CVMA VOICE
Today’s Voice, Tomorrow’s Vision
• CVMA Position Statement on Declawing
• New PACFA Rules in Effect
• Veterinary Client Satisfaction in Colorado
2014, ISSUE #3
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CVMA Voice.indd 1 1/24/14 10:38:16 AM CVMA VOICE TABLE OF CONTENTS Inside CVMA Events and Deadlines President’s Post ...... 4 October 4–5 CVMA CE Southwest Briefings ...... 5 Durango Of Note ...... 6 November 7–8 Thank You CVMA Members! ...... 6 BIG Ideas Forum | Fall 2014 Colorado Springs 7 CVMA Adds Membership and Outreach Assistant to Staff ...... 6 February 5 CVMA Explores CVMA Advocacy Training CVMA Explores the Declawing Issue . . . . 7 Denver the Declawing CVMA Member Behaviors and Attitudes Issue Surrounding Feline Declawing March 19 Procedures ...... 8 CVMA Media Training Denver CVMA Member Declaw Survey Results . . . 9 April 11–12 DRAFT: Position Statement on 9PetCheck Declawing (Onychectomy) of Colorado Domestic Cats ...... 11 AVMA Policy: Declawing of Domestic Cats ...... 12 14 AAHA Declawing (Onychectomy) Position Statement ...... 13 Shelter Outreach Shelter Outreach in Southeastern in Southeastern Colorado ...... 14 Colorado AVMA District IX Report to CVMA Members ...... 15 AVMA Update ...... 16 Government Affairs . . . . 18 New PACFA Rule Effective July 31 . . . . 18 Issuing Health Certificates via the iPad . . . 19 24 Science Update ...... 21 What Did Your Zoonosis Update ...... 21 Receptionist Just Say?!? In Practice ...... 22 Helping Cat Owners Prevent and Deal with Destructive Clawing ...... 22 Veterinary Client Satisfaction in Colorado ...... 23 What Did Your Receptionist Just Say? ...... 24 Our Mission 10 Things the Veterinarian Peer CVMA exists to enhance 28 Health Assistance Program Can Do for You and Your Practice ...... 26 animal health and welfare, Auxiliary to promote the human/ the CVMA: CVMA News ...... 28 animal bond, protect public Canine Projects Auxiliary to the CVMA: Canine Projects . . . 28 health, advance the VPI Thanks CVMA Members for wellbeing of veterinarians, District Visits ...... 28 and foster excellence Welcome New CVMA Members! . . . . . 29 in veterinary medicine through education, advocacy, and outreach. 2014, Issue #3 PRESIDENT’S POST Colorado Veterinary Medical Association 191 Yuma Street Denver, Colorado 80223
303 .318 0447. or 800 .228 .5429 Fax 303 .318 0450. Peter Hellyer, DVM info@colovma org. President www.colovma.org Dear CVMA get used in veterinary medicine. I hope you Members, will join us for a very interesting discussion and stay for the afternoon to participate in the MANAGING EDITOR I hope you had an commission meetings. Cami Cacciatore enjoyable summer and were able to attend This issue of the VOICE contains a number PUBLISHER the annual CVMA convention. In addition to of articles related to declawing in cats. You Ralph Johnson convention, we now have robust educational will notice a draft CVMA position statement offerings at CVMA CE West in Palisade and on declawing (see page 11). The statement CVMA CE SW in Durango. There are a lot The CVMA Voice is published goes a little further than similar statements of advantages to having the convention in quarterly to members and once from AVMA, AAFP, and AAHA in character- Loveland in terms of attendance, accessibility a year to nonmembers free of izing declawing as a painful procedure that to members and speakers, close proximity to charge . Information and advice must be managed appropriately. In addition, CSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine presented in this publication do we have deleted any references to the need and Biomedical Sciences, meeting facilities, not necessarily represent the to declaw a cat for a client that is immuno- and cost to run the meeting for CVMA. In views of CVMA . compromised, as we are not in the role of spite of all the advantages of the Front Range advising human health. Please review the location, it is a long way from home for our draft CVMA position statement on declaw- members on the Western Slope and in the ing and let your District Reps know how Deadlines for Submission southwestern part of the state. My impression you feel about the proposed document. It is All articles, contributions, is that the excellent offerings in Palisade and my hope that the Board of Directors will ap- and display ads must be Durango are meeting the needs of our mem- prove the position statement at the BIG Ideas received in the CVMA office by bers for CE in those parts of the state. Inter- Forum in November. This document will the dates reflected below . estingly, the meeting in Palisade is starting to formally represent our collective views on For more information or to attract members from the Front Range due to declawing in cats and will be instrumental in obtain a rate schedule, contact the outstanding CE program and wonderful any discussions regarding legislative actions the CVMA office at 303 .318 0447. meeting location. Please let the CVMA office or ballot initiatives to ban declawing in cats or info@cvma org. . or your District Representative know if there in Colorado. are other CE programs we need to be consid- In the last issue of the VOICE, I mentioned ering to meet the needs of our members. Issue #1 — January 15 that the Executive Committee was planning The BIG Ideas Forum (November 7-8, Issue #2 — April 15 on beginning the process of a strategic plan 2014, Cheyenne Mountain Resort) is our Issue #3 — July 15 refresh to ensure that the mission of CVMA is next educational opportunity and one that I Issue #4 — October 15 still relevant to our members now and for the am really looking forward to. Telemedicine next three to five years. This is such an impor- has been in use in human medicine for a num- tant process that the Executive Committee ber of years and is beginning to make inroads has invited an impressive group of CVMA into veterinary medicine. Under the right leaders to participate in the process, includ- circumstances, telemedicine may provide ad- ing the Board of Directors, key CVMA staff ditional contact points with clients who find members, representatives from the Power of it difficult to return to the clinic as often as Ten group, and past presidents of our organi- we would like to follow a particular patient’s zation. I am optimistic that the strategic plan- condition. What kinds of patients and clients ning will keep us on the right track to meet are viable candidates for telemedicine? How the needs of our members and to stay relevant can telemedicine be used to support the in the changing world in which we live. veterinarian-client-patient-relationship? Is I want to express my deep appreciation telemedicine billable, or are we just giving and respect for the participants in the Power our services away for free? These questions of Ten. I have had the privilege of attending and others are important to discuss to stay the working meetings for the Power of Ten this ahead of the curve as telemedicine starts to President’s Post continued on page 14 CVMA VOICE BRIEFINGS CVMA Executive Committee Dr . Peter Hellyer President Dr . Erin Epperly President-elect Ralph Johnson Dr . Curtis Crawford Executive Director Secretary/Treasurer Dr . Sam Romano As I sat down to write Education Secretary/Treasurer-elect my comments for the Another absolutely vital component of Dr . Randa MacMillan Celebration Luncheon CVMA’s work is to deliver educational ex- Immediate Past President at CVMA Convention 2014, I was struck yet periences that not just sustain competency Dr . John Rule again how tightly tethered CVMA activities but advance knowledge. Whether it be at our AVMA Delegate are to four foundational pillars: advocacy, edu- annual convention, or the two programs now cation, support, and leadership. In all of our Dr . Melanie Marsden being offered on the Western Slope, CVMA is AVMA Alternate Delegate communications, printed and electronic, you deeply committed to professional education. will see the four color bars representing these CVMA CE Southwest once again brought 12 Mr . Ralph Johnson pillars, reminding us every day that CVMA hours of affordable CE to Durango, and the Executive Director* is energetically and expansively active in our highly popular CVMA CE West was held in District efforts to work toward our mission and our June to high acclaim, prompting us to contract goals to support you not only in these four with The Wine Country Inn in Palisade for our Representatives fundamental areas, but in all that it means to 2015 program (June 5–7). 1 – Dr . Kimberly Radway practice veterinary medicine in Colorado. The twice-annual BIG Ideas Forums touch 2 – Dr . Rebecca Ruch-Gallie Advocacy both advocacy and education because they 3 – Dr . Merideth Early tackle the tough issues to develop knowledge 4 – Dr . Adam Tempel Advocacy is job one at CVMA—and often around that issue and often to identify ac- 5 – Dr . Jenelle Vail that responsibility plays out under the golden tion steps for advocacy and education. For 6 – Dr . Cassie Todd dome at the capitol building. This year alone example, the BIG Ideas Forum on dentistry 7 – Dr . Cor VanderWel CVMA was active on an array of bills that led to engagement with the State Board of 8 – Dr . Dale Davis were considered by the legislature, such as Veterinary Medicine and resulted in a clearer 9 – Dr . Kayla Henderson clarifying state law in regard to rabies require- definition of dentistry in the rules, the devel- 10 – Dr . Marguerite Flett ments, monitoring the movement of a bill opment of an educational document about 12 – Dr . Randal Hays requiring veterinarians holding DEA licenses non-anesthetic dental procedures, the adop- 13 – Dr . Connie Stapleton to register with Prescription Drug Monitor- tion of new rules about equine dentistry ing Program, clarifying various requirements 14 – Dr . Matt Braunschmidt to clarify the role of the veterinarian when 15 – Dr . Mark Ryan in the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act and in motorized tools and sedation are used, and administration of the program, and bring- 16 – Dr . Mark Cowan to an equine dentistry wet at convention. 17 – Dr . Leon Anderson ing forward a bill that establishes parameters The BIG Ideas Forums on telehealth this No- under which licensed emergency responders vember, and an optimal timing and technique Student Chapter can provide stabilizing care to dogs and cats for spay/neuter procedures next spring, at the site of a human emergency. CVMA’s will likely lead to similar opportunities for Representatives legislative agenda is both proactive—such as CVMA to advocate and educate. Fourth year – Mr . Nathaniel Vos with the emergency care bill—and reactive, Third year – Mrs . Julia Herman such as it was when a bill was introduced Support Second year – Mr . Kevin Lavelle seeking to clarify nomenclature protection Veterinary economics captures lots of time First year – Ms . Madeline Anna for certain veterinary technician credentials. and attention at CVMA as well, whether In either case, the expertise and testimony of through the range of practice performance members, the guidance of our professional tools we offer or our support of the Partners * Ex-officio, non-voting lobbyist, our relationships, and our ability for Healthy Pets initiative. Colorado is show- to mobilize grassroots advocacy are critical ing handsomely in terms of practices that elements in our ability to be successful in use the tools available on the Partners web- protecting your interests. With so many seg- site—and more than 7,000 practices have ments of society interested in animal health now enrolled nationwide. Partners is a first- and welfare, it is more imperative than ever of-its-kind national collaboration to educate that CVMA sustain its public policy work to protect and advance the profession. Briefings continued on page 11 2014, Issue #3 COVER STORY THANK YOU CVMA MEMBERS! As another CVMA convention is put to bed for the year and as we look toward 2015’s plans and goals, we want to take a moment to thank you, our members, for all that you do to support and sustain your state associa- tion . We know you have lots of competing priorities and demands, and we appreciate that you choose to invest GREAT REASONS TO BELONG TO CVMA your time and dues dollars in CVMA . With our annual dues renewal and membership drive upon us, we hope that we can count on you for your continued support of CVMA . We couldn’t do all that ADVOCACYTENEDUCATION SUPPORT LEADERSHIP we do for you, the profession, and the practice of vet- erinary medicine in Colorado without our members . So from all the staff here at CVMA working on your behalf, THANK YOU! BE PROTECTED with an active advocacy training program to give you the skills and the power to make your voice heard and protect your interests as legislation and regulations are enacted that affect you, your clients, and CVMA Adds Membership and the animals you care for.
