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!

Five Simple Questions for Financing Your Veterinary Practice

How to Budget for Your First Year as a New Veterinary Practice Owner

Starting your own veterinary practice can be an exciting journey, but securing financing is often one of the process's most significant (and intimidating) steps. Many new practice owners don’t have large cash reserves or private investors, so financing is usually necessary. Working with financial experts and veterinary consultants can help you make informed decisions that support your long-term success.

Here are five essential questions to consider as you plan your financing journey.

1. What Will I Need Financing For?

Before diving in, assess strictly what expenses will require financing. Here are some major categories:

Practice Space: Your first decision will be where you’ll practice. This could mean purchasing an existing clinic, leasing a new space, or even constructing your facility from the ground up. Some veterinarians also consider buy-in options at practices where they’ve been associates or even franchise opportunities.

Equipment: Equipment expenses can add up quickly. Think x-ray machines, exam tables, surgery lighting, dentistry units, and computers. Many lenders offer capital leases to alleviate upfront costs, letting you pay over time and start generating revenue sooner. You could also explore high-quality used equipment on platforms like usedvetequipment.com, which can provide substantial savings.

Daily Supplies: Daily supplies—such as pharmaceuticals, syringes, cleaning agents, gloves, and more—are essential for smooth operation, but they’re recurring expenses that can add up.

Operating Costs: Besides equipment and supplies, ongoing costs include salaries, insurance, utilities, and more. Factoring these into your business plan is crucial for understanding your monthly expenses.

2. How Much Can I Afford to Live On?

Realistically, your practice might not turn a profit for the first 1-3 years. You may not be able to draw a regular salary during this time. Consider how this financial reality will impact your life, especially if you have personal financial responsibilities like dependents or other expenses.
Purchasing an established practice can sometimes mean quicker revenue, as you’re starting with an existing client base. However, building a practice from scratch may require a longer timeframe to become profitable. Understanding your financial tolerance—and having a personal financial plan—can give you confidence as you take on the demands of a new practice.

3. How Will My Student Loans Affect My Financing?

Veterinary lenders generally don’t require you to have your student loans fully paid off before you apply for a practice loan. Still, your student debt status matters—lenders are unlikely to approve a practice loan if your student loans default. Remember that you must account for your student loan payments in your personal budgeting and financial planning.

If you’re uncertain about how your student debt might impact your financing options, don’t hesitate to consult a financial expert to explore your eligibility and options.

4. Do you know where I can find the Right Lender?

Some lenders specialize in veterinary practices, and they can be an excellent option because they understand the field's unique financial needs. On the other hand, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans offer flexible terms and government-backed security, making them another viable choice.

When assessing lenders, compare factors like:

• - Required down payment

• - Loan term and interest rates

• - Fees and penalties

• - Options for graduated repayments (small initial payments that increase as your practice grows)

A business plan and financial projections are typically required, so be prepared to present these documents when applying.

5. How Can I Navigate the Financing Process?

Even though starting a practice involves uncertainty, planning, and preparation can help you make informed choices. Consulting with a CPA, a veterinary management expert and a demographics professional can provide valuable insights. These experts can guide you in developing a business plan and financial projections to support your financing application.

Investing in expert advice, along with doing your own research, will pay off as you move toward achieving your practice ownership dreams.

Feel free to contact me if you need personalized guidance on securing financing for your practice. I’d be happy to help.
Brad Haven, Jr.

530-722-4977

Hidden Profits: The Value of Regular Pet Dental X-rays

Beneath the Surface: How Routine Dental X-rays and Cleanings Improve Pet Health and Your Bottom Line

In the busy life of a veterinary practice, we know it can be easy to place dental health on the back burner.

After all, pets coming in for vaccinations, surgical procedures, or more obvious pain management often seem more urgent.

Prioritizing dental health through regular teeth cleaning and routine dental X-rays can benefit your patients' well-being and your practice’s financial health.

Let’s talk about why this is a worthwhile investment and why these procedures are essential to our standard of care.

The foundation of good health starts with routine dental cleanings.

Periodontal disease is among the most common health issues in dogs and cats, affecting around 80% of pets over the age of three.

Yet pet owners often underestimate the impact it can have.

Poor dental hygiene doesn’t just affect the mouth, it affects the entire body, leading to issues such as:

• Chronic pain

• Behavioral change

• Weight loss

• Systemic infections

Regular cleanings under anesthesia and using a well-equipped dental cleaning station allow us to remove tartar and plaque before they cause these more significant health issues.

They also allow us to discuss pet dental care with clients, which helps improve long-term compliance with at-home care.

Regular cleanings can extend pets’ lives and improve their overall quality of life.

After seeing their pet healthier and more comfortable, our clients often feel reinforced trust in our recommendations and the value of our services.

By encouraging routine dental care, our patients can experience benefits like:

• Pain-free eating and play

• Prevention of systemic disease

• Fresher breath

• Enhanced energy and comfort

• Lower risk of dental complications

Dental X-rays are an underestimated diagnostic tool and offer an indispensable view of dental health.

Around 60% of dental disease is hidden below the gumline, making it impossible to assess a pet’s oral health without imaging fully.

A tooth may look healthy on the outside, but dental X-rays often reveal hidden problems like:

• Root abscesses

• Bone loss

• Retained roots or resorptive lesions

When we skip these X-rays, we risk missing pain-causing issues that erode the pet's health and comfort over time.

If we avoid routine dental X-rays due to time, cost, or anesthesia concerns, our patients are the ones who ultimately suffer.

Undetected dental disease can progress until it’s obvious enough to require a more aggressive intervention, such as multiple extractions or management of a full-blown abscess.

At that point, the patient has already experienced unnecessary pain and discomfort, and the client faces a larger treatment bill than if the issue had been caught early.

Without early intervention, periodontal disease can lead to chronic infections that eventually spread to other organs, adding further complications to the pet’s health.

For older pets, untreated dental disease may contribute to a shortened lifespan.

Investing in dental health and digital imaging is an opportunity to enhance the health of your practice.

Clients who understand the long-term benefits of preventive dental care and regular checkups will likely invest in these services.

This is especially true when they recognize the care your practice offers—thanks in part to digital imaging technology.

In many cases, veterinary practices that establish clear dental protocols, including routine X-rays, report increased client retention and an expanded service portfolio.

When clients see the advanced diagnostics and appreciate that you’re doing everything possible to prevent disease, they tend to return and spread positive word-of-mouth referrals!

If your practice is ready to integrate or expand digital dental imaging, here are a few tips to ease the transition:

• Demonstrate the Importance: educate clients by using examples of cases where X-rays uncovered unseen issues. This helps to give a real-world understanding of what’s at stake.

• Offer Dental Packages: Consider bundling dental cleaning and x-ray services for a comprehensive approach. This encourages pet owners to embrace both as part of a complete care package.

• Train Your Team: Ensure your entire staff knows the value of digital X-rays and dental cleanings to discuss these services with clients confidently.

Incorporating regular dental care isn’t just about filling appointment slots. It’s about providing your patients with the highest level of care and adding a consistent revenue stream that reflects the value you bring to patient care.

First Aid for Pets: Essential Steps in Emergencies

Preparing for the Unexpected: tips to give pet parents for handling emergencies at home

As veterinary providers, we’re often the first responders to patient emergencies. Yet, as much as we try to be available, pet parents should also be prepared to act quickly when their pets are distressed.

Offering education on responding at home before they reach our practices can significantly affect the outcome of a critical situation.

Here are some key strategies we can share to help them stay calm and competent during a crisis.

