Tails from a Vet Tech

In this episode, we chat with Robin Sarr, a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in nutrition. Robin shares evidence-based insights on pet nutrition, debunks myths, and discusses common issues. 

Educational Resources: 

• WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit
• Pet Nutrition Alliance
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
• Royal Canin Veterinary Case Consultation - USA
• Royal Canin Veterinary Portal - Case consultations, Slim Fit, Smart Reco, Daily Allowance Calculator (Canada)

Resources from Robin:

• Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition 1st Edition by  Robin Saar  (Author) and Sarah Dodd  (Author)
• The Microbiome and Nutrition - Article in Today's Veterinary Nurse

Robin Saar RVT, VTS(Nutrition) is a seasoned registered technologist with a Veterinary Technician Specialty in Nutrition. Her professional experience includes working in small and mixed animal practices as an RVT, and a Practice Manager, and she developed a nutrition program for a veterinary corporation. Robin is a peer-reviewed published author and recently completed the first dedicated textbook “Small Animal Microbiomes and Nutrition”. Robin is a Sr. Scientific Communication Technician with Royal Canin and volunteers on multiple animal nutrition organization boards. Robin is additionally completing her MSc in Animal Nutrition through Glasgow University. 

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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Join Tabitha and Dr. Linda Randall for part two of a two-part series, as they delve into the complex relationship between behavior and pain in animals. They highlight the importance of addressing both behavioral and medical aspects of animal care. This episode emphasizes the value of reinforcing client efforts, building trust, and the crucial role of communication and empathy in veterinary practice. Additionally, Tabitha and Dr. Randall explore pain management strategies, the importance of comprehensive diagnostics, and the benefits of a multimodal approach to animal welfare. Tune in for an insightful discussion on enhancing the quality of life for animals and supporting their caregivers.

Linda Randall, DVM, is a certified professional dog trainer. She is committed to understanding the behavior of dogs and helping them and their people in the areas of dog sports and behavior. As a veterinarian, she focuses on the roles of physical and mental health in dogs and how these affect the ways in which they behave. Her passion is working with children and youth, as she has found that the skills they develop when working with their dogs can make a positive impact on how they move through the world and interact with others.

Linda is certified through The Karen Pryor Academy and is a Level 3 certified TAG Teach trainer. She is an active member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the Animal Training Academy. She is an internationally sought presenter and has contributed to numerous professional training events, podcasts, and publications including One Mind Dogs, The Bitey End of the Dog, The Lemonade Conference, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers annual conference. Her focus has been on the role of trauma-informed / trauma-assumed care in animals and people, Race, Positive Reinforcement, and Kids, and using Positive Reinforcement in the Juvenile Justice System. Linda is committed to continuing her education and regularly attends courses, conferences, and events to stay current on the latest advances in animal behavior, training, and veterinary medicine.

Linda believes experience is a good teacher, and her many experiences in life have helped her understand how compassion, generosity, and a gentle sense of humor can help us navigate the world and create a positive impact on those around us.  She is committed to the community at One Smart Dog and supporting her exciting, experienced team of trainers as they deliver exceptional skills and service to people and their pets. 

Support Linda

• One Smart Dog - Positive, Professional, Proven - Exceptional Dog Training
• One Smart Dog on FaceBook
• One Smart Dog on Instagram

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Join Tabitha and Dr. Linda Randall in the first part of a two-part series exploring the complex relationship between behavior and pain in animals. They delve into trigger stacking and its impact on behavior, stress the importance of understanding pain's complexity, advocate for observing behavioral changes, discuss collaborative pain management approaches, and share strategies for addressing abnormal behaviors and chronic pain while dispelling common pain myths.

Episode Resources: 

• AAHA Pain Management Guidelines Toolkit
• 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
• World Small Veterinary Animals Association

Linda Randall, DVM, is a certified professional dog trainer. She is committed to understanding the behavior of dogs and helping them and their people in the areas of dog sports and behavior. As a veterinarian, she focuses on the roles of physical and mental health in dogs and how these affect the ways in which they behave. Her passion is working with children and youth, as she has found that the skills they develop when working with their dogs can make a positive impact on how they move through the world and interact with others.

