Veterinary Medicine - August 2008 - (Page 430)

Idea Exchange tips from the trenches An empty treat container means no more treats To prevent clients and their families from giving too many treats to their pets, I advise them to place all the day’s treats in a reusable container every morning. When the container is empty, no more treats are allowed for the rest of the day. This practice is especially useful for pets that are taking part in a weight-reduction program. Dr. Julie Platt Rockford, Ill. Boarders get bed and breakfast and a check-up Every animal that is boarded at our hospital gets what we call a tech exam. A technician examines the animal’s skin, coat, and teeth and then notes the results in the patient’s record. If the technician has any concerns—for example, the pet has dirty ears that look a little inﬂamed—we inform the owner, and a doctor examines the animal. Brooklin-Page Bray, veterinary assistant San Antonio, Texas Prevent rearward licking with a backward collar A clever client gave us this idea. Maggie, a large-breed dog, had a wound on the tip of her tail, which we treated. We placed an Elizabethan collar on her, but after banging into just about everything, Maggie could still lick the wounded area. So Maggie’s owners reversed the collar, with the wide portion facing and resting on her shoulders rather than encircling her head. This placement prevented Maggie from reaching the wounded area. We have since found that placing a collar on backward works well for patients recovering from neuters and many other surgeries. Dr. Kristi Zimmerman Manchester, N.H. Charting adverse reactions to vaccines We keep a chart that lists incidents of adverse reaction to vaccination. We note the date; the patient’s name; which vaccine was given, including the manufacturer and serial number; and the reaction signs. We put a check mark next to the patient’s name once we’ve notiﬁed the manufacturer of the reaction. While reactions are rare, they do happen, and this record will be helpful in the event of a vaccine recall. Pam D’Esopo, practice manager Dedham, Mass. A dental care display leads to healthier smiles Our clients were reluctant to try preventive oral care products in their pets. To pique their interest, we put up an attractive display case with a large selection of dental care products, including gels, toothpaste, and water additives. With this display, we have increased client interest, education, and compliance and improved the dental care of our patients—and their smiles. Dr. Jennifer McDougle Bakersﬁeld, Calif. Send us your great idea, and we’ll send you $50! E-mail us at vm@advanstar.com, send a fax to (913) 871-3808, or write to Idea Exchange Editor at 8033 Flint, Lenexa, KS 66214. Getty Images 430 August 2008 VETERINARY MEDICINE

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - August 2008

Veterinary Medicine - August 2008 Contents Editors' Note Leading Off ClinQuiz Idea Exchange Practical Matters Diagnosing and Treating Canine Copper-Associated Hepatopathies Canine and Feline Demodicosis CE Form Advertiser Index Product Preview Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - August 2008

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