Tails from a Vet Tech

In this episode, Tabitha engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sarah Jones about Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Together, they explore the fundamentals of this disease, shedding light on its impact and manifestation in our feline companions. The discussion deepens into early detection signs, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options, offering a glimpse into prognosis. Dr. Jones shares the latest advancements in FIP research, providing a hopeful perspective. Common misconceptions are debunked, and veterinarians' emotional support for cat caregivers is discussed. Join us for a concise yet comprehensive guide on FIP, enriched with recommended resources for a deeper understanding. Tune in for pawsitively enlightening insights into the world of feline health

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

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• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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 In this podcast episode, Sarah Parsons, a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Social Media Influencer (@watreallyhappensatthevet) takes listeners on a journey into the world of veterinary medicine through her unique perspective. 

Join the conversation as she discusses the motivations behind sharing vet experiences on social media and explores the impact on team morale, influencing pet caregivers, and shouldering educational responsibility. 

Gain insights into the delicate balance between social media and mental health, and receive valuable advice for colleagues considering entering the realm of online content creation in the field of veterinary medicine.

Sarah Parsons is a Licensed Veterinary Technician of 10 years and a Social Media Influencer on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. She creates silly, relatable videos about “wat really happens at the vet” from the point of view of a vet tech. 

She loves to educate about the veterinary field in a fun and humorous way since as we all know the career is emotionally draining! Laughter is a form of medicine. She also shares random hacks, and tricks to advocate for better pay and mental health, AND started “Project Golden Vet” where she visits deserving individuals and vet clinics to give them free stuff!

 She has 2 kids and lives on a Texas ranch with currently 1 dog, 12 chickens, 4 ducks, cows, and a bearded dragon. She loves getting to know other Veterinary Professionals and pet owners!

Suport Sarah Parsons:
https://vettechsarahparsons.com/about

TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @Watreallyhappensatthevet

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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Join us for the start of Season 3! This week we dive into the fascinating world of nosework, exploring its benefits for animals and how it can be a game-changer in enhancing their well-being. Our guest, Hanna Fushihara shares their career journey and the discovery of their passion for nosework. 

Learn what nosework is and discover the benefits and essentials needed to kickstart nosework with your furry friends and hear about how to begin to implement nosework into your shelter program Be inspired by success stories that highlight the positive impact of nosework on pets' behavior and overall happiness.

Hanna Fushihara runs Hot Fuzz Dog Training as well as Nosework Cats from her home in New York's Hudson Valley. She has been training dogs for more than 10 years and began teaching canine nosework in 2018. She reached the NW3-Elite title level competing with her pit bull, Derek, before he passed away. Hanna started developing her own ideas on how to play nosework with her cats in the spring of 2020 during the start of the pandemic, making adjustments to how she played nosework with dogs so that her cats would find the activity fun, challenging and motivating. She’s been adding her imaginative, artful skills and humor to the mix with her online Nosework Cats class to make it unique and her own.

• https://www.hotfuzzdogtraining.com/
• https://www.noseworkcats.com/

Episode Resources
This is a really specific EASY video that I've given to lots of people in and out of shelters as a way to start. It's done outside but can be done inside in a room of any size.

• https://youtu.be/aCTv4ogGcZM?si=glv20ktBLbzU0Vdi

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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In this episode, Tabitha engages in a crucial conversation with RVT and VTS (ECC) Kelly Foltz. Together, they delve into the sensitive yet vital topic of addressing medical errors within veterinary teams. The discussion highlights the significance of debriefing and fostering a psychologically safe environment for effective learning and improvement. Later in the episode, Kelly shares 5-7 practical tips for treating neonatal and pediatric veterinary patients, along with her favorite resources for those eager to delve deeper into this specialized field. Tune in for a blend of insightful discussions on team dynamics, patient care, and valuable resources in the world of veterinary medicine.

Kelly Foltz is a 1999 graduate of Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a 2006 graduate of Athens Technical College with an associate of applied technology degree in Veterinary Technology.  She joined the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses in 2012 with recertifications in 2017 and 2022.  From 2012-2020, Kelly was employed by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as an inpatient/urgent care technician and supervisor and in August 2020, she relocated to Gainesville, FL to accept a position as an ICU shift lead at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2022, Kelly joined BluePearl as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Nursing Partner, where she serves as a nurse administrator for hospitals in MD, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, and GA.  In addition to her clinical work, Kelly is a lecturer, author, and educator. She has served in multiple capacities including on the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities from 2017-23, as Vice Chair in 2021-2022, and as Chair in 2022-2023.  She has represented technicians on the AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2019 and the Working Group on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2020-21.  Her professional interests include technician engagement and education, feline medicine, neonatal and pediatric nursing, trauma, and vascular access.  Kelly maintains active credentials in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.  In an alternate universe, she is a flower farmer, pickle entrepreneur, and full-time beekeeper.

VECCS Vet Tech Survey, share your voice!

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
• Facebook and Instagram

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Join Tabitha in a captivating conversation with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Amy Learn as they delve into Amy's personal journey in the field of animal behavior. In this episode, they explore five invaluable tips for veterinary professionals dealing with behavior cases in general practice. Together, they debunk common behavior myths and provide practical insights to enhance the understanding and management of animal behavior in the veterinary setting. Tune in for a paw-sitively enlightening discussion! 

Dr. Amy Learn grew up outside Philadelphia, PA, and spent summers visiting the Jersey Shore where she still loves to relax. She attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ.

Dr. Learn remained in general practice for many years before becoming a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA.

Dr. Learn has contributed to veterinary textbooks, journal articles, and blogs. She has also received the prestigious RK Anderson Resident Achievement Award from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists for outstanding research in the field of applied animal behavior. She currently serves on the board of the IAABC Foundation which is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization with the mission of working to inspire, develop, and provide quality, evidence-based education, research, and other charitable activities in animal training and behavior. 

Support Dr. Amy Learn:
Check out her podcast - https://www.behaviorbuzzzzzz.com

https://www.abwellnesscenter.com/

Resources mentioned:

AVSAB Puppy Socialization

Veterinary Behavior Consultants resources

How to find a trainer resource

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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In this episode, we celebrate Vet Tech Week with Jenny Fisher, a Registered Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology. 

Jenny sheds light on the crucial role veterinary technicians play within clinics and hospitals, emphasizing the importance of utilizing their expertise to the fullest. She discusses the impact of underutilization on both professionals and the industry, sharing insights from the 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines. Jenny also shares success stories of improved utilization, highlighting the benefits of enhanced patient care and increased revenue. She addresses common misconceptions and barriers, explaining the link between job satisfaction and retention. Finally, Jenny offers practical steps for practices to commit to change and suggests ways to celebrate veterinary technicians during Vet Tech Week, ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated year-round. Join us for an insightful conversation on elevating the veterinary technician profession.

Jenny Fisher has worked in veterinary medicine in some regard for over 30 years, receiving her RVT in 2001 and her VTS (SAIM-oncology) in 2015.

Her clinical experience includes academia, general medicine, and emergency medicine.

Jenny spent 14 years as the head oncology technician at LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital cancer treatment unit, working in the clinic as a medical and radiation oncology technician. Her teaching credentials include lecturing on the regional and national level, teaching fourth-year veterinary students, and lecturing at multiple veterinary technology programs.

Her main clinical interests include radiation therapy patient positioning, chemotherapy and radiation safety, paraneoplastic syndromes, and integrative medicine.

Currently, Jenny serves as the president-elect for the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT) and is an active member of the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS). Jenny works as the director of education for PractiVet and as a consultant for many private practices and universities in their oncology departments.

Resources

• AAHA 2023 Technician Utilization Guidelines
• AIMVT Open Letter to the AVMA

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of separation anxiety in dogs (and even touch on cats) with renowned expert Malena DeMartini-Price, author of the books "Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs" and "Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next-Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices." 

Malena shares her incredible journey to becoming a leading authority in this field, provides valuable insights on separation anxiety and its common symptoms, and dispels some prevalent myths surrounding this issue. 

We also explore how animal professionals, including trainers and veterinary staff, can make a significant difference. Malena sheds light on her invaluable book and online resources, and to wrap it up, she shares heartwarming success stories from her favorite cases.

Malena DeMartini-Price is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in dog separation anxiety issues. She is the author of the books Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next-Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices.

She has also contributed articles on separation anxiety to multiple publications such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Chronicle of the Dog, Pet Professional Guild’s (PPG) Barks From the Guild, and various national magazines such as The Bark. She lectures on SA at professional dog training workshops and conferences around the world, including everything from large professional conferences to small venues.

She also has been interviewed widely on this topic and multiple videos and podcasts have been produced. Malena is an honors graduate of the esteemed  Academy for Dog Trainers, where she studied under Jean Donaldson, and is a member of the APDT, the Pet Professionals Guild, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Resources:

• https://malenademartini.com/
• https://malenademartini.com/for-trainers/books-and-workshops/
•  Mission: POSSIBLE course https://malenademartini.com/possible

*The discount code for Tails from a Vet Tech listeners is Tabitha for anyone who is interested in receiving $100 off the lifetime access purchase (The regular cost of the course is $199)

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, join host, RVT, VTS (behavior), certified cat behavior consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Tabitha Kucera, as she explores the often unnoticed world of pain in our animal companions. Pain is a vital sign that deserves our attention, just like temperature, pulse, and respiration. We'll discuss why pain assessment should be routine for every animal, every time.

Discover the importance of recognizing that pain is unique to each individual animal and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Learn how behavior can be a powerful indicator of pain, including changes in normal behaviors and the development of new ones.

But it's not enough to identify pain; we'll also explore how animal professionals can help caregivers recognize and advocate for their pets. Together, we can ensure that every animal's pain is acknowledged and addressed, enhancing their well-being and the human-animal bond.

Resources:

• Purina Fecal Scoring Chart
• AAHA Pain Management Guidelines Toolkit
• 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
• Body condition and Muscle condition score charts 
• Feline Grimace Scale and App
• Canine arthritis management 
• Cats with Arthritis
• Pain Free Cats
• Chirrups and Chatter Resource Library

Find more resources on Chirrups and Chatter Facebook and Instagram in the links below.

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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In this episode, Tabitha is joined by Stephen Niño Cital, an advocate for veterinary technicians and an expert in the field. We delve into the recent legislative developments concerning the scope of practice for veterinary technicians. With Stephen's extensive credentials (RVT, SRA, RLAT, CVPP, VTS- LAM Res. Anesthesia), they break down the details of these bills, highlighting their implications.

A focal point of discussion is the disconcerting response from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to these advancements. Stephen elaborates on his op-ed titled "AVMA, the ultimate gatekeepers and their disdain for veterinary technician advancement," shedding light on AVMA's stance and its implications for the progress of veterinary technicians.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the relevance of these legislative changes for veterinary professionals and the broader field. We discuss why veterinary professionals should care for and be invested in and what steps they can take to contribute to the advancement of the veterinary industry.

Stephen Cital is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) with certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) through the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science. He is specialized in anesthesia and pain management by qualifying and passing the certification exams as a Surgical Research Anesthetist (SRA) through the Academy of Surgical Research and is one of a handful of Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioners (CVPP) in the country through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, where he was also a board member. He also became a member of the VTS community with a focus on Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) in research anesthesia from the Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, where he also serves as the Executive Director. He is employed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Neurobiology. In addition to conducting research, Stephen is an award-winning international lecturer on anesthesia, pain management, cannabis, and best practices. He is on the DVM360 Editorial Advisory Board, contributed to numerous textbooks/articles, and was a column coordinator for one of Nature's journals. 

Articles mentioned in the episode:

• AVMA, the ultimate gatekeepers, and their disdain for veterinary technician advancement
• NAVTA Response to AVMA Statement on Scope of Practice
• Open Letter to AVMA from AIMVT

Resources

• https://www.stephencital.com
• https://www.veterinaryanesthesianerds.com
• https://www.vetcannacademy.com

For Purchase

• Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Complete Guide 1st ed. 2021 Edition

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 Tabitha in this week's episode as she sits down with Heather Ann Scott, a certified BLS/ALS RECOVER CPR instructor, Fear Free certified RVT, and VTS (ECC). Heather takes us on a fascinating journey of how she discovered and pursued her true passion in emergency and critical care.

In this candid and insightful conversation, Heather shares her reflections and experiences, highlighting both the challenging and beautiful moments she encountered while forging her nontraditional path to becoming a registered veterinary technician. She opens up about the obstacles she faced on her way to obtaining her VTS (Emergency and Critical Care) certification, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to those who may be on a similar journey.

One of the highlights of this episode is Heather's expertise in CPR for animals through the RECOVER Initiative. Whether you are a veterinary professional or simply interested in learning animal CPR, Heather explains why the RECOVER Initiative is the best option available, imparting a wealth of knowledge that you won't want to miss.

Heather Ann Scott RVT, LVT, VTS-ECC, a San Clemente-born California native, began her career in veterinary medicine as an assistant in general practice in 1996. She branched out into her first referral hospital after a year and a half and spent 3 years training and learning the ways of referral practice medicine ranging from ICU, CCU, Oncology, and MRI. Heather quickly fell in love with emergency and critical care and continued her career path by working in both general practice and referral hospitals eventually obtaining her RVT in California. She ultimately chose to return to specialty medicine full-time and decided to specialize in emergency and critical care. Heather also worked in the state of Nevada obtaining her LVT and then passing her VTSECC exam in 2018. Heather has written articles for two nationally published technician journals and has been an active member of the AVECCTN credentials committee for the last 3 years. Heather is a certified BLS/ALS RECOVER CPR instructor and currently holds the position of technician learning and development specialist at Ethos Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center of Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Her hobbies include snuggling with her kitten Ollie, professional photography, martial arts, snowboarding, free diving, hiking, archery, surfing, and enjoying the beautiful state of Hawaii with her husband Josh any time she gets a chance. 

Resources: 

• https://recoverinitiative.org
• https://www.avecct.org

Support Tabitha's work via social media:

• TikTok: @behaviorvettech
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