Essential Rabbit Dental Health Tips for Better Teeth

Although rabbits don’t undergo regular dental cleanings the way dogs and cats do, dental health is still an extremely important part of a rabbit’s wellbeing. When dental problems occur, a rabbit might be unable to eat or drink.

For a veterinarian to provide rabbit dental care, it helps to know which dental problems this species is prone to, how to treat them, and how to prevent dental issues with home care and client education.

Which Dental Issues Do Rabbits Develop?

A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout its whole life. As such, tartar isn’t really a problem the way it is in dogs and cats. 

An appropriate diet—with the right nutrition and plenty of roughage—plays a crucial role in wearing down the teeth naturally, so that they don’t overgrow. 

In fact, many rabbit dental issues are due to husbandry concerns. An inappropriate diet is most common.

Other acquired dental conditions include broken teeth, jaw fractures and other trauma, oral foreign bodies, metabolic bone disease (which can also be nutrition-related, or due to a vitamin D deficiency in indoor rabbits), and any systemic disease that affects a rabbit’s ability to eat and therefore keep their teeth in good shape. 

Overgrowth of the teeth can lead to sharp edges, as well as malocclusions that make it difficult or impossible to eat. Infections and abscesses (in which the purulent material turns very thick) can also occur.

While acquired dental problems are very common, congenital issues may also play a role. This may include malformations of the jaws or of the teeth themselves.

Normal Rabbit Dentition

To properly diagnose and treat rabbits, it’s important for a veterinarian to know what is normal for this species.

Rabbits have four maxillary incisors (two large teeth, plus a pair of smaller “peg teeth” directly behind them) and two mandibular incisors. They do not have canine teeth—instead, there is a space called the diastema. 

Following the diastema, the cheek teeth are made up of three premolars and three molars on each side of the maxilla, and two premolars and three molars on each side of the mandible.

Since malocclusions are common, it’s also important to know the normal occlusions in a rabbit. 

The mandibular incisors occlude just between the two sets of upper incisors. 

The mandible is narrower than the maxilla, so the upper cheek teeth are not normally in contact with the lower cheek teeth. Effective chewing of hay and other fibrous foods comes from a grinding motion of the cheek teeth.

Diagnosing Dental Disease in Rabbits

A change in eating patterns is often the first sign of a problem. 

Other symptoms may include fecal changes (quantity and appearance), bruxism, drooling, decreased grooming, weight loss or a general decline in condition, and other symptoms localized on the face (swellings, nasal discharge, epiphora, exophthalmos).

A full dental examination is best performed under sedation or general anesthesia. A metal speculum or otoscope cone with good lighting will aid in the visualization of the cheek teeth. An oral endoscopy is an excellent option, if available.

A veterinarian should look for misshapen teeth, sharp edges, malocclusions, and anything else that can interfere with a rabbit’s ability to chew. Also, look for swellings or other abnormalities of the mouth or jaw. 

In addition to the physical examination and dental evaluation, skull radiographs can provide crucial information about the extent of the disease and prognosis, which can contribute to making a treatment plan. 

Blood work can help rule out other conditions and ensure the rabbit is healthy enough for a dental procedure under anesthesia.

Treating Dental Disease in Rabbits

The teeth must be returned as closely as possible to their original length, alignment, and ability to function.

This means overgrown teeth must be shortened to their normal length, and normal occlusion must be restored. This could be done in one procedure, or via multiple procedures over time for patients with more extensive abnormalities. 

Diseased or severely overgrown or malformed teeth may need to be extracted, although extractions of cheek teeth are ideally kept to a minimum. 

Additional ailments, such as abscesses, must also be treated—which in rabbits often means surgical resection and antibiotics.

Familiarity and practice are required to perform these procedures, as a rabbit’s mouth is very different from a dog or a cat. 

It’s a good idea for general practitioner veterinarians to gain training in rabbit dental care before attempting complex procedures. It’s also crucial to have the right tools for a rabbit’s teeth.

Referral to a specialist is also an option, either after the diagnosis is reached, or at the rabbit’s initial onset to the clinic. But general practitioners with the right training and appropriate tools at their practice may be able to treat some rabbit dental conditions themselves.

Either way, earlier treatment is best, both for the dental prognosis and for the rabbit’s overall health, since their condition can decline quickly if they have difficulty eating. Nutritional support may be needed until the patient is able to eat on their own. 

Owner Education Is Necessary to Prevent Recurrence

Remember to talk to the owner about husbandry—including a proper diet with the right balance of nutrients and fibrous materials for tooth health. 

Dental treatment is only a short-term solution. Addressing the underlying cause (which is often husbandry-related) is the only way to prevent the issue from happening again.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Essential Oral and Beak Care for Birds: A Guide for Vets

Even though birds don’t need the same type of oral or dental care that dogs and cats do, their oral and beak health is still an important part of their wellbeing.

Many avian patients are not only beautiful, they are also very intelligent, with big personalities. As such, many veterinarians enjoy seeing birds at their practice. However, to appropriately evaluate and treat these patients, extensive knowledge is required of the many differences between birds and mammals. 

While it won’t be possible in just one article to cover every issue a bird could have with its mouth or beak, below we’ll cover some of the most common conditions to look for in pet birds, mostly focusing on Psittacines (parrots). 

Normal Anatomy and Signs of a Problem

The beak is also known as the bill or rostrum. It consists of the upper (maxillary rostrum) and lower (mandibular rostrum) jaws, each of which is covered at its rostral end by a hard keratin structure known as the rhampotheca or “horny bill.”  

Normally, the upper and lower portions of the beak should align well with one another. But various beak or systemic health problems can lead to overgrowth, malocclusions, or other problems. Additionally, health issues can present within a bird’s mouth.

An owner may alert their veterinarian to a problem by mentioning symptoms they’ve noticed at home, such as halitosis, yawning, frequent beak rubbing, or changes in eating behavior.

During the physical examination, keep a lookout for any asymmetry of the head and beak. Look inside the mouth for lesions, too, such as masses, plaques, odor, foreign bodies, or wounds.

When examining a bird, a low-stress approach is best—for the ease of the veterinary visit, for avoiding spurious lab results due to stress, and for the wellbeing of the bird. Avoid using excessive pressure or restraint. For some birds, sedation may be ideal.

Common Health Conditions of the Beak and Mouth in Birds

Some of the most common conditions a veterinarian will see include…

• Beak overgrowth, uneven wear, or malocclusions. Routine beak trimmings can help prevent these problems. Commonly, a Dremel is used for this purpose. It can take practice and experience to gain proficiency. The Dremel should not be held in contact with the beak for too long, due to the risk of excessive heat. 

More complicated issues, such as a malocclusion, may need additional treatments or referral to a specialist. 

Once the beak shape is corrected, enrichment at home, which encourages normal use of the beak, can help prevent the problem from occurring again and possibly eliminate the need for further beak trimmings.

• Beak and oral trauma. Common traumatic injuries include bite wounds/punctures (from other birds or other animals), fractures (which may be just to the tip of the keratin part of the beak, or may involve underlying bone), avulsions, and oral trauma or punctures from hard objects or toys.

• Oral and beak diseases. Birds may suffer from bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. One example is the viral Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. Also, neoplasia may occur.

• Systemic diseases can also affect the beak or oral cavity. One condition which may affect the mouth and GI tract is an internal papillomatous disease (IPD). Psittacines with this condition may present with cauliflower-like growths in their oral cavity or cloaca, while also having masses present internally. 

An overgrown beak may be an indication of malnutrition or systemic disease (such as liver disease). 

And Candidiasis (thrush) may be an indication of an underlying disease or immunosuppression.

Diagnosing and Treating Beak and Oral Health Conditions in Birds

In addition to symptoms reported by the owner and physical exam findings, diagnostic tests are often indicated. This could include radiographs to evaluate the extent of an injury, bloodwork to look for systemic disease, infectious disease testing, histopathology of masses or growths, or other testing as needed.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. In some cases, a simple beak trim with a recommendation for home enrichment may be all that’s required. With certain diseases and injuries, the treatment may be much more complicated.

Depending on a veterinarian’s knowledge and comfort level with birds, they may consider referral to a specialist. Knowing the common oral and beak conditions in birds, what to look for, and what is normal versus abnormal anatomy, can help a practitioner know when a referral is warranted.

For any veterinarians wishing to care for more birds at their practice, continuing education, hands-on labs, practice/experience, and good informational resources can all help with developing the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and treat these beautiful and unique patients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Veterinary Dental Cleaning Techniques in Dogs

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them can be affected by dental and periodontal disease.

Here are some important things to consider for dental cleanings in dogs…

What’s the Normal Dentition for a Dog?

While it’s important to recognize what’s abnormal, it’s just as important to know what’s NORMAL when it comes to a dog’s teeth.

For example, many clients ask questions like ‘how many teeth does a dog have?’. A quick and confident answer can help instill confidence in the veterinarian’s knowledge.

Also, during a dental procedure, knowing the expected number of teeth will help a vet know if any teeth are missing—an abnormal finding that warrants further exploration and dental radiographs.

It also helps to know how many roots each tooth has, as well as the approximate length and direction of each root. That way, a vet can plan for the most efficient way to extract a tooth, and it will be less likely that any root tips are left behind.

What Are the Most Common Dental Issues in Dogs—and in Specific Breeds?

Periodontal disease is, of course, very common, affecting more than two-thirds of dogs by three years of age. 

But while any breed can be affected, certain breeds are more prone to developing tartar and periodontal disease quickly. Often, this happens to small or brachycephalic breeds due to tooth crowding.

Big dogs, on the other hand, maybe more likely to suffer traumatic tooth fractures.

While it’s important to keep a lookout for anything that could be part of a disease process, knowing the common issues in each size and breed of dog could help a vet know where to look for issues and pick up on subtle or early changes.

When Should Dental Radiographs be Taken?

Dental radiographs are considered the standard of care for dental procedures. Some estimates state that dental x-rays can reveal about 40% more pathology than can a visual oral examination alone.

This leads to better patient care. Also, the x-ray images can help clients visualize their dog’s dental health status and therefore better understand the importance of the treatments a veterinarian recommends.

So, when and how should dental radiographs be performed?