1. The Importance of a Pet First Aid Kit

A well-stocked, pet-specific first aid kit is one of the most essential tools for any pet owner. While most households already have basic first aid supplies, reminding clients to include items specific to pets can help them be better prepared. Essentials include:

• Sterile gauze and bandages (self-adhesive)

• Tweezers and blunt-tipped scissors

• Hydrogen peroxide (for inducing vomiting under professional guidance)

• Non-stick wound pads

• Thermometer and lubricating jelly

• Emergency contact information (vet clinic, after-hours ER, poison control)

2. Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of a True Emergency

It’s not uncommon for pet parents to hesitate in determining whether their pet's behavior or symptoms warrant immediate care. Advise them to seek immediate veterinary attention if their pet is experiencing:

• Difficulty breathing or choking

• Seizures, collapse, or ataxia

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (especially if blood is present)

• Severe pain (vocalizing, limping, or reluctance to move)

• Ingestion of toxins (medications, chocolate, plants)

• Major trauma (e.g., from a fall or vehicle accident)

• Heatstroke symptoms (excessive panting, lethargy, bright red gums)

3. Pet CPR: Basic Instructions

Teaching the basics of pet CPR can save lives in critical moments. While pet parents shouldn’t attempt to handle all medical emergencies at home, understanding CPR for pets can be crucial while on route to the hospital.

Consider offering short workshops or providing clear, visual handouts on CPR for both dogs and cats. Some simple steps to share for CPR include:

• Ensure the airway is clear

• Check for breathing and a heartbeat

• If no heartbeat, begin chest compressions (compressions vary based on size)

• Combine with rescue breathing (mouth over muzzle for dogs, mouth over nose for cats)

Remind them this is a temporary measure while getting the pet to a veterinarian, not a solution.

4. Handling Common Injuries at Home

Pet’s may experience injuries like cuts, burns, or bite wounds, which need immediate care. Giving pet parents clear instructions on stabilizing the pet and controlling bleeding can prevent complications. For example:

• Cuts or lacerations: Clean the wound with a saline solution and apply gentle pressure with a non-stick pad. Elevate the area if possible to reduce blood flow.

• Burns: Cool the burn with cold water for several minutes, but avoid ice. Bandage the area loosely to prevent further injury.

• Bite wounds: Rinse the wound with clean water and cover it with a sterile bandage until it reaches the clinic.

While these steps help, professional veterinary care is critical for preventing infection or further complications.

5. Stay Calm and Keep Safe

One of the most valuable things we can instill in pet parents is the importance of staying calm in an emergency. Reassure them that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and that staying composed will allow them to make clearer decisions.

Encourage them to avoid putting themselves at risk, such as reaching into a pet's mouth during a seizure or attempting to break up a dog fight without tools.

7. Preparing for Natural Disasters

Whether they live in a region prone to wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, encourage pet owners to include their pets in their disaster preparedness plan. Having a checklist on hand can be a helpful way to help them prepare.

The checklist might include:

• A portable carrier or crate for each pet

• A week's worth of food and water stored in an easily transportable container

• Copies of medical records, vaccination status, and any necessary medications

• Identification tags or microchip registration up to date

Empowering Pet Parents During Critical Moments

By offering guidance on handling emergencies at home, we can empower them to act swiftly and effectively. Whether teaching them the signs of a severe emergency, demonstrating CPR techniques, or helping them prepare a disaster kit, these steps help bridge the gap between the initial crisis and the moment they walk through our clinic doors.

Prepared pet parents make all the difference in those critical moments, and with our support, they can be ready to give their pets the best care possible.

The Power of Telemedicine in Veterinary Critical Care

Telemedicine in Veterinary Emergency Care: A Lifesaving Tool for Our Patients

Most of us have seen the chaos that can unfold during an emergency visit…

Adrenaline spikes, and we rush to stabilize and strike the problematic balance between time, skill, and resources to save a life.

Whether it's a dog hit by a car or a cat in respiratory distress, time is often the one thing we don’t have enough of.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool, changing how we respond to emergencies, offering real-time expertise, and, most importantly, saving lives.

Expanding the Reach of Critical Care in Veterinary Medicine

Telemedicine allows veterinarians to provide expert advice without delay, making it invaluable in emergencies.

Many practices, especially in rural or remote areas, might need more access to specialists or advanced diagnostic equipment. With telemedicine, that barrier disappears.

Instead of relying on limited resources, veterinarians can consult with specialists—board-certified surgeons, neurologists, or radiologists right from their hospital.

Imagine the power of receiving expert radiographic interpretation for a suspected GDV case in the middle of the night when no specialist is physically nearby. Or having access to a cardiologist’s input in a heart failure case, where every second counts.

Veterinary telemedicine can empower more informed decisions on patient care, guiding whether a patient can be stabilized in-house or requires referral to a higher level of care.

The peace of mind comes with being able to tap into a virtual lifeline of expertise.

Faster Triage and Treatment Decisions for Veterinary Patients

One of telemedicine's biggest impacts on veterinary emergency care is in triage. In busy emergency rooms or during after-hours calls, it’s essential to prioritize cases based on their urgency.

However, assessing a patient's condition can be tricky over the phone or in text descriptions.

Telemedicine platforms incorporating video and photo capabilities bridge this gap, allowing veterinarians to see the patient.

We’ve all taken a phone call about a “slightly lethargic” dog only to find a critically ill patient when they arrive. With telemedicine, the guesswork in these situations diminishes significantly.

Whether it's giving hope to a worried owner, being able to stabilize a patient sooner, or ensuring recovery post-crisis, telemedicine is quickly becoming an essential component of lifesaving care.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when curbside care became the norm, some were fortunate to witness how video consultations transformed emergency response.

Triage teams could assess vital visual cues like mucus membrane color, respiratory effort, or pain response. This not only gave us more precise information but often sped up decision-making.

Elevating Veterinary Post-Emergency Follow-Up

The telemedicine advantage doesn’t end when the immediate crisis is over. The follow-up care for an emergency patient is just as critical.

From reviewing radiographs to monitoring wound healing, telemedicine can offer flexibility in virtual check-ins, which can be valuable to a patient’s recovery plan.

Pet parents appreciate the convenience of telemedicine follow-ups, especially when transporting a recently hospitalized pet can be stressful or unnecessary.

Additionally, it allows veterinary professionals to ensure that pet parents are correctly administering meds and following post-op care instructions.

With a video call, you can watch them handle their pet, address any concerns, and adjust before minor issues become more significant complications.

The Future of Telemedicine in Veterinary Emergency Care

Telemedicine in veterinary emergency care has challenges—such as technological limitations in certain areas and concerns about missing vital information when relying on virtual consultation. But as technology evolves, so will the opportunities it provides.

What’s most exciting about the future of telemedicine is its potential to revolutionize access to care, offering flexibility in location, clinic hours, and specialist availability.

Whether we’re providing life-saving care in the middle of the night or potentially guiding clients through urgent situations, telemedicine allows us to expand our reach in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago.

In the world of veterinary emergency care, where every minute can make the difference between life and death, telemedicine is a tool we can’t afford to overlook. There’s no telling how far it will take us and how many more pets will benefit from the care we can provide.

For those who spend countless hours in the emergency room, it’s heartening to know that telemedicine lets us extend our expertise where it’s needed most.

The Power of Teamwork in Veterinary Emergency Care

Leadership in Veterinary Emergency Care: Fostering Teamwork and Resilience

In the world of veterinary medicine, very few things rival the intensity and pressure of an emergency situation.

Every moment matters, whether it’s a dog hit by a car, a blocked cat, or a toxin ingestion case.

For anyone on the frontlines of emergency care, there’s a shared understanding that it’s never just one person saving a life. It’s the power of a well-coordinated team that truly makes the difference.

Each Role and Skillset Matters during a Veterinary Emergency

Veterinary emergency teams operate like a well-oiled machine, each person stepping into their role with a purpose.

While the Veterinarian is diagnosing and making rapid decisions, the entire team performs the treatment plan.

• Veterinary technicians prepare equipment, monitor vital signs, and complete patient treatments while anticipating what a patient or doctor might need next.

• Receptionists and client care coordinators are known as the valued gatekeepers, calming anxious owners, completing paperwork, and ensuring that communication flows smoothly.

Communication Comes in Many forms During Critical Moments.

In a genuine emergency, there’s often no time for long explanations or instructions. This is where the bond of a well-trained team shines through.

