The first session is this weekend. Visit the ACVS Rounds area for more information.

ECVIM Proceedings for 2002!
The ECVIM (2002) Proceedings are now available online for you. You'll can find a link in your VIN Library to go to the ECVIM Proceedings.
(PSST! If you are interested in attending ECVIM 2003, September 4 - 6, in Uppsala, Sweden, click the Register Now button on the proceedings page.)

Upgrades: The VIN server upgrade maintenance went well on Wednesday. We hope the short time VIN was unavailable did not unduly inconvenience anyone.

Prevalence of Enteric Pathogens in Dogs of North-Central Colorado
It is more likely that humans infected with Giardia or Cryptosporidium are infected from contaminated water or fomites rather than from direct contact with dogs. However, since both agents are associated with infection and disease in dogs and humans, and since microscopic examination cannot determine zoonotic potential of isolates, it seems prudent to assume all infected dogs are a potential zoonotic risk.

Juvenile Hyperthyroidism in a Cat
The changes seen in this cat's thyroid are most consistent with diffuse thyroid hyperplasia, a condition that has never before been reported to be associated with hyperthyroidism in the cat.

Update on Canine and Feline Heartworm Tests
Dogs currently receiving monthly heartworm preventatives rarely have microfilariae, even if adult worms are present, due to the microfilaricidal effects of the drugs. Therefore, filter and Knott's tests are not recommended for routine screening in these animals.

How Do You Get Started As A Relief Vet?
Much of the attraction is not straight dollars and cents. Today I am at home playing with my daughter. I get to see how other veterinarians do things. A few weeks ago I worked at a clinic that had some equipment I had never used before. In summary, I don't think relief work is the way to go if your income is the top priority. However, if you like variety and independence, and are comfortable with an associate level income, it may be for you.Much of the attraction is not straight dollars and cents. Today I am at home playing with my daughter. I get to see how other veterinarians do things. A few weeks ago I worked at a clinic that had some equipment I had never used before. In summary, I don't think relief work is the way to go if your income is the top priority. However, if you like variety and independence, and are comfortable with an associate level income, it may be for you.

Refractory Nasal LSA - Consider Radiation As An Option
Statistically, the population of cats that starts radiation and chemo at the same time does better than that group where radiation is used in a rescue setting, but I have had a few cats that were truly saved by radiation and became long term survivors. These tumors are highly RT-responsive, and -- depending on the oncologist -- they are frequently treated weekly or bi-weekly, so the side effects and total dose are most times much less problematic.

Refund Owner For Ferret's Bloodwork?
Today I get a letter from the owner demanding a refund of the bloodwork fee as she has done some research and "at least 4 of the 12 tests" could have been affected by the hemolysis. She wants a refund on her credit card.

Eastern U.S. time: Saturday, April 26, 2003, 10:00 PM

If your timezone isn't listed here, you may use this World TimeZone Chart to determine what time this session is in your part of the world!

All VINners are invited to attend this ACVS Rounds presented by Andrew Mackin DVSc, MVS, BVMS, Bsc, DipACVIM, FACVSc, DSAM.

Sunday Rounds
Sunday, April 27, 10:00 pm ET -
Join Linda Shell DVM, DACVIM and Katharine Lunn BVMS, MS, PhD, DACVIM for Internal Medicine Tidbits: Questions for You to Answer
Rounds Room

Virtual Coffeehouse
Tuesday, April 29, 9:30 pm ET -
How's life treating you? Stop by and vent!
Rounds Room

New Grad Rounds
Thursday, May 1, 10 pm ET -
Tonight, our special guests are three Iditarod veterinarians who will tell us all about the special needs of the participants in this famous sled dog race! Remember, you do NOT have to be a new grad to attend!
Rounds Room

Abstract Of The Week:
Antihistamines In Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Book Review:
Treatment Of Behavior Problems In Dogs And Cats: Second Edition

Website Of The Week:
National Board Examination, and more...

Recent Rounds
* Compensation & Benefits
* Understanding and Interpreting MICs
* Megaesophagus & Aspiration Pneumonia
* VIN Town Hall Meeting
* Equine Pediatric Orthopedics
* Financial Planning Strategies For Practice Owners

Survey of The Week Results:
* Imaging & Telemedicine
* Nasal Mites
* Euthanasia Procedures
* FATE
* Veterinary Career Survey, Part 1

From the Boards:
* Unusual Bloodtype, Siamese
* Ear Tips Bitten By Flies
* Demodex In Cats
* Dust Mites

Veterinary Support Personnel Network CE:
Basic Receptionist/Front Office Skills

• How do you train your receptionists and front office staff?
• Do you think there are issues that could be covered better or that you may have missed?

Your front office staff are the most important people in your practice! They are the first and last face your clients see. Improve your clients' perception of your clinic, and give your receptionists/front office staff the training you always wanted them to have. Make sure your front office staff is enrolled in VSPN CE's newest support staff course: Basic Receptionist/Front Office Skills.

This course is a great review for front office staff, receptionists, office managers, and practice managers.

Make sure your staff are registered members of VSPN (www.vspn.org, it's free!), then have them go to the course info page to ENROLL NOW.