Linda is certified through The Karen Pryor Academy and is a Level 3 certified TAG Teach trainer. She is an active member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the Animal Training Academy. She is an internationally sought presenter and has contributed to numerous professional training events, podcasts, and publications including One Mind Dogs, The Bitey End of the Dog, The Lemonade Conference, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers annual conference. Her focus has been on the role of trauma-informed / trauma-assumed care in animals and people, Race, Positive Reinforcement, and Kids, and using Positive Reinforcement in the Juvenile Justice System. Linda is committed to continuing her education and regularly attends courses, conferences, and events to stay current on the latest advances in animal behavior, training, and veterinary medicine.

Linda believes experience is a good teacher, and her many experiences in life have helped her understand how compassion, generosity, and a gentle sense of humor can help us navigate the world and create a positive impact on those around us.  She is committed to the community at One Smart Dog and supporting her exciting, experienced team of trainers as they deliver exceptional skills and service to people and their pets. 

Support Linda

• One Smart Dog - Positive, Professional, Proven - Exceptional Dog Training
• One Smart Dog on FaceBook
• One Smart Dog on Instagram

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Join us in this episode as Tabitha interviews Juliette Nash, the Community Animal Training Manager at the San Diego Humane Society, to explore the crucial topic of kitten socialization. Learn about the significance of the socialization period, the effects of positive and negative social experiences, and how programs like Kitten Kindergarten teach kittens life skills and set kittens and caregivers up for lifelong success. Juliette shares her expertise on this essential early training and education program and provides practical advice on implementing Kitten Kindergarten in veterinary practices, foster programs, and shelters.

Juliette Nash is the Community Animal Training Manager at San Diego Humane Society. She has been observing animal behavior and applying what she learned to her training since childhood and was thrilled when she discovered an entire community of trainers who subscribed to the same ethos. She has worked with a wide range of domestic pets- including pet birds and rabbits- as well as wildlife with a special focus on behavior modification around fear and socialization in owls and other raptors. After pursuing a master's degree in social behavior and vocal learning in killer whales, she returned to her first and deepest love - hands-on behavior work. Juliette is a Certified Professional Animal Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPAT- KA), has taken Dr. Susan Friedmans' Living and Learning with Animals class twice, and attends behavior & training-related conferences or workshops regularly. She developed the cat training programs at the San Diego Humane Society, some of which were the first of their kind. She currently lives with her two cats, Amethyst and Sapphire, who spend easily as much time training her as she does them.

Resources:

• San Diego Humane https://www.sdhumane.org/behavior-and-training/
• Chirrups and Chatter Chirrupsandchatter.com
• Cats Protection https://www.cats.org.uk

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Tabitha shares a quick update on the show and our new release schedule.

New Episode coming June 17, 2024!!!

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
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In this episode, we delve into shelter operations with Cameron Moore, a consultant at Maddie's® Shelter Strategy and Operations. Cameron shares practical recommendations that have positively impacted shelters without requiring any extra resources. She discusses overcoming barriers involving the public and offers advice for post-pandemic challenges faced by shelters. 

Cameron Moore is a Maddie’s® Shelter Strategy and Operations Consultant and attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.

Cameron oversees shelter engagement for Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge and the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida. She works directly with municipal and nonprofit organizations to help improve efficiencies while increasing lifesaving. Since 2013 she has completed over 125 shelter consultations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Recommendations provided are fiscally responsible, address enforcement efficiencies to provide for public and animal safety, productively decrease intake with alternatives to intake, decrease length of stay in the shelter, and increase live outcome to end euthanasia as population control. Attention is paid to removing barriers and redundancies while addressing the 4 rights (the right care, time, place, and outcome).

