Idiopathic Issues

While you may be able to use apps and online calculators for much of the math that you perform on a regular basis, the truth is that both the NAVLE^® and your vet school courses will require you to understand how to perform a variety of calculations without those aids. 

Take this chance to test your knowledge!

If your post-graduation career plans involve working in small animal general practice, there’s a decent chance that you may someday find yourself dealing with wellness plans. In fact, a 2015 survey found that 20% of veterinary practices surveyed offered wellness plans, although the exact number seems to fluctuate from year to year.¹

When you think of wellness plans, you might immediately think of Banfield. While they are a major provider and proponent of wellness plans, they certainly aren’t the only ones! Other corporations, including VCA and National Veterinary Associates (NVA) also offer wellness plans in many of their hospitals. Privately-owned practices are also increasingly offering wellness plans as a service to their clients, to increase compliance and provide clients with financial options.

Having a basic understanding of wellness plans can be a big help you as you begin your career. If you’re considering working a practice that offers wellness plans, understanding these plans can help you determine whether you would be comfortable recommending them to your clients. If you do end up working in such a practice, an understanding of your practice’s specific wellness plan offerings is essential in order to educate your clients about this option.

In 2018, veterinary cardiologists began to observe and report an increased incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in breeds not normally predisposed to that condition.

On July 12, 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release stating that they were formally investigating a connection between “pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients” and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM in dogs.¹

Intravenous fluids are used to treat a number of different conditions, including shock, hypovolemia, and dehydration. In general small animal practice, however, one of the most common use of IV fluids is to treat dehydration or ongoing fluid losses in a hospitalized patient. 

Providing optimal fluid therapy requires careful selection of fluid type, as well as determining an appropriate fluid rate. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the risks that can accompany IV fluid therapy, so that you can minimize the likelihood of complications and detect complications promptly if they do occur.

Your list of responsibilities during vet school probably seems endless. First, there are classes and studying. Next, there are probably some extracurricular activities. You may have a part-time job. Then there are your pets, your significant other, your friends, your family, laundry, cooking, eating, keeping your home in somewhat livable condition... and the list goes on and on.