SPREAD THE WORD to expand the public’s understanding Outreach Assistant to Staff of—and appreciation for—veterinary medicine.
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance your FEEL WELCOME in a highly supportive and responsive membership experience, CVMA has hired a Member- community of leaders and colleagues. ship and Outreach Assistant to connect with you to GET THINGS DONE by being part of the collective voice of answer questions, address concerns, and provide mem- the veterinary community in Colorado to which legislators ber information and resources . and the media listen for science-based, reasoned input on animal health and welfare issues. Katie Koch started with CVMA earlier this year, and many of you may have already heard from her as she EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE with continuing education calls on you to thank you for your membership and see opportunities to grow your scientific competency in a rapidly changing environment and inspire you in the art of if she can assist you with any of your CVMA questions management. or needs . Katie’s bright, cheerful disposition and willingness BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS by connecting you with colleagues to discuss concerns, challenging cases, and other to help in any way she can has already earned her high emerging and critical issues. praise from staff and members . She’s never too busy to take time to talk to members or provide assistance, and STAY INFORMED through multiple channels, bringing you breaking news and need-to-know information about animal she loves making members feel welcome . health, professional issues, and veterinary community Says Katie of her interactions with CVMA members, developments. “I truly enjoy speaking with so many veterinarians MEET YOUR NEEDS with member-only services and tools across Colorado and I look forward to getting to know for practice enhancement, one-click resources, our members better! I appreciate the time members help-you-get-it-done business services, and preferred have taken to share their experiences and their stories pricing. with me . My conversations have proved that CVMA GET NOTICED in the Colorado DVM Directory, boldly members are not only excellent veterinarians, but ex- declaring your place in the community and your support for tremely kind people . I’m happy to answer any ques- organized veterinary medicine. tion, big or small . I would love to help however I can, so WORK TOGETHER to achieve common goals for your please don’t hesitate to give me a call!” profession, your community, your future. If you haven’t had the pleasure of talking with Katie, feel free to give her a call or send her an email with any questions or concerns you have . She’s here to help and welcomes your comments and feedback!
191 Yuma Street | Denver, CO 80223 303.318.0447 | 800.228.5429 Katie Koch www.colovma.org Membership and Outreach Assistant 303 .539 7275. or One Voice. One Mission. 2,000 Strong. 1 .800 .228 .5429 (ext . 217) katiekoch@colovma org.
PAGE 6 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE OF NOTE
CVMA Explores the Declawing Issue alternatives to declawing and the potential negative impact, were choosing alternative paths to control scratching behavior. All these Peter Hellyer, DVM, MS, DACVA factors convince me that our profession is evolving and giving ever CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences stronger consideration to the ethics of this procedure. Additional focus on this topic has been recently fostered by the This issue of the VOICE focuses on the sensitive and often con- Paw Project, an effort to help raise collective consciousness on tentious topic of feline declawing surgery. Even the name of the declawing. The Paw Project argues that a legislative ban on de- procedure, in fact, can be problematic; some people prefer the clawing cats in Colorado is needed to stop a procedure described more scientific term of onychectomy, whereas others refer to the as “mutilation.” Regardless of one’s views on the Paw Project, it procedure with more visceral terms such as de-toeing. For the has been a great wake-up call for all of us to re-examine our be- purpose of simplicity, I will use the term “declawing” in this in- haviors and beliefs on declawing. troduction to refer to the amputation of the third phalanx of each The consensus of the CVMA leadership is that declawing is digit for the purposes of preventing a cat from scratching (e.g., done less frequently than it once was; clients are typically coun- people, furniture, other animals, etc.). seled on alternatives; and the procedure is usually done as a last The ethics surrounding the topic of declawing has been evolving resort to keep a cat in the home. CVMA leaders all agreed that over the last two to three decades, and I believe we are close to a appropriate and effective analgesia is a necessary part of the pro- point in which declawing will only be performed as a last resort cedure and not an option. What we did not know was whether to prevent the removal of a cat from its home, thereby preserving our collective views were representative of CVMA members. This the human-animal bond. This change is the result of a collection of doubt gave impetus for a recent online survey on declawing in factors including recognition by our profession that scratching is a which 358 CVMA members participated. The results of the sur- normal behavior in cats; that we can reduce the need to perform vey are summarized in the article by Dr. Lori Kogan and myself declawing by educating our cat-owning clients; and the commit- (see page 8) and indicate that most CVMA members share similar ment of the profession to relieve and prevent animal suffering. views to CVMA leadership on declawing. My own experiences with declawing may serve to demonstrate There is also a strong sense from our membership that the best this evolving ethic. Graduating from veterinary school in 1983, way to approach declawing is to educate clients, one person at a I did not really question whether a cat should be declawed—it time, as opposed to a legislative ban. In order to be clear in our was just a routine procedure. In my first job after graduation, I message about declawing, the Executive Committee has drafted declawed cats and just expected that their paws would hurt after the position statement published on page 11. The position state- the procedure. I certainly did not like the outcome, but lacked ment is a non-binding recommendation to our members and knowledge at the time to do anything different. It wasn’t until my clearly articulates the ethical imperative of our members to do anesthesia residency that I started to really take notice of how cats the right thing for our feline patients while preserving and pro- recovered from the procedure and began to evaluate ways to im- moting the veterinary-client relationship in decision making. prove recovery. In the time I have been a faculty member at CSU, As a final note, I want to say that I am very proud of the way in our anesthetic protocol has evolved to the point in which peri- which CVMA leadership and members have contemplated this operative analgesia for declawing is designed to maximize patient topic and developed a thoughtful approach to a difficult issue. My comfort—opioids (oxymorphone or hydromorphone), alpha-2 hope is that the survey results and position statement will cause agonists (xylazine, medetomidine, or dexmedetomidine), local all of us to evaluate our practices pertaining to declawing and ask anesthetic ring block (bupivacaine), and NSAIDs (ketoprofen or the hard questions of whether we can do an even better job to meloxicam). Repeat dosing of analgesics in the post-op period is ensure the procedure is only performed when absolutely neces- now the standard, followed by a transition to buprenorphine and sary—and when it is performed, prevention and management of NSAIDs. In other words, multimodal analgesia is now viewed as pain are essential components of the procedure. n necessary to help make our recovering patients comfortable. The result is that our recoveries are much better—less indication of postoperative pain, and fewer postoperative complications. At the same time our protocol surrounding declawing was evolv- COMMENTS INVITED ing, I became aware of a couple of interesting developments. When The Executive Committee invites your comments on the draft position statement on page 11 . Please send your comments to the topic of managing declaw pain was discussed with other U.S. CVMA using one of these methods: veterinary anesthesiologists and colleagues involved in the nascent field of pain practice, our European colleagues often expressed sur- Online | www colovma. org/?declawing. Email | ralphjohnson@colovma org. prise and disbelief that we even conducted the procedure. In fact, Fax | 303 .318 0450. as they explained, declawing is considered unethical by many of our Mail | 191 Yuma Street, Denver, CO 80223 European colleagues and is illegal in many countries. This begs the The comment period is open until November 5; comments question: Why are some of us so intent on continuing the practice? received by that date will be provided to the Board of The other interesting development I noticed at the CSU Vet- Directors . During its meeting on November 8, the Board will erinary Teaching Hospital was a steady decrease in the number of approve a final version of the position statement on declawing . requested declaws. Our clients, given appropriate education on
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 7 2014, Issue #3 OF NOTE
CVMA Member Behaviors and tourniquets either below the stifle or elbow (86,36.3%) or above Attitudes Surrounding Feline (79, 33.3%). Declawing Procedures When asked to indicate how often they use various methods, the most commonly used methods (reported as always or often Lori Kogan, PhD, Licensed Psychologist used) were “scalpel only” (87, 58.4%) and “Guillotine-style nail Clinical Sciences Department trimmer (e.g. Resco) only” (63, 43.8%), followed by “laser only” Colorado State University (55, 43.7%) and “Guillotine-style nail trimmer (e.g. Resco) and scalpel” (28, 22.04%). The vast majority (221, 92.9%) routinely Peter Hellyer, DVM, MS, DACVA remove all of the P3 to the P2/P3 joint. For those who use a scal- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences pel, the most popular size is #15 (62, 28.6%), followed by #12 Colorado State University (43, 19.8%) and #11 (25, 11.5%). The most common skin clo- CVMA President sure method is adhesive or tissue glue (167, 70.8%). When asked to identify which perioperative analgesic they CVMA members were asked to complete an anonymous online used (respondents could identify more than one), the most survey through Survey Monkey in April 2014 with the intention of common responses were: ring blocks (175, 75.1%), injectable assessing their views about feline declawing procedures. The sur- opioids (165, 70.8%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories vey asked veterinarians to indicate how frequently they perform (113, 48.5%). The most common post-operative analgesics used declawing procedures, what methods they utilize, as well as their (respondents could identify more than one) were Transmucosal views of the practice. A total of 358 members responded, 209 buprenorphine (172, 73.5%), followed by NSAIDs (109, 46.6%). (63.7%) female and 119 (36.3%) male. The majority of respon- Post-operative analgesia was most typically provided for 3-7 days dents reported working in clinical practice (305, 95.6%), and for (177, 74.7%) and most respondents reported routinely bandag- those in clinical practice, 137 (46.9%) reported they were practice ing the paws after the procedure (207, 87.0%) with a typical owners and 155 (53.1%) were associates. The most common prac- duration of overnight (178, 78.8%). The most common hospital- tice type reported was small animal with or without exotics (268, ization time reported was one night (184, 77.3%). 