Idiopathic Issues

Ketamine has been in the news recently as there is international interest to change the availability of this commonly used drug.  Currently, ketamine is a Schedule III drug in the United States under the Controlled Substance Act. It is not internationally restricted.  

The World Health Organization plans to meet and discuss ketamine along with over 100 other drugs during a meeting in November.  The AVMA has submitted statements to the FDA in hopes that ketamine will continue to be available for use in veterinary medicine worldwide while continuing to make sure that this medication is not abused or misused.

There have been studies in the last few years evaluating the long-term effects of spaying and neutering pets. As veterinarians, we are taught that spaying and neutering pets is an absolute must in all cases and should occur typically around 5 to 6 months of age.

Spaying and neutering is a very important part of controlling the pet population. However, it is hard to ignore the implications of these studies if wellness and longevity are the center of our practices. This article is to bring to light some additional information we should consider when making decisions about when to spay or neuter our patients, as every pet situation is different.

“I just want my dog to be happy” These were the words I uttered during my behavior selective in vet school.  I meant it, like most pet parents, I too really wanted my dog to have an enjoyable life.  She suffered from separation anxiety and I was getting noise complaints from my neighbors and my apartment complex was threatening to kick me out.  I didn’t know what to do.  Why was she so unhappy?  How could I help?

I was very lucky to an excellent behaviorist at my vet school.  Dr. Sherman was the first veterinary behaviorist I had ever met.  Even though I worked in several animal hospitals prior to and during vet school this was the first time I had ever seen behavior presented in a clinical way. I found it to be fascinating.  Perhaps this subject isn't the most exciting topic for your NAVLE prep.  I think a lot of my classmates thought it was silly, obvious and boring, but when she gave the statistic that one of the leading causes of of death for companion animals is euthanasia due to behavior issues, I think we all perked up a little bit and realized the importance of this issue.

Toxicology was one of my favorite classes in veterinary school.  I know it sounds crazy, because toxicities are awful and it is really sad when your patients ingest substances that they shouldn’t.  So many of the cases are incredibly tragic like the lily ingestion that waited 3 days to come in.  While others, like the dog who ate 3 pans of brownies, end happily with an evening of chocolate scented vomit.

It’s National Veterinary Technician Week!! I know this is a blog for veterinary students, but seriously where would we be without our technicians? I keep in touch with the vast majority of technicians from my past. The techs I worked with at my weekend job, from vet school, from my internship and my clinic are still my friends and teachers.  

Veterinary technicians play such a critical role in our community. They are highly skilled professionals with multiple hats to wear on a daily basis. Phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, anesthesiologist, patient holder, client communication specialist, dental  hygienist, custodian, dog walker, morale booster, neonate reviver, surgery pack origami artist, inventory manager, receptionist, undertaker, veterinarian security guard, lab specialist, CPR technician, and animal snuggling expert. The list goes on and on.