A nod, a glance, a quick cue—veterinary teams communicate quickly, efficiently, and sometimes without a spoken word.

Please think of the technician who hands over a catheter or prepares an oxygen mask before the veterinarian even finishes asking for it. This silent communication is built on trust, experience, and a deep understanding of each team member’s strengths.

That trust goes beyond task management and extends to emotional support, too. The stress and stakes of emergencies can weigh heavily on everyone involved.

A cohesive team knows when to step in and support each other, whether it's taking over a task or offering a calming word during the chaos.

Holding Space for Compassion for Veterinary Teams, Patients, and Pet Parents

Veterinary emergency care is not just about clinical efficiency; it’s also about holding space for the emotional needs of the team, the pet, and their parents.

Each team member creates an environment where the pet’s comfort and the client’s fears are acknowledged and addressed.

A veterinary nurse might take the time to comfort patients as they wake up from anesthesia. Meanwhile, another team member talks with the pet parent, shares an update, and provides reassurance about one of their life's most stressful moments.

Together, they help the client feel like their pet is in the best possible hands, cared for by a genuinely caring team.

The Lifesaving Impact of Teamwork During a Veterinary Emergency

It’s hard to measure the impact of teamwork, but anyone who has worked in emergency medicine knows its power firsthand.

Whether it’s resuscitating a patient in cardiac arrest or making quick decisions about a critical surgery, the outcome is often directly tied to how well the team works together.

The complexity of medical care, combined with the unpredictability of emergencies, means that no one can manage it alone. It’s the collective effort of each individual’s expertise, compassion, and calmness under pressure that creates a successful emergency intervention.

Building Strong Teams is an Ongoing Effort

Creating a culture of teamwork takes time, training, and intentional effort to build trust and communication that allows a team to function well in a state of urgency.  

As leaders of these teams, veterinarians play a pivotal role in creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility that benefits the entire practice and, most importantly, the patients.

Put, it’s up to the leaders of a hospital to lead by example and cultivate this type of environment.

The power of teamwork is often the very lifeblood of patient survival. When a team comes together in critical moments, lives and families are kept whole.

Furthermore, we, as veterinary professionals, experience the profound satisfaction of knowing that we made a difference together.

Witnessing teamwork during emergencies is a reminder that in those life-and-death moments, no one is ever truly alone. 

Behind the Scenes - The Emotional Toll of Veterinary Critical Care and Emergency

As veterinary critical care and emergency service providers, we have the unique opportunity to save lives and support clients through some of their most challenging times.

We enjoy the rush of never knowing what will walk through the door and are always prepared to step into life-or-death situations.

What sets veterinary emergency/critical care teams apart from the rest is our ability to triage quickly in times of high stress and our high degree of resourcefulness.

When it comes to saving a patient’s life, we make no excuses and exhaust every possible option—even those that are unconventional.

What many don’t see behind the scenes of veterinary emergency and critical care is the significant toll many of us face daily.

Working in a unique area of our field comes with a unique set of challenges we face every day.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the sheer intensity of the work. We often deal with traumatic, life-changing situations that are stressful and emotionally draining.

Long hours, high-pressure situations, and a constant influx of critical cases can damage our mental and emotional well-being.

It’s not uncommon to experience things like:

• Ethical dilemmas – such as if/when to euthanize and client financial constraints

• Challenging client interactions – clients may not agree or respond well to treatment options or cost

• Emotional toll – long periods of high stress, burnout, and unsuccessful patient outcomes can take a significant toll

• Compassion fatigue – experiencing constant loss and supporting grieving clients can result in feelings of emotional exhaustion.  

• Feeling undervalued – resulting from a lack of acknowledgment and low compensation

Many don’t see the heartache we experience when a client cannot afford their pet’s care.

Not only because it's often painful for our clients to admit, but it’s emotionally challenging to offer a lower-grade treatment than the patient deserves.

This is where we tend to run into a crossroads with our resourcefulness—we’re often able to get creative to enhance our patients' level of care, but we’re saddened by the constant need to perform treatments “off label,” knowing there’s a better way. 

The Hidden Struggles of Working Long Hours and Holidays

The nature of emergency and critical care means that we are often required to work long hours, weekends, and holidays, leaving little time for rest.

It’s no wonder we see high cases of burnout, compassion fatigue, and guilt for not being able to spend enough time with our families and pets

 So, what can we do to help move the needle from “taxing and fatiguing” to “fulfilling and valued”?

As tempting as it is to put a band-aid on things by buying our team lunch or bringing in doughnuts, it’s less impactful to the bigger picture.

It’s important to recognize the emotional toll that working in this high-stress environment can take on our teams and to acknowledge hard work and a job well done.

As much as everyone loves some free food, what’s deeply rooted is our need to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

It’s easy to forget how impactful these simple attributes contribute to our feelings of fulfillment and value.

Start by setting the example…

Culture change happens one person at a time, and the age-old saying “lead by example” is still a practical approach to change.

It’s okay to start small:

• Give an acknowledgment a day by authentically extending appreciation to a team member or group for something specific they’ve done. This could be a simple thank you for staying late or kudos for working with a difficult client.

• Take breaks, practice self-care, and seek support from colleagues to demonstrate prioritizing your well-being. Encourage your teams to do the same.

• Empower your teams to speak up when they’re feeling burned out. Share some examples of options they’ll have to help them recover. They must know we’re invested in their well-being.

The Power of Compassionate Leadership in Veterinary Teams

Working in veterinary emergency and critical care requires compassionate leadership.

This leadership style is rooted in empathy, kindness, understanding, and clear expectations.

Compassionate leaders prioritize the needs of their teams, can connect with those they work with, and are effective at active listening.

Understanding differing perspectives, feelings, and challenges is a skillful practice. Compassionate leaders handle difficult situations with understanding and grace.

Leading with a compassionate leadership style does not mean allowing your team to make excuses, act outside the rules, or disrespect boundaries. Rather, it encourages a respectful environment enhanced by psychological safety.

We often forget that our ability to work in veterinary emergency and critical care is a privilege. We’re uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and pet parents.

However, we must remember that we are human, too, and it is okay to feel the weight of the emotional toll of our work.

By supporting each other and taking care of ourselves, we can continue providing the best care possible for our patients while maintaining our own well-being.

Online Reviews: Your Veterinary Practice-Part 2

Getting More of the Good and Dealing with the Bad

In part one, we offered an introduction to online reviews, including why online reviews matter so much to the success of your veterinary practice.

As a reminder… online reviews can affect your veterinary practice’s reputation, how high you show up in online search results, your ability to attract new clients, and your practice’s bottom line.

Considering that over 90% of consumers read online reviews, it’s more important than ever to “take the reins” and use online reviews to your advantage.

Here’s how…

How To Ethically Solicit Good Reviews for Your Veterinary Practice

• Keep it simple. 

Your clients are busy, so the easier you make it to leave a review, the more likely they are to do it. 

Try placing links to review sites on your website or social media. 

• Automate the process. 

Consider sending automated follow-up emails (or even text messages, which are gaining in popularity as a communication tool for businesses) for well patient visits. 

In the message, you can include links to review sites—or even an invitation to leave a review, so long as your invitation follows the rules (some review sites don’t allow you to ask clients for reviews, while others do).

• Maximize your use of positive reviews. 

Frame and display them in your lobby, use them as quotes on your website, or share them on social media.

• Follow up on ALL reviews. 

Positive reviews deserve a response just as much as negative reviews do. 

In fact, responding to positive reviews can help bond those happy clients to your practice and show future clients that you are attentive and caring.

• Thank clients who leave reviews.

If a client goes out of their way to leave you a glowing review, a phone call or thank you card is a quick but effective way to let that client know you appreciate them.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to offer a small thank you gift, such as a bag of treats for their pet. Just be sure to follow the review site’s guidelines for gifts—and use the gift is an unexpected “thank you” after the fact, not as an incentive offered in exchange for a review.

As you can imagine, angry or dissatisfied clients are far more likely than happy clients to take time out of their busy day to leave a review…

Fortunately, you can combat this issue by using the above strategies to acquire more good reviews. 

That way, a couple of negative reviews here and there will seem less relevant.

How do you deal with bad reviews?

A bad online review may feel like a punch to the gut—especially if it’s very accusatory or a WRITTEN IN ALL CAPS angry review. 

To make matters worse, it can affect new clients’ perceptions of your veterinary practice.

Don’t worry, though… it happens to everyone.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with those inevitable negative reviews…

• Take a deep breath. 

An emotional, knee-jerk response never helps…

Don’t respond until you’ve had a chance to not only investigate the facts, but answer from a calmer frame of mind.

• Determine if the review is legit.

Mistakes happen, and sometimes clients of a different veterinary clinic may mistakenly leave a review on your site. Or, a fake review could come from a disgruntled ex-employee or someone else with their own agenda.

If you’ve determined that the review is false (from someone who isn’t a client), communicate that fact politely in response, then contact the platform or directory and request they remove the review.

• Go on a fact-finding mission.

If the review is, in fact, from someone who visited your clinic…

Talk to your team, do some research, and figure out what actually happened.

• Look at this as an opportunity to grow.

Sometimes, negative reviews are invaluable opportunities to improve your practice’s communications, customer service, or quality of care. In that regard, a negative review could be a blessing in disguise.

• Try to contact the client.

Whether the review was accurate or not, it’s often a good idea to call the client as soon as possible—within 24 hours is a good rule of thumb to diffuse the situation.

Express your concern for the wellbeing of their pet. Listen with empathy, even if their review made you angry. Sometimes, just being listened to will help an angry client calm down.

• If appropriate, take measures to make the situation right with the client.

Some people are impossible to please…

On the other hand, some clients will be perfectly happy if you try to make amends.

If the situation seems to be resolved, give the client an opportunity to update or remove the review themselves—and if they don’t do so in a few days, it’s usually okay to politely ask (check on their pet’s wellbeing when you contact the client, too).

• Respond to the online review if it’s not removed.

If you haven’t been able to reach the client, write that you hope they will contact you so you can learn more and help to resolve the situation.

If you have contacted them, mention that you were glad you were able to resolve the situation (if applicable) and express your good wishes for their pet. 

• Always be kind and helpful.

It may be tempting to defend yourself or get into an argument…

But taking the high road and focusing on your sympathy for the client’s pet will leave the impression that you’re professional and caring—something future clients will notice since they’ll read your response along with the original review.

Good rules of thumb…

Always be authentic and caring in your communications, and let your love of pets shine through. 

Craft a unique response to each review, rather than using a “cookie-cutter” phrase that’s exactly the same each time.

Respect each client’s privacy, even if their negative review is inaccurate. Revealing personal information (like names or their pet’s medical history) could land you in hot water.

If all of this seems overwhelming, you’re not alone… 

Many veterinary practices consult with marketing professionals to help them with online reviews and communications. You may find this option saves you a ton of time, and helps you effectively accomplish your goals so your practice can thrive.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Now YOU Can Choose the Best Veterinary Lighting for Your Surgery Room

When it comes to surgeries, good lighting is crucial.

Without good quality light, it can be hard to see all the details of what you’re working on, whether that’s a spay, a wound repair, and abdominal exploratory, or anything else.

Dim or subpar lighting can make you strain your eyes while trying to place or tie your sutures. And, adequate lighting is important to accurately note the color, texture, and general appearance of tissues for your medical record—that way, nothing gets missed.

Not to mention, good visualization of your field of work keeps you from craning your neck to see better—which can be helpful for your posture and for preventing aches and pains from hunching over. 

Maybe you already understand the importance of good surgical lighting—but did you realize how affordable it is?

In the past, LED lights have been very expensive compared to halogen bulbs—and maybe that seemed cost-prohibitive.

However, new lights are available at 30-40% less (and that includes a better warranty, too).

So, considering the energy efficiency and performance of LED lights, there’s really no competition—affordable, high-quality LEDs are a great investment for your practice.

Plus, many cities, counties, states, and even electric power companies offer rebates for upgrading to LED lights, due to the decrease in power used.

Specific requirements for rebates vary by location—so be sure to check with your local municipality and utility providers to see what’s available in your area. Because it’s always great to get a cash rebate that can help cover the cost of your upgrades!

So, how do you choose the right surgical light?

When it comes to selecting the best surgical light, there are many things to consider…

• Affordability. LED lights are much more affordable now than they used to be, so shop around and be sure you’re getting a good deal (be sure to compare all the other factors on this list, too).

• Quality. Look for dependability, durability, and a good-value warranty to back up your investment.

• Range of lighting brightness, including high-intensity light, and dimming options to use as needed.

• Adjustable. The light pattern can be adjusted from a smaller, focused pattern, to a larger area of coverage, depending on your needs.

• Precision positioning. You should be able to adjust the entire head and arm of the light, and know it will stay precisely where you put it (we recommend limitless arm rotation and a drift-free design that moves easily when you adjust it, but then stays put where you want it).

• Easy to clean (and sterilizable handles are a plus).

• User-friendly, with dimming and focusing controls on or near the handle.

• Shadow-free illumination—or at least a design that minimizes shadows as much as possible.

• Mounting options that match the layout of your surgery room or suite.

What’s our recommendation?

We recommend the new Burton veterinary LED surgery light.

Why? Because this light checks all the criteria above. Plus, it has a dependable LED, is assembled in the USA, and is backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.

At a competitive price point that optimizes design, performance, and value, it’s pretty hard to pass up!

Is a Burton light right for you?

When it comes to investing in new equipment for your practice, maybe the lighting isn’t always the first thing on your mind…

However, surgical lighting is something you use many times every week—maybe even several times per day, depending on the nature of your practice.

That’s probably more often than you use some of the other equipment in your hospital.

So, be sure not to overlook this crucial piece of equipment. You may be surprised how better lighting can make your time in the surgery suite more comfortable and efficient.

Combining X-Rays / Ultrasound for Cat Orthopedic Assessment

X-Rays are a very commonly used diagnostic technique in veterinary clinics.

Feline patients are notoriously reticent when it comes to overt signs of pain and illness, and therefore diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in the assessment of cats in veterinary clinics.

Despite the inherent radiation risks, radiographs are a non-invasive tool with fewer complications or unwanted sequellae than more invasive diagnostic modalities, but a higher sensitivity and specificity for many conditions than most less invasive techniques. 

In many ways, we can consider radiographs to be the optimal middle ground in imaging technology for the diagnosis of a remarkable variety of conditions. 

Why use radiographs?

X-rays are a common imaging modality used in veterinary clinics due to their ability to penetrate tissue, and so reveal internal structures.

They are therefore used to assess solid structures and are particularly useful in areas with contrasting densities, such as in the thorax.

Radiographs can be an important part of a diagnostic pathway and should be used alongside a full clinical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tools such as bloodwork and other imaging modalities. 

Why not use radiographs?

X-rays are usually considered non-invasive for patients in a veterinary setting, as they are unlikely to alter or exacerbate any underlying pathology.

However, it should be remembered that X-ray exposure can be harmful at certain levels, and positioning cats for X-rays may cause stress and discomfort. For this reason, chemical restraint is always preferred, when clinically possible.

Why are radiographs particularly useful in cats?

Cats are notorious for their ability to mask clinical indicators of pain, illness, and disease. Their tendency to withdraw at times of physiological, physical, and behavioral stress can lead to both owners and veterinarians missing clinical signs, and make a comprehensive physical assessment more difficult.

This means that objective measures of disease are important, with accurate diagnostic methods beyond physical assessment needed.  

Indications for X-rays in cats 

Radiographs have a role in the diagnosis of many conditions, but they are of particular value in disease processes affecting:

The thorax

One of the most commonly imaged areas in cats is the thorax. Due to the pleural potential space providing mechanical coupling between the chest wall and lung, invasive imaging techniques – such as thoracoscopy – are very high risk. In the acutely dyspnoeic patient, ultrasonography may be more rewarding and lower risk, but in most cases, radiography gives more useful information due to the radiolucent air-filled spaces preventing ultrasound penetration.

X-ray imaging of the thorax may be used for the determination of respiratory, cardiovascular, oncological, and traumatic conditions.

The standard radiographic projections should include left and right lateral and a VD or DV view; although the VD should be avoided in patients with severe pulmonary or cardiac disease, as the resulting V/Q mismatch may prove rapidly fatal in a brittle dyspnoeic cat. 

Fortunately, the range of densities from gas-filled lungs to solid bone provides high contrast, meaning that a resting “cat-o-gram" will often prove diagnostically useful, if the patient’s medical status precludes a more correctly positioned radiographic series.

However, findings can be non-specific and require further investigation, in particular, if there is profuse pulmonary, pleural, or pericardial fluid or solid lesions in the lungs. 

The abdomen

Abdominal radiographs have many diagnostic uses, including changes to the size, shape, or architecture of organs, foreign bodies, fluid or gas accumulations, and trauma.

Common views taken are the left and right lateral and a DV or VD. However, radiographic interpretation is not always straightforward, as the mass of overlapping soft tissue structures produces a complex palimpsest where three-dimensional relationships are obscured.

Moreover, while different fat: water ratios in different tissues do give subtly different radiographic density (and thus shade), these subtle variations are difficult to appreciate. In many cases, only the major organs are visible on a plain film radiograph. Remember too that obese patients can be more difficult to assess, due to the accumulation of fat around organs. 

However, even a simple survey radiograph has its advantages, as being relatively quick and easy, while an ultrasound scan can give different information, it is not possible to visualize the entire abdomen in a single view, unlike with a radiograph.

And while an exploratory laparotomy or even laparoscopy would indeed allow the surgeons to access and examine every structure in the cavity, these are invasive procedures with a relatively high complication rate.

The essence of obtaining – and interpreting – a diagnostic abdominal radiograph is in understanding the contrast. For example, intestinal gas – especially in the colon – shows a clear contrast to the soft tissue around it, as do radio-opaque foreign bodies.

For a more detailed examination of the intestinal or urinary tracts, contrast radiography is an under-utilized and powerful technique that bypasses the fundamental problem of poor tissue differentiation and should always be considered, especially if a structural or functional bowel obstruction is suspected.

Bones and joints

Fractures, deformities, and injuries of bony structures can all be assessed in cats using X-rays. Joint and soft tissue imaging can be more challenging, as the density of ligaments and tendons is extremely similar.

Orthopedic imaging is classically considered to revolve around radiography; however, if soft tissue lesions are suspected (or no bony lesions are detected), the parallel use of radiography and ultrasonography is an exceptionally powerful combination.

When performing orthopedic radiographs, orthogonal views are critical, as the X-ray produced is a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional anatomic site, requiring the opposing view to fully visualize the area.3 In essence, with the exception of some of the more specialized glenohumeral and coxofemoral views, any limb radiograph can be considered to comprise a dorsopalmar/dorsoplantar view and a mediolateral view. 

It is usually important to image limbs from medial to lateral, as the limb being imaged should be as close to the imaging plate as possible. Imaging the upper, rather than lower, limb will result in excessive magnification due to an elongated object-film distance; in addition, due to the resultant angularity of the limb, variable magnification along its length may be seen. In both cases, it is impossible to accurately measure lesions or bones for the selection and fitting of plates.

In some cases, with subtle or highly focal pathology, additional oblique views may also be necessary to skyline the lesions.

These should be selected based on the location, size, and any suspicions based on simple DP and ML views.

However, in the majority of cats, the bone opacity is low enough that most lesions can be appraised from a simple paired view.

Dental X-rays

Dental disease is extremely common in cats, and management can be complex. Radiography allows for a thorough assessment of oral structures, including those below the gingival margin.

Using dental X-rays in cats allows for success in both treatment planning and evaluation.

Radiographs can provide a rapid, non-invasive, and clinically useful assessment of many internal structures in the cat.

However, X-rays should be used alongside other clinical options such as a physical exam, bloodwork, and other imaging. It is important to remember the limitations of a plain film radiograph (the reduction of three-dimensional structures into a flat palimpsest, and the limited differentiation between soft tissue structures).

As a result, a good knowledge of feline-specific anatomy and a good radiographic atlas are invaluable aids in interpreting the images. However, no other imaging modality is as versatile and as quick and easy to perform in the clinic, and with cats frequently presenting late into the course of a range of pathologies due to their masking behaviors, this makes radiography an excellent first choice for imaging most body systems. 

References

1. del Regato JA: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, in Radiological Physicists. American Institute of Physics, 1985. 

2. Larson, M. Feline Diagnostic Imaging. Published 2020 John Wiley. Ed. Holland & Hudson.  ISBN:9781118840948

3. Lavin L: Small animal soft tissue, in Lavin L (ed): Radiology in Veterinary Technology, ed 3. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 2003

4. DuPont, G. & DeBowes, L. Atlast of Dental Radiography in dogs and cats. Saunders Elsevier Missouri, 2009

5. Ismael Hernandez-Avalos, Daniel Mota-Rojas, Patricia Mora-Medina, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Alejandro Casas Alvarado, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, Karina Lezama-García & Adriana Olmos-Hernandez (2019) Review of different methods used for clinical recognition and assessment of pain in dogs and cats, International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 7:1, 43-54

6. Borgeat, K. and Pack, M. (2021), Approach to the acutely dyspnoeic cat. In Practice, 43: 60-70. https://doi.org/10.1002/inpr.15

An Introduction: Online Reviews and Your Veterinary Practice

Nowadays, many people search online for local businesses before deciding where they’d like to spend their money—and yes, that includes searching for a veterinarian or veterinary practice.

You’ve probably done this yourself when searching for a specific type of restaurant, hotel, dentist, hairstylist, etc…

Have you ever been more inclined to use a business because of a good review—or avoided it because of a bad review?

Well, your potential clients think the same way when it comes to finding a veterinarian…

How much do online reviews matter?

Research indicates that over 90% of consumers read online reviews, and nearly as many incorporate those reviews into their purchase decisions. 

Star rating is the number one factor used to judge a business, and 40% of consumers form an opinion about a business by reading just 1-3 reviews online.

This is especially relevant to the Millennial generation—the largest pet-owning population in the U.S.—who are very likely to do online research before choosing a veterinary practice.

In short, all of this means that online reviews can affect your veterinary practice’s reputation, how high you show up in online search results, your ability to attract new clients, and your practice’s bottom line.

So yes—online reviews are VERY important.

Where do online reviews live?

When we say online reviews, that could include a large number of different online platforms where consumers post reviews of products, services, and businesses.

However, there are a few places where you may want to focus your attention since they are the most commonly used platforms…

• Google.

When it comes to online reviews, Google is HUGE. 

Not only is it one of the most commonly used platforms for reviews, it’s also connected to other modalities such as Google Maps and general online searches. 

So even if a pet owner just wants to find your website or get directions to your clinic, there’s a good chance your Google reviews will pop up and be prominent on the page.

• Facebook.

This includes “official” reviews, as well as social media posts made by clients on your page or on their own pages.

• Yelp.

Whether you love Yelp or hate it, there’s no denying that Yelp pages often feature prominently in online search results.

• Other review sites like Angie’s List.

• Online directories such as Yahoo Local, InsiderPages, SuperPages, YellowPages, and more.

• The Better Business Bureau.

• Your own website.

How do you ethically obtain good online reviews?

So, you recognize that online reviews are important to your veterinary practice… but how do you obtain more good reviews in an ethical way?

When we say “ethical,” that basically means the reviews must be genuine, honest, and unbiased—and there are rules in place to help enforce this. 

This is important because violation of the rules can result in stiff financial or even legal penalties.

If you fail to follow the rules, you may be in violation of not only the platform’s policies, but also in violation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. 

Penalties may include a serious plummet in your rankings (Yelp will even add a Consumer Alert warning about your business on their site), removal of reviews, and significant financial penalties.

All of this is in place to ensure reviews stay as honest and unbiased as possible. 

To stay on the right side of the rules, here are some things NOT to do…

• Don’t “incentivize” reviews—in other words, don’t offer your clients a payment or other reward in exchange for an online review.

• Don’t place undue pressure on clients to write reviews.

• Don’t pay third parties to write reviews.

• Don’t flood review sites with biased reviews from yourself, your employees, or family and friends.

• Don’t leave negative reviews for your competitors.

• Don’t remove reviews.

If you feel a review is inaccurate or fake, contact the platform to discuss removal.

• Stay up to date on the rules, and keep in mind that different sites may have different rules. 

For example, at the time of this writing, Yelp is more strict than other review sites when it comes to asking your clients for reviews—it’s against their policies altogether.

Where should I start?

Obviously, there’s a lot to keep up with here…

To simplify the task at hand, focus on these things initially…

• Claim all of your online business listings, like Google My Business, your business’s Yelp page, and online directories. 

Keep all information up to date, including your location and hours of operation.

• Focus on the “big ticket” review sites first and foremost—especially Google, Facebook, and Yelp.

• Include reviews on your own website—it’s the only place you have total control over what content you include.

• When in doubt, stay on the conservative side of the rules for asking your clients for reviews, to ensure you’re in compliance. 

Next week, we’ll have more specific tips for you in terms of how to gather good reviews. 

We’ll also cover a topic that’s surely on your mind—that is, how to deal with negative reviews…

Stay tuned for part 2 of this very important topic!

Helpful statistics for online reviews:

https://www.vendasta.com/blog/50-stats-you-need-to-know-about-online-reviews

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

How To Make Your Veterinary Practice Part of the Community

By now, you may have a location in mind for where you want to open your own veterinary practice.

In addition to strategic reasons for choosing your location, it’s important to think about the community you’ll be a part of.

Maybe you already live in the area and know exactly what to expect in terms of clientele and local pet events.

Or, maybe you’re a new arrival and are eager to learn as much as possible about the community.

Either way, here are some things to consider that could help your practice thrive and become a household name among local pet owners…

Partner With Local Businesses

A good way to become part of the local pet network is to get out there and meet your “neighbors”—that is, other owners of pet-centric businesses in your neighborhood, town, or city.

This could mean…

• Pet groomers.

• Boutique pet gift and supply shops.

• Boarding facilities.

• Pet trainers.

• Rescue groups or shelters.

• Other veterinarians, especially with complimentary services like acupuncture, exotics, and specialty or emergency services.

Of course, you’ll resonate with some of these business owners’ pet care and business philosophies more than others. 

But you won’t know which ones are a good match until you make the effort to meet them.

When you find colleagues with whom you’d like to partner, think about setting up a mutual referral program. 

For example, if your clients ask about a groomer, you can tell them about the pet salon you recommend—and tell them to mention you referred them, for a discount (pre-arranged with the pet grooming salon’s owner, of course).

And vice versa, the groomer could refer new clients to you if they notice allergic dermatitis, ear infections, anal gland issues, or other concerns during grooming.

Set Up a Charity Effort

This may be a little bit of a challenge at the beginning when you’re trying to get your business up and running and cash flow is tight. 

But even small efforts or funds could be helpful to start. It’s all about goodwill and showing how much you care about pets. 

Plus, on tough days, it may make you smile to think about a good deed that’s not directly tied to the ups and downs in your appointment schedule.

One example of charity is a small donation to a local animal shelter or rescue group. 

You can fund this yourself. But also consider having a collection jar on the counter where clients check out. That way, clients who feel inclined to do so can help with your charity effort.

During social distancing and curbside service, this may look a little different, of course… 

Instead of a physical donation jar, you could include a checkout prompt that asks clients if they would like to donate—the same way many grocery stores have an option to leave $1 or more for charity when you pay with a credit card.

Teach Pet Owners About Local Pet Care Interests

While some pet health concerns are universal, such as obesity, others may have a higher or lower risk depending on climate and other location-based factors.

Different parts of the country face different pet health issues and concerns, including specific types of parasites and infectious diseases.

For example, if you live in a warm, humid climate that sees fleas year-round and has a high prevalence of heartworm disease, that’s something to talk to your clients about.

You could also include factors such as tick-borne diseases, heatstroke, certain fungal infections, foxtail plants, emergency-preparedness for hurricanes, and other weather-related and outdoor factors.

This is a good opportunity to use technology, too. Look for data from sites such as CAPC or the CDC. Some even have interactive maps and other visual tools you can show to clients.

In addition to talking to clients during an appointment, consider writing blog posts and sending out a newsletter with seasonal, local information, to keep your clients informed.

Social media is also a great place to share this sort of information.

Include fun local information, too! Your clients may enjoy hearing local news about pet events, charity drives from other pet organizations, and more.

Go To (Or Host) a Pet Event

“Pet events” could include many different things, such as…

• Meetup groups for dog walkers.

• Charity or fundraising events.

• Pets in costume Halloween parades and contests.

• Informative talks for pet parents on things like emergency preparedness or nutrition.

• Puppy or kitten socialization classes.

• Local sporting events where businesses can set up booths.

• Farmers’ markets.

• Pet adoption events.

• In the time of quarantine and social distancing, this may also include virtual events.

See what works best for you. Since your days will be busy, try to choose events that are fun for you—so you can have a great time and renew your energy while allowing pet owners to get to know the real you and how much you love animals.

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

Choosing and Interpreting In-House FIV/FeLV Combo Tests

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are contagious retroviruses that can cause serious illness in cats.

Infected cats may develop bone marrow suppression, chronic inflammatory conditions, and cancer (especially lymphoma), and be more susceptible to other infectious diseases due to a weakened immune system.

With all these health consequences, it’s no surprise that a retroviral infection may significantly shorten a cat’s lifespan.

Prevention is key for limiting the prevalence of these diseases. Since these viruses are typically spread by close contact (mutual grooming, catfights, etc.), it’s important to identify and isolate infected cats, to prevent exposure and spread of the disease to other cats. 

For all these reasons, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends testing for FIV and FeLV when a cat is first adopted, prior to initial vaccination against these diseases, after a potential exposure, and if clinical signs of retroviral infection develop.

Which Tests are Available for FIV/FeLV Testing in Cats?

Tests are available for in-house (point of care) use. Laboratory testing is also available, which includes a wider range of testing options and confirmatory testing.

For point of care tests, here are two popular options for veterinary practices…

• IDEXX SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo Test

IDEXX claims to have high sensitivity and specificity, with reference lab quality technology. Results are available in 10 minutes, using 3 drops of sample. A SNAP Pro Analyzer is available to automatically activate and read tests, and add results to the medical record.

• Zoetis WITNESS FeLV/FIV Rapid Test

The WITNESS test is meant to be easy to use and affordable. It works with just 1 drop of sample, with results available in 10 minutes. The test offers room temperature storage, an extended (12-month) shelf life, and no need to snap the test.

Zoetis also offers the VETSCAN FeLV/FIV Rapid Test, which appears to have very similar specifications to the WITNESS. One difference is that the VETSCAN test has a single test window, versus two separate test windows for the two diseases in the WITNESS test.

Considerations for FIV/FeLV Testing

To get the most accurate results, it’s best to use serum or plasma rather than whole blood. Although test instructions specify whole blood (and most of the time this works just fine), many experts note that occasionally, whole blood can result in a faint false positive. This is due to a protein or interference from red blood cells.

It’s also important to note that the FeLV test is an antigen test, and the FIV test is an antibody test. Therefore, the FIV test may pick up on an antibody response from a vaccination rather than a natural infection. This may complicate testing in some cases, and it’s recommended to know a cat’s FIV status prior to vaccination.

Additionally, in-house testing is often considered a screening test, in the sense that confirmatory testing is recommended for positive results. This commonly includes IFA testing for FeLV, and Western Blot testing for FIV.

Purchasing Considerations

Here are a few important considerations before making a purchase…

• Brand preference. Maybe a veterinarian or their team has had good experience with a particular brand. Or, if the company has any additional equipment or tests (such as hematology or chem analyzers) the practice is also interested in, it might be possible to negotiate a better deal for everything together.

• Contracts. It’s always important to check the contract closely when making a purchase, to see if there’s a minimum requirement of tests per month or any other stipulations.

• Quantity sold and expiration dates. See if you’ll be able to use all the tests before they expire, or if the company will refund any unused tests. 

• Available support. Is there a helpline for any technical questions or for help with confusing or inconsistent results? And does the company help with confirmatory testing, especially if in-house test results are inconsistent or don’t seem to line up with the cat’s history or symptoms?

Details and specifics of these tests may evolve over time. It’s important to check directly with the company for the most up-to-date information before making a purchase.

With all these factors in mind, see which option works best for the needs of your individual practice. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Training & Education: Mastering the Learning Curve with Veterinary Laser Therapy

It’s well-known laser therapy has become a popular treatment option in veterinary medicine due to its effectiveness in managing pain and promoting healing in patients.

However, like with any diagnostic, there’s a bit of a learning curve when mastering the proper technique for the best results.

Invest in training early!

• To find reputable training options, speak to colleagues and specialists who have experience with laser therapy equipment or chat with the vendor from whom you purchased the equipment.

• Prioritizing appropriate training can help ensure:

• Improved patient outcomes

• Proper maintenance and upkeep of laser therapy equipment

• Increase safety & prevent damage

• Extend the longevity of the equipment

When learning a new diagnostic, our teams need time to understand the key takeaways and apply their new knowledge.

Although laser therapy is a reasonably easy diagnostic, we want to avoid a “sink or swim” approach. Our teams are offered supervision and support as they flex their new skills.

This might include:

• Making time for questions as they get comfortable with the new tool

• Allowing some professional development time to read articles on the topic (tips, safety, etc.)

• Offering supervision and affirming correct techniques to help build confidence

• Quick reference guides in an easy-to-find location

We also want to set clear expectations around their responsibilities and what to do if concerns or an emergency arise. Take time to review what they’ll be responsible for with these new skills and what is outside of their scope.

Never discredit the power of hands-on learning

To truly master any new clinical skill requires practice and repetition.

Some people find learning a new diagnostic intimidating. Taking time to offer reassurance and supportive guidance will help build confidence. Learners should feel secure in their new skills, and as their leader, you should trust in their new performance abilities.

Acknowledgment goes a long way. When our team is taking on something new, we often forget how impactful our words are as leaders.

Simply acknowledging and affirming their effort and progress offers individuals validation and encouragement to continue.

Entrusting our teams to carry out diagnostic procedures empowers them to continue to grow their skills, expand their knowledge and gives our veterinarians space to tackle other needs.

Investing in staff training is essential for anyone involved in laser therapy at your practice.

The use of the correct wavelength, power, and dosing parameters can reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and improve circulation.

Our veterinary teams play a vital role in preparing the equipment and patient, assisting with the procedure, and maintaining our valuable diagnostic equipment.

Even more so, they play a massive part in client education and relaying the value of laser therapy when reviewing estimates or treatment options.

The risks of poor technique in laser therapy can be detrimental to patients and risk poor hospital reputation.

Improper use of the laser can lead to burns, tissue damage, or ineffective treatment, prolonging the healing process and potentially leading to (avoidable) complications.

Have confidence that your teams have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively perform laser therapy, investing in training and continuing education courses.

Like most continuing education programs, these courses allow veterinary teams to learn about the latest advancements in laser therapy, proper treatment techniques, and how to tailor treatment plans to individual patients.

Ultimately, the impact of proper training and technique with laser therapy in veterinary medicine goes beyond the individual patient. It also positively reflects the practice's reputation, enhances client satisfaction, and contributes to the overall success of our teams. 

When you purchase our Supra Therapy Laser Quad, we include comprehensive training to ensure you get the most out of your investment!

Ensuring Efficiency with Veterinary Laser Therapy Treatment

Introduction to Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine

Laser therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in veterinary medicine. It offers a noninvasive and practical approach to managing various conditions.

Like any medical intervention, it’s essential to be well-informed about the safety considerations and potential side effects accompanying laser therapy in veterinary patients.

Recent studies have shown that laser therapy is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for veterinary patients.

According to a survey by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), over 90% of veterinarians reported positive outcomes and minimal adverse effects when using laser therapy.

Ninety percent!

This underscores the growing confidence in the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality for pets!

As an ongoing initiative to provide a safe working/treatment environment, there are several ways you can enhance safety measures for staff and visiting creatures, such as:

 1. Training: Ensure your team has undergone the proper training to operate laser therapy equipment before using it with patients. They’ll want to understand proper handling of the equipment and safety precautions to prevent accidents or injuries.

 2. Protective Gear: does your team have what they need to perform the treatment safely? Although minimal exposure, laser safety glasses, gloves, and aprons can protect your team from radiation exposure.

 3. Regular Maintenance and Calibration: schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your laser therapy equipment, including checking the power output, beam alignment, and cooling systems to prevent malfunctions or overheating during treatments.

While laser therapy is considered safe for most pets, we want to be aware of potential side effects that can occur in rare cases.

Potential side effects of laser therapy in veterinary patients are generally rare and typically very mild, but it’s essential our teams can spot side effects if they occur.

Additionally, we want to educate pet parents about potential side effects and share some guidelines for post-treatment care.

Here are a few things to look out for:

Mild Discomfort: This typically manifests as a slight warming sensation or tingling in the treated area. Adjusting the treatment parameters or using a lower-intensity laser can help minimize discomfort.

Skin Irritation: In rare cases, pets may develop temporary skin irritation, causing redness or swelling at the treatment site. Please watch for any signs of allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.

Changes in Behavior: sometimes, pets may exhibit changes like restlessness or agitation due to the unfamiliar sensation of the laser or discomfort during treatment. Usually, a gentle distraction with treats or comforting affection can help ease their stress.  

By closely monitoring patients and adjusting treatment parameters as needed, we can minimize the risk of adverse reactions and offer a more positive experience during treatment.

Performing laser therapy treatment can also pose some minor potential risks to veterinary team members.

Just like with patients, risks to staff members performing the treatment are rare and typically mild. Still, we want to be sure we’re aware of potential risks to our staff.

Here are a few things to make sure your team is aware of:

Eye Injuries: Exposure to laser radiation causes the potential for eye injuries, including retinal damage or vision impairment. As a preventive measure, be sure your team wears laser safety glasses that provide appropriate protection.

Skin Burns: Improper handling or misuse of laser therapy equipment can result in burns or injuries to the skin. Your team can minimize these risks by simply following safety protocols and guidelines.

Electrical Hazards: Laser therapy equipment operates on electrical power, which runs the (uncommon) risk of electric shock or fires if not handled properly. Be sure your team is up to date on fire safety protocols and procedures, just in case.

By raising some awareness of these potential hazards and making sure your team is prepared to respond, we create the ideal environment to provide optimal care for our patients while minimizing risks to our hardworking team.

Laser therapy holds immense promise as a safe and effective treatment option for a range of conditions in veterinary patients.

Remember, continuing education centered around our ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine is key to a thriving practice and hospital staff.

By staying current on the latest research and guidelines, we can provide safe, effective, and comforting care to our loyal customers and to the teams that make our hospitals tick. 

Empowering Techs with Laser Therapy to Boost Vet Practices

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of veterinary hospitals.

They’re skilled and knowledgeable professionals who assist veterinarians in providing top-notch care to patients.

Veterinary technicians are well known for being the “heart” of the practice. Their superpower is their ability to wear many hats like:

• Reception and kennel assistant

• Patient caretaker and monitor

• Trusted surgical assistant

• Exam room and appointment traffic controller

• Empathetic companion to peers and clients

However, their potential could be more utilized, with many technicians limited to basic tasks like drawing blood, taking X-rays, and administering medications.

Let’s examine one of the easiest ways to grow hospital revenue, empower our veterinary technicians, and expand their role within the veterinary hospital.

 Let’s jump to the point by offering technician-driven laser therapy appointments!

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing in veterinary patients.

By allowing technicians to perform these appointments, veterinarians can free up time to focus on other appointments, surgeries, in-patient care, or catching up on charts

Veterinary technicians are more than capable of performing laser therapy treatments. They can confidently and safely administer these treatments to patients with the proper training and support.

There are limited risks to using laser therapy, however, on the off chance a patient experiences an abnormal response, potential adverse reaction, or there’s an equipment malfunction, a veterinarian should always be close by to assist.

What type of laser therapy training is available for veterinary technicians?

I’m glad you asked!

In order to perform laser therapy on veterinary patients, specialized training is needed to ensure they can confidently and safely administer treatments.

Training programs typically cover topics such as laser safety, proper use of equipment, treatment protocols, and monitoring patient response.

Here are some key components of training that veterinary technicians can expect:

 1. Laser Safety: One of the most important aspects of training is understanding laser safety protocols. Veterinary technicians learn about the potential risks associated with laser therapy and how to mitigate them to ensure the safety of both the patient and themselves.

 2. Equipment Operation: They’re trained on how to properly operate and handle laser therapy equipment. This includes understanding the different types of lasers used in veterinary medicine, how to adjust settings for different treatments, and basic troubleshooting.

 3. Treatment Protocols: They can expect to learn various treatment protocols used in laser therapy for different conditions and patient populations. This includes understanding the appropriate laser parameters, treatment durations, and techniques for delivering laser therapy to achieve optimal results.

 4. Patient Assessment: Veterinary technicians are trained to assess patients and understand the indications and contraindications for laser therapy, as well as how to evaluate patient response to treatment.

 5. Hands-On Practice: Hands-on training is an essential component of learning how to perform laser therapy. They may undergo practical training sessions to practice administering laser therapy treatments under the supervision of experienced professionals.

 Overall, these trainings are designed to equip your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently and safely perform treatments on patients.

By receiving comprehensive training in laser therapy, our veterinary technicians can expand their scope of practice, enhance their value within the hospital, and provide high-quality care to the patients in their care.

Enabling veterinary technicians to perform laser therapy appointments can have a significant positive impact on a veterinary hospital in a number of ways.

Let’s look at some key benefits:

 1. Improve Efficiency: Improve the overall efficiency by streamlining the workflow and optimizing the use of resources. By allowing veterinary technicians to handle laser therapy appointments, veterinarians can free up valuable time to focus on other appointments, surgeries, in-patient care, or administrative tasks.

 2. Increase Revenue: Laser therapy appointments are billable services that can generate additional revenue for your hospital. By expanding the services offered by veterinary technicians, the hospital can increase its revenue stream and profitability.

 3. Enhance Patient Care: Patients can receive timely and consistent treatments to help manage pain, inflammation, and promote healing with their trusted technicians, enhancing the overall quality of care provided by the hospital.

 4. Skill Development: Allowing your technician team to perform laser therapy appointments provides them the opportunity to develop new skills and expand their knowledge in the field. This can help boost their confidence, job satisfaction, and professional growth.

 5. Competitive Advantage: Offering technician-driven laser therapy appointments can give the veterinary hospital a competitive edge in the market. By providing a wider range of services and utilizing the expertise of veterinary technicians, the hospital can attract more clients and differentiate itself from competitors.

Offering technician-driven laser therapy appointments is a win-win for both veterinary technicians and your veterinary practice.

It allows technicians to expand their skill set and take on more responsibility while also freeing up valuable time for veterinarians to focus on other business and patient needs.

With the proper training and support, your team of technicians can confidently and safely perform laser therapy treatments, leading to improved efficiency, increased revenue, enhanced patient care, skill development, and a competitive advantage in the market.

Looking to find the best laser therapy unit for your practice?

Check out this article: Veterinary Laser Therapy Equipment: Selecting the Best Option for Your Practice

Laser Therapy in Veterinary Practice: A pain-free Solution

Laser therapy has become an increasingly popular and effective treatment option for various conditions in veterinary patients.

Veterinarians are choosing laser therapy as their preferred treatment approach over traditional, less effective treatment options.

This non-invasive and painless procedure uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, making it a valuable tool for veterinary practices looking to provide the best care for their patients.

Let’s unpack a few specific conditions that have seen particularly successful outcomes using laser therapy treatment.

Laser Therapy Treatment in Veterinary Patients with Arthritis

With arthritis being such a common problem in aging canines and felines, this treatment option is an ideal, low-stress way to offer relief.

Patients with arthritis who have undergone laser therapy treatment experienced:

• · Reduced joint inflammation

• · Increased mobility

• · Faster pain relief

Successful results have been shown to improve the quality of life for pets suffering from arthritis, allowing them to move more comfortably and enjoy the activities they love most.

Let’s look a little closer…

Meet Kona, a 10-year-old labrador retriever with difficulty getting up and moving around. His owners are getting concerned about his quality of life. After a thorough examination, his veterinarian recommended laser therapy as part of his treatment plan.

Over a few weeks, Kona received a series of laser therapy sessions that targeted the affected areas in his hips, helping to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to his joints.

After just a few sessions, Kona’s owners noticed a significant improvement in his mobility and overall comfort. He could get up and down more easily, walk longer distances without limping, and even start playing with his favorite toys again.

 With the right combination of laser therapy, at-home care, and follow-up appointments, our patients can experience significant improvements in their mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.

By the end of the treatment plan, Kona’s symptoms had decreased, allowing him to be more active and reducing his pain and discomfort.

Laser Therapy in Veterinary Patients with Skin Infections or Wounds

 Laser therapy has been proven particularly effective in patients recovering from skin conditions or puncture wounds.

Whether it's a surgical incision, a bite wound, or a skin infection, this treatment approach can speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the formation of new, healthy tissue.

Let me introduce you to Kylie…

Kylie is a 4-year-old domestic shorthair who presented with a severe bite wound on her hind left leg.

The exam revealed some infection around the affected area, causing her significant discomfort. Her veterinarian prescribed a series of laser therapy treatments paired with some antibiotics and pain meds.

Kylie's wound showed significant improvement after several laser therapy sessions and consistent wound care at home. The inflammation decreased, and the wound began to heal more rapidly than expected. Kylie's energy levels increased, and she was back to her playful self after just a few weeks

 Laser Therapy Treatment in Veterinary Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions

 This treatment approach is effective in treating chronic pain conditions like:

• · Back and neck pain

• · Hip dysplasia

• · Stomatitis

By using lasers to target specific areas of pain and inflammation, veterinary teams can provide targeted relief for their patients, sometimes without the need for medications or invasive procedures.

Let’s say hello to Navy…

Navy is an 11-year-old German shepherd who presented with debilitating back pain, making it difficult to walk. He showed signs of stiffness and discomfort as he shuffled into the exam room.

His exam indicated x-rays were warranted, which later revealed some spinal abnormalities.

After discussing some treatment options, Navy’s parents shared that they’d prefer a non-invasive treatment approach. They agreed that laser therapy would be the best next step, along with some anti-inflammatory meds to help manage his pain.

 Navy underwent a series of laser therapy sessions targeting the affected areas of his spine.

After a few short weeks, his parents noticed a decrease in his pain level and an increase in his ability to move around more comfortably.

His increased desire to go outside and even brave a small staircase was incredibly encouraging to his parents and veterinary caregivers.

 Toward the end of his treatment, Navy experienced some significant progress. His treatment had significantly reduced his pain levels, allowing him to move more freely. His stiffness decreased, and he regained comfortable mobility in his hind legs.

 Kona, Kylie, and Navy all highlight the effectiveness and value of laser therapy treatment, which played a crucial role in their healing journeys.

While this treatment option may not be warranted in every case, laser therapy equipment has proven a valuable investment for veterinary hospitals that want to provide the best patient care.

Its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions easily makes it a cutting-edge treatment option for patient care.