83.2%), following by mixed practice (48, 14.9%). Over half (186, When asked about minor complications following surgery, 57.6%) of respondents reported working in a suburban location, most (191, 74.9%) reported less than 5% of cases, 52 (20.4%) followed by urban (71, 22%) and then rural (66, 20.4%). The ma- reported 6–15% of cases and 12 (4.7%) reported more than 15% jority of respondents reported having been in practice either 1–10 of the cases. For major complications, 211 (97.7%) reported less years (117, 35.7%) or over 20 years (144, 44.2%). than 5% of cases and only 5 (2.3%) reported more frequently. The number of respondents who reported working in a clinic in which declawing procedures are offered was 280 (78.2%) and Alternatives to declawing 230 (64.4%) respondents reported performing declawing pro- When asked about deep digital flexor tendonectomies as an alter- cedures personally. For the individuals who indicated they do not native to declawing, nearly all respondents indicated they do not perform declawing, the reasons given included: no demand for perform this procedure (300, 92.0%). The most common expla- service (20; 32.8%), prohibited by clinic policy (20; 32.8%), and nations included never learning the procedure (112, 42.6%) and not educated on the procedure (20; 32.8%). Many of the respon- concern about long term complications (87, 33.1%). dents’ open text explanations to this question centered on ethical Most respondents reported discussing non-surgical alternatives concerns with the procedure. with clients (311, 94.2%). These respondents were asked to dif- Procedure frequency ferentiate between offering alternatives, but not recommending them, or actually recommending alternatives. A minority of re- For those who reported conducting declawing procedures, 115 spondents (56, 17.7%) indicated they offer but do not recommend (48.5%) report doing so only when requested by owner, 104 alternatives, and 260 (82.3%) indicated they actually recommend (43.9%) only in certain situations (e.g., failure of other methods alternatives. The alternatives identified by respondents as being or person at risk from cat scratches), and only 18 (7.6%) report recommended most frequently included nail trim demonstrations offering it to all owners. The majority of respondents who per- (309, 97.5%), appropriate scratching devices (e.g., scratching form declawing reported conducting the procedure fairly infre- posts) (305, 96.2%) and nail covers like Soft Paws (279, 88.0%). quently (less than monthly) - 173 (73.0%) or less than weekly but When asked to indicate who in the clinic most typically discusses more than monthly - 45 (19.0%). Most procedures (200, 83.0%) declawing alternatives with clients, respondents indicated veteri- include only the front paws rather than all four. narians (309, 98.1%) were the most likely, followed by technicians Procedure techniques (198, 62.9%) and lastly, receptionists (61, 19.4%). When asked about specific techniques or aspects of the pro- Perceptions of declawing procedure cedure, most respondents indicated they do not clip the fur Respondents were asked to indicate the amount of pain they as part of pre-operative preparation (186, 78.2%), they do feel cats experience (from “none” to “a great deal”) as a result use Chlorhexidine based solution or scrub (i.e. Nolvasan) as of the declawing surgery and subsequent recovery. Nearly equal a pre-operative disinfectant (186, 77.5%), and they do apply Behaviors continued on page 10
PAGE 8 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE OF NOTE
CVMA Member Declaw Survey Results Anonymous online survey of CVMA members conducted in April 2014 to assess the views and current practices about feline declawing. THE STATS
Alternatives to declaw: 82% recommend alternatives Don’t perform declaws: 18% offer alternatives 33% no demand for service 33% against clinic policy 33% not educated on procedure Frequency declaws performed: 73% less than monthly 19% less than weekly but more than monthly
Perform declaw: 48% only when requested 44% only in a few situations 8% offer to all clients
OPINIONS Is declawing sometimes necessary? 64% say yes 24% say no Is declawing mutilation? 51% say no 32% say yes VIEWS ON LEGISLATIVE BAN 67% oppose 22% support 13% no position
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 9 2014, Issue #3
Here to help you Behaviors ontinued from page 8 every step of the way numbers reported feeling the cats’ pain level is a ‘fair amount’ (90, 27.0%), or ‘quite a bit’ (91, 27.3%), followed by a ‘great Whether you’re preparing for ownership or deal (71, 21.3%) and a ‘small amount’ (68, 20.4%). Only 5 (1.5%) reported feeling cats experience minimal or no pain. planning for growth, Wells Fargo Practice Finance When asked if they feel declawing is a form of mutilation, can help you achieve your practice goals. 74 (22.0%) of respondents strongly disagreed, 96 (28.5%) dis- • Acquire or start a new practice agreed, 59 (17.5%) were neutral, 73 (21.7%) agreed and 35 • Expand, relocate, or upgrade your office (10.4%) strongly agreed. When asked to indicate their agree- • Finance equipment ment level with the statement that declawing is necessary in some • Consolidate debt cats for behavioral reasons, most either agreed (140, 41.3%) or To get started, call today and ask for your free strongly agreed (77, 22.7%). Only 41 (12.1%) disagreed and 41 Practice Success Planner. (12.1%) strongly disagreed. Responses were similar when asked their agreement with the sentiment that declawing is an unfortu- Kent Murphy nate consequence of lifestyle issues but is sometimes a necessary 1-855-631-1920 alternative to euthanasia. Most respondents either strongly agreed Or visit us at wellsfargo.com/coloradovet. (123, 36.4%) or agreed (136, 40.2%). Only 24 (7.1%) disagreed and 36 (10.7%) strongly disagreed. Legislation When respondents were asked their views on the position CVMA should take regarding legislation for a statewide ban on declaw- All financing is subject to credit approval. ing, 219 (66.6%) indicated they oppose a statewide ban, 72 All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (21.6%) indicated support for the ban, and 43 (12.9%) report © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. having no position on the topic. n Wells Fargo Practice Finance is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
ComeGreat conferences for Oneveterinarians, ,vet Come students, technicians andAll staff
Flexible GI Endoscopy | Nov. 3 n Lecture and hands-on scoping work n Will cover instrumentation, techniques, and common abnormalities addressed with endoscopy n Procedures taught include biopsy, esophageal stricture management, foreign-body removal, and PEG feeding tube placement Introduction to Small Animal Laparoscopy | Nov. 4-5 New Arrangements LONG n For clinicians with little or no laparoscopic experience n Lectures and practice with basic laparoscopic skills n Will cover basic approaches and tissue manipulation for techniques including biopsy, gastropexy, and ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Laparoscopy | Nov. 6-7 n Will explore the world of minimally invasive surgery n For clinicians with experience in basic diagnostic laparoscopy and those who have COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES taken the introductory course Department of Environmental and n Will review specialized surgical instrumentation and techniques; participants will Radiological Health Sciences perform several advanced procedures
Continuing-education credit available Information and registration: www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/ce COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (970) 297-1273 | [email protected] AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Department of Environmental and Courses at James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital | Fort Collins, Colo. Radiological Health Sciences
PAGE 10 | CVMA Voice 2014:3
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences CVMA VOICE OF NOTE
DRAFT: CVMA Position Statement operative analgesics should be dispensed to the owner to give on Declawing (Onychectomy) of for 4-7 days post-surgery or as long as needed. Domestic Cats • Declawing of the front feet is usually sufficient; declawing all four feet is strongly discouraged The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association is opposed to the • Declawed cats should be housed indoors only. declawing of domestic cats as a routine procedure. In most cases, declawing is not a medically necessary procedure. Declawing Note: This position statement is based on CVMA Principles of Animal Wel- may be acceptable when all other attempts have been made to fare, CVMA member feedback, and adapted from position statements from prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital presents a significant health risk for people within the household, Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. thereby placing the cat at risk of relinquishment or euthanasia. The decision of whether to declaw should be a collaborative one DRAFT VERSION n between owner and veterinarian, and broached only after all other alternatives have been exhausted. Veterinarians have an obligation to provide cat owners with Briefings continued from page 5 complete education in regard to declawing prior to performing the procedure. The following points are the foundation for full the public about the importance of preventive pet healthcare. understanding and disclosure regarding declawing: Partners rolled out its public education campaign in 2014 with print ads in an impressive number of national publications, and • Owners should be educated about the fact that scratching is the public service announcement that was created to run on cable a normal feline behavior, providing a means for cats to mark and broadcast stations tells the story well—leaving the viewer their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for with the key message of “Feed daily. Yearly checkup. Love forever.” claw conditioning (“husk” removal) and stretching activity. CVMA also offers an array of options under our wellbeing • Prior to considering declawing, owners should attempt to initiative, from webinars to ignite your practice performance, to manage undesirable scratching by providing suitable imple- practice diagnostics and analytics to improve your bottom line, ments for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratch- and resources through Peer Assistance Services to assist mem- ing posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or bers of the veterinary healthcare team in dealing with substance fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements use disorders and mental health issues. Visit colovm.org to learn should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be more about these resources for your economic and personal firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. wellbeing. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these imple- ments. In addition, appropriate claw care, consisting of trim- Leadership ming the claws every one to two weeks, should be provided. Just as CVMA leads our efforts in the state of Colorado, we also • Declawing may warrant consideration when scratching be- provide you opportunities to help you lead within the profession. havior is an issue that threatens the ability for a particular cat I am proud to note that our second Power of Ten Leadership Acad- to remain in the particular home. In some cases declawing emy class has graduated, and we look forward to the 2014/15 will protect/preserve the human-animal bond. cohort kicking off this October. Power of Ten is designed to help • There are inherent risks and complications with any surgical recent graduates (within seven years of graduation) develop foun- procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complica- dational skills in leadership, communication, and business. Each tions, side effects associated with analgesics, hemorrhage, year, we welcome the best and the brightest, and I am always and infection. amazed at the energy, the talent, and the sheer enthusiasm of • Declawing is a painful procedure and must be performed us- these young professionals. They truly are the next generation of ing proper techniques and administering effective pain man- leaders within the profession, and our future looks brighter with agement during and after the procedure. them in it. • CVMA condemns performing declawing without appropriate As I reflect on all that CVMA does, I just want to say what a perioperative analgesia. Poorly managed perioperative pain pleasure it is to continue working with you and for you. I am so may lead to chronic neuropathic pain and deterioration in fortunate to be surrounded by our leadership, our members, our quality of life. industry partners, and those we collaborate with every day to • If declawing is performed, safe and effective anesthetic agents make Colorado such a great place to practice veterinary medi- should always be used. Furthermore, the use of safe and ef- cine. I’m also fortunate to work with the CVMA staff—a highly fective perioperative analgesics for an appropriate length talented and capable team of professionals who share with me a of time is imperative. The concurrent use of two or more dedication to you and to advancing your interests. They are such pharmacological classes of analgesic drugs (opioids, alpha-2 a great group of people, doing impressive work for and on behalf agonists, anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, dissociative of the veterinary profession. From all of us, thank you for sup- anesthetics) generally provides more effective pain control, porting your association and making possible the wonderful and with fewer side-effects, than therapy with a single drug. Post- important work of CVMA. n
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 11 2014, Issue #3 OF NOTE
AVMA POLICY: Declawing of Domestic Cats
The AVMA strongly encourages client education prior to consider- ation of onychectomy (declawing) . It is the obligation of the veteri- narian to provide cat owners with a complete education with regard to the normal scratching behavior of cats, the procedure itself, as well as potential risks to the patient . Onychectomy is an amputation and should be regarded as a major surgery . The decision to declaw a cat should be made by the owners in consultation with their veteri- narian . Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents an above normal health risk for its owner(s) . The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:
• Surgical declawing is not a medically necessary procedure for the cat in most cases . While rare in occurrence, there are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, infection and pain . If surgical onychectomy is performed, appropriate use of safe and effective anesthetics and perioperative analgesics for an appropriate length of time are imperative . Pain management is necessary (not elective) and required for this procedure . Multimodal pain management is recommended, and there should be a written aftercare plan . The surgical alternative of tendonectomy is not recommended . • Scratching is a normal feline behavior, is a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning (“husk” removal) and stretching activity . • Owners should provide suitable implements for normal scratching behavior . Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to sta- tionary objects . Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching . Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements . • Appropriate claw care (consisting of trimming the claws every 1 to 2 weeks) should be provided to prevent injury or damage to household items . • Temporary synthetic nail caps are available as an alternative to onychectomy to prevent human injury or damage to property . Plastic nail caps are usually applied every 4 to 6 weeks . • Declawed cats should be housed indoors and allowed outside only under direct supervision . • Scientific data do indicate that cats that have destructive scratching behavior are more likely to be euthanatized, or more readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population . Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a par- ticular cat can remain as an acceptable household pet in a particular home, surgical onychectomy may be considered . • There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups .
PAGE 12 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE OF NOTE
Declawing (Onychectomy) Position Statement
The American Animal Hospital Association is opposed to the declawing of domestic cats unless all other attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing presents a significant health risk for people within the household.
Veterinarians have an obligation to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to declawing prior to performing the procedure. The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:
Declawing Declawing (Onychectomy) is not a medically necessary Position procedure Statement in most cases. There are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, side effects associated The Americanwith analgesi Animalcs, Hospital hemorrhage, Association and infection. is opposed to the declawing of domestic cats unless all other attempts Scratching have been is made a normal to prevent feline behavior, the cat fromproviding using a meansits claws for destructivelycats to mark their or when territory clawing both visually presents and a significantwith health scent, risk and for is usedpeople for withinclaw conditioning the household. ("husk" removal) and stretching activity. Prior to considering declawing, owners should attempt to manage undesirable scratching by providing Veterinarianssuitable have implements an obligation for tonormal provide scratching cat owners behavior. with complete Examples education are scratching with regard posts, to cardboard declawing boxes, prior to performinglumber the procedure. or logs, and The carpet following or fabric points remnants are the affixedfoundation to stationary for full understanding objects. Impleme and ntsdisclosure should regardingbe tall or long declawing: enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements. In addition, appropriate claw care, consisting ofDeclawing trimming is the not claws a medically every one necessary to two weeks, procedure should in most be provided. cases. There are inherent risks and complications Declawingwith any surgical of the procedurefront feet is including, usually sufficient; but not limited declawing to, anesthetic all four feet complications, is strongly discouraged side effects associated Declawedwith analgesi catscs, should hemorrhage, be housed and indoors. infection. Scratching is a normal feline behavior, providing a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and In householdswith scent, where and cats is come used intofor claw contact conditioning with immunocomprom ("husk" removal)ised and people, stretching client educationactivity. about potential disease transmissionPrior to considering should bedeclawi provided,ng, owners ideally should by both attempt verbal toand manage written undesirablemethods, and scratching documented. by providing Declawing may warrantsuitable consideration. implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long Scientificenough studies toindicate allow fullthat stretching, cats with destructiveand be firmly clawing anchored behavior to provide are more necessary likely to resistance be euthanized, to scratching. or more Catsreadily relinquished,should released, be positively or abandoned, reinforced thereby in the usecontributing of these toimplements. the homeless In addition, cat population. appropriate Where claw scratching care, consisting behavior ofis antrimmin issueg asthe to claws whether every or onenot ato particular two weeks, cat should can remain be provided. in a particular home, declawing may warrant consideration. Declawing In some of the cases front declawing feet is usually will protect/preserve sufficient; declawing the human all four-animal feet is bond. strongly discouraged Declawed cats should be housed indoors. If declawing is performed, safe and effective anesthetic agents should always be used. Furthermore, the use of safe and effective peri-operative analgesics for an appropriate length of time is imperative. The concurrent use of two or In households where cats come into contact with immunocompromised people, client education about potential more pharmacological classes of analgesic drugs (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, disease transmission should be provided, ideally by both verbal and written methods, and documented. Declawing dissociative anesthetics) generally provides more effective pain control, with fewer side-effects, than therapy with a may warrant consideration. single drug.
AdoptedScientific by studies the American indicate thatAnimal cats Hospital with destructive Association clawing Board behavior of Directors, are more October likely 2003. to be Last euthanized, revised Octoberor more 2009.readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a particular cat can remain in a particular home, declawing may warrant consideration. In some cases declawing will protect/preserve the human-animal bond.
If declawing is performed, safe and effective anesthetic agents should always be used. Furthermore, the use of safe and effective peri-operative analgesics for an appropriate length of time is imperative. The concurrent use of two or more pharmacological classes of analgesic drugs (opioids, alpha-2 agonists, anti-inflammatories, local anesthetics, dissociative anesthetics) generally provides more effective pain control, with fewer side-effects, than therapy with a single drug.
Adopted by the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors, October 2003. Last revised October 2009.
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 13 2014, Issue #3 OF NOTE
Shelter Outreach in Southeastern Colorado Erin Epperly, DVM Peak View Animal Hospital Fowler, CO Dogs from rural, southeastern Colorado are getting a new “leash” on life thanks to a collaborative effort between the Front Range sheltering community and local organizations. With generous financial support from the Animal Assistance Foundation and coordination from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region also struggling economically. This is the formula for unnecessary of Colorado Springs, vans are driving down to collect adoptable euthanasia of adoptable dogs. dogs from shelters in Lamar, Las Animas, La Junta, Rocky Ford, However, our Front Range shelters are in need of adoptable and Fowler and transporting them to facilities prepared to find dogs to place in their communities—so needy at times, in fact, them forever homes. that they transfer puppies in from out of state. Part of the solution At first blush, to those of you who have little chance to interact to both of these problems lies in these transfer programs. Dogs with rural Colorado, this may sound unremarkable, but I hope to from rural Colorado are receiving vaccinations and microchip- explain how monumental this program really is. Most small com- ping, and dog adopters get to meet new best friends. Almost 400 munities have minimal budgets for animal control (for example, dogs have already been transferred during the first year of this Fowler budgets just $250 annually). Imagine having no resources formal agreement. Hopefully, this and similar programs will con- for vaccinations, deworming, or ample nutritious food, let alone tinue to grow. This is one of the many ways Colorado is leading money to promote adoptions or enhance dog behavior. Couple the country in shelter innovation, adoptions, and being a great that with very small populations of potential adopters who are place to be a dog! n
President’s Post continued from page 4 year and I always come away enthusiastic for the future of our profession. Our recent graduates in the program are eager to de- velop their skills to bring their leadership to a higher level, recog- nizing that these skills are just as helpful in their personal lives as in their as professional roles. The profession overall is recognizing the need to help our new graduates develop their skills to be suc- cessful in the work environment after graduation, and I am proud that CVMA has been an early adopter of the Power of Ten program. My hope is that we can have multiple Power of Ten programs run- ning simultaneously, as all of us can benefit from the lessons re- gardless of how long we have been in the profession. This is my last letter to our membership as president of CVMA. Serving in this role has been an absolutely wonderful experience for me thanks to our great members and fantastic CVMA staff. We often hear what a great organization CVMA is, and I can con- Serving Colorado’s veterinarians firm first hand that the accolades are absolutely true. Our profes- for more than 15 years. sion is facing many challenges and it is refreshing to work with so many people dedicated to finding workable, practical solutions to help our members be successful and to advance the level of animal care and welfare in our state. Colorado is an amazing state CVMA Endorsed Benefits Provider for your for animals, thanks to all of you. I look forward to seeing you employee benefits and insurance needs. at meetings in the future and to contributing as past-president. Thanks so much for all of your support of CVMA! n Find insurance resources for CVMA members on our website at www.bigroupinc.com/cvma. Call 303.645.4709 to learn how BIG Inc can serve you.
PAGE 14 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE OF NOTE
AVMA District IX Report to CVMA Economics Members: Late Summer 2014 Dr. Michael Dicks continues to do a great job in identification of the current economic realities of our profession. Last year I wrote Mike Whitehair, DVM about the various components of the 2013 U.S. Veterinary Work- Executive Board District IX force Study. We also discussed excess capacity at current pricing This report highlights some of the major areas of interest to our levels for services that consumers are willing to pay. This survey members. At times the challenges for our profession seem never is only a starting point and must be followed by more surveys to ending, but then so are the opportunities for success. First, we develop accuracy of information in making conclusions about the need to determine what the member’s needs are. The next step economic health of our profession. Dr. Dicks told a group of gradu- is ranking of those findings, followed by a marketing plan and en- ating veterinary students that “The opportunities open to you in this hanced communication. This requires prioritization of appropriate rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world dwarf what financial resources to achieve our goals. was available only a few decades ago. Major trends such as global climate change, globalization, increased mobility of labor, and in- Strategy Management Process creased need for animal protein, have created enormous opportuni- The Performance Survey is a critical component in helping the ties for you. You may well be, and I have good reason to believe that Association gather member feedback for use in developing the you are, the most prepared and knowledgeable class of veterinary AVMA strategic plan for 2015–2017. This survey is designed to professionals yet produced. This is great news because preparation identify the major service areas that, through improved focus and knowledge needed is greater today than in the past.” and effort, would improve member satisfaction. The AVMA has Conclusions retained the services of the LBL Group from Chicago to design, send out, collect, and provide analysis of the comments of our We must ask our respective veterinary organizations to hear our members. The survey included questions about 11 major service voices, identify the challenges, and have plans of action and resources areas and 22 specific topics within these areas. Respondents in prioritized that benefit our members, our clients, and our patients. our association had the opportunity to indicate their level of ex- We need to stay vigilantly focused, as we continually refine our prod- pectations and performance for each major service area and their uct and produce meaningful, relevant results for our membership. level of satisfaction with the AVMA. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. n Ultimately, AVMA wants to dedicate time and resources to those areas that provide the most value to members. The survey information will be processed by a Strategy Management Core Team made up of volunteers, key stakeholders, and staff. They will draft statements that will contribute to updating our AVMA Vision, Mission, Values, Goals, and Key Result Areas (critical suc- cess factors). This process is ongoing with hope for final Executive Board approval in early 2015. Advocacy The staff at the Governmental Relations Division both in Wash- ington and in Schaumburg do a great job as our advocates at the national and state level. It remains one of the most important rea- sons to maintain membership in both the CVMA and the AVMA. HELP! We need and do have a voice in this arena. Critical cases happen at any time. That’s why we The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act has been signed into law, al- have Dr. Adam Grochowsky and Dr. Jennifer lowing us to provide needed veterinary healthcare outside the con- fines of our office or business when using controlled substances. The Campbell, DACVECC on our emergency & critical passage of the VMMA is a good example of listening to your con- care team. Working Friday thru Monday, Adam and cerns, making many legislative contacts, and getting the job done. Jennifer ensure the highest level of clinical support for New Veterinary Schools you, and care for your patients. I visited the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association earlier this 24-hour Emergency · Critical Care · Internal Medicine summer. In my two years as your Executive Board representative, Surgery · Oncology · Radiology/Ultrasound they have gone from zero to two schools in the state of Arizona. Acupuncture · Rehabilitation The continued addition of more graduates will provide new chal- Cardiology · Dermatology lenges for our profession. It is critical to our AVMA members that the highest standards are maintained for accreditation of all our 17701 Cottonwood Drive, Parker, CO 80134 new and existing veterinary institutions. (720) 842-5050 · (720) 842-5060 (FAX)
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 15 2014, Issue #3 OF NOTE
AVMA Update Resolution 3—Revised Policy on Pregnant Sow Housing was approved. Resolution 4—Revised Policy on Declawing of Domestic Cats was John R. Rule, DVM approved and now states that the decision to declaw a cat should AVMA Delegate be made by the owners with consultation with their veterinarian. The AVMA Convention was held in Denver in late July, and I Resolution 5—Revised Policy of Judicious Therapeutic Use of must say, Colorado was definitely in the limelight! Dr. Ted Cohn Antimicrobials was approved. was installed as the President of the AVMA. Dr. Melanie Marsden Resolution 6—Revised Policy on Veterinary Dentistry stated that was elected to the House of Delegates House Advisory Commit- dentistry, oral medicine and surgery should be performed with tee, and our Executive Director, Mr. Ralph Johnson, received the anesthesia and radiology under direct supervision of a licensed 2014 AVMA Humane Award. Congratulations to all of them. veterinarian. This was approved. The following amendments and resolutions were voted on dur- Resolution 7—Revised Policy on Pregnant Sow Housing was with- ing the House of Delegates meeting. More in-depth coverage of drawn by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the HOD is available in JAVMA. was basically a duplicate of Resolution 3. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 2—AVMA Mission Statement and Resolution 8—Revised Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics was Objectives was referred to the Executive Board for return to the referred to the Executive Board for return to the HOD at the HOD in January 2015. 2015 Winter Session. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 3—Council on Veterinary Research was Resolution 9—Interest Rate on Veterinary Student Loans passed approved. and is trying to get the loan interest rate reduced. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 4—House of Delegates was defeated and would have changed how delegates are elected. The new AVMA President-Elect is Dr. Joseph Kinnarney and the AVMA Vice President is Dr. Rebecca Stinson. Next Year’s AVMA Proposed Bylaws Amendment 5—Executive Board amendment stated Convention will be held in Boston, July 10-14. that the changes in term limits from six years to four would apply to Executive Board members elected after the close of the 2014 Please contact Dr. Rule, Dr. Marsden, or Dr. Cohn with your HOD Annual Session. This amendment was approved. AVMA concerns. n I-131 Therapy in Colorado Springs The Gold Standard of Care for Feline Hyperthyroidism It’s a Deal. I’ll herd the sheep
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New PACFA Rule Effective July 31 separated by license category to 39 pages all inclusive with special requirements for unique situations identified in their own sec- Kate N. Anderson, DVM tion. The new format will allow us to produce a check sheet that PACFA Program Veterinarian should help facility owners follow along during inspection. We State Veterinarian’s Office will be posting a copy of the check sheet online. Some significant changes were made to fees for licenses for the first time in five The Colorado Department of Agriculture Animal Health divi- years; changes were also made in enclosure sizes and flooring sur- sion is responsible for administering the Pet Animal Care Facility faces for dogs; the definitions have been clarified to help under- Act (PACFA). The mission of PACFA is to protect the health and stand the license requirements; and we have included some basic welfare of pet animals while they reside in pet care facilities in sanitation and supervision regulations for swimming pools. Colorado. This is achieved through educating facility owners, moni- In all, the rule has been cleaned up and language has been clari- toring facility standards with routine inspections, and responding fied to make interpretation and enforcement more transparent. to complaints or inquiries by the public with investigations. The This review resulted in the repeal and re-enactment of a new set program also strives to provide leadership in establishing acceptable of regulations. The rule became effective July 31, 2014, and can standards of care and treatment throughout the pet care industry. be found at . PACFA employs one veterinary supervisor, two administrative www.colorado.gov/ag/animals/pacfa The final upgrade for the program came in June with the launch assistants, and four full-time inspectors with revenue from li- of a new software system that will maintain the demographic and cense fees. The inspection territories include Northern Colorado, inspection data for the program in a user-friendly manner. The sys- Southwestern Colorado, Southeastern Colorado, and Central tem will also be compatible with the e-licensing program that will Colorado, respectively. The operational territories are being re- be online for the department in the next few years. considered with the addition of a fifth inspector as a result of the The program is encouraged by the success of the businesses we 2014 sunset review. serve and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellent While enforcing PACFA, the inspectors work closely with service with an eye toward industry changes and the concern for other agencies including federal animal care inspectors, local animal welfare. n animal care and control agencies, and county code enforcement officers. We also frequently interact with regulated professional groups, industry organizations, humane groups, and other con- Award Winning Architecture cerned individuals. The Department of Agriculture through PACFA is dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of those animals in pet care facilities. This last year has been busy with several projects culmi- nating in June and July, including a sunset review of the program by the State’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The report submitted by DORA can be found at www.colorado.gov. The outcome of the yearlong review resulted in several changes to the statute, including a rule making requirement for source disclo- sure of pets to prospective buyers, rabies information dissemina- tion to pet buyers and adopters, required reporting by inspectors of suspected animal neglect, clarification of license denial for those convicted of animal cruelty, and the addition of another full time inspector. The final act, which continues the program for another five years, was signed by the Governor on June 6, 2014. The PACFA staff had been working since October 2012 to re- view the current regulation to improve wording in the definitions for clarification, to remove redundant language, and to amend the language in some sections to clarify the requirements. The new format will be based on the species of animal rather than on the type of facility. These rule revisions comply with the Governor’s executive order for state agencies to periodically review regula- tions to ensure they are effective, efficient, and essential. The rule architecture • animals • people change process started with advisory committee discussions and included 23 meetings and conference calls with advisory commit- tee members, members of industry representative groups, and 800.332.4413 the general public. The first thing you will notice is the rule is much more con- www.animalarts.biz solidated and easier to follow. We have gone from 126 pages
PAGE 18 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Issuing Health Certificates via the iPad device, printed or emailed to the client, and then, when the user gets back to an internet connection, the CVI is automatically sent Nick Striegel, DVM, MPH to our office. The advantages for veterinarians, producers, and Assistant State Veterinarian the State Veterinarian’s Office are that the iCVI App provides ac- Colorado Department of Agriculture – Animal Health curate, legible, and real-time livestock movement information Division that forms the foundation of the State’s animal health and disease control programs. There is a new way to approach the age-old veterinary process IIAD is working closely with state animal health officials and of moving animals across state lines—an iPad application is now practicing veterinarians to make ongoing improvements to the available to food animal, equine, and small animal veterinarians application, and intends to make the iCVI compatible with other for issuing a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). The live- mobile platforms beside the iPad. stock industry has changed and the practice of veterinary medi- We look forward to working collaboratively with practicing cine is changing along with it. At the State Veterinarian’s Office veterinarians as we move forward in developing new capabilities within the Colorado Department of Agriculture, we know we in the practice of veterinary medicine. If you are interested in cannot continue to operate in the field of regulatory veterinary knowing more about how you and your practice can get started medicine like our predecessors did, so we welcome the introduc- with the iCVI application for issuing health certificates, please tion of the iCVI app! call the State Veterinarian’s Office at the Colorado Department of The iCVI iPad app was developed by the Institute for Infectious Agriculture at 303.869.9130. n Animal Diseases (IIAD), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Center of Excellence, in partnership with the Texas Center for Applied Technology (TCAT), a part of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Sta- tion. The technology was developed as part of the business con- tinuity project funded by the DHS S&T Directorate Office of University Programs, and in close coordination and collaboration with state animal health officials (SAHOs) in Colorado and Kan- sas. The mobile application was modeled after and builds upon the eCVI PDF form developed by the SAHOs in these states. Daniel C. Flanscha The app is now being used in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colo- CFP®, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF rado, Utah, Montana, Vermont, Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee. President, Financial Advisor In addition, several additional states have expressed interest and are currently working with IIAD to actively enroll in the system. [email protected] “The app was designed to provide veterinary practitioners with an easy-to-use mobile application that truly expands their toolbox of capabilities,” said Tammy Beckham, IIAD director. “The world is becoming increasingly more mobile,” said Keith Lifetime Economic Acceleration ProcessTM... Biggers, TCAT director for computing and information technol- ogy. “Having tools like iCVI can allow veterinary practitioners to ...assists you to handle and fill out these forms in a more convenient and expe- dited fashion even in the most remote settings.” Through a touch-screen iPad interface, animal health certifi- - Strategically position assets cates can be created and submitted, or, if no data connection - Utilize the flows of money is available, stored within the application for forwarding when - Improve effectiveness available. In addition to the mobile interface, end-users have the - Use the PS&G ModelTM - Analyze your present financial position ability to print paper-based forms directly from the app and au- - Integrate and coordinate assets tomatically and/or manually import CVIs into state animal health - Seek lower risk information systems.” - Improve protection against eroding factors Electronic methods to issue CVIs will improve animal disease 150 E. 29th Street, Suite 275 Office: (970) 461-0808 traceability in Colorado and across the nation. It will benefit the Loveland, Colorado 80538 www.LongsPeakFinancial.com livestock industry by mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks and give the Colorado Department of Agriculture increased capabili- Registered Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc. ties to respond to outbreaks efficiently and effectively. Veterinar- Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance representative of American United Life Insurance Company (AUL) and other insurance companies. Longs ians have found the iCVI application to be easy to use, even for Peak Financial is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities or AUL and is not a broker dealer those that don’t consider themselves to be tech-savvy. The nice or Registered Investment Advisor. thing about the iCVI App is that you don’t need an internet con- Neither OneAmerica Securities, Inc. nor its representatives provide tax or legal advice. For answers to your specific questions please consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor. nection to use it in the field. The CVI can be completed on the
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Zoonoses Update suspected exposure of a pet to rabid animals should be addressed by protocols according to local public health departments. Jennifer House, DVM State Public Health Veterinarian Plague Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) On July 8, CDPHE laboratory reported a presumptive positive case of plague in a human to the CDPHE epidemiology division; Rabies this was confirmed positive two days later. Testing at the Colo- From January 1 to July 25, there were 59 confirmed rabies cases rado State University Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed that the in animals tested by Colorado State University and CDPHE labo- patient’s pet dog had died of plague six days previously, three days ratories: 35 bats, 19 skunks, 2 raccoons, a fox, and 2 domestic before patient onset. During public health contact investigations cats. Of these, 39 were known or suspected of exposing 49 do- of both cases (human and dog), an additional three cases of human mestic animals and 29 humans. All positive skunks were collected plague were found. There was also one suspect cat fatality that from areas that have had skunk rabies in the past. One of the could not be tested for plague. The scientific information on pneu- raccoons is concerning due to the fact it was collected in an area monic plague and transmissibility directly from dogs is lacking. where skunk variant has not been previously identified, the Den- To our knowledge, there has been only one case of dog to ver Metro area. At the writing of this article, variant typed on the human transmission of plague anywhere in the world (China raccoon was still pending. 2009), and that one case was not definitively proven to have Although the total number of positive animals has decreased been transmitted from the dog (but is likely). In addition to the compared to the same time period in 2013, it does not indicate an unusual transmission source, it was also found that three of the actual reduction in risk to pets. In previous years, surveillance has four human cases did not demonstrate classic (severe) symp- been conducted when new areas have been infected with the skunk toms of plague infection, though they did have mild illness and variant; this activity was limited in the 2014 year. In the absence sero-conversion of antibody to Yersinia pestis. In response to these of variant typing knowledge (from the rabies positive raccoon events and a JAVMA publication released in May 2014 concerning located in the Denver Metro area), there is concern that the south- clinical disease in dogs, the Colorado plague guidance documents central skunk variant has moved further west and is putting pets for veterinarians were updated and can be found at https://www and people in that area at risk for rabies exposures. It is still very .colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/plague. n important to keep all pets current on their rabies vaccinations. Any Good at Heart
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CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 21 2014, Issue #3 IN PRACTICE
Helping Cat Owners Prevent and provide a tall cat condo so the cat can use the center post as a Deal with Destructive Clawing scratching surface. Or if your cat likes to scratch banisters or other wooden objects, consider anchoring a small tree limb Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CVJ and Dan Estep, PhD or log from the fireplace to some sort of stand so these ob- Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists jects become stable vertical surfaces that can be scratched. • Most cats like to claw surfaces that are easily shredded with Destructive clawing or scratching of inappropriate objects in the long claw strokes, but some like objects that catch their claws home is a common problem for cat owners. There are several dif- and facilitate more of a picking motion. So a scratching post ferent approaches to addressing the problem that don’t involve covered with a soft fabric where most of the fibers run verti- surgical alteration of the cat’s paws, and these are the ones we’ll cally will be attractive for many cats, while others like a post address. with sisal rope wound horizontally. Try to match the texture of Cat owners often don’t understand why their cats claw things, the surfaces your cat is clawing now that you want her to avoid. so helping to educate them is a big first step. Cat owners may first • Where a scratching post is located can make a big difference need to be reminded that because clawing is a perfectly natural in whether the cat uses it or not. The location may need to behavior for cats, rather than attempting to suppress it, their goal be a compromise between where your cat likes to claw and should be to direct the behavior onto appropriate objects. where you would prefer the scratching object to be. Don’t This behavior wellness approach of recognizing and facilitating expect a cat that wants to scratch after getting up from a nap healthy pet behaviors that are also acceptable to owners is one we in the living room to go to the basement to claw a scratch- wrote about in our article “Behavior Wellness Concepts for the ing post. Position the acceptable object very close to the General Veterinary Practice” way back in 2004. In that article, currently clawed surface, and then once your cat is using the we suggested behavior wellness plans should be created for most new surface reliably, gradually move the post a few inches a all normal pet behaviors that often present problems for owners. day until it is in a location acceptable to you both. Many of those prevention plans were included in one author’s • In addition to providing an acceptable (to you) object that (Hetts) book, Pet Behavior Protocols: What to Say, What to Do, When your cat likes, it is very important to make the off-limits to Refer (American Animal Hospital Association). clawed area unattractive for clawing. Try temporarily cover- Here are some recommendations you can make to your clients ing the area with double-sided tape, a sheet of sandpaper, or that will help them prevent or resolve a scratching problem. Pro- a plastic carpet runner until the new preferences are firmly viding good advice to kitten owners or owners of newly acquired established. older cats can greatly help prevent serious problems from devel- • You may need to put up several scratching posts in your oping. If the cat continues to engage in problem scratching despite house to accommodate your cat’s desire to claw or scratch in these recommendations, you may want to refer your client to a multiple locations. behavior consultant who has experience working with cats. • Your veterinarian can help reduce the damage caused by • Scratching is a normal behavior for cats that serves several clawing by showing you how to clip your cat’s claws (dulling functions. First, scratching is the way cats maintain claw the points) without hurting your cat, or can apply (or show health by removing the dead outer sheath of the claw. Sec- you how to) soft caps on the ends of your cat’s claws that will ond, it’s a communicative behavior that leaves visual and minimize damage. olfactory marks on the clawed surface (cats have scent glands • NEVER use any sort of physical correction to discourage your in their paws). We don’t know exactly what cats are commu- cat’s unwanted scratching. This will create more problems nicating through this marking behavior, but they seem to do and won’t help your cat develop acceptable scratching habits. it at prominent places in their environment, such as the cor- Don’t take your cats paws and make her do scratching move- ner of the couch in the living room. Even cats without their ments on the post. She doesn’t need you to teach her how to claws will still make the clawing movements with their legs scratch. It will be unpleasant for her and may make her fearful and paws, resulting in scent marking. of you and cause her to avoid the very object you want her • Cats can learn to claw some objects, like a scratching post, to scratch. If at all possible, avoid confining your cat to small and avoid others, such as the corner of the couch, but to ac- areas (to prevent access to off-limit objects) while you are try- complish this you must know your cat’s preferences and cater ing to teach her to use a new scratching post. Excessive con- to them. These preferences are what you want to accommo- finement usually causes distress because your cat’s behavioral date with the objects you provide for your cats to scratch. needs for social contact, exercise and play can’t be met. • Most cats like to claw vertical surfaces, such as couch arms If you’d like to have this information in the form of a client and drapes, but some like to claw horizontal surfaces, includ- handout you can customize for your practice, please visit http:// ing rugs or carpets. Some cats like both. A vertical scratching catbehaviorhelp.com/cat-scratching-handout/. n post and a horizontal box with a cut cardboard surface might work for those cats. Some cats prefer vertical surfaces that Reference are taller than many commercial scratching posts, so they can Hetts, S., Heinke, M.L., and D.Q. Estep, 2004. “Behavior wellness con- stretch their legs and body fully while scratching. In this case, cepts for the general veterinary practice.” JAVMA 225 (4): 506–513.
PAGE 22 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE IN PRACTICE
Veterinary Client Satisfaction in The most important factor (with a score of 74%) was a veteri- Colorado: Relationships Are More narian who was “interested in the wellbeing of their pet.” This Important Than Price was followed closely by a veterinarian with “excellent medical knowledge” (68%), and third on the list was a veterinarian that Darren Osborne, MA “explains things thoroughly” at 42%. Some veterinarians will argue that the second most important Relationships are more important than price. Back in 1995, factor, “excellent medical knowledge,” is not a relationship issue. AAHA conducted a survey that showed relationship issues were But unless the client is an animal health professional and knows more important than price when pet owners were selecting a everything about veterinary medicine, the client’s perception of veterinarian. Later surveys showed, in order of priority, clients how excellent a doctor’s medical knowledge is really is based on across the U.S. wanted a veterinarian that was interested in the relationship issues. Factors like how they were greeted, whether wellbeing of the pet, had excellent medical knowledge, and ex- the veterinarian listened attentively, and what staff was wearing plained things thoroughly. Everything else, including price, was are more important than how their veterinarian ranked in their less important. Almost 20 years later, in the shadow of the great graduation class. recession, relationship issues are still more important than price In a distant fourth place with 29% of the vote was “services are for pet owners in Colorado. reasonably priced.” “Price” was half as important as, “interested When the results from the AAHA survey were released, there in pet’s wellbeing,” and barely one percent higher than “comfort- was a general feeling by many veterinarians that the results did ing to my pet.” Simply put, price is low on the list of priorities. This not reflect the attitude of their clients. “My clients are different,” is good news considering many pet owners are still feeling the was the message researchers were told again and again by veteri- effects of the economic crisis five years ago. For many pet own- narians. Veterinarians in private practice argued that they knew ers, housing prices are still depressed, the availability of credit their clients better because they were on the front lines. They is not like it used to be, and wages are fighting to keep up with argued that their clients were more sensitive to the level of fees inflation. In the face of all that, relationships are more important than those in the AAHA survey. They were wrong. than price. Fast forward 19 years. CVMA member hospitals were offered Rounding out the top ten factors were “location” and “friendly a chance to survey their own clients on their attitudes toward staff” tied for sixth place, “hours of operation” in eighth place, veterinary medicine. The survey, provided by OVMA, included “exceptionally clean hospital” in ninth, and “prompt service” com- a question similar to the 1995 AAHA survey to determine what ing in last with only 6%. The bottom five factors are less impor- factors were important to their clients when choosing a veterinar- tant to clients but should not be discounted. The focus should be ian or veterinary hospital. The survey was conducted online with on what factors are most important. hospitals choosing from two different distribution methods. They Veterinarians who want to improve their standing with new could either hand a random sample of clients a bookmark with an and existing clients need to focus on showing clients they are in- invitation to complete the survey online or hospitals could email terested in the wellbeing of their pet, working with staff to show an invitation to their clients with a link to the online survey. Par- they have excellent medical knowledge, and taking the time to ticipating hospitals were given a report that showed how their cli- explain things to clients. If these three factors are in shape, there ents’ attitudes compared with the average in the state. is room to increase fees. Preliminary results from the CVMA Client Satisfaction survey, The last 20 years have seen a lot of changes in veterinary medi- representing 435 clients in 6 companion animal hospitals (gener- cine and even more challenges to the economic prosperity of pet ally accurate to 3.7%, 19 times out of 20) show conclusively that owners. Through all of this, pet owners’ relationship with their relationship issues are more important than price. veterinarian continues to trump price. When clients in Colorado veterinary hospitals were asked to choose the three most important factors in selecting a veterinar- CVMA has partnered with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association— ian or veterinary hospital, they chose relationship issues first. which has, for more than 20 years, undertaken cutting-edge management studies of veterinary practices in Canada—to provide CVMA Performance Analytics that are part of our economic and personal wellbeing initiative Most Important Factors in Choosing a Veterinarian for Colorado veterinarians. Darren Osborne is the OVMA Director of Eco- Colorado VMA Client Sa8sfac8on Survey nomic Research. n
Interested in pet's well-‐being 74% Excellent medical knowledge 68% Explains things thoroughly 42% Services are reasonably priced 29% ComforGng to pet 28% Conveniently located 21% Friendly staff 21% Convenient hours of operaGon 12% ExcepGonally clean hospital 7% Prompt service 6%
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 23 2014, Issue #3 IN PRACTICE
What Did Your Receptionist Just Say?!? Wendy S. Myers Communication Solutions for Veterinarians During a mystery phone shopper call about a spay, I asked the receptionist why preanesthetic testing was necessary. She replied, “To make sure your pet’s liver and kidneys could process the an- esthesia, and so we don’t have any problems with her crashing on the operation table.” A prospective client might wonder how often pets crash and reply, “Oh no, thanks for the information. Bye.” This shocking service experience should alert the practice owner that his front-desk team needs immediate phone-skills training so they can accurately describe services and attract new clients daily. Here are real-life horrors we’ve heard during 15 years of mystery shopper calls to veterinary hospitals—and how to correct them. veterinarian each month.2 Client care coordinators should be “Once we send pets home from surgery, we don’t want trained on how to quote frequently shopped services, including to take away all of their pain. I know that sounds really exams, vaccines, spays, and neuters. mean. If they’re not hurting, they’re going to be run- ning and jumping up on everything. If they have a little “Do you have a pen? The exam would be $50. The bit of pain, it slows them down.” distemper-Parvo vaccine will run you $15. Bordetella Promote how you proactively manage pain so pets will experience vaccine is $11.55. The rabies vaccine is $13.25. If you comfort while recovering: “A spay is similar to a hysterectomy for want to recheck the fecal because your puppy had women. That’s why we include pain-relief medication, and we will hookworms, add $14.65.” send you home with ongoing medication for a restful recovery.” Instead of confusing a caller with itemized prices, state the total or a range. Use a quick-reference guide such as customized Phone “We’re really busy right now. Can I call you later?” Shopper Flash Cards that provide questions to ask phone shop- The phone shopper will hang up and immediately dial another pers, scripts to describe services, and lists of your prices (www hospital with an employee who can invest 5 to 7 minutes to answer .csvets.com/books/). questions, quote prices, and book an appointment or surgery. If you are busy, say “Are you able to hold for a moment? We will be “That’s the doctor’s decision on how many distemper happy to provide information and answer your questions.” Cross- shots he wants to give, depending on the age of the dog.” train receptionists, technicians, and managers on how to convert Veterinarians should set protocols for the frequency of pediat- phone shoppers into new clients and provide sample scripts and ric exams and core vaccines. Develop written standards of care scenarios (training and webinars available at www.csvets.com). and explain them during staff meetings where employees can ask questions. Create guidelines for front-office staff that ex- “Do you want to make an appointment, or are you still plain which services are delivered at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. calling around checking prices?” Download the AAHA-AVMA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines at A Communication Solutions for Veterinarians’ phone survey www.aahanet.org/Library/PreventiveHealthcare.aspx. of 3,000 calls to U.S. and Canadian veterinary clinics found 53 percent of receptionists failed to ask phone shoppers to book “That would be something you would need to talk with appointments.1 Your goal is to turn every inquiry into a new cli- a doctor about. I’m just a receptionist.” ent. Don’t just provide information and hang up. Confidently ask This was the employee’s answer to a caller’s question about pre- for the appointment, offering the next two available times. Use venting intestinal parasites because the puppy had worms when the two-yes-options technique and say, “When would you like to adopted. The caller heard, “I don’t know anything and I can’t help schedule your pet’s exam? We can see you today at 2:00 PM or you.” Have pharmaceutical representatives provide parasite train- tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Which better fits your schedule?” ing to employees twice a year so they can confidently explain products and how to protect patients. Say, “During your puppy’s “I can’t quote prices for surgeries. You’ll have to leave first exam, you’ll receive a free dose of heartworm preventive a voicemail message for a technician, who will call that also protects him from intestinal parasites. Your puppy will you back.” continue to take monthly preventatives for ongoing protection.” Besides demonstrating a lack of confidence in front-desk employ- ees to callers, your hospital will lose opportunities to acquire “I don’t know what to tell you about what veterinarians new clients. The caller will contact the next hospital that can do for a spay. I’ve never seen one.” provide information now. To sustain a healthy, growing practice, a This client service representative had never been invited to ven- veterinary hospital needs 25 new clients per full-time-equivalent ture beyond the front desk. As part of new employee orientation, Continued on next page
PAGE 24 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE
Continued from previous page have receptionists rotate through the lab, pharmacy, treatment area, and surgical suite. Letting non-medical personnel observe surgeries will give them confidence when describing services over the phone. An unsure receptionist should say, “That’s a great question. Let me find out the answer for you. Are you able to hold for a moment?” “We will hook your pet up to a pulse oximeter and elec- Let us help turn your trocardiogram during surgery.” Explain monitoring in easy-to-understand terms, avoiding medi- receivables into revenue! cal jargon that makes the surgery sound expensive and scary. Say, “We’ll monitor your pet’s heart rate, level of oxygen in the blood, and body temperature during surgery.” No collec�on fee unless we collect Veterinarians and managers should routinely listen to phone shopper calls to gauge the level of service and accuracy of in- The most respected collecƟon law rm in formation that callers receive. Also provide ongoing training to enhance phone skills. An educated receptionist with a Golden Colorado Retriever personality will quickly grow your business. n Contact Mia for more informa�on (303) 872‐1897 2250 South Oneida Street, Suite 303 References Denver, CO 80224 1. Data on file. Communication Solutions for Veterinarians Inc. www.vincilaw.com 2. Glassman, G. “Q&A: When to add an associate to your team.” Veterinary Economics: March 2010. Accessed at http://veterinary business.dvm360.com/vetec/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=660456 on 06/09/14.
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CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 25 2014, Issue #3 IN PRACTICE
10 Things the Veterinarian Peer Health 9. PAS/VPHAP provides a practice monitor training for vet- Assistance Program Can Do for You erinarians who are passionate about their practice and are and Your Practice interested in giving back to their community. In addition to practice monitor training, PAS can provide a list of veteri- Katherine Garcia, MA, CAC III, Case Manager, Veterinarian narian practice monitors around the state who have been Peer Health Assistance Program approved by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. 10. Veterinary practices around the state can access the PAS Donna Strickland, MS, RN, PHMCNS-BC, CSP, Clinical Workplace Prevention Services program, at no cost, for Services Director management consulting and drug free workplace policy development. The Department of Regulatory Agencies contracts with Peer Assistance Services, Inc. (PAS) to provide the Veterinarian Peer For additional information or to access any of the confiden- Health Assistance Program (VPHAP) for veterinarians in Colo- tial services listed above, contact Peer Assistance Services Inc., rado. This program was created in statute with the mandate to Veterinarian Peer Health Assistance Program at 303.369.0039 protect the public and assist veterinarians with health issues af- or www.peerassist.org. n fecting their practice. A veterinarian could be referred to the program by a friend, family member, colleague, supervisor, self, or the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine. The program provides assessment, referral, and monitoring for veterinarians throughout the state. PAS offers services at no cost to licensed veterinarians as well as veterinary students or veterinary technicians on a fee for service basis who have concerns about personal wellness, stress management, burnout, compassion fatigue, alcohol or drug use, mental health concerns, and more. All of PAS’ services are confidential. Here are some ways the VPHAP can help you and your practice: 1. PAS/VPHAP will conduct a comprehensive bio-psycho- social assessment to determine issues that may be troubling an individual and affecting their safety to practice. 2. Following the assessment, an individualized plan will be cre- ated to assist the veterinarian in the recovery process related to physical, emotional, psychological, or substance use. 3. PAS/VPAHP can offer short term problem resolution ser- vices which consists of up to three individual sessions (at no cost) with a licensed or certified professional or social worker to address any other issues that may be troubling. 4. PAS/VPHAP can provide monitoring of individuals strug- gling with behavioral health issues which may be affecting safety to practice. 5. PAS/VPHAP can provide counseling and support for the family of any veterinarian referred to the program and to treatment. 6. PAS/VPHAP can provide an individual or a veterinary prac- tice with community resources related to behavioral health and/or employment issues. 7. PAS/VPHAP can come to your practice/clinic and provide educational presentations to you and your staff on behav- ioral health issues that may affect the practice of veterinary medicine such as substance use, mental health disorders, and compassion fatigue. 8. PAS/VPAHP can provide consultation to your practice and staff around how to discuss potential impairment with a supervisor, co-worker, or staff member and how to get them help.
PAGE 26 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 JOIN US IN october RENO- TAHOE 8 – 12 Buy one full AT conference PEPPERMILL RESORT, SPA, CASINO registration and you will receive the second registration at BOGOBOGO1/2 PRICE! Registrations must be processed at the same time. Discount applies to the lesser value registration.
For more information or to register for the 2014 Wild West Veterinary Conference please visit: www.WildWestVC.com email [email protected] or call 1-877-978-7084 2014, Issue #3 CVMA NEWS
Auxiliary to the CVMA: Canine Projects Donna Duvall Ostwald CVMA Auxiliary, Canine Projects Chairman As the Canine Projects Chair, I work with two organizations that provide service dogs to those in need: Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Freedom Service Dogs of America. Many of you are familiar with CCI as frequent guest speakers at the Shirley Clark Project Auction at the CVMA convention in the past. This year, however, representatives from Freedom Service Dogs of America were our special guests and shared the great work that their organization does as well. Freedom Service Dogs of America is a local organization head- quartered in Englewood, Colorado. What makes them unique is that they rescue dogs from Colorado animal shelters. Once they adopt good candidates, they train them, which can take seven months to a year. The dogs are then placed with a client. Recently, I visited their facility and talked with Sharan Wilson, their execu- tive director. Sharan told me that last year they were able to place 31 dogs, but they have a waiting list of over 50 people. A third of their clients are disabled veterans suffering from various brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorders. The remaining clients are people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord Because of the terrific support of all of you who donate to the injuries, autism, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. The Shirley Clark Project Auction, I was able to present $6,000 to exciting news is that their capital fundraising campaign is going Freedom Service Dogs of America on behalf of the CVMA Aux- well; they are hoping to break ground on a new five-acre facility iliary. Your generous donations will enable the Auxiliary to con- in October. This new facility will allow them to house and train tinue to fund several projects throughout the year, continuing our more dogs, resulting in more placements in the coming years. mission to promote the veterinary profession. n
VPI Thanks CVMA Members for District Visits Rebecca Rose, CVT Thank you for attending the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association’s 2014 District Visits! You and your colleagues showed up in record numbers to meet Dr . Erin Epperly and greet Ralph Johnson . VPI was happy to sponsor the meetings again this year and have an opportunity to speak on behalf of VPI’s Preventive & Wellness Services (P&WS) . To recap the summer’s tour, over 250 CVMA members attended one of the 16 dinners, allowing Dr . Epperly’s entourage to present on a variety of topics . She covered upcoming continuing education opportunities, mentoring, and the impor- tance of CVMA’s Send-a-Student program and the Power of Ten Leadership Academy . Ralph recapped the overwhelming support and benefits of 9PetCheck, the 2014 legislative session, and what to anticipate in 2015 in regards to upcoming issues . Rebecca Rose, CVT, VPI’s Field Consultant, offered resources from Partners for Healthy Pets (www .partners forhealthypet org),. and highlighted the benefits to the pet, pet owner, and veterinary hospital of Pet Wellness Plans . This year’s District Visits were a resounding success, connecting with loyal CVMA members and embracing new mem- bers . VPI is honored to sponsor the dinner gatherings and looks forward to partnering with CVMA in the future . To learn more about VPI’s Preventive & Wellness Services (P&WS) visit www vpipaws. com. or contact P&WS Specialist, Sharon Burns, at sburns@petinsurance com. .
PAGE 28 | CVMA Voice 2014:3 CVMA VOICE CVMA NEWS
Welcome New CVMA James Hartley Edward Haught, District 14 Members! DVM Wendy Heather Elbert DVM Colorado State University ~ 2012 Fourmile Veterinary Clinic LLC Please help us welcome these new CVMA Oklahoma State University ~ 2014 members to the association. David Albert Molinas DVM PetAid Animal Hospital Tom Evan Wendel DVM Mack T. Bischoff DVM Ross University School of Veterinary Wendel Veterinary Services Colorado State University ~ 1967 Medicine Texas A&M University Dallas Dean Caster DVM Allison S. Woolston DVM Auburn Animal Clinic CHTD District 15 District 7 Peter Maguire DVM, DACVIM, MS Allison Marie Forbes DVM Specialty Veterinary Care Colorado State University ~ 2014 Kelly G. Morand DVM Brown Veterinary Hospital Colorado State University Donald Wilson Merryman VMD Colorado State University ~ 1988 Melissa Ann Molinaro DVM Animal Clinic of Whiteford Redstone Veterinary Hospital 1963 District 12 Kenneth Scott Summers DVM Robert A. Mezger, DVM James Kenneth Morrow, DVM Kansas State University ~ 1978 All Pets Center Texas A&M University ~ 1975 Kansas State University ~ 2004 Kelly O’Brien District 13 Banfield Pet Hospital Melody L. Quammen CVT Patrick Hurm Sanchez DVM San Juan Veterinary Clinic Inc. Colorado State University ~ 2014 Mart D. Westbrook DVM Banning Veterinary Hospital District 3 Christine Ann Appel DVM Colorado State University ~ 1997 Taking Payments, Lauren W. Sandberg DVM Colorado State University ~ 1971 Anywhere District 4 Dale V. Hansen, DVM Colorado State University ~ 1967 In my business, I District 5 have to be able to Jennifer Lea Garner DVM accept payments VCA Allpets Animal Hospital of Lafayette however my customers want Harvey D. Shaffer DVM to pay. Longmont Small Animal Hospital Ent's payment processing solution Colorado State University ~ 1973 is flexible and affordable. So now, Payment whether I’m in the office or out on District 6 a call, I can accept payments – Processing anywhere. Ann Brandenburg-Schroeder, DVM Services Beside Still Water Colorado State University ~ 1980 Contact a John C. Burkhartsmeyer DVM Business Banker Littleton Veterinary Clinic today! Colorado State University ~ 1976 (719) 574-1100 ext. 6770 or Jean Carol Hofve DVM 800-525-9623 ext. 6770 Ent.com/PaymentProcessing Colorado State University ~ 1994 Equal Housing Lender | Federally insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender © Ent Federal Credit Union, 2014 | Ent is a registered trademark of Ent Federal Credit Union.
CVMA Voice 2014:3 | PAGE 29 5640 County Line Place ~ Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-740-9595 Open 24/7/365 Emergency Services ~ Critical Care ~ Surgery ~ Oncology Neurology ~ Dentistry ~ Internal Medicine Veterinary Oncology Erin Arnold, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) v Electrochemotherapy* v Chemotherapy v Cytology v Biopsy v Digital X-Ray v CT Scan v Ultrasound v Pain Management * Alternative to radiation therapy, an adjuvant to surgery and the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors.
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