving an IOcatheter. The procedure can bevery painful so morphine orhydromorphone can be used.However if the patient is criticalthe analgesic may cause thepatient’s condition to worsen.This would prevent them frombeing used. In either caselidocaine may be used over theinsertion site as a local block.Ultimately the DVM in charge ofthe case will need to make thedecision for analgesia. Clipperswill be needed to remove anyhair. If the patient has feathers,plucking is the only thing that willneed to be done. Reptilesrequire nothing to be removed.Sterile gloves, scrub solution(Nolvasan, Alcohol andBetadine) and triple antibioticointment are needed to maintainsterility. However for avians aspecial non alcoholbased scrub should beused to prevent
temperature loss in the patient.Spinal needles or regularneedles can be used as IOcatheter but will depend onpatient size. Ideally spinalneedles are preferred because itis easier to advance the needleand does not allow a bone plugto enter the needle. A syringewith a saline flush will be neededto flush the catheter and checkfor placement. An injection plugor t-connector will be required iffluids will be administered and isused to cap the hub of thecatheter. Surgical glue, gauzesponges, ½ inch tape and vetwrap, cut into 1in strips will beneeded to tape in the catheter.
Placement
In dogs, cats, rodents, ferretsand reptiles IO catheters shouldbe placed in the space of thefemur between the head and thesecondary epiphysis. This areais referred to as the trocantericfossa. In avian the properplacement can be in the cranialaspect of the tibotarsius bone inthe leg or the distal ulna (thewrist of the bird) on the lateralcondyle of the wing. For birds IOcatheters should never beplaced in the humerus or femurbecause these bones arepneumatic or bones that aredirectly connected to the air sacof the bird. Placement into thesebones will result in fluid enteringthe air sac and drowning thebird. In chelonians (turtles) themost desirable areas ofplacement are the tibia and theplastrocarapace. This is thebridge that connects the plastronand the carapace on the lateralaspect of the body. These aregenerally the only bones that wehave clear access to on our
chelonian friends.
Procedure•Preping the area•Give the analgesic and wait10-15 minutes to allow themedications to take effect. Clipor pluck the feathers in a widearea around where the IOcatheter is to be placed. Wearsterile gloves to scrub the areaof the catheter using steriletechnique and 10 sponges ofNolvasan and alcohol and 1betadine. For birds, 10 spongesof the non alcohol based solutionwill be all that is required.
•Placement•Find the appropriate notch in thebone for catheter placement.Place IO catheter by first slowlygoing through the skin andunderlying tissues until needle isto the bone. With your (non-dominant) support hand find thebone intended for the catheterand hold and support the bone.Keep the catheter and boneparallel to each other at alltimes. With your dominant handslowly “drill and twist” thecatheter/needle through theproximal diaphysis and then intothe bone. Continue to ‘drill andtwist” until you feel you aresafely in the medullary cavity orthe hub of the catheter/needle istouching the skin. Driving theneedle will become much easierwhen the catheter/needle is inthe lumen of the bone. If aspinal needle is not used, use asyringe to pull out any debris orbone plug that may be in yourneedle before flushing. If usinga spinal needle, remove thestylet. Flush the catheter andplace a cap or t-connector on it.Then check forplacement.
Intraosseous Catheter PlacementBy: Crystal Thompson-Wiltrout, RVT and Jaime Norris, RVT
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Six
•Checking for placement•This can be achieved by pullingback on the syringe to see ifthere is a flash of blood in thehub of the catheter. This maynot always happen because theend of the needle is in bonemarrow. Flush the catheter, itshould flush easily. Whenflushing observe the leg andassure there is no bulging whenflushing the catheter. Attempt tofeel the bone itself to ensure thatthe needle has not gone throughthe bone and entered the muscletissue. The entire leg shouldmove when moving the hub ofthe catheter. However thistechnique should not be used onlarger patients to check forplacement. Attempting to movethe leg by just the catheter maycause the catheter to bend ordislodge.
•Securing the catheter•To secure the catheterplace a small amount ofsurgical glue around thesite of the catheter.Pinch the skin aroundthe site to allow surgicalglue to bond. Placetriple antibiotic ointmentaround the site of thecatheter. Place a cut4x4 gauze square overthe site. Place 2 piecesof ½ inch tape aroundthe hub of the catheterand around the leg. Forsome patients this maybe all that is needed.However if you wantextra sterilely andprotection place vet wraparound the catheter inthe same method as yourtape.Another method ofsecuring your catheter isby suturing or stapling itinto place. Use a piece of ½inch tape around the hub of thecatheter. Apply the tapeso that it looks like thewings of a
butterfly catheter. Then sutureor staple the wings of the tape tothe skin. Then using theprevious bandaging techniquemay be used to maintain sterilityof the insertion site. This suturingtechnique works very well indogs and cats. In birds andexotics this technique is notrecommended. This is becausebird have very thin skin and thesutures will simply rip though theskin causing more trauma.Other exotics, such as ferrets,can become very irritated abouthaving sutures in there skin andwill begin to traumatize the area.Thus causing more stress to theanimal.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the IOcatheter is a more involved thenthe run of the mill IV catheter.
Constant maintenanceand care are required tokeep the catheter clean,patent and in place.First, in order to keep thecatheter in place, placean e-collar on the patient.Of all the catheters theIO catheter seems to bethe most irritating. Assoon as the patient hasthe energy to mess withthe catheter, theygenerally will. Thesecond protocol thatshould be set up whenmaintaining an IOcatheter is scheduledcleaning and bandagechanges. A completebandage change shouldoccur once every 24hours or sooner if thebandage becomessoiled. Partial bandagechanges or cleaningshould be done every
6-8 hours. During the partial
bandage change the area shouldbe cleaned and new tripleantibiotic applied. During use ofthe catheter sterile techniqueshould be observed. Cleaningthe port before every injection isimportant due to the proximity tothe tail. The catheter may easilybecome contaminated with urineor feces. However even whenthe catheter is not in an areawhere it may become easilycontaminated, cleaning the portbefore each injection is importantto prevent infection. Also, toprevent the injection of anycontaminates gloves should beworn during every injection. Ifproper maintenance is done thecatheter can be replaced onceevery 3-5 days.
Complications anddisadvantages
The procedure is very painful forthe patient is one of the biggestdisadvantages. The IO catheterseems more irritating to theatient and may restrict theirrange of motion. This limitationof motion can also be irritatingand frustrating for the patient notallowing them to relax. Thehuge disadvantage is the lacksterile technique. If steriletechnique is not observedchance for an infection if veryhigh. Unfortunately even withsterile technique the chance ofinfection is much higher than inany other catheter. Where weworry about infection whenplacing IV catheters as well, IOcatheters are going directly tothe bone. A mild bone infectionwill be more severe thean theworst case of phlebitis. Alsothere is a chance for trauma tothe bone and the bone marrow ifthe IO catheter is not placedproperly. The maintenance of thecatheter is much more timeconsuming, costly and tediousthan an IV catheter. Despite allthe of the disadvantage the IOcatheter can be life saving if it isthe only venous access that canbe secured.
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Seven
What’s Happening at the Technician Schools
The Veterinary Technician Student Club at Columbus StateCommunity College has gone national.
Beginning January 1, 2009, the Columbus State Vet TechStudent Club became a Student Chapter of the NationalAssociation of Veterinary Technicians in America.
The mission of NAVTA is to represent and promote theprofession of veterinary technology. NAVTA providesdirection, education, support and coordination for itsmembers, and works with other allied professionalorganizations for the competent care and humane treatmentof animals. For more information, please see the NAVTAwebsite at http://www.navta.net.
Despite being in existence for less than a year, theColumbus State SCNAVTA, which serves as the studentgroup for the Columbus State Veterinary Technologyprogram, has more than doubled in size and held numerousevents and fund-raisers.
The club, which is one of 90 NAVTA student chaptersnationwide, has grown from a group of only 50 students tonow more than 130 members and ranks as one of the Top10 largest NAVTA chapters in the country.
The chapter’s inaugural event was the “Puppy Love”Valentine’s Day Walk at Glacier Ridge Metro Park, justnorth of Dublin. Students, faculty, and staff and their dogsenjoyed a few hours of fun and socializing, including hotchocolate, cappuccino, roses, water and treats for dogs andtheir people, and a brisk stretch in the park.
In mid-April, the club presented a behind-the-scenes tour ofthe Columbus Zoo Veterinary Hospital and in mid-May,the chapter featured a behind-the-scenes tour of MedVet.
The group has also held several successful fund-raisers,including numerous t-shirt/sweatshirt sales, a Vet Tech pinsale and a silent auction featuring paintings - Paw-cassos -created by various kennel dogs at Columbus State.
The chapter used some of their profits to purchase awelcome banner and portrait for the entryway of theVeterinary Technology building at Columbus State.
In order to help incoming students feel more welcome, theclub has organized a mentor program so that new studentswould have designated, more experienced, fellow studentsto turn to if they have any problems, questions or concerns.
Upcoming chapter events include a Welcome Cookout onThursday, Sept. 24, featuring Dr. Terry Olive in a dunktank, Fall T-shirt/Sweatshirt Sale, various activitiescelebrating National Veterinary Technicians Week –Oct.11-17, 2009, a Columbus State/NAVTA informationalbooth at the Midwest Veterinary Conference - Feb. 25 - 28,2010 and the Annual “Beastie Ball” Banquet - June 3,2010, including a pinning ceremony for recent graduates.
The chapter officers are Rob Smith, President; StephanieMcKinster, Vice President; Rachel Murphy, Treasurer; andJeannie Young, Secretary. The faculty advisor of thechapter is Denise Mills, MS, MLT.
Columbus State Vet Tech Club goes National!
Major Accomplishments At Tri-C
Recently Dr. Barbara Musolf, Associate Professor, wasselected to join the committee which writes questions forthe VTNE.
Dr. John Thomas, Assistant Professor, recentlyco-authored chapter 27, Veterinary Anesthesia, inMcCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians7th Edition
Congratulations Dr. Musolf and Dr. Thomas
Pie Anyone?Stautzenberger College, Brecksville
In its annual effort to support the Animal ProtectiveLeague’s Q-104 Adoptathon, Stautzenberger College,Brecksville sought a new and different method to raisefunds. Students and employees planned multiple events,including cookouts, bake sales and raffles, with the goal ofraising $2,000.
Not to be outdone, faculty and staff upped the ante. Ratherthan simply donating funds, these valiant souls agreed toallow students, faculty and staff to “pie” them in exchangefor a small donation.
The event proved to be a popular one, and whipped creamwas everywhere! For two days, students were permitted tochoose from a list that included Donna K. Palmer (Director),Jeanette Kwiatkowski (Dean), Judge Christopher Greene(Paralegal Studies Program Director), Jackie Puleo (Vet.Tech Program Director), and several others.
In all, the College exceeded its $2,000 donation goal!
If something is happening at your school let usknow at [email protected]
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Eight
www.OhioRVT.org
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Akron Veterinary Referral &Emergency Center
1321 Centerview CircleAkron, Ohio 44321
Ph. 330-665-4996 • Fax 330-665-5972Attn: Emergency Tech Search
E-mail: [email protected]:www.akronvet.com
RVT’s
Considering New Challenges in Surgery or Internal Medicine?
Akron Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center (AVREC) is a 24-hour specialtyhospital located in the western suburbs of Akron, approximately 20 miles south ofCleveland. Hospital services include surgery, internal medicine, radiology,ophthalmology and emergency. We are in search of a FT RVT for surgery and aFT RVT to fill a position in internal medicine. Surgery or internal medicineexperience is not necessarily a requirement, but a positive attitude, good clientcommunications skills, a desire to succeed and a passion for veterinary medicine are.To attract and retain superior technicians, compensation and benefits are highlycompetitive and currently include: annual reviews, 100% employer paid health anddental insurance, 4-day work week, generous paid time off, free boarding days,discounted pet care, uniform allowance, annual CE allowance and a pension plan.If you are seeking new challenges, looking for an organization that truly embracesthe Ohio Practice Act and is one for which you would be proud to be associated,we encourage you to submit your resume to:
The employment posting policy of theOAVT is as follows:
• Standard Ad includes a 2 1/2” x 4” adspace in the next issue of the OAVTNewsletter and a 60 day ad posting on theOAVT website for a fee of $50.00• Graphic Ad includes a 4 1/2” x 5” ad withcolor graphics and/or photo of facility in thenext issue of the OAVT Newsletter and a 60day ad posting on the OAVT website for afee of $75.00.
To place an ad please fill out the OAVTClassified Ad form located on our website:www.OhioRVT.org
All payments should be directed to ourNewsletter Chairperson:
Nichole Kelland, RVT 161Ridgeview Drive Medina,
Ohio 44256Please make checks payable to OAVT, or call
330-241-4677 for credit card payments
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Nine
www.OhioRVT.org
Veterinary Technician-Emergency
RVT needed for fast-pacedemergency clinic. Flexible parttime hours (includes eve’s,weekend shift and holidays).Competitive salary with shiftdifferentials. Great opportunityto use your skills and work withexcellent emergency clinicians.
Animal Emergency Clinic-West
5320 West 140 StreetBrook Park, Ohio 44142
Ph. (216) 362-6001Fax (216) 362-1008
Attn: Nancy Thompson,Office Manager
Email: [email protected]
Pet and Tech Tips
Instead of using a bowl to soak apaw, try using a used IV fluid bag.Cut the bottom of the IV bag off,turn it over and place the fluid tosoak the paw in the bag. Place theanimals paw in the bag, and hold onto the top of the bag for the desiredlength of time.
Linda H.
If you have a tip that you would like to shareplease submit it to:
Best tip of the year will get a one yearcomplimentary membership to the OAVT
Registered Vet Tech
In need of a dependable, hardworking technician for a very busy4 doctor practice. Able to multi-task. State of the art full servicehospital. Great support staff. 7technicians, 5 assistance. 30-35hours a week. Plus many benefits.
Reynolds RdAnimal Hospital2850 N. Reynolds RdToledo, Ohio 43615Ph. 419-531-5589Fax 419-531-5404
Attn: Holly Kiefer, TechnicianEmail: [email protected]
Continuing Education 2009
OHIO ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANSDISCOVERY AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
OCTOBER 10-11, 2009
OAVT DISTRICT 7ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS
NOVEMBER 8, 2009For more information on District 7 CE and to register please contact Nichole at 330-241-4677
MedVet Charitable Foundation Lecture SeriesRadiation OncologySeptember 16, 2009
CardiologyNovember 19, 2009
For more information on MedVet Lectures please contactGalie Bowersmith (614)-846-5800 vm#1206
Midwest Veterinary ConferenceFebruary 25-28, 2010
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page Ten
www.OhioRVT.org
Even though we just renewed ourRegistration doesn’t mean that we can
snooze.
Your OAVT Discovery Packet will bemailed to you soon. Remember to
register early to avoid late charges!!!
If you do not receive your packet in acouple of weeks please contact us at
(614) 488-5084
Continued on page 11
Continuing Education ContinuedThe Ohio State University
Veterinary Continuing Education
Technology in Your PracticeAugust 8, 2009
Basic and Intermediate UltrasoundAugust 15-16, 2009
BI/Butler/OSU Canine and Feline CardiologyAugust 22-23, 2009
Equine ThermographyAugust 27-30, 2009
Small Animal Surgery Serier: Urinary incontinence, Complications of spay/neuter surgerySeptember 8, 2009
Small Animal CE Series: Feeding for Canine GrowthSeptember 15, 2009
Basic and Advanced Laser SurgerySeptember 19-20, 2009
Equine NutritionSeptember 19-20, 2009
Introduction to Animal ReikiOctober 6, 2009
Small Animal Surgery Series: Arthroscopy of the canine fore limb and hind limbOctober 13, 2009
Animal Welfare Symposium: Building Partnerships to Address Animal WelfareOctober 16, 2009
Canine Laparoscopic SurgeryOctober 17-18, 2009
Small Animal Surgery: Overcoming treatment failures of bacterial and yeast infectionsof the skin and ears
October 20, 2009For more information on The Ohio State University Veterinary Continuing Education please contact (614) 292-8727 or email:
[email protected]: https://vetmedce.osu.edu
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians Page eleven
Cindy Curto RVT - secretaryCindy graduated in 1983 from Columbus Technical Institute,(presently Columbus State Community College). She worked insmall animal medicine for the majority of her career. Cindy hasserved the OAVT for 19 years as a member of the Board ofTrustees. During her years on the Board, Cindy has served onseveral committees and previously chaired the Public Relations andNewsletter Committees. She is currently serving on theConstitution and By Laws Committee and the MidWest VeterinaryConference committee in conjunction with the OVMA.
Cindy has also served the Veterinary Technician Profession bybeing chosen as a member of the Committee on VeterinaryTechnician Education and Activities Committee (CVTEA) siteteam with the AVMA to ensure quality education of futureveterinary technicians within the AVMA accreditation process.
Linda Heidenreich - Vice President
Linda graduated from Columbus StateCommunity College in 2001. She worked in amixed private practice for 8 years before join-ing MedVet's emergency department. She is onthe CSCC advisory board and the MidwestVeterinary Conference Veterinary Techniciancommittee.
This year the positions for Vice President and Secretary areup for election. Both positions are running unopposed.You will receive your official ballots in the mail bySeptember 1, 2009.
Nominations
www.OhioRVT.org
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians7745 Hathaway Park CourtDublin, Ohio 43016www.OhioRVT.org