Many experts recommend taking a full set of dental radiographs immediately after anesthesia induction. Usually, this task is performed by a skilled vet tech or nurse, along with anesthesia monitoring. 

Performing radiographs prior to the cleaning gives the vet a chance to review the radiographs. These findings, along with a visual assessment of the patient’s mouth (including charting), gives a lot of information to support a call to the owner, if needed for additional treatments.

Some veterinarians prefer to do radiographs after the dental cleaning is performed, so they can first remove large chunks of calculus that could interfere with radiographic interpretation. There’s nothing wrong with this, and every practice should do what works best for them. 

The most important thing is probably to have a consistent protocol, to improve efficiency.

It’s worthwhile to invest in training for this important skill. Consider sending team members to a conference or course, or asking the company that sold the dental x-ray equipment if they offer training. 

Since dogs differ greatly in size, it helps to have more than one size of film/plate/sensor available. In order to be diagnostic, x-ray images must show 2-3 mm of bone from the apex of the root. The crown of the tooth doesn’t necessarily need to be included. 

For routine cleanings, one set of radiographs may be all that is needed. But for patients who are receiving extractions or more advanced procedures, it’s beneficial to perform post-op dental x-rays. This confirms that everything was done properly and safely, in case any new concerns arise later.

Tips for Cleaning a Dog’s Teeth During a Dental Procedure

After radiographs and charting are finished, the typical dental procedure consists of scaling and polishing. 

Here are a few tips for the dental cleaning:

• Scaling of the enamel, above the gumline, can be done with an ultrasonic/and or hand scaler. 

• It’s recommended not to spend more than 10-15 seconds on a tooth with the ultrasonic scaler, to avoid overheating and damaging the tooth.

• Subgingival cleaning may be performed by hand, or via a special “subgingival tip” on the ultrasonic scaler that is designed to be used on a lower setting and is less prone to overheating the tooth. For simple dentals without significant gum recession, this may be all that is needed.

• If using ultrasonic scalers, many experts recommend following up with hand scaling for more detailed work or hard to reach places, to ensure no tartar is left behind.

• For periodontal pockets ranging from 3-5 mm with no other pathology (mobility, etc.), closed root planing and subgingival curettage may help to reestablish the health of the pocket and soft tissue attachments to the tooth.

• For pockets deeper than 5 mm where the tooth is being treated (rather than extracted), open root planing is recommended. Referral to a specialist may be best. 

• It’s important to stock tools in different sizes to accommodate different breeds of dogs. Having the right tools can make a veterinary team member’s life much easier and allow them to more easily reach and clean crevices or tight spots.

Due to the prevalence of periodontal disease, there’s no doubt that dental health is important for a dog’s wellbeing.

Client expectations are evolving. Many devoted pet owners research dental procedures online and expect a high level of care for their dog’s oral health needs.

By investing in dentistry—and then communicating the value of each step to their clients—a veterinary practice can bring in income while providing excellent care to their canine patients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Stainless Steel Wall-Mounted Folding Exam Table

The New Vet Equipment stainless steel wall-mounted folding exam table is an economical option to many other tables on the market with its cost-effective construction and mounting system.

This wall-mounted exam table folds up for easy storage when not in use. Its versatility also allows it to be used for various applications in a healthcare facility, such as for recumbent patient access or as a transfer device.

Sturdy support

The steel folding exam table is made of stainless steel and has a weight capacity of 120 pounds. The exam table can support up to 44 inches wide and 24 inches deep, making it ideal for various medical facilities. 

Many medical departments already have exam tables in their facilities, but some need a new one. By investing in this table, you're getting a quality product that can be used for many years to come!

Foldable 

The user can simply fold the table upwards, which will make it nearly vertical to the wall. You can easily fold up the table and store it in a corner or closet when you're not using it. It's made of high-quality materials and is thin, so it can't take up too much space.

That way, you have extra room to do whatever you want without it getting in your way!. The table weighs roughly 44 pounds and stands 5 feet tall when folded. 

Hygienic 

This product is rust-resistant, making it a durable option for any facility that needs an exam table. The steel folding exam table is also easy to clean, so you do not have to worry about any unwanted diseases or infections spreading around your facility.

Good for small spaces

This product can be used in small clinics and offices where space is limited or patients need immediate treatment without waiting rooms.

Free delivery

Each exam table will arrive at your facility ready to be assembled in just minutes. Therefore there is no need for special tools such as screwdrivers or hammers to assemble this product.

Easy assembly 

All parts can be easily moved and organized without any tools other than your hands. It works well for many different purposes. It's great for hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. It's also great for physical therapy, massage and acupuncture patients, and more.

The benefits of stainless steel tables in healthcare are numerous. And they can be the difference between having a functional medical facility or not. Stainless steel is the best choice because it is:

Durable - Stainless steel is a solid and durable material that will last for many years. It won't need to be replaced like a wooden table might.

Appealing - Stainless steel tables and equipment have an attractive, modern look perfect for any healthcare environment.

Infection Control - Stainless steel provides a safe surface for patients and healthcare professionals to work with. Easy to clean, stainless steel reduces the risk of infection from harmful bacteria and viruses.

Functional - Stainless steel is sturdy and durable and lightweight enough to move easily when necessary. This durability makes it a great option for hospitals or other medical facilities where equipment needs to be moved frequently.

Takeaway: The New Vet Equipment stainless steel wall-mounted, folding exam table can be used in outpatient clinics or physical therapy offices of all kinds.

Written by: Rachel Best

Upgrade Your Practice: Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light

The Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light is the ultimate tool for any professional looking to improve the quality of their practice. The fixture provides an excellent 90 000 lux at 30" from the bulb, making it one of the brightest LED lights on the market today. It uses a 3-chip LED array with a CRI of 95, producing a broad spectrum for veterinary examinations.

Designed for Pet Comfort

The Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light is the next generation of high-density, energy-efficient, cost-effective illumination for veterinary clinics.

The light's unique design provides a warm, natural color and a soothing effect for pet patients. The high-definition lens diffuses the light to produce a shadowless examination field and eliminates the need for mirrors or reflectors.

Heat Free 

This product improves patient care by providing brighter, more intense illumination with less heat to minimize thermal tissue damage.

By delivering highly focused light for a longer duration than traditional incandescent lamps, our torches provide a greater field of vision for surgeons and dental professionals. The heat-free light guarantees 75% energy savings over the current halogen option.

Lighting Efficiency 

The new LED is the brightest, most energy-efficient light in its class. Producing 90,000 lux at 24″ (61 cm).

The LED light uses 20% of the energy used by conventional fluorescent lights while being 25% brighter and lasting longer.

The LED light delivers a uniform, shadow-free field of light. The fixture produces a more balanced field of light with less contrast at the cost of some brightness. A separate cold filter reduces room ambient and provides optimal color temperature for viewing under magnification.

3700 k Color Temperature

With the 3700k color temperature and the ability to light up to 3 inches, you'll be able to get the job done better than you ever have before! Animals are a lot more comfortable with this light, allowing you to examine them in a more efficient, easier way.

This light will last you a very long time, reducing the amount of money you spend on veterinary equipment and increasing the comfort of the animals living in your care.

CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 95

The Burton LED Exam Light improves upon the old-fashioned bulb-type exam lights with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 95, which makes the colors of the animals' skin appear more accurately.

This is especially helpful when examining animals with light-colored fur like kittens! The LED light doesn't feel hot like a bulb light to be less scary for the animal.

High Rg>87 that can accurately capture different skin tones

The Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light was designed to excel in veterinary care. Not only does it provide dermatologists and veterinarians a dependable and easy-to-use light source, but it also provides a warm and uniform illumination for a spot or indirect examination. With the Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light, skin tones are captured as they are, with full detail and accurate representation. 

It is designed to rotate 360 degrees and can be positioned up to 37.5 inches away from the patient (body part) on which it's being used! This product has an average life span of 20,000 hours.

This particular model is dimmable, but it comes equipped with an efficient switch that allows you to change the strength of the intensity. It is easy to clean and features antimicrobial paint that keeps it sterile.

Takeaway: Burton Veterinary LED Exam Light is proven to increase diagnostic accuracy. Get yours today!

Written by: Rachel Best

Essential Tips for Feline Dental Health: Best Practices

As a veterinarian, you already know how important dental health is to your patients—and you also know that dental health concerns can vary by species. 

Today, we’ll be covering some tips for dental care in cats, both before and after the dental procedure.

Knowing Your Way Around a Cat’s Mouth

Quick—how many teeth should an adult cat have?

Clients often ask questions like this. A timely, confident answer will help inspire confidence when they leave their pet with you for oral care.

Plus, knowing the normal dental formula for each species serves an important purpose DURING a dental procedure.

For example, it helps a veterinarian or vet tech easily determine whether or not there are any missing teeth—a discovery that could prompt further exploration and potentially diagnose a problem that needs to be addressed.

Similarly, when performing extractions, it’s important to know how many roots the tooth has, to ensure no root tips get left behind. Knowing the approximate length and direction of each root will also help a vet extract the tooth more efficiently.

Know the Most Common Issues to Look For 

Of course, dental tartar and periodontal disease are common concerns in both dogs and cats. But each species also carries their own unique dental problems that occur commonly.

For example, FORLs/resorptive lesions are fairly common in cats, but not so much in dogs. Felines are also more prone to certain inflammatory conditions such as stomatitis.

While it’s important to keep a look out for anything that could be part of a disease process, knowing the common issues in each species could help a vet pick up on subtle or early changes.

Also, be aware of normal structures that could be confused for a mass or lesion—such as the lingual molar salivary gland in cats.

Dental Radiographs: Why, When, and How

The WHY is simple: Dental x-rays are important because they allow a veterinarian to see the whole picture of a pet’s dental health—which frequently includes problems brewing below the gumline.

But, WHEN and HOW should dental x-rays be performed?

Many experts recommend taking a full set of dental radiographs immediately after anesthesia induction. Usually, this task is performed by a skilled vet tech or nurse, along with anesthesia monitoring. 

It’s worthwhile to invest in training for this important skill. Consider sending team members to a conference or course, or asking the company that sold the dental x-ray equipment if they offer training. And setting up a standard technique (performing the views in the same order each time) can improve efficiency.

Performing radiographs prior to the cleaning gives the vet a chance to review the radiographs. These findings, along with a visual assessment of the patient’s mouth (including charting), gives a lot of information to support a call to the owner, if needed for additional treatments.

For routine cleanings, this may be all that is needed. But for patients who are receiving extractions or more advanced procedures, it’s beneficial to perform post-op dental x-rays. This confirms that everything was done properly and safely, in case any new concerns arise later.

Tips for Cleaning a Cat’s Teeth During a Dental Procedure

After charting is done, the typical dental procedure consists of scaling and polishing. 

Scaling of the enamel can be done with an ultrasonic/and or hand scaler, while curettes (sometimes in combination with a specialized, “periodontal tip” on the ultrasonic scaler) are used to clean below the gumline. 

Polishing is performed using a low-speed handpiece, usually with disposable prophy angles and fine-grit prophy paste.

Dental extractions may be done at the point during the procedure that works best for that patient’s needs and the veterinarian’s preference. For example, it may make sense to pull very loose teeth prior to cleaning (no point in spending time cleaning a tooth that is about to fall out), while more complicated extractions might be performed further into the procedure. 

Here are a few tips for dental cleaning:

• Make sure to stock the right size tools (scalers, etc.) in the practice, which means a range of sizes if you see everything from cats to large dogs. Smaller tools for cats allow for getting into crevices and cleaning more efficiently.

• Use time limits to avoid overheating of the teeth, i.e. no more than 10 seconds at a time on any tooth with the ultrasonic scaler, or 5 seconds with the polisher.

• In cats, due to the small size and shape of their skull, the eye sits very close to the maxillary teeth. Therefore, be careful while probing or cleaning deep periodontal pockets in that area (not to mention during nerve blocks or extractions) to avoid traumatic injuries to the eye.

Due to the prevalence of periodontal disease, and the abundance of oral and dental diseases that can occur in cats, there’s no doubt that dental health is important for their overall health and comfort.

Client expectations are evolving. Many devoted pet owners research dental procedures online and expect a high level of care for their cat’s oral health needs.

By investing in dentistry—and then communicating the value of each step to their clients—a veterinary practice can bring in income while providing excellent care to their feline patients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

8 Things to Know about Being the Spouse of a Veterinarian

So, you married a veterinarian…

Veterinarians usually don’t work a 9-to-5 job, and the unique demands of their career may sometimes interfere with home life. Not to mention, your spouse may come home talking about weird things like abscesses and parasites.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to understanding and supporting your partner…

1. Veterinary Medicine Tends to Attract Empathetic, Caring Individuals

For a job that pays less than their human medicine counterparts, along with long hours and other demands of a vet’s day, it’s safe to say that veterinarians are definitely not in it for the money.

Instead, clinical practice veterinarians typically choose their career because they love animals and want to help them. These caring individuals have big hearts and give a lot of themselves in the process of caring for their patients.

Maybe these are some of your favorite qualities about your partner. 

2. But, All That Caring Can Take a Toll…

Because veterinarians care so much about their patients, it’s easy for them to experience an emotional roller coaster each workday, as some patients have happy visits while others may be severely ill or euthanized.

This can lead to compassion fatigue, where a person begins to feel burnt out and drained due to the emotional impact of their work. Compassion fatigue, along with many other factors unique to working in veterinary medicine, contributes to the fact that veterinarians have a higher suicide rate than many other professions.

While this can be scary, awareness goes a long way toward supporting your spouse. 

You can help them by lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on when they need it after a tough day, by helping them find a psychological professional to talk to, or by referring them to a helpful resource such as NOMV (Not One More Vet) or Vets4Vets.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255, or text “Home” to 741741) is also a life-saving resource.

3. Many of Veterinarians are Introverts

While there are also extroverted vets, being an introvert is a common trait when it comes to veterinarians. 

And yet, a veterinarian’s job involves a lot of interaction with people—both coworkers and lots of clients during a busy day.

For this reason, your partner might not always be up for social events after work. They may need time alone to rest and recharge.

If this sounds like your spouse, remember that they aren’t avoiding people to be difficult or limit your social life. Instead, they may just need to “refuel” before they’re ready to be social.

4. Vets Often Work Long or Irregular Hours

This can create logistical challenges for tasks such as picking up the kids from school. 

And a vet may be reluctant to make plans for right after work, in case they need to stay late.

If your job is more flexible, this problem may be hard to relate to. But open discussions can help both of you know what to expect and plan accordingly.

5. A Vet’s Job is Physically Demanding

Animal patients may be nervous, energetic, aggressive, or wiggly. They don’t hold still for their examinations the way human patients do.

Your partner probably spends a large portion of the day crawling on their hands and knees to palpate a dog on the floor, hunching over to get a better look at a skin mass, or even lifting and restraining a patient on the x-ray table if extra hands are needed for the task.

Plus, vets are on their feet all day.

So, don’t be surprised if your partner comes home and collapses onto the couch. Helping them with the little things (like laundry and cooking) can go a long way toward letting them recharge.

6. Veterinarians Are Used to Talking about Gross Stuff

Gross stuff—such as anal glands or draining pus from an abscess—are a normal part of the day for vets. As such, it’s something they’ve grown very comfortable seeing and talking about.

If your partner brings these things up at dinner and makes you gag while you’re eating, they’re not trying to be insensitive. 

They’re just so acclimated to these things that they might not realize how it affects others to hear about them. A polite reminder is all that’s needed if it bothers you.

7. Lots of People Ask Veterinarians Questions Outside of Work

In addition to being introverted, there’s one more big reason why vets might want to avoid social situations… 

That is, they often don’t get to enjoy themselves because people ask them all sorts of questions about their pets, or tell them sad stories (such as the time they had their pet euthanized), once they find out that person is a vet.

While veterinarians can be passionate about what they do, they still need a break sometimes. It’s not healthy for anyone to take their work home with them to this extent.

You can help your spouse by establishing boundaries with well-meaning friends and family members, being understanding if your partner doesn’t feel like going out, or at least rescuing them if you see someone’s got them cornered at a party.

8. Many Vets Graduate with Significant Student Loan Debt

Since finances are the most common cause of divorce, it’s important to confront all financial issues head-on—and student loans are a part of that.

Being open and honest with each other, exploring options for repayment, and talking to a qualified financial professional can all help make student loans more manageable and less stressful.

These steps will help you feel like a team as you tackle your financial future.

Supporting Each Other

While veterinary medicine carries its own unique stressors, it’s important for YOU to feel supported in your job and relationship, too.

Open and compassionate communication can help both of you establish what you need from each other and maintain a healthy, happy relationship. Talking to a counselor or other professional can also help with big issues or stressful times.

Having each other’s backs will ensure you work together toward your goals and have a lot of fun along the way.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Retirement Plans for Veterinarians: Key Considerations

Retirement from veterinary medicine is a big step—a break that many look forward to after years of hard work, but also something that can cause boredom or confusion as to what comes next.

If you’re nearing retirement as a veterinarian, no matter what your age, here are some things to consider…

When Can You Afford to Retire?

Retirement planning is still a mystery to many people. To say the least, it’s a complex subject. 

For example, social security or other benefits vary depending on which age you retire. And there are harsh tax penalties for dipping into retirement savings too early. Do you plan to sell your practice before you retire?

Also, expenses often go up during retirement—which means a person may need more money than they expect. 

Some of this is due to increasing medical needs that naturally occur with age. Some is due to pursuing new interests—such as classes, hobbies, travel, or entertainment—more often now that work obligations don’t get in the way.

For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to consult with a financial advisor you trust. The process and planning often start years in advance. 

Financial professionals can help you crunch the numbers, make sure there’s nothing you’re forgetting, and help you truly feel secure about when is the best time for you to retire.

What Does Retirement Look Like to You?

Retirement could mean giving up veterinary work entirely. Or, it could mean working 1-2 days a week, working in a different capacity (for example, teaching at a vet tech school rather than being in clinical practice), or anything in between.

This decision is a personal one. Sometimes, a person will transition to retirement slowly due to financial reasons or simply because they still enjoy their work. 

What Will You Do Next?

Whether or not you continue part-time veterinary work, you will probably find yourself wanting to pursue other interests now that you have more time.

It’s natural for a person who’s worked hard for years to spend time relaxing when they retire. But eventually, most people would want to devote their time to things that spark their curiosity and passion.

This could mean veterinary work in a new capacity, such as volunteering internationally or becoming a consultant for veterinary practices, or perhaps training dogs or owning and riding horses.

Or, it could mean starting something new that has nothing to do with veterinary medicine. 

Many veterinarians view their career as part of their identity, so it may feel strange to move on to something new during retirement. However, you’ll always be a veterinarian, even if you aren’t practicing. You’re also a multi-dimensional person, so it’s okay to explore those other aspects of yourself now that you have more time.

For example, maybe you’d like to write a book, volunteer for non-profits, start a community garden, start a band, go back to school for a new career, or pursue some other passion.

So long as you’re responsible with your finances, there’s really no limit. You’ve worked hard, so you deserve to find something that lights you up!

Should You Keep Your Veterinary License in Retirement?

There’s truly no right or wrong answer. The best solution will vary from person to person.

Many vets do prefer to keep their license as “insurance,” in case they’d like to go back into practice for any reason—such as missing their work or needing a little extra income. And some states allow a vet to place their license on “inactive” status, which may be easier to maintain.

Maintaining a license makes sense, considering it’s usually much easier to keep up a license than to reinstate one that’s lapsed. But a retiring veterinarian should consider what will work best for them. 

The same is true of malpractice insurance (some types cover incidents that happened when the policy was in place, even after the policy is canceled, while others only provide coverage while the policy is active) or other factors that may be relevant.

Make Your Retirement What You Want It to Be

By considering the many possible factors that could affect your retirement—including financial, legal, family considerations, boredom and finding a new direction, and anything else that may affect you and your loved ones—you can plan this next step of your life to be a satisfying change. 

