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Have you registered for the 2005 ACVIM Forum?
Register now to attend the 23rd Annual ACVIM Forum, in Baltimore, Maryland! Deadline for online registration is May 11, 2005.

We know you're proud to be a VINner, so ...
We have created client brochures and web site logos that will help you educate your clients about why being a VIN Member helps you help them and their pets. Click the I'm A VINner link in VINdex (Front Page > right hand column) to access these resources.

The client brochure is designed to help your clients understand how your VIN membership demonstrates your commitment to life-long learning and the highest quality of care. It also highlights VeterinaryPartner.com, where your client can go to learn more about a health issue concerning their pet from a source you trust -- VIN.

Results of the VIN - AAHA 2005 Practice Management Software Survey.
Almost 2,000 practice owners, associate veterinarians and office staff completed the survey and met the criteria to be included in the survey results. Click to view the survey results.


New Articles On VeterinaryPartner.com:

Texas Farm Bureau:



Oesophageal Strictures in Cats Associated with Doxycycline Therapy
In all cases, the predominant clinical sign was regurgitation, which developed at variable times after doxycycline administration. Balloon dilation was successful in the three cases that were treated. Caution should be exercised when administering oral medication to cats, especially doxycycline, and should be accompanied either by a water or food swallow.

Treatment of Localized Lesions of Canine Atopic Dermatitis with Tacrolimus Ointment: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
When tacrolimus was applied, lesions decreased by 50% or greater in 15/20. In contrast, this benchmark was not reached for any placebo-treated feet. Adverse drug events consisted of minor irritation in some lesional areas treated with tacrolimus.

Clinical, Pathological and Immunohistochemical Study of Feline Mammary Fibroepithelial Hyperplasia Following A Single Injection of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Feline mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia (FMFH) following a single injection of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was observed in eight intact young queens.

Epidemiologic Features of Campylobacter Infection Among Cats in the Upper Midwestern United States
Campylobacter organisms were cultured from 37 of the 152 (24%) fecal samples. No association between Campylobacter shedding and clinical signs of disease was identified.



Making Presurgical Blood Testing Mandatory?
If you approach pre-anesthetic testing as optional, why are you complaining that some clients opt out? Declining is an option! OTOH, if you feel that the testing is essential, that is how you present and price it.

Is Propofol Induction Safer/Better Than Ketamine/Diazepam?
The therapeutic index of propofol is very very very narrow. It is scary how little difference there is between the LD50 and ED50. So, you can kill 'em right quick with propofol. I call it an expensive euth solution. But, having said that, used properly, propofol is a very safe, effective drug.

Associate Compensation Based On Money Collected?
If you are worried about a loose cannon doing a lot of work that will be uncollectable, just add the phrase "Compensation will be based on billings." If the employee doesn't pay attention to the collectability of client, then he pays. One percent is the national average.

Diabetic With Enterococcus UTI And Possible Cushing's Disease
Are you familiar with the problem with Enterococcus? It's unusual, in that it's not sensitive to what it appears to be sensitive to on the MICs. If it says it's sensitive to Clavamox, then use that, using it TID instead of BID, and treat for at least 6 weeks. Actually, I culture while on the antibiotics for 1 week, to make sure it's going negative. If so, then keep going for the 5 more weeks. Then, culture again (via cysto) when off antibiotics 1 week later, then 1 month later, then every 3-4 months.

 

Sunday Rounds - NO Rounds!
Sunday, May 8, NO Rounds
It's Mother's Day in the USA. Spend some quality time with your mom... and for you moms, have a wonderful day!

Virtual Coffeehouse
Tuesday, May 10, 9:30 pm ET
Had any unusual cases lately? Stop by and share!
This Week's Rounds Schedule -- use the Coffeehouse link to join the discussion.

How To Use VIN: Part 2
Wednesday, May 11, 9:30 pm ET
Learn how to use VIN's Message Boards. Email Nate@VIN.com for more information about this free, three-part course.

Recent Rounds

  • Liver Biopsies
  • Arterial Thromboembolism In Cats
  • Obesity in Cats
  • Buying Or Selling A Practice


  • Abstract Of The Week:
    ProHeart 6 as a Heartworm Adulticide in 4 Ferrets

    What's Your Diagnosis?
    * Adrenalectomy: Post-Op Problems
    * Case Archives

    Website Of The Week:
    Melanoma Vaccine Information, and More ...

    Book Review:
    Small Animal Ophthalmic Surgery: Practical Techniques For The Veterinarian
    Order this book from the VIN Store.

    eVetsites Tip of the Week:
    Domain Names

    Upcoming Conferences
    Looking to attend -- or contribute a paper to -- a veterinary conference? Check out the On The Road With VIN folder, or the Press Releases folder, to see what conferences are coming up and to visit their web sites! Links to information about upcoming conferences include: IAAAM, and ACVIM.

    From the Boards:
    * Improving My Dental Care
    * Trans-Sinus Pinning
    * Killer Clot
    * Vet Med Is Changing



    Challenges Facing the Receptionist/Front Office Staff Member (Intermediate Receptionist/Front Office Skills)
    Click to change the image (CEImage)

    • Seeking ways to improve productivity and efficiency at your practice?
    • Need to hone your staff's skills with handling unhappy or demanding clients?
    • Looking for tips on maintaining a smooth patient flow in and out of the exam room while staying on schedule?
    • Does your staff know how to market the doctor's recommendations since clients value their expertise?

    VSPN CE can help!

    VSPN's Challenges Facing the Receptionist/Front Office Staff Member CE course can unify your front desk staff and help to create a loyal clientele that will assure compliance with the doctor's recommendations. Your front desk staff will attract new clients, solidify the current clients and generally improve productivity and efficiency in your veterinary practice along with handling the distressed client.

    Instructors:
    Phyllis Webster, AA, OM

    Dates: June 1 - June 30, 2005
    Interactive sessions: Monday evenings, June 6, 13, and 20; 9:30pm - 11:00pm ET

    CE Hours: 4.5 (RACE and VHMA approved)

    Tuition:
    $77 ($69.00 early bird special if registered before May 18, 2005).

    Required Textbook:
    The Veterinary Receptionist's Handbook
    This book can be purchased from the VIN bookstore.

    Recommended Text:
    Client Satisfaction Pays
    This book can be purchased from the VIN bookstore.

    Adjunct materials (Available from the VIN Bookstore):

    To Enroll: Visit Challenges Facing the Receptionist/Front Office Staff Member and click on the Enroll now link.


    VIN This Week Archives
    VIN This Week (VINTW) is an online newsletter to help VINners make more efficient use of the Veterinary Information Network.

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