Resources
University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program
Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge
Maddies® Fund Strategic and Operational Planning Resources

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
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• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Join us as we uncover the secrets to expanding your online influence, whether you're a behavior professional, veterinary hospital, or animal shelter. In this episode, we're joined by Mychelle Garrigan, founder of Firelink Digital Marketing, who shares expert insights and strategies to elevate your online presence. From effective website design to engaging social media tactics, compelling storytelling, and insightful data analytics, Mychelle provides actionable tips to reach a broader audience and drive meaningful engagement.

Discover the importance of social media for animal shelters and learn how to effectively showcase shelter animals to potential adopters. Explore the art of storytelling in digital spaces and uncover strategies to create emotional connections that drive adoption rates.

Tune in for expert advice and actionable strategies to amplify your organization's digital impact.

Mychelle Garrigan runs Firelink Digital Marketing, which serves small to medium-size businesses and non-profits. She provides a full range of online business services including WordPress website design, SEO, copywriting, content marketing and social media marketing. She also has specialties in helping individuals develop online courses and events and improving/implementing web accessibility. 

Mychelle's professional background includes over 30 years working in administration, development, and marketing/communications positions in the non-profit world. She has a MSW with a concentration on Community Administration, Planning and Programs from UCLA. In addition to her digital marketing and web design experience, she has worked as both a professional editor and writer. She has written a diverse array of topics from pet care to social media marketing to web design and technology. She was the Community Outreach Director and Chief Executive Officer for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and worked in administrative/marketing/education roles for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the United States Dog Agility Association. She is also certified through the IAABC as a Dog Behavior Consultant.

She currently serves as Board Secretary/Treasurer for the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition and is a volunteer with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Employment Disability Resources and is a foster for The Kitten League. In 2023 she was appointed to the Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board, an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council and the City ADA Coordinator on disability awareness and universal accessibility of City buildings, programs and services in Sioux Falls, SD. She lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with her dogs, cats, bearded dragon, hognose snake, cockatiel and way, way too many foster kittens.

Resources:

• https://firelinkdigital.com
• Chat GPT 
• Rescue writer https://rescuewriter.ai/
• Bing co pilot https://www.bing.com/chat
• Social media scheduler. They do offer nonprofit rates. https://publer.io/ 
• Google Workspace for nonprofits https://www.google.com/nonprofits/offerings/workspace/
• Canva https://www.canva.com/
• Canva for nonprofits  https://www.canva.com/ca

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of implementing positive changes, particularly focusing on fear-free practices within veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. Tabitha, who has facilitated Fear Free implementations in numerous practices and shelters, and Jessica, a co-owner of a Fear Free certified practice, join forces to share invaluable tips, techniques, and insights. Together, they debunk common Fear-free myths and address the challenges that veterinary professionals may encounter during this process. From the importance of educating and training staff to strategies for empowering them, and celebrating achievements, they offer actionable advice for creating fear-free environments for both pets and their caregivers. Join us as we navigate the foundational aspects of fear-free implementation, emphasizing continuous learning and staying updated with new developments for the betterment of patient care and well-being.

To read Jessica's bio please visit https://www.companionvet.ca

Note: Tabitha and Jessica offer Fear Free behavioral education including hands-on workshops, virtual learning, and free resources via their websites and social media channels. 

Resources: 

• https://fearfreepets.com/resources/toolbox/
• https://fearfreepets.com/about/fear-free-practice-certification/
• 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat-Friendly Guidelines
• https://fearfreepets.com/take-fear-free-approach-sharing-fear-free-approach-colleagues/

Tabitha and Jessica offer Fear-Free behavioral education including hands-on workshops, virtual learning, and free resources via their websites and social media channels.

Jessica

• https://www.companionvet.ca
• @cvcanimaltraining on Instagram
• https://linktr.ee/cvcanimaltraining

Also, be sure to check out Tabitha’s most recent Fear Free and Behavior is Medicine highlights and more on her social media channels!

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech 
• Facebook & Instagram: Facebook and Instagram

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Amy and Dr. Nicole from Lap of Love, as they share their career journey and passion for veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia. Delving into topics such as effective communication, collaboration with veterinary professionals, challenges faced, and staying updated on advancements, they offer invaluable insights into providing comprehensive end-of-life care for pets. Learn about the role of pain management, tailoring approaches to individual pets' needs, ensuring a peaceful euthanasia process, and supporting pet owners through the grieving process. Discover the rewarding aspects of their work and the joy it brings amidst the emotional challenges.

Dr. Amy Adoryan grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and although I am a city girl, I loved growing up near a Great Lake and enjoy driving out to the country to experience nature and the outdoors. Fortunately, Ohio offers both! 

I was always in tune with my childhood pets and was the first to notice if they needed medical attention. However, I did not decide to become a veterinarian until I attended college at Cleveland State University. After obtaining my veterinary degree from Ohio State University, I joined a small animal general medicine practice in Cleveland. I am passionate about wellness and preventive care, and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) services. I have realized, however, that one of my favorite parts of veterinary medicine is the ability to give pets a peaceful passing. This is the aspect clients most appreciate, and I find most rewarding.

Dr. Nicole Santabarbara received her veterinary degree from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She started her career in general practice but soon found her calling in veterinary hospice and end-of-life care. She was the first veterinarian to establish the Cleveland market for Lap of Love and has been passionately providing these services to her community for the last 3 years. She is currently working towards the Veterinary Hospice and Euthanasia Practitioner certification through Lap of Love and the Peaceful Euthanasia Certification through CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy). She finds great fulfillment in helping pets stay comfortable in the last stage of life, as well as helping families give their fur babies the peaceful send-off they deserve.`` When she isn’t working, she enjoys biking in the Metroparks with her boyfriend, trying new restaurants, and snuggling with her dog, Reggie, and cat, Olive. 

Resources:

•  Lap of Love https://lapoflove.com 
• International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care iaahpc.org/
• Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy https://caetainternational.com

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech

Don’t miss out on Part 2 of our series on Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) with Dr. Sarah Jones.

In this episode, we explore symptoms that signal when treatment adjustments or veterinary help may be needed. Caregivers will gain valuable insights into monitoring their cat’s progress during FIP treatment. Administering FIP treatment can be stressful for both the cat and caregiver but we offer effective strategies to minimize stress for everyone involved.

Tune in for practical tips and expert advice to confidently navigate the complexities of FIP treatment.

Sarah E. Jones, DVM, is a Veterinary Internal Medicine Resident at MedVet Columbus.

Dr. Jones attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Following earning her veterinary degree, she completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and a specialty internship in internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Sarah Jones has authored and co-authored publications on chronic kidney disease in cats, the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis, and the pharmacokinetics of single-dose gabapentin for stress relief in normal cats.

Dr. Jones enjoys all aspects of veterinary internal medicine but is particularly interested in feline medicine, kidney disease, infectious disease, and nutrition. Her favorite parts of practicing veterinary medicine are finding holistic approaches to patient treatment, helping patients achieve a better quality of life, and partnering with owners to help navigate various aspects of chronic disease in their pets. Dr. Jones always wanted to be a veterinary internist and enjoys research, presenting at conferences, and listening to owners to help patients with complex medical conditions.

Show Resources:
https://www.fipvetguide.com/
https://www.fipglobalcats.com/
Article: Unlicensed GS-441524-Like Antiviral Therapy Can Be Effective for at-Home Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Article: Clinical Follow-Up and Postmortem Findings in a Cat That Was Cured of Feline Infectious Peritonitis with an Oral Antiviral Drug Containing GS-441524
Article: Mysterious New Stone Type In Cats
Article: Summary of GS-441524 treatment for FIP by Dr Niels C. Pedersen
Article: Outcomes of treatment of cats with feline infectious peritonitis using parenterally administered remedies
Article: The nucleoside analog GS-441524 strongly inhibits (FIP) virus in tissue culture and experimental cat infection studies

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

Support the podcast via social media:

• X: https://twitter.com/TailsFromRVT
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/TailsFromAVetTechPodcast
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/tailsfromavettech