You may still change your mind about what to do during retirement as time goes on. But planning ahead will help ensure you have the most options—and that your retirement can be as smooth and meaningful as possible.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Selling Your First Practice as a Veterinarian

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As a veterinarian, the decision to sell your practice can mean a mix of emotions and a very long to-do list, but it can also result in satisfaction and cash flow with which to start your next venture in life.

Starting your first veterinary practice is no easy feat. You put a lot of time and energy into it, whether you bought into an existing business or built it from the ground up. And you poured yourself into gaining clients and patients.

When it comes time to sell, it makes sense to put in due diligence to ensure you’re getting a fair price after all the work you put into growing the business. Here are a few things to consider…

The Decision to Sell

Maybe you’re ready to retire. Maybe you’re ready for a change in career path, such as going back to school for a specialty, starting a larger hospital, or trying a new career altogether.

Maybe your spouse got a job out of state, or you want to spend more time at home with your children. Or maybe you’d just like a break from all the responsibilities of owning a business.

Whatever the reason, you’ve decided that it’s time to sell your first practice. This isn’t necessarily an easy decision, especially since your first practice represents a lot of hard work and many special memories.

So, it’s only natural to take your time.

Mull it over.

Build lists of pros and cons and goals for the sale.

And discuss it with non-work friends and family that you trust.

Creating a Gameplan

Once you make the decision to sell, the next step is to create a plan.

The first decision is probably when to sell. Of course, this isn’t entirely within your control, as it will depend on when you find a buyer.

But to start, do you want to sell right now?

Or, are you planning ahead for five years from now—and investing to grow the practice’s value in the meantime?

Are you hoping to stay on at the practice a few more years, even if it’s just part-time? Or are you planning to exit after the sale?

If you had your preference, who would you sell to?

Maybe there’s an associate at your practice who’s interested in ownership and could work up to it over the next few years by buying in gradually. And maybe you have a strong preference for a private buyer versus a corporate buyer.

While there may be some need for flexibility depending on the offers received, it’s good to have goals in mind to help steer your decisions.

Also, how much money would you like to make in the sale? This is probably the hardest question. In addition to the need to carefully consider personal, ongoing financial requirements, many practice owners find it difficult to guess what their practice could actually sell for. 

That’s not surprising, considering that the calculations are very complex. The old way of thinking (i.e., one year’s gross income) is often not accurate.

Fortunately, there are many professionals who can help with these specialized aspects of the sale.

Gathering Your Team

As with any other professional venture that requires expertise, it’s good to consult specialists in each area of the sale. This could include…

• A practice/valuation consultant.

• A CPA.

• Attorneys (for business, real estate, etc.).

• A broker (if needed—in general, they are of the most value when finding a buyer is challenging).

• Any other experts that could be helpful.

These professionals can help with a myriad of issues—everything from minimizing taxes paid on the sale, to advising on provisions such as a non-compete clause for current employees (something that can affect the perceived value of the practice). 

Be sure to ask about their charges, but don’t be scared to pay a reasonable rate.

As tempting as it is to save money and try to do everything yourself, these experts can really save a lot of headaches and prevent costly mistakes.

Many vets prefer professionals who charge a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale, but this depends on your inclination and the specifics of your sale.

Taking Care of Your Staff and Clients

Many experts advise not talking to your staff about the sale until the paperwork is finalized. The worry is that, although a sale may take years, team members may grow worried and begin to look for another job.

However, when the time comes, it’s a good idea to spend time discussing what they can expect. Inform them of your confidence in the new owner, and answer questions if you can (although don’t guarantee anything such as job security unless you know for sure).

So far as your patients and clients, you have probably grown close to many of them.

A letter or email sent to current clients, informing them of the change and your confidence that they will love the new doctor/management, can do a lot to help them during the transition, as well as set up the new practice owner for success. Some clients may also wish to say goodbye before you leave.

What’s Next?

It can be normal to have a period of feeling lost or even grieving, after the sale of a practice.

After all, it’s a big change.

You’re probably excited for whatever comes next. Or, if you haven’t found your next venture yet, spend some time exploring your curiosities and interests.

Do things that light you up, and eventually, you’ll figure out what’s next for you.

While selling a practice is no easy feat—just like starting a practice wasn’t easy—it can also be a rewarding experience.

Hopefully, the sale will help fund whatever is next for you in life, whether that’s a new professional venture or a more relaxed pace in life.

Either way, you can always look back with satisfaction on what you created, and all the pets you helped along the way.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Adjusting to Life as a New Veterinary Graduate

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The time after graduation can be an exciting period of learning, making new connections with colleagues and clients, and figuring out what you’d like your career to look like. However, even though veterinary school provides a wonderful education, sometimes the transition to the “real world” of clinical practice can feel challenging. 

Here are some things to consider to make this transition smooth and enjoyable…

Going from School to Clinical Practice

In many ways, school and clinical practice are similar. After all, school focused on the knowledge and skills someone would need to be a practicing veterinarian.

However, new grads and experienced vets alike have pointed out some key differences.

For example, even with a thorough education, many vets don’t see every possible type of medical case in school—so they might see their first GDV or unblock a urinary obstruction in a cat by themselves for the first time in clinical practice. 

While new vets have the tools and knowledge to handle all of these situations, some may find that it feels a little intimidating to be in charge of these cases for the first time.

Learning how to talk to clients can also take experience and practice—especially when it comes to discussing costs.

Unlike at a university teaching hospital, where many pet owners could afford treatment with a specialist, clients in many locations of the country simply can’t afford to do as much as they would like to do for their pets. 

Therefore, vets must often gain the skill of discussing why everything in “Plan A” is recommended, what are the risks of not doing all recommended diagnostics and treatments, and then discussing alternative treatment plans (when possible and reasonable for the pet’s comfort and safety).

All of this may seem kind of overwhelming in a vet’s first job.

Fortunately, there are resources to help.

Learning and Finding the Resources You Need

Mentorship is valuable for anyone entering a new profession—and veterinarians are no exception. 

A mentor could be another person (or multiple people) who works at your practice. This often includes other vets who are open to mentoring (or at least having a collaborative workplace), since they have been through this transition themselves after their own graduation.

But other support staff, especially experienced technicians or nurses, can also give valuable input and advice.

Mentorship can also mean keeping in touch with classmates, teachers, and former colleagues, or joining an online community such as VIN.

Conferences—both large gatherings and smaller or local events—and continuing education courses are also valuable, and many are available online nowadays.

Figuring Out Who You Want to Be as a Veterinarian

While mentorship is very valuable, there will come a time when you develop your own style of practicing medicine. You and your colleagues may have differing opinions on some things—and so long as you are providing great care to your patients, that’s okay, because even specialists don’t agree on everything. 

Your own practice style could include your professional interests. For example, you could become the “go-to” doctor at your practice for dentistry, nutrition, or exotics, or you may decide you want to go back for a residency in your preferred specialization. 

Your practice style will also include deciding what you are (or aren’t) comfortable doing as a vet, such as declaw surgeries.

Finding Work-Life Balance

Since burnout and stress are common in the profession, it’s best to set up healthy habits—such as meditation, getting enough sleep, socializing, pursuing hobbies, etc.—from the beginning. If these habits seem daunting, start small at first. For example, spend 10-15 minutes on a hobby or meditate for 5 minutes if that’s all you can spare.

If stress arises at the new job, asking for help (from a friend or professional therapist) can make a world of difference.

There are even some veterinary-specific organizations that are there to help, such as

• Vets4Vets

• NOMV (Not One More Vet). 

A Few More Tips

Remember to prepare for student loan payments, if that applies to you.

They typically kick in six months after graduation.

Use a budgeting system, or speak to a financial professional, to ensure your hard-earned salary is used wisely to provide the lifestyle and secure future that you want. 

And remember, they call it the “practice” of medicine for a reason.

There is always some degree of learning that happens on the job, and even experienced practitioners can see new things that surprise them.

So, it’s important to give yourself grace if you feel like you don’t know everything.

Just remember your list of resources and mentors when you need a second opinion on a case. 

Know that it will probably take you longer than a more seasoned colleague to research a new case, create a treatment plan, and write up the medical record.

But, you’ll get faster with time and practice, and you’ll eventually find a routine that works for you.

Though the first job after graduation from vet school can feel intimidating, it can also be exciting and fun.

Preparation, along with an openness to learning new things along the way, can really set up a new grad for success in veterinary medicine.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Creating a Support System for Veterinarian Families

Balancing Parenthood & Veterinary Careers: Key Strategies

It can be challenging to balance the roles of “veterinarian” and “parent”—but fortunately, many veterinary professionals find ways to make it work. It helps to have strategies for planning ahead and finding a support system.

Childcare Solutions for Veterinary Professionals

Balancing parenthood and a career in veterinary medicine can definitely present challenges. One of the biggest aspects to consider is time and flexibility. Clinical practice can carry long hours. Often, these hours aren’t flexible, especially when the appointment schedule is packed or when patients need urgent or emergency care. 

All of this can make it difficult to leave to pick a child up from school, stay home to care for a sick child, or make it to a child’s soccer game—to name a few examples. 

A busy and tired vet professional might also feel discouraged if they seem to be missing out on quality time with their child.

Additionally, there are cost considerations, since raising a child can be expensive! This becomes even more of a factor should a child have special needs.

While there are other considerations when it comes to being a veterinary professional and having children, these are some of the biggest and most frequently cited concerns. Add to this the fact that the veterinary profession is predominantly female in recent years—and (for better or for worse), in our society, many childcare and home care duties often still fall to females, even if they are employed—and it’s easy to see that veterinarians can benefit from strategies for balancing career and family.

Veterinary Work-Life Balance: Childcare Tips & Ideas

There’s an old saying that “It takes a village to raise a child.” However, in modern society, it seems we’re often expected to “do it all.” We’re busier than ever. Since the pandemic started, many of us have had to handle life’s responsibilities while feeling isolated, too.

Is there a way to get back to that “village” mentality? Many experts argue that developing close relationships with extended family and friends is healthy for a child, even at a very young age. And a child’s parents may benefit from having a healthy network of mutual support. 

Here are a few ideas for where and how help can be implemented…

• Spouse or partner. If a parent is in a relationship, it’s important to discuss the sharing of responsibilities. This is not just for childcare, but also for household duties like cooking, cleaning, doing the budget, and more. Having a partner take on some of these tasks can give the vet professional more time to spend with their children.

• Hiring help. If it’s at all reasonable for the budget, it may make sense to hire someone to help—like a nanny, babysitter, or someone to pick up or drive the kids when needed. 

Additionally, it may help to hire someone to clean the home, to send out laundry, or to use a meal delivery service. Nowadays, many services can be scheduled via apps. These service providers free up valuable time and energy for the vet professional. In addition to making it a bit easier to parent, this freeing up of time may also help with physical and emotional health.

• Extended family. Maybe the children’s grandparents or aunt/uncle live nearby and would love to spend some time with the kids. While being respectful of their time and obligations, it may be worth it to check with these family members about taking the kids after school until you get home from work. 

• Friends. Maybe you have close friends or neighbors who wouldn’t mind helping from time to time—especially if they have children of their own and you could return the favor at another time.

Of course, not all of these options will be available to everyone. But, brainstorming all possible options, and planning ahead, gives the best chance of having support when it’s really needed.

Making Arrangements at Work

If you’re struggling with finding childcare, consider the best way to talk to your employer about how this could affect your work. They may surprise you by being open to making allowances—such as allowing you to pick up your children from school and then return to work.

If you must leave work early for an emergency or for an event such as a child’s dance recital, your coworkers may be able to fill in and help, too.

However, in all of these scenarios, it’s important to be courteous to the needs of colleagues, too. Everyone has their own obligations in life. Many people may have things that take up time and emotional energy—such as a chronic illness, a parent with dementia, a battle with depression, etc.—that they don’t talk about at work. 

So, don’t assume it will always be easy for child-free coworkers to cover the time you miss, or to see your patients if you must leave suddenly. Instead, try to arrange a swap. Or, offer to make up the time in the case of an emergency. Also, children should be well-behaved if they are brought to the workplace. That way, everyone feels mutually respected, and the workplace can be supportive of everyone’s needs over the long term.

Pre-Parenthood and Maternity Leave

If you’re in a position where you’re planning to have a family in the next couple of years, it may be beneficial to plan ahead and take a serious look at your current (or prospective) job and how that fits into your plan.

For example, are there others working there who have children—and how are they managing it? How flexible and conducive to parenting needs is the workplace?

Also, what are the benefits like? Is there paid maternity (or even paternity) leave? In cases of small practices that might not be able to afford extended maternity leave, does it seem like they are still trying their best to accommodate employees who have recently become parents?

Would a career shift (to industry, academia, or relief veterinary services, for example) be a better fit for you at this time?

Another consideration would be for vet professionals who are considering fertility treatments or need other medical care to become a parent. Could the workplace accommodate the many appointments that would be needed during this time?

Being a Pet Parent

Many veterinarians and team members view their pets as children—regardless of whether or not they also have two-legged kids. 

So, it may also be worth it to look into factors such as whether or not you can bring your dog to work so they’re not home alone all day, and what sort of discount is available to employee pets.

Conclusion

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Every family will have unique needs, and balancing work and family may be difficult at times. 

However, by finding the best possible work arrangement for their situation and creating a “village” of support, many vet professionals make parenthood work for them!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Stress Management and Resources for Veterinary Professionals

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To be the best caregivers to dogs, cats, and other patients—it’s important for the caregiver (i.e. veterinary professional) to be cared for, too!

Many veterinarians have dreamed of a career working with animals since they were young children. And veterinary professionals may feel joy or fulfillment from their careers.

However, a busy veterinary job can put a number of different stressors on veterinarians and their team members. Over time, these stressors can decrease job satisfaction, and even lead to feelings of isolation, depression, or suicidal thoughts. 

For all these reasons, wellness and work-life balance are very important for veterinarians and veterinary team members. Even though bad days happen, having the right tools to handle stress and challenges can really help. 

Check our last article for tips on finding activities that bring you joy (and finding time to do them) and setting boundaries. And, try these tips and resources…

Stress Management for Work and Beyond

There are many strategies and schools of thought on how to best deal with stress in work and life. So, this list is by no means comprehensive and does not represent every technique or philosophy available.

We mention this because it’s important to find what works best for you personally, rather than trying to force a strategy or philosophy that doesn’t resonate with you.

However, this list does incorporate some “tried and true” methods that can work for many different people and that are fairly simple to begin with.

So, these tips may be a great place to “dive in” if you’re looking for something new…

• Find healthy ways to process challenging emotions or stress, rather than pushing them down. A few examples include journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, exercising to upbeat music, or even simple breathing techniques.

• Explore a spiritual practice that works for you. Many people find that turning to a higher power can help put day-to-day worries into a new and less significant perspective.

• Try meditation. While once considered “woo-woo,” the prevalence of meditation—including scientific studies that indicate its mental and physical benefits—is hard to deny. That being said, meditation can take many different forms. It can mean sitting in silence, listening to guided relaxation, or even a walking meditation—to name a few. Try a few methods to see what you enjoy most. Practice by starting with just a few minutes at a time, then work your way up slowly.

• Keep a running list of positive work experiences and memories. As humans, we have a natural tendency to remember negative experiences more than we remember positive ones. Looking at a list of things that make you smile could help put things into perspective if you’re having a bad day.

• Delegate at home—not just at work! Veterinary professionals are smart and capable. And they’re used to multitasking. As such, it’s easy to take that drive to “go-go-go” home after the workday ends. However, it’s important to find time to rest and recharge. That’s where time-saving delegation can help.

• If it’s reasonable for your budget, consider things like hiring someone to clean your home or pick up/look after your kids after school, using a meal delivery service rather than cooking from scratch, sending out your laundry, etc. Or, talk to a partner or roommate about dividing chores.

Resources and a Support System are Beneficial

While learning to process stress and emotions is important, there’s no reason anyone needs to feel alone in the process. Feelings of isolation are common in the veterinary profession, perhaps because friends with different careers can’t relate to what a veterinary job is really like, or because of the long working hours. Whatever the reason, there are many resources and caring people available to help, including but not limited to…

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor. 

• Vets4Vets, a caring, confidential, and free of charge group for vets that meets online for supportive discussions: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

• Not One More Vet, a caring and helpful organization for veterinary professionals that offers resources, connection, and support: https://www.nomv.org/

• Online therapy available to everyone regardless of insurance:

  • Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/

  • BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ 

Also, look for apps (many of which are free) for meditation, and check out books, life coaches, financial advisers, and any other resources that resonate with your current needs and goals.

Staying at Your Best Physically Can Help with Stress Management

Physical health and wellbeing can help us stay at our strongest and most capable when it comes to dealing with life’s challenges.

After all, think about how you feel dealing with a difficult client when you’re well rested versus sleep-deprived. And consider how a long workday may feel worse if our legs and back are sore afterward, too.

For all these reasons, it’s good to do as much as we can to stay physically ready for work. Some strategies include…

• Sleeping enough each night.

• Regular exercise or physical activity.

• Stretching with exercise or after a work shift.

• Eating nutritious meals to “fuel” us through the day.

It’s not typically necessary to be a perfectionist about these things. We don’t need to be elite athletes or give up chocolate cake forever to start reaping the benefits to our energy and mental stamina. Instead, as with all new habits, it’s often best to start with small, achievable goals. Small changes to our habits can result in very real benefits. 

We hope these tips and suggestions have sparked some ideas. Remember to consult a medical or another professional to receive the best advice for you as an individual. Also remember, you’re never alone. Please reach out to someone who can help (such as one of the resources listed above) at any time.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Well-being & Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Professionals

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Despite the wonderful aspects a career in veterinary medicine offers, there’s no denying that the field presents its own unique challenges.

This may include long work hours, demanding appointment schedules, emotional ups and downs, and difficult clients—to name a few. 

All of these factors and more contribute to burnout and stress amongst veterinary professionals. These factors are part of the reason why the suicide rate is higher in veterinarians and vet techs/nurses than in the general population.

So even though veterinary medicine can be an amazing career—one where many professionals find joy and meaning by helping animals—work-life balance is very important for veterinary professionals. 

Here are a few ways to start finding that balance…

For Better Work-Life Balance, Think About What Matters Most to You

There are many different aspects of life from which we can derive joy, purpose, and a sense of connection. The specifics will look different for everyone, depending on their individual needs and interests.

But some examples include:

• career

• friends

• family

• dating or marriage

• spirituality

• hobbies

• curiosity/learning new things

• staying active

• time for resting

• volunteering

• and more. 

Imbalance can easily arise when a person puts too much focus on just one of these aspects of life.

For example, if a person’s life is dominated by work, it’s easy to feel disproportionately upset when the workday is stressful or difficult.

On the other hand, if a person has nurtured several of these areas of their life, a bad workday might not hit so hard. There’s a stronger foundation of other meaningful things in life on which to stand.

So, which things matter most to you? Which parts of your life would you like to nurture more?

Trying to do too many things at once can lead to burnout and giving up. So it’s important to start making positive changes by focusing first on the things that bring you the most joy, energy, and sense of connection.

To Change Your Life, Start With Small, Achievable Goals

After choosing which areas of your life you’d like to nurture more right now, think about practical ways to start making positive changes. 

Trying to do too much at once, or setting huge goals that are unrealistic, can cause procrastination, a sense of discouragement and frustration, and giving up altogether. On the other hand, small changes can add up to surprisingly big results over time. 

Try these techniques…

• Follow your interests and curiosity. For the time being, forget about what you “should” be doing. Of course, do necessary things, like paying bills. But for your mental wellbeing, focus on what makes you smile and gives you more energy—such as a new hobby that seems impractical but fun.

• Set realistic, small goals. For example, read 10 pages per day rather than trying to finish a book on a weekend, start meditating for 5 minutes rather than 30 minutes, or walk for 15 minutes rather than doing a long hike right away if you’d like to spend more time outdoors.

• Nurture connections while honoring your boundaries. No one can be all things to all people. So if a friend or family member takes up too much time with negative phone calls or unreasonable obligations, think about ways to give them time without giving too much energy if you’re already tired from work. It’s okay to sometimes say no to events or phone calls and still have a healthy relationship or friendship.

• Create more time for your priorities by keeping a “time journal” to see where your time truly goes each day. Figure out where you could make changes to do more of the things you love. 

• Combine mundane tasks with something more meaningful or fun. For example, listen to a podcast while cleaning or driving, or meet up with a friend for socialization while exercising.

• Set boundaries at work, too. Of course, this will depend on the specific workplace environment. And sometimes, a change of employment is necessary to have a healthier workplace. But often, discussions with bosses and colleagues allow new ideas to be integrated. 

For example, “buffers” in the schedule (for walk-ins, emergencies, catch up, and even taking a short break) can help employees perform at their best and avoid mistakes. Pre-arranging patient care with colleagues can help avoid unnecessary phone calls on a person’s day off. And considerations for the well-being of all employees can contribute to a positive workplace with less staff turnover. 

These and other strategies and be mutually beneficial for employers and employees alike.

Finding the best work-life balance can take time. And a person’s needs may evolve throughout the course of their career and life—so it’s important to reassess and make “course corrections” as our needs and interests change.

Set aside time each month to assess how things are going and where you’d like to make changes.

The time spent on personal care and work-life balance isn’t time wasted—and wellbeing is a necessity, not a luxury.

Life goes by quickly, so it’s important to think about the things that make life happy and meaningful. In addition to helping us live our best life, “filling our own cup” also allows us to be better caregivers for our patients and spark new enjoyment in our careers.

For veterinary professionals who are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are many people and resources who would like to help. Here are a few:

• Vets4Vets: https://vinfoundation.org/resources/vets4vets/

• Not One More Vet: https://www.nomv.org/

• Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/

• BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ 

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

The RAY98(P) Vet Dental X-Ray Generator from XRD Dental

Dental radiographs are considered standard of care by many veterinary dentists, to be included as part of a dental procedure in dogs and cats. That’s because, without x-rays, it’s not possible to see the “whole picture” of what’s going on below the gumline. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, common scenarios where dental x-rays are valuable include pre-and post-views of dental extractions to ensure the entire root tip was removed, differentiating between different types of FORLs, and discovering dentigerous cysts or other issues when there are teeth that are missing or have not erupted as expected. In all of these scenarios, dental radiographs can help determine the best course of treatment and confirm that treatment was done successfully. 

Veterinarians have many choices when it comes to purchasing a dental x-ray system, including the generator, plate/sensor/film, and software. Today, we’ll be evaluating the features of the RAY98(P) Portable Vet Dental X-Ray Generator from XRD Dental.

What Are the Key Features of the RAY98(P) Portable Vet Dental X-Ray Generator?

XRD Dental notes the following features on this model…

• High-frequency technology. Speaking generally about high-frequency technology, this means that a generator produces a beam with a fast waveform and high penetration power, for consistent, high-quality images. Thanks to the narrowing of the x-ray beam spectrum and the ability to use shorter exposure times, high frequency can also mean a lower dose of radiation to patients (and potentially, staff) and less chance of motion artifact. The technology also allows for smaller, more compact machines.

• Portability. Veterinarians and practice managers must decide which type of generator works best for their hospital’s needs. There are cart, wall-mounted, and portable options. Cart and wall-mounted generators offer the advantages of putting more space between the unit and the operator, no risk of running out of battery life, and no need for the unit to be handheld (and thus no arm fatigue/shake, and no risk of damaging the unit by dropping it). Portable units may be preferred in practices with limited space, or in mobile practices. Some clinics may even have more than one type of generator.

• Long battery life. The company doesn’t cite the number of hours the battery is expected to last but does claim that the machine can produce hundreds of exposures with one charge. An automatic shutoff after eight minutes of inactivity helps to conserve battery life.

• Compact size for ease of use. XRD dental specifies that the generator weighs just 3.75 pounds and can be operated with one hand.

• Compatibility with other components. The RAY98(P) is compatible with film, PSP plates, and digital sensors.

• Technical specifications are as follows for the RAY98(P) portable vet dental x-ray generator:

  • Settings of 70kV and 2mA, with the ability to adjust exposure time from 0.04-1.00 seconds.

  • A lighted display with four function keys.

  • 0.4mm focal spot.

  • CANON technology for the x-ray tube.

Purchasing Considerations

Every veterinary practice has different needs based on how busy they are, how many dental procedures they perform, practice style, budget, and other factors. 

Consider whether you need all components, including a generator, plate/sensor, software, or anything else to make your dental radiographs run smoothly, or if you only need to purchase or upgrade one component.

When looking into costs, consider not only the price of the equipment, but also whether warranties are available, how much service costs if there is an issue (and how quickly you could expect to be up and running again in the event of a repair), software upgrades, and any other long-term costs. Ask your sales representative to refer you to other practitioners in your area for questions about how the equipment is working for them in real life.

Taking all these factors into consideration will help determine which type of dental x-ray equipment is best for your individual practice.

Editor’s Note:

For a GREAT DEAL, check out our New Dental X-Ray Equipment Package. It includes:

• Your choice of the generator (choose the RAY98(P), or a different unit if you prefer).

• An intraoral sensor.

• E-Z Dent software and laptop.

• 2-year warranty on hardware and software.

All of this is available for just $12,995, or a convenient monthly price of just $195 so you can earn a profit on your investment right away. This offers significant savings over other popular brands, with a machine that produces great images!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

In-House Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI) Tests.

Pancreatitis is a disease that’s common in both dogs and cats. But despite its prevalence and its potential seriousness, unfortunately, the condition is often not straightforward to diagnose.

There’s no one, single test that can definitely confirm pancreatitis. Instead, it requires looking at the whole picture of clinical symptoms, signalment, history, and different diagnostic tests.

So, where do in-house pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) tests fit into this picture? And how useful are they? Here are some things to know…

Which Diagnostic Tests Can Be Used to Help Diagnose Pancreatitis?

Signalment, history, and the physical exam may lead a veterinarian to suspect pancreatitis. And in many cases, supportive care and treatment may be initiated based on this information alone, especially if a pet owner can’t afford diagnostics or if a patient is very ill but results of the tests can’t be obtained right away.

Assuming a client pursues diagnostic testing, the following modalities are commonly used…

• Bloodwork and urinalysis. A CBC, chem panel, any other relevant blood panels, and a urine analysis can provide valuable information. But unfortunately, general bloodwork panels (even ones that include serum amylase and lipase) have limited utility for diagnosing pancreatitis. 

However, these tests can be crucial for ruling out other conditions that may be causing a patient’s symptoms, evaluating overall health, and determining hydration status and electrolyte balance that must be addressed during treatment.

• Radiographs. Like bloodwork/urinalysis, radiographs help rule out other conditions—especially surgical conditions like a GI foreign body obstruction. However, although some radiographic changes can be seen with severe pancreatitis, many times x-rays won’t show appreciable changes specific to the pancreas.

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound is more sensitive than x-rays in terms of detecting changes (like inflammation) associated with pancreatitis. However, it’s user-dependent, and even this modality can’t detect pancreatitis 100% of the time.

• PLI tests. This is one of the most valuable options for testing specifically for pancreatitis, but limitations of the tests must be recognized. See the next section for more details.

• Biopsy. A pancreatic biopsy may be the most accurate way to diagnose the condition. However, this option is often not practical (and may even be harmful) for acutely ill patients.

Which PLI Tests Are Available to Veterinarians?

Serum amylase and lipase are often included on blood chemistry profiles, especially in patients who are exhibiting GI signs. However, many experts agree that these values are not good indicators of pancreatitis unless SIGNIFICANTLY elevated (3-4 times the normal range). That’s because these markers can be elevated with non-pancreatic disease and may be normal in dogs and cats with pancreatitis.

Trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) is also not considered diagnostic for pancreatitis, as it can increase with azotemia, and it doesn’t remain elevated consistently and thus may be normal even in a patient with pancreatitis.

Another test, the PLI test, was designed to be specific for serum concentration of lipase of pancreatic origin. Both canine (cPLI) and feline (fPLI) versions of the test are available. 

The PLI test was originally developed at Texas A&M University. Idexx later developed a similar test (SpecPL). These two tests are performed at the respective laboratories, so samples must be sent out.

Idexx also developed a point of care version of the test: the SNAP cPL (canine) and SNAP fPL (feline). And Zoetis offers the VETSCAN cPL rapid test. These tests are available for in-house testing in veterinary practices.

How Well Do PLI Tests Work?

The sensitivity and specificity of any diagnostic test depend on many things, including cut-offs for an abnormal reading, which population of pets are being tested (healthy versus ill), and other factors.

In a nutshell, the cage-side (SNAP cPL and fPL) are considered a sensitive test, which means they’re less likely to have false negatives, but more likely to have false positives. In other words, they’re a good tool for screening symptomatic patients. A negative test means it’s less likely (though not impossible) that a patient has pancreatitis. A positive result helps support a diagnosis but MUST be followed up with additional testing.

The laboratory tests for PLI (the original test at Texas A&M and the SpecPL) have a higher specificity than the in-house tests. Therefore, many veterinarians use these as confirmatory tests after obtaining a positive SNAP test. Even these tests are not 100% diagnostic, and thus results must be interpreted in light of the whole clinical picture. But they are an important piece of the clinical puzzle when it comes to pancreatitis.

Caveats for Testing

Many experts don’t recommend testing for markers of pancreatitis (serum amylase and lipase, or PLI) as a screening test in healthy patients. Statistically speaking, false positives are more likely when doing widespread testing on a healthy population. Instead, testing is most accurate and valuable for symptomatic patients.

Of note, all of these tests may be most accurate for acute, severe pancreatitis. Milder forms of the disease, as well as chronic pancreatitis (especially in cats), may be less likely to show an abnormal result.

Laboratory testing offers the added benefit of a quantitative (number) value. This may be valuable not only for diagnosis, but for monitoring of the condition.

Of note, while PLI (both lab and in-house) tests are more specific to the pancreas than serum amylase and lipase, PLI can be elevated from non-pancreatic conditions.

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 things in mind, PLI tests can be a valuable addition for many veterinary practices. But they must be used appropriately and interpreted in conjunction with the entire clinical picture.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only, and not intended as a guide to the medical treatment of any specific animal. 

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Choosing and Interpreting In-House Parvovirus Tests

Table of Contents

Parvovirus is a potentially deadly disease that, unfortunately, is also fairly common

Most veterinarians have diagnosed and treated their fair share of parvovirus. While most common by far in young puppies, the disease can also occur in adult dogs on occasion, especially those who are unvaccinated. 

Due to parvovirus’ ability to cause severe illness and death (even with treatment), many veterinarians use point of care tests for the virus in their practice. This can help provide an answer and aid in forming a treatment plan right away, along with a plan to isolate the affected dog to limit spread of the highly contagious virus. Also, having a tangible result to show clients may help with challenging conversations about the seriousness of the condition and the expense of treatment.

At the same time, it’s important to understand the limitations of the test and to choose the brand that best fits the needs of an individual practice. Here are some things to consider…

Which Tests are Available for Parvo Testing in Dogs?

Tests are available for in-house. Laboratory testing is also available, including PCR testing that may be helpful especially for follow-up on a suspected false-negative result.

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

• IDEXX SNAP Parvo Test

IDEXX claims to have high accuracy, with reference laboratory quality technology and 100% sensitivity and specificity as stated in the company’s supplemental materials on the test. They also claim to not cross-react (have a false positive test) following administration of modified live parvovirus vaccines. Results are ready in 8 minutes, and the test can be stored at room temperature. A SNAP Pro Analyzer is available to automatically activate and read tests, and add results to the medical record.

• Zoetis WITNESS Parvo Rapid Test

Zoetis states the WITNESS test is easy to use, without the need to snap the test. Some vets report it is more affordable, too. It has a reported sensitivity of 86.3% and specificity of 96.1%. The test offers results in 10 minutes, room temperature storage, and an extended (12-month) shelf life. 

Zoetis also offers the VETSCAN Parvo Rapid Test, which they report has a sensitivity of 96.0% and specificity of 98.7%. VETSCAN results take 10-15 minutes.

Considerations for In-House Parvo Testing

These tests look for parvovirus antigen (viral shedding) in canine feces. With this in mind, it’s important to consider everything that could affect a test’s accuracy.

For example, false negatives are possible—so a negative result doesn’t completely rule out a parvo infection in a symptomatic dog. This is because fecal shedding of parvovirus only occurs in a specific time window following exposure, and thus a puppy may have been outside this window when tested. Follow-up laboratory testing may be of value here, and treatment may need to be initiated in a clinically ill dog.

Anecdotal reports of false positives also occur following vaccination with a modified live parvovirus vaccine. It’s worth noting that IDEXX’s study on post-vaccinal false positives only included 64 dogs, so perhaps the occasional false positive would be seen with a much larger study population. In general, a false positive is more likely to be a “weak” positive rather than a strong one, and this most commonly occurs 4-14 days after vaccination. 

For both suspected false positives and suspected false negatives, it’s important to look at the entire clinical picture. Does the puppy have any vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, that characteristic “parvo smell,” or any other clinical signs? Is their CBC or blood smear normal, or is neutropenia or any other abnormality present? How old are they, and what’s their vaccination history? It’s often also worth running a fecal test or treating empirically for worms in puppies with GI symptoms.

Testing for Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats Using a Parvo Test

Veterinarians have reported using point of care parvovirus tests to test for panleukopenia virus in cats, with a good degree of accuracy. It’s worth noting that this is considered off-label and not necessarily endorsed by the manufacturers. A veterinarian must use their clinical judgment to decide if this is something that might be beneficial to feline patients with possible panleukopenia virus. Similar to testing for parvovirus, false negatives can occur, and false positives can follow a recent vaccination.

Purchasing Considerations

Be sure to consider brand preference (if special deals are available when purchasing other equipment or tests from the same company), contracts, quantity sold, expiration dates, availability of technical support, and any other factors that could be relevant to using the tests in clinical practice.

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.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only, and not intended as a guide to the medical treatment of any specific animal. 

In-House Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Tests

In-House Combination (Four-way) Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Tests: A Comparison

For dogs in some parts of the country, tick exposure (and risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme, Erhlichia, and Anaplasma) is a concern. Some infections can cause serious illness or even chronic disease.

Last week, we discussed some of the most commonly used in-house heartworm tests. But it’s important to remember that there are also combination heartworm tests available, which also test for common tick-borne diseases.

Depending on the risks in your area, it may make sense to screen canine patients for tick-borne diseases whenever routine or yearly heartworm testing is performed. These tests might also be good for screening patients who are symptomatic.

Here are two of the most common combination (sometimes referred to as “four-way”) heartworm and tick-borne disease tests used in-house by veterinarians…

IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus Test

IDEXX claims their test provides accurate results with reference laboratory quality technology. The test requires 3 drops of sample, and results are ready in 8 minutes. 

The six diseases that the SNAP 4Dx tests for are: 

• Heartworms.

• Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) infection.

• Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii.

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys.

There is also a SNAP Pro Analyzer available, a device that saves time by automatically activating a SNAP test, reading and interpreting the test at the correct time, and adding results automatically to the medical record. 

Abaxis/Zoetis VetScan FLEX4 Rapid Test

The advertised benefits of the Abaxis (now a part of Zoetis) test are room temperature storage, a 1-year shelf life, and is very simple to use. The product information also states that the test can distinguish true Lyme disease exposure from Lyme vaccination.

The test requires 2 drops of sample and can be read in 8 minutes.

The FLEX4 tests for seven diseases, which are:

• Heartworms.

• Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) infection.

• Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia ewingii.

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys.

Similar to IDEXX, this company also offers an automatic reader—the VETSCAN VUE—to save time for veterinary technicians. Zoetis also advertises 24/7 technical support and confirmation testing (always available for heartworm, and on a case-by-case basis for tick-borne diseases).

A Few More Considerations

There is a lot of debate as to whether or not four-way tests should be used to screen healthy patients annually, versus just using a heartworm test by itself. The reason has a lot to do with the possibility of false positives.

Additionally, it’s important to know that the heartworm component tests for antigen, while the other infectious disease components test for antibodies.

This means a positive test for a tick-borne disease could potentially indicate a past exposure rather than current clinical disease. 

Some practitioners find that this can waste time—for the veterinary team and pet owner alike—and potentially make a client worry needlessly when their pet is actually healthy.

On the other hand, some practitioners feel that a positive result (one that indicates previous exposure in a currently healthy dog) opens the door to a conversation about the importance of tick control.

The best answer to these considerations will vary from practice to practice; it may be best decision based on the risk of tick-borne diseases in your area.

For example, the test may be more useful for screening in Lyme-endemic parts of the country. To determine the risk in your area, consider checking resources such as the CAPC’s Parasite Prevalence Maps.

Also, check with other practitioners in your area and see if your state board or state veterinary organization has resources or information available.

Follow-up testing can be a very useful option, especially for any positive or negative results that don’t fit the clinical picture, and to determine the best next steps for an individual patient.

Details and specifics of these tests may evolve over time. So, it’s important to check directly with the company for the most up-to-date information before making a purchase. Also, check for any special deals (or stipulations such as minimum purchase requirements) prior to finalizing a purchase decision.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Resources:

CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2021/all-year/heartworm-canine/dog/united-states

In-House Heartworm Tests: A Comparison Veterinary Guide

The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends annual testing for heartworm disease in canine patients. While heartworm testing in cats can be trickier than in dogs, the AHS also recommends testing cats before starting them on heartworm prevention, to establish a baseline for each patient.

Heartworm disease can be a risk in just about any state in the US. Even in states that see less mosquito activity or have not been well-known for heartworm risk, there is still some possibility of exposure as more and more dogs from heartworm-prevalent areas travel with their owners, potentially exposing the local mosquito populations. 

Should Heartworm Testing Be Done In-House?

As with many diagnostic tests, a veterinarian has the option of performing the test in their practice or sending a blood sample to an outside lab for analysis—or a combination of both.

For example, sending blood to an outside lab might make sense for healthy patients who are having a wellness bloodwork panel performed at their routine checkup.

Many standard bloodwork panels include a heartworm test, so it may make sense—financially for the client, and to save time for the veterinary team—to do the heartworm test at the lab since the blood sample is already being sent out.

However, prices and bloodwork panel options vary depending on the company and contracts/deals obtained, so be sure to compare the prices at your own clinic.

On the other hand, sometimes it makes sense to do a heartworm test in-house. For example, maybe a patient is symptomatic, and the veterinarian and pet owner both want an answer right away.

Or, maybe the client can only do basic care—vaccines and a heartworm test before starting heartworm prevention. For that client, it may make sense to do an in-house test so they can receive the results right away and know they can safely begin their dog’s prevention.

Here are some of the in-house heartworm tests available to veterinarians…

IDEXX SNAP Heartworm RT Test

IDEXX claims their test provides reference laboratory quality technology, for accurate results even with a low heartworm burden.

Their improved test sensitivity comes from a technology called “bidirectional flow,” which gives the sample two chances to bind to antibodies during the test, and from amplification. And specificity comes from a wash step that helps remove debris from the result window.

Abaxis VetScan and Zoetis Witness Heartworm Rapid Tests

Abaxis (now a part of Zoetis) offers a very simple-to-use test. It requires just one drop of blood and two drops of buffer, with no need to physically snap the test.

The company advertises that their product has a 12-month shelf life and does NOT need to be refrigerated. It also has a spot to write the patient’s name, to ensure there’s no mix-up of results if performing many tests in a short time frame.

Because of the non-refrigerated storage and the ease of writing a patient’s name on the test, this rapid test might be a good option for mobile or high-volume practices.

The Zoetis Witness test is very similar to the VetScan, and Zoetis sells each one in different quantities. For practices that mostly send their samples out to a lab, it may make sense to order the Witness test, which is available to be ordered in smaller quantities, so the tests don’t expire before a veterinary practice uses all of them.

Heska Solo Step Heartworm Test

The Heska test is also supposed to be simple to use, requiring 3 drops of blood and no need to snap the test. One advantage that Heska advertises is free confirmatory testing at their lab for positive results on the in-house test. This test can also conveniently be stored at room temperature.

There are separate versions of the test available for canines and felines, with the feline test evaluating for heartworm antibody rather than antigen.

A Few More Considerations

In-house tests are great options for screening for canine patients. However, any positive in-house test should be followed up with additional testing. This would usually involve confirming the positive test at an outside lab, and doing microfilaria testing. It’s important to have this additional confirmation and information prior to beginning any treatment.

Testing for cats is more complicated, too

Since heartworm-positive cats are more likely than dogs to be negative on an antigen test, an antibody test is the test of choice for them. However, antibody testing must be taken into account with the clinical picture and additional testing, since it documents exposure and is therefore not necessarily indicative of a current infestation.

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.

And finally, consider additional factors such as whether a special deal is available on these rapid in-house tests if you are already purchasing other equipment (like a hematology or chem analyzer, for example) from the same company. It may make financial sense to stick with the same brand. Be sure to check for any stipulations (like a minimum number of tests per month) in the contract, though. Also consider if it would make sense for your practice to do a combination test—which often features testing for Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia in addition to heartworm—based on the risk in your local area.

With all these factors in mind, the best test for each individual practice varies, depending on their unique needs. Doing research, and asking for opinions from colleagues who have used the tests, can help with making this important decision.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Choosing an In-House Veterinary Chemistry Analyzer

Serum chemistry analysis is something most veterinarians use at least daily, and often many times throughout their workday.

These tests can be used for well-patient health checks, for pre-surgical bloodwork, and to assess an ill patient.

Having accurate results and a system for obtaining them is important. So, when choosing the best method or machine for your practice’s needs, it makes sense to put research and time into that decision. Here are some things to consider…

Should You Use an In-House Chemistry Analyzer, or Send Samples to an Outside Lab?

Each veterinarian has their own preference. And many veterinary practices use a combination of both—in-house analyzers for when results are needed immediately (such as for guiding the treatment plan for an ill or injured patient), and an outside laboratory for more routine testing.

Depending on the pricing structure, an in-house machine might also allow the practice to keep a higher percentage of the profits with each test performed—although this will probably depend on volume and other factors such as contracts and maintenance. Either way, there is some freedom to create your own system for your practice flow.

What Should a Veterinarian Consider When Choosing an In-House Chemistry Analyzer?

Here are a few important considerations before making a purchase…

• Brand preference. Sometimes, a veterinarian or their team members prefer a particular brand due to previous experience or their relationship with the company or sales representative. Certain companies may offer discounts on other services or tests (such as snap tests, hematology analyzers, or consults with specialists) as a perk of using their equipment, which may make financial sense for a practice.

• Contracts. Sometimes, particularly when equipment is heavily discounted, there may be “strings” attached, such as a requirement to perform a certain number of tests per month (and a penalty for not doing so). It’s always important to check the contract closely when making a purchase or signing an equipment lease.

• Costs. Obviously, the cost of the chem analyzer itself should be considered. But remember to also factor in the costs of supplies (rotors, etc.) and the cost of each test relative to the cost to the client. 

• Machine specifics. Which specific tests are available (chem panels vary in size and comprehensiveness), and for which species? Are single tests available, for when you only need to retest one specific value (and how much do supplies for these tests cost versus the larger panels)? How fast are the results? How much blood is needed to run each test—and does the blood need to be spun down first? 

• Ease of operation. Is the machine simple and intuitive to use? Is training provided by the company that sells the machine? And, how are results added to a patient’s medical record? 

• Warranty and maintenance. Ask if there is a warranty included, what it covers, how long it’s good for, and if there’s an option to renew it once it runs out. Also, ask about routine maintenance costs, if there’s a helpline available if you have questions, and how fast an issue with the machine can be repaired/resolved.

• “Real-world” performance. Ask around and see if any colleagues in your area use the equipment, and see what their experience has been. Or, see if the company will let you use the equipment on a short trial period before buying.

IDEXX, Abaxis, and Heska

These three companies are popular choices for veterinary practices. Here are the stated advantages of highlighted chem analyzers from each company…

IDEXX Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer

IDEXX’s machine offers up to 34 parameters for chemistry, electrolytes, and immunoassay profiles in a single run. They note the practitioner has flexibility in terms of test comprehensiveness, including individual tests and preloaded CLIPs (pre-programmed chem profiles, or the option to create custom testing profiles). Results are available in minutes, and they advertise high accuracy from proprietary technologies. The machine is supposed to be simple to use (“load-and-go” with whole blood, serum, or plasma), for easy workflow. The IDEXX Catalyst One also features 24/7 auto-monitoring and maintenance.

Abaxis VETSCAN VS2 Chemistry Analyzer

The Abaxis analyzer is a small, portable option. It allows a practitioner many options for analyzing chemistry, electrolyte, acid-base, and immunoassay tests, with 12 testing profiles available. The machine is advertised to be easy to use (only a few steps to use, and minimal maintenance), with the capability of connecting to practice management software. The VETSCAN VS2 operates on as little as 2 drops of whole blood, serum, or plasma, with results in 12 minutes. It features its own intelligent Quality Control (iQC) system, which contributes to accuracy.

Heska Element DC5X Chemistry Analyzer

Heska advertises that their analyzer offers ease of use, high performance/volume capabilities, and “gold standard” technology. Ease of use means a fully automated process (“load and go”), an intuitive touchscreen, and easy integration with practice management software (with bi-directional communication). High performance means up to five samples per operation, and up to 190 tests per hour, with the option to preload up to 50 pipettes at once to save time. Veterinarians can choose from a broad, pre-programmed panel or customize to run only the tests needed. Only 10mL of sample is needed per test. Heska also advertises a free warranty.

Keep in mind that there are different analyzer models available from each company that have varying specifications and that details may change over time. So always confirm the specifics before making a purchase.

There are many options available, so it’s important to do some research and see what’s the best fit for an individual practice and if any special deals can be obtained when purchasing or leasing. It’s worth the time since the machine will probably be used frequently to serve the needs of your patients and clients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Choosing an In-House Hematology Analyzer

Complete blood cell counts and qualitative analysis of blood cells are some of the most common diagnostic tests used by veterinarians.

Just a few of the many uses for hematology include diagnosing and monitoring anemia and looking for signs of inflammation, infection, cancers such as leukemia, and many other ailments.

Since blood tests are so crucial to the diagnostic plan for many ill patients and are often included in baseline testing for well patients, choosing the right machine for your practice’s needs is an important decision.

Why Choose an In-House Hematology Analyzer?

When it comes to blood cell analysis, veterinarians have the option of doing tests in-house or sending samples out to a lab. Each method offers its own advantages, and some vets even use a combination of both. 

For example, when a sample is sent to an outside lab, there is usually the advantage of a specialist doing the qualitative/differential analysis. With in-house analyzers, it’s a good idea to include blood smears for increased accuracy and to look at cell morphology.

A veterinarian or their nurses can gain this skill through practice. However, a specialist may be able to detect subtle changes to blood cells that a general practitioner might not notice since the specialist looks at blood cells all day long. And, they can often confidently differentiate between artifacts and pathology when looking at cells on a blood smear.

On the other hand, the in-house analysis offers a lot of conveniences.

Sometimes, a veterinarian needs an answer quickly in order to start treating an ill patient right away. And worried pet owners might want answers as soon as possible.

Plus, depending on the specific contract the veterinarian has entered into, an in-house machine might allow the practice to keep a higher percentage of the profits with each lab test performed.

What Should a Veterinarian Consider When Choosing an In-House Hematology Analyzer?

Here are a few important considerations before making a purchase…

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

• Contracts. Sometimes, particularly when equipment is heavily discounted, there may be “strings” attached, such as a requirement to perform a certain number of tests per month (and a penalty for not doing so). It’s always important to check the contract closely when making a purchase. 

• Costs. Obviously, the cost of the analyzer itself should be considered. But remember to also factor in the costs of supplies (rotors, reagents, etc.) and the cost of each test relative to the cost to the client.

• Machine specifics. How fast are the results? How much blood is needed to run each test? Which species can be tested? And how are results added to a patient’s medical record?

• Ease of operation. Is the machine simple and intuitive to use? Is training provided by the company that sells the machine?

• Warranty and maintenance. Ask if there is a warranty included, what it covers, how long it’s good for, and if there’s an option to renew it once it runs out. Also, find out about routine maintenance costs, if there’s a helpline available if you have questions, and how fast an issue with the machine can be repaired/resolved.

• “Real world” performance. Ask around and see if any colleagues in your area use the equipment, and see what their experience has been. Or, see if the company will let you use the equipment on a short trial period before buying.

IDEXX, Abaxis, and Heska

These three companies are popular choices for veterinary practices. Here are the stated advantages of highlighted analyzers from each company…

IDEXX ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer

IDEXX claims to have the industry’s most comprehensive CBCs (27 whole blood parameters plus fluid analysis options, with 17 species capabilities), with reference lab-quality results. They advertise dot plots with each in-house CBC report and extra help such as differential diagnoses and access to board-certified consultants at no charge. Results take two minutes.

Noted special capabilities include detecting band neutrophils and nucleated red blood cells, and including a reticulocyte count.

Abaxis VetScan HM5 Hematology Analyzer

This Abaxis machine reports 22 parameters in less than four minutes, including histograms. The company advertises compatibility with select practice management systems, ease of use, and minimal, quick maintenance with automated cleaning reminders.

Another benefit may be the small sample size requirement of just two drops of whole blood. It has capabilities for 15 species, as well as fluid analysis options. One noted special capability is a direct eosinophil count.

Heska HemaTrue Hematology Analyzer

Heska notes this machine can deliver accurate, reproducible results in 55 seconds, using just 20uL (about one drop) of blood. Results include 17 parameters and histograms. The color touchscreen interface is noted to be simple to navigate, with several species options.

The HemaTrue has daily automatic cleaning and quality control. The company states veterinarians have options such as a free analyzer use, low test prices compared to competitors and a free warranty. One additional advantage is a built-in blood tube mixer.

Keep in mind that there are different analyzer models available from each company that have varying specifications and that details may change over time. So always confirm the specifics before making a purchase.

There’s no one right machine that’s a fit for every veterinary practice. Instead, look at your practice’s individual needs and budget to find the hematology analyzer that’s the best fit for your team and for meeting the needs of your patients and clients.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM