Preparing Your Veterinary Practice for Cold Weather

When the temperatures drop, veterinary practices often face unique challenges.

From managing an influx of weather-related emergencies to ensuring the safety of our patients, winter preparedness can sometimes mean the difference between a quick recovery and a fatality.

A well-prepared practice reinforces trust and confidence among our clients and our staff.

Here are a few key considerations and actionable tips to help you thrive during the colder months.

1. Weatherproofing Your Facility for Patients and Staff

A warm and safe hospital environment is necessary for providing top-notch care during winter.

It’s easy to get caught up in the needs of our patients and forget (or put off) some essential maintenance that could help make all the difference. Things like:

Heating and Ventilation: When was the last time you had your HVAC system checked? Schedule regular maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Slip-Proof Surfaces: Ice and snow can create slip hazards around your practice. Use pet-safe de-icers on walkways and provide mats or rugs inside entryways to absorb melting snow from the outdoors.

Backup Power: Winter storms can lead to power outages. If you haven’t already, consider investing in a generator to maintain critical systems such as lighting, heating, and medical equipment during an outage.

2. Adapting Your Products and Services to the Season

Winter can evoke certain health concerns for pets, so it may be advantageous to consider tailoring your services and product offerings. Here are a few examples:

Seasonal Wellness Exams: Promote winter wellness checkups to address age-related vulnerabilities (like arthritis in senior pets) and provide guidance on cold weather care.

Joint Health Support: Cold weather can exacerbate aches, pains, and mobility issues. Consider offering services like laser therapy, physical rehabilitation, or joint supplements to support senior pets.

Vaccination Updates: Encourage clients to ensure their pets are up to date on vaccines, particularly for diseases that thrive in colder months, such as canine influenza.

Winter Wellness Packages: Bundle services like exams, joint supplements, and grooming to address seasonal needs.

Holiday-Themed Promotions: Offer discounts on seasonal products, such as paw protection balms, sweaters, or enrichment toys.

Additionally, this is a prime time of year to step up customer service.

Encourage pet parents who are elderly - or may just need an extra helping hand - to call when they arrive for their appointment so staff can help them inside.

Toward the end of their appointment, you might ask if the client has a remote start and welcome them to warm their vehicle while they prepare to check out.

Encourage your staff to be prepared to help clients and their pets back to their car when they’re ready to depart.

3. Proactive Communication with Clients

Keep your clients up-to-date on changes to hours of operation, delays, shortages, etc. Here’s a few other examples of proactively engaging your clients and community:

Seasonal Newsletters: Send emails with tips on keeping pets safe, such as recognizing the signs of hypothermia or avoiding antifreeze exposure.

Social Media Content: Share engaging posts about winter pet safety, such as paw care, dressing pets for the cold, or managing indoor enrichment.

4. Preparing for Seasonal Emergencies

We know winter often increases our emergency cases, from frostbite to toxic exposures. Being well prepared is a simple way to not only offer the best care, but decrease staff stress and frustration when met with high pressure cases.

Team Training: consider refresher training on treating cold-related emergencies such as hypothermia, frostbite, and toxin ingestion.

Emergency Protocols: review and update emergency response plans for triaging and treating critical cases.

Supplies Check: stock up on essential items like warming equipment, IV fluids, and paw balms. Regularly inspect expiration dates on critical supplies.

5. Supporting Your Veterinary Team

It’s easy to forget that cold weather can take a toll on your staff, too. Keep your team motivated and comfortable with these simple ideas:

Comfortable Work Environment: provide a warm break area with hot beverages help staff recharge during long shifts. Other pleasantries like space heaters, hand warmers, and blankets are usually much appreciated, too!

Flexible Scheduling: account for weather-related delays and personal emergencies by building flexibility into staff schedules where you can.

Winter Gear: equip your team with appropriate gear if working outside with large animals or handling emergencies in severe weather.

Turn Winter Challenges into Opportunities

Cold weather may present challenges, but it also offers opportunities for veterinary practices to demonstrate their customer care, compassion, and expertise.

Remember, clients can see your readiness as your commitment to patient health and client trust—qualities that will leave a lasting impression. 

Winter Hazards for Pets: Common Risks and Veterinary Preparedness

Protecting Pets from Winter Hazards: Tips for Veterinary Teams

As the cold weather settles in (in most areas), veterinary teams prepare for an uptick in seasonal hazards that can pose significant risks to the pets we know and love.

While many pet parents understand the basics of keeping their pets warm and dry, they may overlook some of the threats unique to the colder months.

As experienced veterinary teams, we play a critical role in educating clients and ensuring readiness to handle the risks often accompanying this time of year.

Preparing Veterinary Teams for Cold Weather Caseloads

Cold weather brings a range of risks—hypothermia, frostbite, and toxic exposures—that can escalate quickly if not identified and treated.

A well-prepared team with clear protocols and adequate supplies is more confident in handling emergency situations when they arise.

Proactively preparing for special cases like these ensures your team can provide timely and effective care, reducing the risk of severe complications.

Here are a few ideas to consider to make sure your practice is ready:

Staff Training: Consider refresher courses on winter-specific emergencies like hypothermia, frostbite, and poisoning.

Emergency Drills: Run mock scenarios to ensure the team is comfortable and confident handling seasonal emergencies.

Inventory Check: Regularly review and replenish supplies, such as warming equipment, antidotes, and topical treatments.

Let’s explore some common cold-weather hazards for pets and some strategies to ensure you and your team are prepared to take them on.

1. Antifreeze Poisoning

Ethylene glycol, the toxic ingredient in most antifreeze, remains one of the most dangerous winter hazards. Even a tiny amount can lead to acute kidney failure and death if not treated promptly.

Unfortunately, its sweet taste makes it appealing to pets, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion.

To best prepare, please ensure your practice is stocked with essential antidotes and that your team is familiar with rapid diagnosis and treatment protocols.

It’s also helpful to have client education materials, emphasizing the importance of immediately cleaning up spills and using pet-safe antifreeze alternatives.

2. Rock Salt and Chemical Ice Melts

While rock salt and chemical ice melt keep sidewalks and driveways safe for us, they’re a known cause of irritation and chemical burns on pets’ paws.

Ingestion from licking paws or eating contaminated snow can lead to gastrointestinal upset or, in severe cases, even salt toxicity.

Review how to recognize and treat paw pad irritation and chemical burns with your staff, recommend protective booties to clients, or suggest rinsing paws after outdoor walks.

3. Hypothermia and Frostbite

Even breeds with thick coats aren’t immune to the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

Hypothermia can set in quickly, especially in smaller or short-coated breeds, leading to a cascade of life-threatening effects. Frostbite typically affects extremities, such as ears, tails, and paws, where circulation isa little more limited.

Make sure your team is evident on the protocol for managing hypothermia, including warming techniques and monitoring critical patients and keep necessary equipment (such as warm IV fluids, heating pads, and thermal blankets) on hand.

Now is a good time of year to educate clients on the signs of hypothermia and how to prevent it, especially for pets left outside for extended periods.

4. Rodenticide Exposure

It is not the most common risk that comes to mind when we think about wintertime, but rodenticides often have increased use during colder months since rodents tend to swarm indoors – seeking shelter, warmth, and snacks.

It’s not uncommon for pets to accidentally ingest these toxic substances, leading to severe complications like internal bleeding or neurologic symptoms.

Is your team equipped to identify the symptoms of rodenticide toxicity? 

Be sure your staff knows treatment protocols, including the use of activated charcoal, and stock necessary supplies.

5. Thin Ice and Water Hazards

Lakes, ponds, and rivers that appear frozen may not necessarily be solid enough to support a pet’s weight.

Pets that fall through thin ice risk rapid onset hypothermia or, worse, drowning.

Help prepare your team to handle near-drowning cases by reviewing CPR and hypothermia treatment protocols.

Client Communication: Proactive Outreach Matters

Preparedness isn’t just about emergency response—it’s also about prevention.

Educating clients on winter safety helps reduce the incidence of preventable injuries and illnesses, leading to fewer urgent cases.

Together, we can help to prevent seasonal mishaps through discussions and proactive outreach.

Are you looking to expand outreach to your community? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Seasonal Newsletters: Send an email, postcard, or printed newsletter with tips on cold-weather safety.

• Social Media Campaigns: Arguably the best form of outreach because it’s free and easy to do regularly. Use your clinic’s social media platforms to share winter safety tips, such as preventing paw pad irritation or signs of antifreeze poisoning.

• In-Clinic Posters and Brochures: Display informational photos, graphics, and tips in your practice as gentle reminders of the risks of cold weather and accident prevention.

A Season for Compassionate Care

Winter can be a challenging season for some pets, but by teaming up with our clients and staff, we can help limit some common, preventable risks.

By proactively educating clients, staying stocked on essential supplies, and training staff, your practice will become a trusted ally in keeping pets safe during the colder months.

After all, keeping pets safe and healthy—in every season—is at the heart of what we do.

AniFM I3: Simplifying Infusions in Veterinary Practices

Veterinary medicine demands precision, efficiency, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.

As hospital owners, veterinarians, practice managers, and lead technicians, you know that the tools you invest in directly impact the care you provide and your practice's reputation.

Among these essential tools, the AniFM I3 infusion pump is a forward-thinking investment that elevates patient care and hospital operations.

Let’s look at five reasons why choosing the AniFM I3 isn’t just an upgrade but a step toward excellence in veterinary medicine.

1. Patient Safety and Protection

In critical care and routine procedures, the margin for error in fluid and medication delivery is razor-thin.

Traditional drip systems are prone to inconsistencies, and even minor miscalculations can lead to serious complications.

The AniFM I3’s advanced features address this head-on:

Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System (DPMS): Identifies changes in fluid line pressure, providing real-time feedback to prevent complications like occlusions.

Anti-Bolus Protection: Prevents dangerous medication surges when a high-pressure occlusion is resolved, safeguarding patients from risks like cardiac arrest during IV potassium infusions.

Wide Delivery Range: With a flow rate range of 0.1 to 2,000 mL/hr, the AniFM I3 is versatile enough to handle everything from delicate neonatal cases to large animal treatments.

Its adaptability makes it a one-size-fits-all solution that can serve every corner of your hospital and ensures that every patient receives exactly what they need, every time.

2. Comforting Reliability

In busy veterinary hospitals, patient safety is paramount, and so is efficiency. The AniFM I3 infusion pump is designed to reduce risks while making workflows smoother for your team. Here’s a few examples:

Auto-Restart After Occlusions: If an alarm is triggered by a temporary occlusion (like a patient stepping on the line) and the issue resolves itself, the pump automatically resumes operation. This eliminates unnecessary interruptions and minimizes workload for your staff.

Side-Mounted Power Socket: Prevents cords from entering patient cages, reducing entanglement risks and ensuring a safer environment for patients.

Visual Alarm Guidance: Offers clear, actionable troubleshooting tips, enabling your team to resolve issues quickly and accurately.

These features help give your team peace of mind in high-pressure situations.

3. Enhancing Team Efficiency and Productivity

Veterinary nurses and technicians are the backbone of our hospitals, and their time is precious.

Manually monitoring fluid rates is time-consuming and prone to human error. The AniFM I3 simplifies their workload by:

Automated Monitoring: With precise programming and built-in alarms, your staff can trust the it to manage infusions, freeing them to focus on patient care.

Rotating Cage Clamp and Raised Base: These features make the pump adaptable to various setups, from fluid poles to tabletop use, making it easier for your team to set up and manage infusions.

The drug library feature enables staff to select and display medications clearly, reducing the risk of dosing errors.

Integrating into a variety of treatment protocols, from anesthesia during surgery to continuous-rate infusions in critical care.

By improving efficiency, it allows your staff to “work smarter, not harder”—an invaluable asset in a busy practice.

4. Building Trust and Confidence with Clients

Your clients entrust you with their pets’ lives, and they want reassurance that they’re receiving the best care possible.

By investing in the right technology, you demonstrate your commitment to safety, care, and innovation.

Being able to explain how this pump prevents medication errors, minimizes risks, and offers a consistent treatment experience can help to build customer’s confidence in your hospital’s care and attention to detail.

This level of trust strengthens client relationships and encourages word-of-mouth referrals, boosting your reputation in the community.

5. A Long-Term Investment in Your Practice

Infusion pumps are a long-term value that far outweighs the price tag. Consider the ways it saves money and adds value:

Minimized Errors and Complications: Preventing medication errors can save lives and helps protect your practice from liability.

Reduced Line Fatigue: The peristaltic "floating" pump mechanism extends the lifespan of fluid lines, reducing supply costs over time.

Improved Staff Efficiency: Automating time-intensive tasks allows your team to focus on higher-value work, increasing overall productivity.

Additionally, the AniFM I3’s durability and connectivity features (like integration with CMS systems) ensure it remains a cutting-edge tool for years to come.

It’s a “No Brainer”

Investing in the future of patient care, improving staff efficiency, and demonstrating your commitment to excellence, positions your hospital as a leader in veterinary medicine.

In a profession where every decision impacts the lives of your patients and the trust of pet parents, we rely heavily on our investments and put our trust in technology and daily tools used for the best possible patient care. 

Choose the Best Infusion Pump for Your Veterinary Practice

Infusion pumps are an essential resource for patient care in veterinary medicine, offering comforting consistency when administering fluids and medications.

Whether delivering fluids during surgery or providing ongoing care in the ICU, having the right infusion pump is essential for ensuring safety, accuracy, and efficiency.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your hospital?

Let’s walk through key considerations when purchasing a new infusion pump, including which features to prioritize and common pitfalls to avoid.

Start by Understanding Your Practice’s Needs

Before diving into the technicalities, start by evaluating your practice’s unique needs:

Patient Demographics: Are you treating primarily small animals, exotics, or large animals? A pump with a wide delivery range (e.g., 0.1 to 2,000 mL/hr) can accommodate everything from tiny neonates to large equines.

Caseload: High-volume practices may benefit from pumps that automate processes, reducing the burden on staff.

Types of Procedures: Consider whether you need infusion pumps primarily for surgery, critical care, or general outpatient treatments.

Having a clear understanding of what you need will help you narrow down your options.

Key Features to Look For

When considering an infusion pump purchase, several "must-have" features can make a big difference in performance and usability:

1. Precision and Safety Features

Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System: This feature alerts you to increasing line pressure in the line, helping catch occlusions early and prevent interruptions in care.

Anti-Bolus Protection: After an occlusion is cleared, this protective feature prevents a sudden surge of fluid or medication, which could otherwise harm your patient.

Wide Delivery Range: Versatile pumps allow you to administer treatments for all types of patients and conditions safely.

2. Ease of Use for Your Team

Intuitive Interface: Technology can be tricky - look for pumps with precise, easy-to-navigate controls and displays. Time spent troubleshooting is time taken away from patients.

Visual Alarms and Guidance: Pumps that provide straightforward alarm troubleshooting tips reduce frustration and help patients return to their treatment protocol with less downtime.

Flexible Mounting Options: Features like a rotating cage clamp and a raised base make securing the pump to various setups easy, whether on a tabletop or a fluid pole.

3. Durability and Longevity

Reduced Line Fatigue: A "floating" pump mechanism minimizes line fatigue, ensuring consistent performance and extending the lifespan of your fluid lines.

High-Quality Build: Finding pumps with sturdy construction and thoughtful design can help you and your team handle the daily demands of a busy hospital.

4. Connectivity and Integration

CMS Integration: A pump that connects to your clinic management system (CMS) allows you to monitor, address alarms, and control infusion settings remotely, streamlining workflows.

Drug Library Capability: This feature enhances safety by clearly displaying medication names and dosages, reducing the risk of errors.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When purchasing an infusion pump, it’s just as important to know what to avoid:

Overlooking Maintenance and Support Needs

Avoid pumps that need frequent calibration or are challenging to clean and maintain. No one likes a high-maintenance machine if it can be avoided.

Please ensure the manufacturer provides reliable customer support and access to replacement parts or repairs.

Buying Without Scalability in Mind

Don’t choose a pump that only meets your current needs. Look for one that can grow with your practice and handle new demands as they arise.

Prioritizing Cost Over Quality

While budget constraints are real, choosing the cheapest option can lead to higher long-term expenses due to repairs or replacements. Think about the overall value rather than the price alone.

Ignoring Safety Features

Pumps lacking advanced safety features like anti-bolus protection or dynamic pressure monitoring can pose risks to your patients and your team’s workflow.

Making the Right Investment

Choosing the right infusion pump is more than finding the latest technology—it’s about ensuring your practice delivers the best possible care while supporting your team. Here are some final tips to consider:

Test Before You Commit: Request a demonstration or trial period to ensure the pump meets your expectations in a real-world setting.

Consider the Manufacturer: Work with a reputable company that produces reliable, well-supported equipment.

Think Long-Term: Look for a pump with a track record of durability and compatibility with future advancements, such as software updates or integration capabilities.

A Worthwhile Investment

The right infusion pump simplifies your team’s workflow and builds trust with pet owners who rely on you to deliver the highest standard of care.

By evaluating your practice’s needs and prioritizing key features, you can choose an infusion pump that best serves your veterinary hospital for years to come.

Why Every Vet Clinic Needs the AniFM I3 Infusion Pump

Elevating Veterinary Patient Care: The AniFM I3 Infusion Pump

In the modern veterinary world, technology is helping to reshape how we deliver care. The AniFM I3 infusion Pump is an excellent example, offering precision, safety, and ease of use for practices of all sizes.

Whether managing a busy hospital or providing more personalized care, this infusion pump is designed with features that cater to the needs of your patients, your staff, and your bottom line.

Why Infusion Pumps Are Essential in Veterinary Medicine

Infusion pumps have become valuable tools in veterinary medicine. They offer precise delivery of fluids and medication and ensure consistent dosing.

Veterinary nurses and technicians juggle countless tasks in a typical day, and manually monitoring IV fluid rates adds an unnecessary burden to their workload.

This is especially true in critical care, anesthesia, and long-term hospitalization. With an infusion pump, your team can program the device and focus on other essential tasks, trusting that the infusion will continue accurately without constant supervision.

What Sets the AniFM I3 Apart

Let’s take a look at a few of the features that make the AniFM I3 infusion pump stand out:

1. Peristaltic "Floating" Pump Mechanism

 A common concern with traditional pumps is line fatigue, which can lead to line failure and potential complications. The AniFM I3 employs a "floating" pump mechanism that gradually increases motor movement. This minimizes wear and tear on tubing, extends the life of the equipment, and reduces the need for frequent line replacements.

2. Rotating Cage Clamp

 Veterinary teams work in diverse environments using a variety of tabletops, cages, and fluid poles. The AniFM I3's rotating cage clamp is adaptable and securely attaches to fluid poles and metal cages.

3. Raised Base for Tabletop Use

 Infusion pumps often lead to fluid line kinks during tabletop use, a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. The raised base of the AniFM I3 infusion pump eliminates this issue, keeping lines smooth and flowing freely.

4. Strategic Power Socket Placement

 Designed with safety in mind. With its side-mounted power socket, the AniFM I3 keeps cords out of patient cages, reducing the risk of patients getting tangled or accidentally disconnecting from power.

The AniFMI3 Offers Advanced Monitoring and Safety Systems

This dynamic tool incorporates innovative safety features that protect patients and streamline workflows. Here’s how:

• Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System: This visual pressure gauge alerts staff to pressure changes in the fluid line, enabling timely intervention before complications arise.

• Auto-Restart: When temporary occlusions (such as a patient pulling on a line) resolve themselves, this pump clears the alarm and resumes infusion automatically. As a result, it eliminates unnecessary staff interventions and keeps care running smoothly.

• Anti-Bolus Protection: In high-pressure situations, like when administering IV potassium, the risk of an accidental bolus after occlusion resolution is a serious concern. The AniFM I3 prevents this by rolling back the infusion, ensuring safe and gradual resumption.

• Visual Alarm Guidance: Troubleshooting is faster and more intuitive, with visual recommendations for each alarm. Staff can pinpoint and resolve issues quickly, minimizing downtime.

Going Beyond Safety

The AniFM I3 isn’t just about safety—it’s about making the lives of your team easier with features like:

Drug Library: Display and select medications to eliminate confusion, ensuring consistent dosing across your team.

Wide Delivery Range: This pump can handle 0.1–2,000 mL/hr of fluid, from exotic animals to large livestock.

Connectivity: The AniFM I3 infusion pump connects to a CMS system, enabling remote monitoring, alarm management, and control. This helps improve efficiency and ensure your team is always in sync.

Why Choose the AniFM I3?

The AniFM I3 infusion pump is an excellent example of advanced infusion technology in veterinary medicine. It combines usability with thoughtful design, making it an invaluable addition to your practice.

This pump is a great partner in patient care. It reduces risks, improves patient outcomes, and frees up your staff to focus on what they do best.

For veterinarians and hospital owners, the AniFM I3 represents an opportunity to deliver safer, more efficient, and more compassionate care.

Pet Dental Care: Why Cleanings and X-rays Matter Most

Pet Dental Care 101: Why Cleaning and X-rays is a Win-Win for Practices and Clients

Pet dental care is often overshadowed by more visibly urgent veterinary services, like surgery or emergency treatments. Yet, we know it’s one of the most valuables most valuable (and misunderstood) aspects.

Offering thorough dental services can be a game-changer for patient outcomes, client satisfaction, and financial stability.

Let’s explain why dental care deserves a prominent place in your practice, and how it benefits everyone involved.

An Overlooked Epidemic: Dental Disease in Pets

Despite the prevalence of periodontal disease in pets, it’s often underdiagnosed and undertreated because its symptoms—bad breath, tartar buildup, or minor gum inflammation—are easy for pet parents to dismiss.

Clients (and sometimes veterinary teams) don’t realize that dental disease doesn’t stay confined to the mouth. Left unchecked, it can lead to:

Chronic Pain: pets often mask discomfort, but dental pain can affect their appetite, behavior, and energy levels.

Systemic Health Issues: bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, impacting organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Plaque and tartar are made up of harmful bacteria, and left untreated it can have a more significant impact than just bad breath.

Shortened Lifespan: studies have shown a correlation between untreated dental disease and reduced life expectancy in pets.

Routine cleanings and dental X-rays address these issues early, avoiding unnecessary pain and preventing costly complications.

Why Digital X-rays Are a Game-Changer

The real magic of veterinary dental care happens below the gumline. Roughly 60% of dental disease lurks out of sight, so visual exams alone are insufficient for a proper diagnosis.

Scaling and polishing are a great start, but our patients’ needs go beyond the surface.

This is where digital X-rays come in – they often reveal:

Root Abscesses: these can cause significant pain and require immediate treatment.

Bone Loss: essential for evaluating periodontal disease severity and determining whether teeth can be saved.

Resorptive lesions are widespread in cats, and these painful conditions are impossible to spot without imaging.

Retained Roots: fragments left behind from previous extractions can cause painful infections if not addressed.

Digital X-rays aren’t just a diagnostic tool; they’re an educational one that shows clients images of their pet’s dental issues.

This helps them visualize the problem and understand the urgency of treatment. It transforms what could feel like an optional procedure into a clear medical necessity.

A Financial and Medical Win-Win for Practices and Clients

Let’s look at some of the financial wins for practices:

Increased Revenue Streams: dental services are consistently among the most profitable offerings for veterinary practices. The initial investment in equipment like digital X-rays and dental cleaning stations quickly pays for itself as demand grows.

Recurring Services: unlike one-off emergencies, dental cleanings, and x-rays are part of an ongoing care routine, bringing clients back for regular visits.

Efficiency Gains: up-to-date tools like digital X-rays speed up procedures, allowing you to treat more patients in less time.

Team Empowerment: expanding dental services creates opportunities for staff training and skill development, boosting morale and efficiency.

Now let’s peek at some of the medical wins for pets and pet parents:

Improved Pet Health: regular cleanings and x-rays prevent costly emergency procedures and improve quality of life.

Predictable Costs: preventive care is less expensive than addressing advanced dental disease. When clients understand this, they will commit to regular checkups.

Stronger Relationships: practices emphasizing dental health build deeper connections with clients by showing they care about every aspect of their pet’s well-being.

Industry Insights: The Rising Value of Dental Care

According to the AVMA and other industry reports, practices prioritizing dentistry see significant benefits like revenue growth, client retention, and improved patient outcomes.

Comprehensive dental services are an easy way to increase client satisfaction and improve patient longevity. This often resonates deeply with today’s pet owners, who increasingly view their pets as family members.

Additionally, digital dental x-rays have become a standard of care, and practices that adopt them often set themselves apart as leaders in preventive medicine.

Pet dental care is an opportunity to elevate the standard of care in your practice and investing in the right dental tools ensures pets are healthier, clients are happier, and your clinic thrives. 

Why Infusion Pumps Are a Game-Changer for Vet Clinics

Enhancing Patient Treatment: The Role of Infusion Pumps in Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, every patient presents a unique set of challenges. Whether managing a critical care case or supporting long-term hospitalization, our approach to treatment can be the difference between recovery and relapse.

Infusion pumps like the AniFM I3 have become essential tools for veterinarians and technicians, enabling them to deliver safe, accurate, and efficient care.

Let’s explore why infusion pumps are so vital in veterinary hospitals and how infusion pumps can help transform patient outcomes.

The Importance of Infusion Pumps in Veterinary Medicine

Unlike traditional drip systems requiring manual monitoring and adjustments, infusion pumps automate the process, ensuring precise dosing and flow rates.

This accuracy is vital in scenarios where even minor variations can have significant consequences, such as administering:

• IV fluids to address dehydration or shock.

• Anesthetic drugs during surgical procedures.

• Critical medications, like potassium chloride, where small errors can be life-threatening.

Beyond their precision, infusion pumps allow veterinary staff to focus on other tasks and hospital needs.

For hospital owners, these devices represent not just a technological upgrade but a commitment to providing the highest standard of care.

The AniFM I3 in Action

Let’s take Breeze, for example, a 7-year-old Labrador Retriever who presented to the emergency department with severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and lethargy following several days of vomiting and diarrhea.

A diagnostic workup revealed acute pancreatitis. She was critical and needed immediate stabilization, including IV fluids, pain management, and antiemetic therapy.

Breeze’s care team turned to the AniFM I3 infusion pump to manage her complex treatment needs:

• Fluids: administered at a precise rate to correct dehydration and restore electrolyte balance.

• Medications: continuous-rate infusion (CRI) of a pain reliever and antiemetic drugs ensured her comfort and reduced nausea.

• Monitoring: The pump’s Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System allowed the team to identify and resolve an early line occlusion when she shifted position in her kennel, avoiding interruptions in her therapy.

Throughout her stay, Breeze was restless and occasionally moved, causing kinks in the fluid line.

Traditionally, this would require a technician to intervene and restart the infusion, which would take time away from other critical patients.

However, with its convenient auto-restart feature, her infusions resumed automatically once the occlusion resolved.

The anti-bolus protection provided an added layer of safety by rolling back the infusion rate when pressure normalized, preventing a potentially dangerous medication surge.

Over 48 hours, Breeze showed remarkable improvement! Her hydration status improved, her electrolytes normalized, and she regained her energy.

The AniFM I3 played a pivotal role in her recovery by delivering uninterrupted, precise, and safe care, allowing the veterinary team to focus on other critical aspects of her treatment.

How the AniFM I3 Enhances Veterinary Practice

Breeze’s story is just one example of how this infusion pump supports successful patient outcomes. Its thoughtful design and advanced features make it a standout choice for any veterinary hospital:

Safety First: Anti-bolus protection and pressure monitoring reduce risks associated with high-stakes therapies.

Ease of Use: Features like a rotating cage clamp and a raised base provide flexibility and prevent issues like fluid line kinking. Automated processes and troubleshooting guidance streamline workflows, saving staff time and reducing stress.

Versatile: From companion animals to exotics and large animals, it ranges from 0.1 to 2,000 mL/hr, making it a practical tool for any patient.

A Worthwhile Investment

Investing in an infusion pump like the AniFM I3 is about more than convenience—it’s about delivering better care.

With these devices, hospitals can:

• Enhance patient safety and recovery

• Improve staff efficiency

• Build client trust by demonstrating a commitment to advanced, precise treatment.

For hospital owners, infusion pumps are a long-term investment that elevates the quality of care, improves patient outcomes, and reinforces the practice's reputation.

Breeze’s recovery highlights the transformative impact of infusion pumps in veterinary medicine. By integrating the AniFM I3 into your hospital, you equip your team with a tool that enhances precision, safety, and efficiency, all while prioritizing patient your patient’s recovery.

Why Pet Dental Care is Vital: Cleanings and X-rays Explained

Veterinary dental care goes beyond fresh breath and tartar-free teeth.

A comprehensive dental program, including regular cleanings and digital X-rays, offers critical insight into a pet’s overall health.

Despite some of our best efforts, dental care often remains under-prioritized by pet parents. By enhancing our communication and improving our approach, we can help them recognize dental care as fundamental to their pet’s well-being.

The Link Between Oral and Overall Health

Dental infections release bacteria into the bloodstream, which can lead to severe conditions like:

• Endocarditis

• Kidney disease

• Liver dysfunction

Given oral health's role in overall wellness, veterinarians have a duty to emphasize the importance of routine cleanings and thorough dental assessments.

When we present dental care as a preventive health measure, clients are more likely to view it as necessary. For example, comparing dental disease to an untreated abscess can help them see the risks and benefits more clearly.

Why Veterinary Dental Cleanings Matter

We know dental cleanings are more than cosmetic. We’re removing plaque and tartar, bacteria, and buildup that can progress into periodontal disease. These cleanings allow us to:

Remove bacteria and buildup: Plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria, so regular cleanings using proper dental cleaning equipment are vital in preventing infection.

Treat and prevent gingivitis: Gingivitis is often the first stage of periodontal disease, leading to gum recession, pain, and tooth loss. A thorough cleaning prevents gingivitis from advancing.

Identify underlying health issues: Cleanings offer a chance to detect fractured or abscessed teeth, resorptive lesions, or malocclusions. We can also evaluate any dental abnormalities that might require treatment or monitoring during the procedure.

The Indispensable Role of Digital X-rays in Pet Dentistry

While scaling and polishing are valuable, they only scratch the surface.

Up to 60% of a pet’s dental structure lies beneath the gum line, where dental digital X-rays become indispensable.

Investing in and promoting X-ray technology adds diagnostic depth that catches what’s lurking below the surface.

Digital X-rays are also faster and more efficient, allowing us to complete the procedure with less time under anesthesia. This is particularly reassuring for clients with older pets or those who worry about anesthesia, as faster imaging reduces their pet’s exposure time.

To communicate the importance of these services to clients, encourage them to think of their own dental care. Just as they wouldn’t skip their dental cleanings, we can help them understand that regular cleanings are essential for their pets, too.

Best Practices for Integrating Comprehensive Veterinary Dental Care

A systematic approach is essential to fully leverage the benefits of dental cleanings and X-rays.

Here are a few strategies for implementing a robust dental program that resonates with clients and encourages regular follow-through.

Schedule dental evaluations regularly: Making dental exams a part of every annual visit reinforces their importance.

Leverage educational materials: Clients often underestimate dental disease simply because it’s out of sight. Use visual aids such as before-and-after photos or radiographs to illustrate the difference that dental intervention makes.

Tailor anesthesia protocols and communicate their safety: Anesthesia can be a significant concern for some clients, especially older pets. Show them the measures you take to minimize risk and be open about the safety of dental procedures.

Offer packages for dental procedures: Dental work can be a significant expense, particularly for pets needing extensive care. Consider bundling dental services into packages to streamline costs and make it easier for clients to commit to a plan.

The Long-term Benefits of Proactive Dental Care

When you implement a thoughtful dental program, you’re helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives and generating a consistent revenue stream for your practice.

By framing these dental services as essential rather than optional and educating clients about the risks of ignoring dental health, you can encourage regular follow-through.

With consistent effort, veterinary dental services can become a cornerstone of your practice, helping you deliver more comprehensive care to each patient who comes through your doors.

Veterinary Dentistry: A Win for Pets, Clients, & Profits

Boost Vet Practice Profits and Pet Health with Dental Services

Veterinary dentistry is one of the practice's most underrated yet profitable services. When done well, dental services are a foundational part of veterinary healthcare and business growth.

Not only does it bring significant health benefits to our patients, but it can also strengthen your practice financially and deepen client trust.

Let’s look at a few ways you can effectively promote dental services in your practice to maximize value for patients, clients, and your bottom line.

1. Prioritize the Value of Veterinary Dentistry

Studies show that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years old have some degree of periodontal disease.

Left untreated, dental disease can progress into painful conditions that affect the entire body, from the liver to the heart. We all know this, but communicating it effectively to clients can be challenging.

By establishing dental services as a priority, your team can emphasize the long-term health benefits of preventive dental care to clients, reframing it as a necessity rather than an add-on.

If not already, focus on incorporating dental evaluations into routine exams. By including a dental grading scale during check-ups, you’ll show clients where their pet stands and explain how an immediate cleaning or other dental treatments can prevent further complications.

Dental health packages are another effective way to highlight the ongoing need for dental care, creating opportunities for consistent follow-up visits that allow for early intervention.

2. Make Dental Treatments a Core Service

Dental procedures are often necessary and highly valued by pet parents; However, it’s important to make these services visible and accessible to clients. Here are a few things to consider:

Dedicate time and resources: consider blocking specific days for dental procedures, so your staff has adequate time to perform them properly. Having a dedicated dental day (or even half-day) can streamline your scheduling and bring in predictable revenue.

Invest in quality equipment: high quality dental stations and state of the art dental x-ray equipment are well worth the investment. Efficient, effective cleanings increase client satisfaction and help to reduce your costs.

Offer bundled packages: Consider bundling your veterinary dental services, like offering annual cleanings that include pre-anesthetic blood work, dental scaling, polishing, and post-care consultations. It makes it easy for pet parents to see the value of dental care and can motivate them to commit to regular treatments.

3. Educate Clients on the Importance of Dental Health

Encourage client buy-in through education. A single mention may be forgotten, but frequent touchpoints can leave a lasting impression. Here are a few considerations for helping deliver the message:

Use visual aids: Show clients a real example of the improvement dental work can make. Before-and-after photos, diagrams, and models can help illustrate the impact of dental disease and the transformative benefits of treatment.

Explain the connection to overall health: Share that patients often have pain and infection that can be alleviated by a cleaning. Periodontal disease affects more than the mouth; it can lead to heart, kidney, and liver problems, which many clients find eye-opening.

Offer routine reminders: Dental disease is progressive, so reminding clients through newsletters, postcards, app notifications, and social media posts about dental check-ups and cleanings keeps it top of mind.

4. Invest in Staff Training

A knowledgeable and compassionate team is your greatest asset. If your team is confident in their ability to educate clients about dental health, it becomes far easier to engage pet owners.

Ongoing in-house training covering topics like dental disease identification, effective client communication, and equipment handling can be helpful to keep your team sharp.

Beyond the basics of scaling and polishing, ensure your team can identify common issues like resorptive lesions, fractured teeth, and advanced periodontal disease.

Consider bringing in a veterinary dental specialist for an annual refresher course to keep learning engaging.

5. Financial Benefits of Expanding Veterinary Dental Services

Aside from the health benefits, there are many financial advantages to investing in dental services.

Many veterinarians see dental treatments as a high-value service, generating significant revenue relative to time spent.

Let’s look at why it’s so profitable:

High margins, predictable revenue: Dental services offer a predictable income with proper veterinary dental equipment and streamlined scheduling, and regular dental check-ups increase client retention.

Minimizes emergency costs: By actively recommending preventive care, we can reduce the risk of clients facing expensive emergency treatments later.

Improved cash flow: Offering flexible payment options like payment plans or financing options for major dental work can increase acceptance rates for expensive procedures.

Building a well-rounded dental program benefits everyone involved—your patients, clients, and practice. Invest in your team, embrace client communication, and make dental care visible and essential to your services. 

Transform Your Practice with Veterinary Dentistry

Why Dental Care is One of the Most Underrated Services in Veterinary Medicine

When considering preventive care in veterinary medicine, dental health often takes a backseat to vaccinations, wellness exams, and parasite control. Yet, dental care remains one of the most impactful (and frequently underutilized) services we can offer our patients.

Regular dental care improves pet ’ quality of life and longevity. It presents an opportunity for veterinary practices to provide exceptional care while enhancing financial sustainability.

So, why is dental care still so undervalued?

Let’s dive into the reasons dental services deserve a higher place on the priority list.

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs and cats, affecting them as young as age three. Despite this, dental care often needs to be addressed. A few reasons for this include:

Owner Awareness: many pet parents aren’t privy to the importance of dental health. They often assume everything is fine unless they witness clear signs of discomfort like drooling, difficulty eating, or bad breath.

Time Constraints: practices may hesitate to allocate resources or time to dental cases when they’re juggling surgical procedures, emergencies, and wellness visits.

But here’s the thing- addressing dental health isn’t just good medicine; it’s a significant revenue generator for your practice.

Veterinarians are healers first, and improving patient health will always be the primary goal- but maintaining healthy finances is essential, too. Dental care delivers on both fronts.

Dental Benefits for Patients: Better Health, Less Pain

We know dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can lead to systemic health problems, including kidney, liver, and heart disease. When left untreated, pets often suffer from issues that owners don’t always recognize as related to their oral health.

Routine dental cleanings and digital X-rays allow us to detect and address problems early, preventing severe complications and improving quality of life. For pets, this means more comfortable sleeping, eating, and playing.

Dental Benefits for Veterinary Practices: A Profitable Service

Dental procedures are among the most profitable services in our industry.

Let’s look at why that is:

• High ROI on Equipment: Investing in dental x-ray and scaling equipment pays off quickly. The cost per procedure is relatively low, and the service is in high demand once clients understand its importance.

• Repeat Revenue: clients are encouraged to return annually, or more frequently, for certain breeds or cases which provides steady income for your practice.

• Better Client Retention: when owners see their pets thriving thanks to exceptional care, they’re more likely to stay loyal and trust your recommendations in other areas.

Industry Insights Highlight Dental Services

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other organizations frequently note dentistry as a growth area in veterinary medicine.

According to industry reports, practices that emphasize dentistry see higher revenue growth than those that don’t.

Dental services account for up to 15–20% of revenue in some practices, proving that dentistry is a reliable income stream.

As more pet parents treat their pets as family, the demand for preventive care continues to rise and practices that position themselves as dental care leaders can capitalize on this trend- all while improving patient outcomes.

Elevating Dental Care in Your Practice

If dental care isn’t yet an essential service your practice provides, it’s never too late to make a change. Here are a few steps to boost your dental offerings:

Invest in Training and Equipment: don’t underestimate the value of continuing education and hands-on training – keeping your teams informed, confident, and well-practiced.

Client Education: many don’t understand the link between dental disease and overall health. Remember to use clear, digestible language to explain why dental care matters. Visual aids, before-and-after photos, and images can be helpful.

Bundle Preventive Packages: Consider offering dental packages that include cleaning, polishing, and X–rays. This will help clients see the value of comprehensive care.

Leverage Technology: Digital X-rays don’t just improve your diagnostic capabilities; they also help you communicate with clients.

Showing a client an image of a tooth root abscess, for example, makes it easier for them to understand the need for treatment.

By prioritizing dentistry, you’re addressing a significant unmet medical need and building a sustainable, profitable service that reinforces your practice’s reputation as a trusted partner in pet health.

After all, healthy teeth lead to healthier pets—and a healthier practice, too!

10 Steps To Complete Dental Cleaning Procedures In Pets

Perform a pre-anesthetic checklist, including patient history, exam, lab work, chest X-rays, and prophylactic medications, especially for senior patients.

Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and that all essential instruments are available and sanitized. Ensure the CPR plan and CPR medications are in place, as well as resuscitation status for each patient. 

Provide a safe heat source such as a warm air blanket.

Continually check the patient by placing your hand directly on the patient under the heat source. Include this step on your anesthesia monitoring sheet.

Ensure the patient is warm during the pre-anesthetic phase where a patient’s body temperature can lower.

1. During the onset of anesthesia while intubating, use caution when handling the tongue, ensuring it is not pulled forcefully. Gently place the patient in position – note; placing a pet on their back during the entire procedure minimizes anesthesia time and is an effective and expeditious way to perform a dental.

Ensure the tracheal tube is adequately inflated, and an aspiration guard or gauze is in place. Consider the use of intraoral suction to prevent aspiration of water and debris during the procedure.

Continually replace gauze as it becomes saturated with water. Continually check the tracheal tube during the procedure as it may need adjusting depending on the depth of anesthesia and tracheal relaxation

2. While under anesthesia, take before and after photographs of all areas of the mouth to show the pet parent, as well as keep for documentation in the medical record.

3. Begin by irrigating the pet’s mouth with a dilute Veterinary Oral Health Council approved Chlorhexidine based rinse such as CET. Evaluate the oral cavity, and remove obvious calculus at this time to expose gingiva and soft tissues.

4. Perform intraoral regional nerve blocks prior to probing the teeth and gingival tissues, as this procedure may cause pain in the anesthetized patient, requiring a deeper plane of anesthesia. 

5. Thoroughly probe and chart each tooth, and perform full-mouth radiographs

6. Clean the teeth, perform extractions, and required orthodontic procedures needed. Ensure hand scalers and a curette are employed to remove subgingival calculus, particularly where periodontal pockets have been identified.

7. Thoroughly irrigate and lavage away oral debris.

8. Polish all surfaces of each tooth and subgingival areas thoroughly and carefully.

9. Rinse the mouth and each tooth with air and water and ensure all debris is removed from the tongue. Take post-procedure photographs.

10. Finally, apply a plaque prevention gel or dental sealant

Recover the patient quietly and employ pain management and anti-inflammatory medication. The post-anesthetic patient should be monitored closely post-surgically.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Ultrasound Tips: Evaluating GI Tract Issues in Cats and Dogs

An abdominal ultrasound is a tool that can help you with visualizing and diagnosing a variety of conditions in your canine and feline patients.

Today, we’ll be talking about evaluating the gastrointestinal tract.

Depending on your patient, you may be doing an ultrasound exam of the stomach, small intestines, and colon to look for…

• Inflammation and wall thickening

• Foreign bodies

• Neoplasia

• Pyloric outflow obstructions

• Intussusceptions

• Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes

This isn’t an exhaustive list…

But basically, if the patient is having GI symptoms and your x-rays haven’t provided the answer you need, an ultrasound is often a good next step.

That’s because it provides more details about tissue structure in real-time, as opposed to just the silhouette of radiographs. Often, x-rays and ultrasound work well together.

It may take a little bit of practice, but with experience you can catch on to ultrasound technique and do your ultrasound exams in-house rather than referring.

Here are a few tips for getting the diagnostic information you need during a simple ultrasound evaluation of the GI tract…

• If possible, have the patient fast beforehand. That way, you can get a clear picture of the GI tract without a lot of food or fecal matter to block your view of certain structures or create artefacts such as shadowing. You can also consider an enema if needed.

• Position the patient. Dorsal recumbency is most common, although lateral recumbency may also be used, especially for visualization of deeper structures. Use a trough for comfort, and if appropriate consider sedation (most patients don’t need to be sedated, though).

• Experts recommend having a systematic approach to look at the entire abdomen. Whichever viewing order works best for you, it’s good to be consistent so nothing is forgotten. And, the GI tract will be an important part of your evaluation.

• Choose a machine and probe that work best for your needs, then practice and develop comfort using the different settings, especially adjusting depth and gain (brightness). That way, you can focus on seeing what you want to see, rather than fussing with settings during your ultrasound exam.

• Start at the stomach by locating it just caudally to the liver. Rock and fan the probe to systematically obtain orthogonal views of the whole stomach from fundus to pylorus.

• Next, examine the intestines and cecum. 

  • The duodenum, ileum, cecum, and colon are examined individually. 

  • For the jejunum, you don’t need to follow every loop from beginning to end. Instead, scan the abdomen starting at the level of the stomach. Slide or sweep the probe from side to side, gradually moving cranially to caudally until you’ve visualized the entire field (usually you would stop at the level of the urinary bladder trigone).

• Along the way, take notes to help you prepare your report for your patient’s medical record. Be sure to include what was normal, as well as any abnormalities you found, such as masses or thickened intestinal walls. 

While scanning, you can freeze images for your records and take measurements if you feel anything may be enlarged.

When you develop your ultrasound skills, having this tool at your disposal can often give you quick information when you need it—for example, looking for a GI mass or obstruction when x-rays were inconclusive.

It’s a great way to offer an additional service to your patients and clients, and possibly to stand out from other clinics in your region.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Patient Injury & Complications In Veterinary Dentistry

The nature of anesthesia brings risk in general. In veterinary medicine, during dental procedures, pets are often placed in vulnerable positions which can lead to increased risk of injury and medical complications.

These risks can be minimized or entirely avoided with careful consideration, and proper training and continuing education of staff. Listed are a few of the more common injuries that can occur during a dental procedure.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia in pet patients occurs when the patient inhales a foreign substance and develops lung inflammation and infection as a result.

The most common occurrence during dentistry is water and debris entering an unprotected airway, hence allowing fluid and debris to enter the lungs. This can occur from an underinflated tracheal tube, or repositioning during the procedure that allows fluid to enter the airway.

Aspiration pneumonia can also occur if the patient vomits or regurgitates during anesthetic recovery.. To reduce the incidence of dental-related aspiration pneumonia, maintaining the patient on their back during the procedure, and avoiding repositioning has proven to not only lessen the risk of aspiration but also lessens the amount of anesthesia needed during the procedure.

In addition, antiemetic medications given during the premedication phase can help reduce the incidence of post-anesthetic nausea and vomiting. Caution should be taken during the recovery phase to wait until the patient is alert and responsive enough to deflate the cuff and remove the tracheal tube.

Tracheal rupture

Tracheal rupture in dogs and cats are more frequent during dental procedures than any other medical procedure. Seventy-five percent of tracheal ruptures are thought to be associated with oral surgical procedures with the incidence more common in cats than dogs.

Tracheal injury can cause symptoms such as mild dyspnea, and even death. The most likely cause of tracheal rupture is thought to be due to an overinflated tracheal cuff, as well as failing to detach the tracheal tube from the anesthesia hose during repositioning, which can cause a torque on the inflated cuff resulting in a tear of the dorsal membrane of the trachea.

Another common cause of tracheal rupture is a patient that is not adequately anesthetized and coughs or lunges upward during intubation, tearing the trachea.

Pressure from an overinflated cuff can cause pressure necrosis of the trachea, showing delayed symptoms of inflammation and scarring.

Avoiding over-inflation of the cuff, using new tracheal tubes, testing the cuff to ensure proper inflation prior to use, avoiding repositioning as much as possible, and ensuring a level plane of anesthesia prior to intubation can help minimize the risk of tracheal rupture.

Artery Damage during Tooth Extractions

Arterial damage to arteries such as the palatine artery which runs the length of the mandible can accidentally occur during routine tooth extractions where the instrument can slip from the practitioner’s hand.

These injuries can be mild to more severe requiring surgical intervention.

The most effective way to avoid this type of injury is to implement extraction techniques involving gingival flaps where the roots are exposed, and more easily undermined, and extracted. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

The Best Places to Buy Used Vet Equipment at Great Prices

During the economic fallout of this unprecedented global pandemic, it’s more important than ever for businesses to stretch their dollars as far as they will go. 

Buying used equipment is a budget-friendly way to purchase high-quality machines and supplies—so you can operate and upgrade your practice the way you want to. 

More importantly, you can buy on a friendly, community-based platform that removes all headaches about negotiating, shipping, and payments—so you can securely get the equipment you need without taking time away from your busy schedule.

In case you’re not already familiar with it, we recommend you visit: usedvetequipment.com. 

This website was started because veterinarians needed a marketplace just for their industry—somewhere to easily buy and sell quality used veterinary equipment from trusted colleagues. 

Here’s what one happy buyer had to say:

“I purchased a digital x-ray system through usedvetequipment.com. The transaction was smooth. I would not have taken the chance without the third party mediator. Brad did a great job and the sellers were great to work with. I would not hesitate to use this service again.”

—Mark Robinson, DVM Montana

Here are a few advantages that usedvetequipment.com offers to you as a veterinarian buyer…

• Quality. On the site, you’ll find products from top manufacturers such as Abaxis, Shoreline, Heska, SurgiVet, Cardell, Welch Allen, Idexx, and much more.

• Choices. Whether you’re looking to invest in something as large as a full radiology unit, or something as small as a laryngoscope or warming pad, you can find it on usedvetequipment.com. 

There are far too many examples to list here, but other items recently sold include endoscopes, Dopplers, stem cell therapy equipment, surgical tools, cages and floor grates, exam lift tables, and much more.

• Easy Payment Options. You’ll be emailed an invoice for convenient online payment.

• Good for Animals and the Environment. Reusing and repurposing equipment is not only a great way for the veterinary community to share resources to improve animal care everywhere—it can also help keep materials out of landfills.

• Safety and Security. We’ve found the veterinary community to be honest in their descriptions of the equipment they are selling—and the standard buying process lets you inspect the equipment upon arrival before your payment is processed.

• Stellar Service. Just check the site, and you’ll find reviews from tons of happy buyers and sellers!

If you’re ready to get started, head over to usedvetequipment.com. 

Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop…

• Compare your options. If there’s more than one listing for the equipment you need (a common scenario), search around and make obligation-free offers. And if you’re not in a big hurry, search over time to see what else pops up.

• Ask Questions. This isn’t a big, faceless online store—instead, it’s all about community! You’re free to reach out to sellers with any questions you may have and to ask us about the details of shipping and payments. 

• Expect the Best Experience. The goal is for you to feel comfortable (and very happy!) with your purchase.

More interested in SELLING equipment rather than buying? Check out our next article, which will have detailed suggestions for how to successfully sell on usedvetequipment.com.

Until then, take a look around the site to browse what’s available, and be sure to bookmark usedvetequipment.com in case you need to come back to it to make a purchase in the future.

Wishing you good luck in your search—we’re sure you’ll find just the right equipment you need for all the services you’d like to offer at your practice. 

A community marketplace like this is the perfect place to buy and sell with colleagues as you build the practice of your dreams.

“… 10,000 times better than any eBay / Amazon kind of purchase! We will definitely look here 1st for future purchases.”

—Sandy Pamplin, Manager Pleasanton Road Animal Hospital San Antonio, Texas

“I recently purchased a film processor through Used Vet Equipment. I was very impressed with the website- pics and descriptions. I received a quick response to my questions. Brad was very professional and thorough in handling the transaction through delivery and tracking info. He made sure I was completely satisfied with the product. I would definitely do business here again! 5-star rating!”

—D Davis, Colorado

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Sell Your Used Veterinary Equipment On A Community Website

Sell Your Used Veterinary Equipment

Welcome to the other half of our series on buying and selling your used equipment on usedvetequipment.com.

If you’re looking to sell some of your equipment, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why you might pursue this option as a veterinarian…

Maybe that new in-house chemistry analyzer or the extra kennels you purchased didn’t get used as much as you expected—and you’re not seeing the return on investment you wanted… 

Maybe you want to upgrade, but you aren’t sure what to do with your current equipment. Or, maybe times are tight and you need to increase your cashflow.

Whatever your reason, selling your used veterinary equipment can put some cash in your pocket, while also helping out a fellow member of the veterinary community who needs the machine, gadget, or gear you’re selling. 

If that sounds great to you and you’re ready to get started, we recommend visiting usedvetequipment.com. Here’s why…

• List Anything! Whether you’re looking to sell an ophthalmoscope, an autoclave, an x-ray processor, or a vehicle… there’s no item too large or too small. 

• Set Your Own Price. You choose how much you’d like to sell for, and you can accept or reject any offer that comes your way. 

• We’re Here to Help. We’ve done this thousand of times—so no matter what you need to ship, we can help you with logistics and also ensure prompt payment from your buyer.

Since this is a community-based platform, you’ll find interactions to be secure, reliable, and honest.

• Affordable. There’s no cost to you to list your equipment (including unlimited photos and videos to showcase your items), and no time limit in which to sell.

• Good for Animals and the Environment. Reusing and repurposing equipment is not only a great way for the veterinary community to share resources to improve animal care everywhere—but it can also help keep materials out of landfills.

• Stellar Service. Just check the site, and you’ll find reviews from tons of happy buyers and sellers! Like this one below…

“I can’t say enough about the great job Brad did in selling our cages and floor grates. It was quick and everyone is happy. Brad found the right buyers and made all the arrangements. I highly recommend this website.”

—JS in NY

Selling is simple on usedvetequipment.com. But, we also have some tips to help you get the most success out of your listing.

For the most success when you sell your equipment, be sure to include…

• Pictures! You can include as many pictures as you’d like to on your listing, and video if that will help to show your item. 

Images will help your equipment sell—and most smartphones are perfectly capable of producing the high-quality photos you need.

Try photographing from different angles, cleaning the items before you take pictures, and removing any distracting clutter from your shot so the focus is solely on the equipment you’re selling.

• Detailed Descriptions. Include all relevant details about the brand name, manufacture date, current condition, size and weight, the reason for selling, etc. 

Also, let potential buyers know how the item has helped you in your daily practice—and how it can help them.

• A Smart Pricing Strategy. Sometimes, pricing used equipment appropriately can be difficult—you know there will be some depreciation, but what’s a fair price?

The easiest way to get a starting point is to research similar items that have recently sold.

And, if you’re hoping to sell fast—it helps to go a little under the going rate or to include shipping in your price.

And that’s it! Once your equipment is listed on usedvetequipment.com, you can easily connect with colleagues who are interested in buying.

With each sale, that’s money you can invest back into your practice for expanding, upgrading, marketing, or compensating your amazing team members.

Plus, you’d be helping out a fellow practitioner in the veterinary community—someone who really wants the equipment you don’t need anymore. It’s a win-win for both of you.

Good luck, and happy selling! 

“I had an entire Veterinary Clinic of items to sell and Brad sold them all! He is diligent in getting items sold and payment is speedy. Brad and UsedVetEquipment.com are The Best!”

—S.F. in Colorado

“Brad was able to sell my cages within a week of posting the items. He had great communication and payment was prompt. I will list my items with him again.”

—Wes Godwin - Texas

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Advanced Veterinary Dentistry: The Role of Digital X-Rays

Veterinary dentistry has become advanced over recent years, particularly with the advent of oral dental radiographs.

The idea of regular dental care for our pets is new to many pet owners who are beginning to realize the importance of regular exams, teeth cleaning, and oral radiographs.

Practice standards are changing, and pet dentistry has become sophisticated and cutting edge. Similar to when humans have an oral examination and teeth cleaning, the dentist will request radiographs to check for underlying problems or concerns.

The same should be expected for pets when they go to the veterinarian for teeth cleaning. Dental radiology is at the forefront of ever changing veterinary practice standards.

With most of a tooth lying below the gum surface (think of an Iceberg), problems cannot be appreciated until a radiograph is taken and reviewed.

It is virtually impossible to practice veterinary dentistry without dental radiographs, which allow visualization of tooth roots, bone, and surrounding structures not visible otherwise.

Dental radiographs today are not taken with the conventional x-ray unit seen at most veterinary clinics. 

Today’s advanced dental x-ray units give exceptional detail and clarity. Dental x-rays are easy to use and typically located adjacent to the patient. They are made using small radiographic films or digital sensors placed inside the patient’s mouth, and can generally be accomplished within 10 or 15 minutes when performed by an experienced and trained technician.

Typically 6-8 images are taken during a routine pet dental cleaning. The radiation risk to the patient from dental radiographs is minimal and outweighs the risk of missing underlying dental problems.

Dental radiographs should be performed early to establish a baseline for future comparison.

Ideally, this can be accomplished at the same time puppies and kittens are undergoing routine spay and neutering and should be performed under anesthesia to effectively diagnose and assist in treating a patient with periodontal disease or underlying pathologic complications.

Anesthesia is important to obtain dental radiographs because the sensor or films must be placed in the pet’s mouth, which would be difficult to accomplish awake.

Studies show that without dental radiographs, up to 75% percent of significant dental problems are missed in pets undergoing routine teeth cleaning.  

In addition, the AAHA (American Animal Hospitals Association) Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats state that preoperative and postoperative dental radiographs are mandated for all tooth extractions.  

Dental radiographs taken prior to extractions ensure that a procedure can be properly planned and that no underlying issues such as developmental defects surprise the individual performing the extractions.

Post extraction radiographs ensure that all root fragments are removed and that no inadvertent damage was caused.

A pet can be left in discomfort for years if problems are missed during a dental.

Pets showing dental problems may avoid hard food, have red or bleeding gums, bad breath, have problems picking up and dropping food, make noises when they yawn, chew on one side of the mouth, excessively sneeze, express facial discomfort by pawing at the mouth, excessively salivate, exhibit ropey drool, and more.

Any pet exhibiting these signs should have a dental with oral radiographs to allow the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been established, the proper treatment plan can then be instituted. Without dental radiographs, an accurate diagnosis is not possible, and pets may needlessly suffer. 

Indications for dental radiographs in pets:

• Periodontal Disease and Extractions: Radiographs help to determine a treatment plan, identify retained tooth roots, follow each pet’s dental progression as they age, and to assist the operator during extractions to avoid potential injury such as jaw fractures.

• Trauma: Identify a fracture or foreign body such as shrapnel or other material.

• Defects and Variations in Tooth Density: Identify cavities or resorption lesions in cats.

• Endodontic Issues: Determine if a tooth requires a root canal.

• Developmental Defects/Anomalies: Detection of supernumerary teeth, missing teeth or teeth that have failed to erupt.

• Swellings, Cysts, Tumors: Help determine the source of facial swelling and pain.

• Advanced procedures: Pets receiving advanced procedures such as crowns, braces, jaw fracture repair, oral tumor removal.

With modern medical advances in veterinary dentistry, dental radiographs should always be implemented in the complete periodontal exam and treatment of pets undergoing dental cleaning with extractions.

It is otherwise not possible to provide good quality dental care and documentation without utilizing radiographs.

Dental radiography is the number one diagnostic tool in the practice of complete pet dentistry.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Mastering Ultrasound-Guided Cystocentesis in Dogs and Cats

There are several ways to collect a urine sample from your patient, including free catching, using a urinary catheter, and doing a cystocentesis.

A cystocentesis—which involves obtaining a urine sample via a needle placed directly into the bladder—may be the preferred method in many cases.

This is especially true when you need a sterile urine sample, such as for culture and sensitivity testing for UTIs. And in general, a cystocentesis will provide more accurate results than a free catch urine sample, since it reduces contamination from cells or pathogens of the skin.

It’s possible to perform a cystocentesis by palpating the bladder or using anatomical landmarks alone. However, an ultrasound can make the process easier by removing the guesswork and allowing you to visualize everything.

Here’s how it works…

How to perform an ultrasound-guided cystocentesis for dogs and cats

Prepare for the procedure.

• Use an appropriate size syringe (usually 3ml to 12ml) based on the size of your patient.

• Choose a needle size and length based on your patient size. A 22g needle works well for many patients.

• Use a towel, trough, or other cushioning to make your patient more comfortable during the procedure. This may help minimize their movement.

  Use appropriate patient restraint.

  • For some dogs and cats, this could mean having a trained team member hold them. For very anxious or fractious patients, this might mean chemical restraint.

  • Dorsal recumbency is generally the best way to position your patient.

  • Be sure to clean the area of skin where you’ll be performing the cystocentesis. If needed, consider clipping the fur, too. 

  Estimate the bladder location.

  • You’ll use your ultrasound to see the bladder, but anatomical landmarks will give you a good starting point for where to place the probe. Try one of these methods…

    • Locate the caudal four mammary nipples and mentally draw an ‘X’ between them. The bladder will often be near the cross point of the ‘X’.

    • Place a small amount of alcohol on the caudal abdomen so it pools. Often, the bladder is located directly under where the alcohol naturally pools on the midline.

  Visualize the bladder.

  • Place your probe onto the caudal abdomen. You should be able to see the urinary bladder on the screen—it’s a fluid-filled structure that has the appearance of a ‘black balloon’ with gray or white walls.

  Check for any abnormalities.

  • You could focus on just doing the cystocentesis. However, while you’re visualizing the bladder, it may help to do a cursory exam (or even a more in-depth evaluation, if indicated) to look for any problems contributing to the patient’s urinary symptoms. 

    • For example, note if you see any thickenings, masses, calculi, or other issues in the urinary bladder.

  Obtain the urine sample.

  • Place the needle directly through the abdominal wall, just in front of the ultrasound probe.

  • Aim the needle slightly caudally.

  • You should see the needle on your ultrasound screen. Use this visual to guide you, to be sure you get a good, clean sample rather than aspirating part of the bladder wall.

  Prepare your sample for analysis.

  • Right after the cysto, replace the needle on the syringe with a sterile one.

  • Then, divide and prepare the sample in a timely manner (the fresher the sample, the better for testing) for any tests you need to perform, whether that’s in-house or at an outside lab.

In many veterinary hospitals, cystocentesis is safely performed several times per day, and complications are very rare. However, as with all medical procedures, some risks exist.

These may include…

Hematuria (usually mild and transient).

• Much rarer complications such as bladder injury, leakage of urine into the abdomen, puncture of internal organs or blood vessels, or vagal reactions (retching, panting, hypersalivation, collapse). 

  Seeding of tumors.

  • If you suspect your patient has a bladder tumor such as transitional cell carcinoma, it may be best to avoid a cystocentesis. Otherwise, the needle could ‘seed’ the tumor as you withdraw your sample from the bladder, allowing cancer to spread into the abdominal cavity.

An ultrasound may help you to notice abnormalities such as bladder tumors during the procedure, in which case your recommendation to the client may change.

Fortunately for most pets, a cystocentesis is a quick outpatient procedure that provides a lot of valuable information. And many dogs and cats don’t show any side effects at all.

For patients with urinary symptoms, a cystocentesis is often the way to go for the most accurate diagnostic testing results and to get to the bottom of the issue faster for healthy pets and happy clients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Veterinary Solutions for Pet Oral Health and Periodontal Care

Periodontal disease is an inflammation and infection in the gums around your pet’s teeth caused by bacteria which adheres to a sticky substance called plaque.

Left untreated, this turns into hard tarter (calculus), which builds up under the gum line and surface of the teeth. Periodontal disease is characterized as gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation or reddening of the gums (gingiva), and periodontitis is loss of bone and soft tissue around the teeth leading to non-salvageable loose teeth, malodorous breath, and potential jaw fractures.

This is a very common issue in pets. Periodontal disease is a painful disease and is thought now to be an epidemic. When it starts, periodontal disease shows no outward signs and symptoms, and many pet owners are unaware of the problem in the pet’s mouth until the disease has advanced.

Some symptoms of severe periodontal disease include:

• Pawing at the mouth

• Red or bleeding gums with bad breath

• Loose teeth

• Problems picking up food and dropping food

• A swelling on the muzzle near the eye caused by an abscessed tooth root (often pet owners think this is a bite).

• Making noises when a pet eats or yawns

• Head shyness

• Bloody or ropey saliva seen in water or toys

• Chewing on one side of the mouth

• Sneezing or nasal discharge – the nasal cavity can become infected

All breeds and sizes of dogs and cats are at risk of periodontal disease.

This disease not only affects the mouth, but bacteria entering the bloodstream affects the immune system. The risk of associated health complications can be reduced by proper dental hygiene.

Multiple health problems linked to periodontal disease include internal organ problems such as heart and lung disease, liver and kidney disease, bladder infections, pancreatitis, weight loss, and behavioral issues such as biting or suddenly becoming isolated, among others.

Periodontal disease can almost always be prevented or minimized with a combination of home dental care and veterinary dental cleaning.

Once tartar is formed, it cannot be brushed off with a toothbrush. Routine daily teeth brushing can remove the sticky plaque, however, not the tarter.

Trying to brush the teeth when the mouth is inflamed and teeth are loose and Infected will cause your pet to resent brushing and oral care.

Once your pet has undergone a thorough dental and the mouth heals, daily brushing will prevent further dental disease.

A deep thorough subgingival cleaning under the gum line is important and necessary to remove the tarter and infected teeth and must be performed under anesthesia. Non-anesthesia teeth cleaning is solely cosmetic and does not address the source of the problem laying under the gum line. It is important to start brushing as a puppy and kitten and make this a daily routine.

As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy. The sooner you start to clean your pet’s teeth, the less likely your pet will need extractions.

Periodontal disease prevention includes:

• A veterinary examination of your pet’s mouth and teeth at all ages is important. Early detection of problems such as teeth crowding and retained baby teeth can be addressed and resolved.

• On-going plaque and tarter control are key to the prevention of oral disease. Teeth brushing daily is the most important way to prevent gum disease.  Many pet owners are concerned that they will not be able to perform this task. Many dogs and cats will actually enjoy the daily interaction and like the taste of the dental products.

• Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval such as toothpaste, oral rinse, and water additives, made to keep your pet’s teeth clean and the gums and bone healthy.

• Canned food tends to stick to the teeth more than dry food. Look for dental diets that help pet’s teeth as they chew. A good quality dry kibble works best. Your veterinarian has information about dental based diets.

• Offer Dental treats and chews. This is a good way to help prevent periodontal disease in pets. Look for bendable, soft toys and treats and avoid hard treats such as antlers. Use rope toys, rubber balls, and rubber toys where you can hide treats.

Oral health is fundamental to the general health of pets and essential to preventing periodontal disease. Teaching the pet owners that your animal hospital serves to get into the habit of daily dental care with their pet allows bonding time, and can be fun and looked at as “treat time” for their pet.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Post-Dental Care for Dogs & Cats: Prevent Periodontal Issues

Much attention is focused on the time leading up to and during dental work in dogs and cats, with much attention being placed on the dental procedure itself.

Without education of the pet parent, preventative care can fall to the wayside, leading to continued periodontal problems in the pet. 

Dental calculus can form hours after teeth cleaning, thus making the education of the pet parent a vital part of their pet’s dental health.

Properly educating the pet parent about post-dental preventative care entails a recheck visit a week or sooner after the dental, where the pet’s mouth is rechecked, handouts and dental preventative products are introduced to the pet parent, and a demonstration performed to demonstrate proper oral care techniques.

The best way of preventing gum and tooth disease in dogs & cats is to actively brush the pet’s teeth at least 3 to 4 times weekly.

There are some excellent products, including enzymatic toothpaste-like C.E.T. which can break down much of the tartar and debris on the teeth. 

During their recheck examination, pet parents can be shown how to brush their pet's teeth using a standard toothbrush, finger brush, and even gauze.

Emphasis should be placed on emphasizing the importance of making the effort to get the habit of home oral care started.

Other products that the pet parent can offer their dog or cat are chewable products such as C.E.T Hygiene chews, Greenies, and other over the counter dental products such as powders, sprays, and gels, as well as water additives.

During the post dental recheck visit, importance should be placed not only on the aforementioned but mentioning diet as well.

Pets eating canned food may be more susceptible to periodontal disease due to the sugars in the food, as well as the wet food sticking to the teeth.

Regular visits to the veterinarian for an oral health exam can give the pet owner an indication of how well they are maintaining the oral health of their pet.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Veterinary Marketing: The Key to a Strong Online Presence

You might have the best veterinary clinic in the world, with stellar medical care, an amazing team, and great customer service…

But, for clients to bring their pets to you, those clients must be able to easily find your practice and learn how great it is.

So, when you open a new veterinary practice, how will your clients find you?

The First Place Your Potential Clients Will “See” You

In modern times, many pet owners locate and research their next veterinarian via an online search.

That’s even more true during the 2020 pandemic, when physically “stopping by” a veterinary practice to meet you is difficult.

Even if you have a prime hospital location with a lot of foot traffic and nearby businesses, pet parents who see your hospital in passing will probably Google your practice before bringing their pets to you. So, it’s still important to have a strong online presence.

For that reason, we’re talking about websites and social media in today’s article. 

Because even though you’ll have a lot of important decisions to make before you open your practice—such as financing, equipment, staffing, and more—it’s never too early to start thinking about messaging and marketing strategies for your clinic’s success.

Your Veterinary Practice’s Website

Think of your practice’s website as an online hub where clients can come to learn more about you, your staff, your services, and your facility.

But, creating an effective website can be tricky. There’s a lot to think about, including searchability. 

And, it’s crucial to make sure your website paints a clear picture of who you are and all the wonderful things you do to help pets.

Here are a few tips to help make your practice’s website effective…

• Use warm, inviting photos and images. 

For example, images of your caring team members—smiling, in action, and holding cute pets—is much more effective than a picture of the outside of your hospital. 

This creates the right mood for your website and also helps potential clients know what to expect when they bring their dog or cat to see you. 

Just remember: If using pictures of client-owned pets on your website, get the client’s permission in writing first.

• Focus on your clients’ needs and wants. 

When writing about your practice, be sure to include your experience, expertise, and services offered… But, don’t forget to tell clients HOW these things benefit them. 

For example, instead of saying, “We have 40 years of combined experience,” say, “Our 40 years of combined experience means your pet will receive excellent care from experienced veterinarians.”

• Make all key information easy to find. 

Place your practice’s physical address and contact information right at the top of the page, where it’s easy for a potential client to find it.

• Pay attention to SEO. 

SEO stands for search engine optimization, and it’s what makes your practice’s website show up higher in Google’s search results (which makes it easier for clients to find you!). 

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert in SEO… Actually, it’s a pretty broad field that can take some time and dedication to truly master. And, it’s constantly evolving.

But it’s important, so consider hiring a consultant—or, if you’re creating your own website content, at least be familiar with SEO basics. 

We’ll have an article with more details on SEO basics later in this series, so keep an eye out for that.

Do You Need Social Media?

Social media is an excellent way to extend the reach of your website.

By posting on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms, your posts can make pet parents smile and prompt them to learn more about you by following a link back to your website.

However, the world of business-related social media may seem nebulous and confusing if you’re new to it…

So, we’ll have a more in-depth article on social media further into this series. But for now, here are a few things to keep in mind…

• Start with one platform at a time. 

If you try to master Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more all at the same time, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed—and then give up. So, just start with one platform. When you feel comfortable, consider expanding. 

On that same note, set a realistic schedule for how often you are going to post.

• Where do your potential clients spend the most time? 

Facebook is a very common and effective platform. But, if you have a younger clientele, maybe they spend more time on Instagram and would be more likely to see your posts there? 

A veterinary consultant or marketing expert could help you determine factors like this.

• Use photos or images as much as possible. 

Images are more likely to catch attention than posts that contain just text. 

As with your website, obtain a client’s permission if you post their pet’s picture.

• Try to engage your followers. 

Ask them questions, ask them to post pictures of their pets, and so on—anything that encourages them to interact with you in a positive way.

While you’re planning the veterinary practice of your dreams and working out the more material aspects of financing, equipment, and so on, go ahead and start thinking about how you want potential clients to see your practice.

Think about your practice’s philosophy and culture, as well as the impact you would like it to have on pets and pet owners in the community.

Then, think of how to express that message in everything you do online—on your practice’s website and all of your social media posts.

That way, new clients who find you online can get to know you and feel happy about scheduling their pet’s first visit.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM