Dr. Walker attended a dermatology lecture on November 3, 2010 presented by Dr. John Angus, staff dermatologist at Animal Dermatology Clinic of Pasedena, CA.  The lecture was sponsored by the Southeast Veterinary Medical Association.  The session focused on management of pruritus (itching) and lick granulomas.  Dr. Angus outlined the most common causes of itching in dogs and cats and presented a practical method of diagnosis and treatment.  He also presented a novel approach to treating lick granulomas in dogs.  Lick granulomas (thickened and infected skin that dogs repeatedly lick) have traditionally been thought of as an expression of a behavioral or anxiety disorder.  Dr. Angus recommends treating for the specific bacteria present as well as the inflammation associated.  Dr. Angus was a very engaging lecturer and provided a wealth of useful information.

Dr. Walker attended an ophthalmology lecture on December 8, 2010 presented by Dr. Phillip Pickett.  He is an ophthalmologist from the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Pickett discussed the diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions in cats and dogs.  Of particular focus were new therapies for non-healing corneal ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and glaucoma.  The information presented will increase our ability to manage eye disorders in the clinic.  

The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association sponsored an Internal Medicine seminar on November 10th, 2010 in East Lansing; Dr. Ned Kuehn of Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield was the presenter.

Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association: Seminars 2010
Cardiology with Dr. Joanne DeSana
This was a wonderful and informative seminar that was aimed at helping Veterinary Technicians.

Recognize Heart Disease in the Exam Room: Common presenting complaints (symptoms/signs) associated with heart disease were outlined as well as how to better obtain more history about these complaints. Tips on how to perform a physical examination of an animal presenting with possible heart disease were also mentioned. This ensures that the Doctors seeing your pets have a better picture of what is going on with your pet before seeing them, themselves.

Common Causes of Heart Disease in the Dog and Cat: Common causes of heart disease in the dog and cat were discussed. How these different defects of the heart cause heart disease, how different diagnostic tools are used to uncover and/or determine the cause of heart disease and how the different causes of heart disease are treated medically were outlined. The causes of heart disease outlined included but was not limited to: degenerative valve disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy etc. This better allows us as technicians to answer any questions or concerns you may have with regards to the treatment and care of your pet.

Dr. Montgomery attended the Midwest Regional Veterinary Conference in Columbus Ohio. It was a four day long multitopic event that included veterinarians from around the United States. One topic was clinical pharmacology, discussing new drugs, potential drug interactions and dosing in sick animals. Other exciting topics were nutrition, respiratory and pneumonia issues, cardiology, vomiting and diarrhea, radiology, dentistry, endocrinology, emergency and critical care and ophthalmology. Topics on animal behavior were discussed daily, such as senior dog senility and cat urinary habits. This conference was an excellent update as well as review of issues that we deal with daily.

Dr. Montgomery attended a seminar on feline medicine and common disease processes in cats presented by Dr. Margie Scherk. This seminar went into depth with feline diabetes, hyperthyroidism, blood pressure, kidney disease, and health concerns in older cats. It gave new ways of thinking about old feline problems, and was an excellent review of feline medicine.

Dr. Cox attended the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association Small Animal Continuing Education Seminar on Seizures. This was presented by Dr. Dennis O'Brien, DVM, PhD., ACVIM from the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri.

This seminar covered recognizing seizures, the diagnostic approach to seizures, the handling of a patient in status epilepticus. The seminar also included treatment modalities for seizure control and discussed the latest medications available for those hard to control seizure patients.

Dr. Montgomery attended a lecture by Dr. Robert Kennis from Auburn University on canine and feline dermatology. It was a very good in depth lecture on hair loss in cats, treatment of canine skin infections, ear infections in cats and antibiotic choices for both dogs and cats. Practical aspects of treatment were discussed extensively.

Doctor Kathy Hibbard attended an Internal Medicine seminar sponsored by the Southeastern Veterinary Medical Association, and held at the Leader Dogs for the Blind facility. Doctor Michael Willard from Texas A&M University was the speaker. Doctor Willard is an engaging speaker as he delivers his information in case study (rather than lecture) format. The broad topics of Liver Disease, Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatitis were covered in an interactive and educational fashion.

Dr. Montgomery attended a seminar by Dr. Pavletic on wound management and reconstruction. This seminar presented by the Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, went over traumatic wound bandaging, types of bandages and reconstructive surgeries. Closing large skin wounds as well as skin flaps and skin grafts were also extensively discussed.

Dr. Kathy Hibbard attended an Infectious Disease seminar given by Dr. Craig Greene, DVM, MS.

Dr. Greene lectured on the latest antiviral and antibacterial drugs, Canine Kennel cough, Leptospirosis, FIP, and Bartonellosis. The topics were informative and applicable to every day practice.

Bartonellosis is also known as "cat scratch fever" and can cause disease both in cats and in their owners.

Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause kidney or liver failure and is transmissible from wild life to dogs. It can be contracted by drinking out of puddles. We do have vaccines to protect against the most prevalent strains of the disease. It can also cause humans to be sick.

Jane Kushnir, LVT attended a seminar at MVS which covered 4 different topics.

"The Power of NSAIDS", how they work, side effects and patient monitoring.

"How Sweet It Is!" covered the advantages of using sugar bandages to heal or close wounds that cannot be sutured, when to use the bandage, how to apply it and how often to change it.

"Xylitol Toxicity"- discussed symptoms, labwork abnormalities and treatment. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products that may benefit humans but is very toxic to dogs, there have been no studies in cats. In dogs, xylitol causes a release in insulin production, vomiting is usually the initial sign, followed by hypoglycemia, liver failure/necrosis and can lead to death. Quick treatment is essential is dealing with this toxin.

The final topic "MRSA/MRSI" discussed the bacteria, risk factors, clinical signs, transmission, prevention and treatment.While MRSA is the bacteria that affects humans, MRSI is the pathogen for dogs and cats.

Jane Kushnir, LVT attended CE on Anesthesia and Pain Management in Small Animals presented by Nancy Brock, DVM of British Columbia, Canada. Objectives of this seminar included better control of anesthesia delivery, better understanding of what our patients and monitors are telling us and improved comfort levels with anesthetic drug combinations. The course covered topics on anesthesia safety, maintenance of equipment, monitoring, patient support and recovery/pain management.

Dr. Montgomery attended a lecture by Dr. MacDonald, a veterinary dermatologist from Auburn University. He well in depth into environmental vs. food allergy dermatitis, ear infections and mites and other skin parasites. Diagnosis, treatment and management of long term allergy cases we discussed, as well as food choices and options for allergen injections vs. oral medications.

Dr. Montgomery attended the conference on January 25th, and listened to multiple exciting lectures on dental radiograph interpretation, cardiology and collapsing trachea. Dr. Charlier, a specialist in veterinary dentistry reviewed dental X-rays and went over specific case studies. Dr. Gordon, a veterinary cardiologist, discussed canine heart disease and treatment. She went over new and promising drugs in canine dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic valve disease, and how best to treat these patients. Dr. Krahwinkle, a specialist in veterinary surgery, went over collapsing trachea and surgical techniques to treat these patients.

In March, Dr. Cox attended a one-day seminar on Small Animal Behavior presented by one of the leading authorities in veterinary behavior medicine, Dr. Karen Overall. Dr. Overall’s lecture covered the physiology of behavior and touched on topics such as nipping in puppies, cats that won’t use their litter boxes, separation anxiety, and canine aggression.

Dr. Montgomery attended a seminar dealing with transmittable disease between pets and people. Topics included rabies, leptospirosis, bartonella (Cat scratch disease), toxoplasma and plague. Diagnosis of these diseases in pets, treatment and prevention of transmission to people were discussed in depth. Also clinical pathology of red blood cells was discussed, including abnormalities seen in red blood cells on the microscope, normals depending upon species and infectious agents that can be found in red blood cells.

Dr.. Montgomery attended the Midwest Veterinary Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The conference covered a wide variety of topics such as ophthalmology, neurology, liver and gastrointestinal issues, animal behavior, feline medicine, parasitology, radiology, ultrasound, dentistry, urology, dermatology and orthopedics. This was an intensive seminar with 4 full days of information and new techniques taught by experts in their fields.

Kim Killingsworth L.V.T. recently attended the Michigan Veterinary Conference in Lansing, MI. The seminars that she attended mainly focused on staff development. Strategies were discussed on taking a proactive approach that will benefit clients and their pets.

The pain management lecture discussed using local blocks in conjunction with other pain medications.

Hospitalized patients that may not be eating due to illness need to have nutritional support due to illness. Esophageal tubes can benefit the patient by supplying the patient with its daily caloric requirements.

Kim also attended the Midwest Veterinary Conference in Columbus, OH. Principles of nutrition, husbandry, and clinical techniques for rabbits and ferrets were discussed. New data was released this year regarding nutrition for rabbits, suggesting a diet of mainly grass hay for adult rabbits and only feeding pellets 1-2 times weekly. It is important for gut health and helps with proper wearing of the teeth.

Zoonotic diseases in birds is rare, however, it does exist. Testing procedures for birds suspected of having disease were presented. Obtaining a bird from a vendor that performs flock testing can decrease the potential for zoonotic diseases.

Birds instinctively hide their signs of illness. Therefore, it is very important to recognize subtle signs of illness. The sooner a bird can get into the veterinarian the higher the rate of successful treatment.

Veterinary technicians can become involved in disaster response from the local to the governmental level. Additional training is essential for technicians who wish to pursue disaster relief.

Kim also attended a wet lab on dental imaging where the principles of proper radiology techniques and positioning were taught. Dental imaging allows for an accurate portrayal of normal and abnormal conditions. More than 80% of dental pathology is below the gum line. Dental radiology provides an opportunity to fully evaluate any problems that may not be visible otherwise.

Jane Kushnir L.V.T. attended a seminar on dentistry in November. Topics discussed included the importance of a complete oral exam w/sedation or anesthesia,a systematic approach to dental charting to observe degrees of dental plaque/calculus, missing/broken teeth, discolored/worn teeth & evidence of gingivitis and/or periodontal disease.

Pain management is very important asdental diseases/treatments are painful. The use of pre-med analgesics along w/dental nerve blocks and post-op oral meds provide the most effective management of pain, which is evident for the first 24-72 hours after dental surgery. Balanced pain management also increases safety, return to function & healing for our veterinary patients. Dental radiology was also discussed & is advantageous to aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as feline resorptive lesions, abscesses, oral tumors/fractures & bone pathology. Dental propylaxis, client education & home care are all ways we can work as a team to provide the best possible dental health for our pets.

Dr. Montgomery attended a seminar on cardiology in dogs and cats by the MVMA (Michigan Veterinary Medical Association). Cardiology medications were discussed in depth, including a new drug for treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy that is waiting to receive FDA approval in the US. Specifically feline heart conditions were discussed, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy medications, treatment and therapeutic goals. Overall it was a very good review of cardiology medications and conditions.

Dr. Lora Montgomery attended a continuing education conference on intestinal parasites and advances that have been made in treatment and diagnostics.

Some of the topics of interest were Giardia, Clostridium perfringens, Tritrichomonos foetus and Cryptosporidiosis. These can be common causes of acute diarrhea in our patients.

A great deal of discussion involved Giardia and advances in diagnostics and treatment. Because of its zoonotic potential, this information is vital. The new technique our hospital uses thru Antech labs regarding testing fecal samples is the gold standard for fecal analysis. Also other diagnostics involve particular antigen testing.

Another parasite that can be commonly overlooked is Tritrichomonas foetus. It was discussed that in cases of refractory diarrhea this parasite can be a culprit. Responses to therapy can be remarkable.

In addition to intestinal disease, we discussed the importance of wellness testing for all of our patients, even those not showing signs of disease. In many cases, disease processes can be identified prior to any outward physical symptoms are shown.

This conference stressed just how important it is to further look for answers to our pets' problems with diagnostics. Further diagnostics help us diagnose disease and form a treatment plan for our patients, which ultimately allows us to provide the best possible care.

Dr Cox, Vicki Nunnery, and Kim Killingsworth attended this seminar for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. The seminar covered many important aspects of dentistry in pets from the dental equipment to surgical extractions.

Focusing on our pet’s teeth is sometimes an overlooked area until there is a problem. The seminar encouraged preventing dental disease with brushing and at home care. It also discussed diagnosing dental disease, oral cancers and oral diseases. Involving our pet owners, our pets, our staff, and our veterinarians in this team approach for our patient’s health will prevent disease in the future.

Dr. Montgomery attended a 2 day seminar to further advance her abdominal ultrasound training. The seminar focused on visualization of the soft tissue organs in the abdomen of dogs and cats, as well as aspiration and biopsy techniques using ultrasound. The course included multiple laboratories where hands-on ultrasound training was performed using both cats and dogs. This seminar offered techniques that can be utilized here at Southpointe to aid in the optimal treatment and care of your pet.

Kim Killingsworth, LVT recently attended a seminar on denistry. The lecturer was William Gengler DVM, from the University of Wisconsin.

His lecture focused on using radiology for a definitive diagnosis, and an emphasis on preventative care such as routine dental prophies. Pets with oral disease should have frequent rechecks incorporated into a long term treatment plan. Methods were discussed on both surgical and non-surgical extractions to make extractions less difficult to perform. Pain management plays an important role in keeping the pet comfortable after a dental extraction procedure.

An announcement was made at the seminar that Pfizer will be releasing a periodontal vaccine next year under a conditional license. This vaccine will give protection against three species of bacteria.

The course discussed how to recognize a transfusion reaction and what to do about it. It also covered the importance of aseptic technique in collection and in distribution. Another important part of the class was the storing of blood and blood products.

The class was very informative with a lot of new ideas that we hope to use when we have emergencies such as: warfarin toxicity (rodent poison), hit by car or any other blood related emergency.

Dr. Montgomery recently attended a seminar on canine and feline urology (the study of the urinary tract). The seminar addressed acute and chronic renal failure prognosis, prevention and dietary, medical and supportive treatment of these conditions.

Newer diagnostic methods were discussed for predicting patients that may be prone to chronic renal failure. Upper as well as lower urinary tract infections were discussed, as well as causes for each, predisposition in animals, underlying diseases and in depth treatment regimens for recurring infections.

Other issues were explored such as urinary incontinence, urethral incompetence and ectopic ureters. Canine and feline stones were addressed as well as new laser treatment methods done at veterinary teaching hospitals that break up and remove stones without surgical intervention.

Lisa Sherrill recently completed the VSPN course "Exceptional Client Service
Skills for the Receptionist/Front Office Staff Member." The curriculum covered how to give the very best service with the very best attitude whenever working with clientele. The "Veterinary Receptionist Handbook" was used as the class text.

Debbie Welbes , LVT recently attended a seminar on Environmental Stress and the Indoor cat. Some of the highlights from the seminar:

Cats that live indoors have more stress in their lives then we think. The most common sources of stress revolve around their food, water, litter pans, sleeping areas as well as scratching places and toys. The food and water needs to be placed so that they are not facing each other and each should have their own food and water bowls. The litter pans are probably the biggest source of problems. There needs to be 1 litter pan of each plus 1 extra. They need to be placed in different rooms and not in the same room. Sleeping areas need to be arranged so that they each have their own. They also need places to be able to scratch both horizontal as well as vertical. They also need a variety of toys to keep them entertained. All of these things need to be addressed as soon as the kitten or cat comes home and this will hopefully eliminate the start of any stress related problems that can turn into very major problems that can be live long as well as being very stressful for the owners as well.

Liz McLeod , LVT recently attended two seminars on denistry.

Companion Animal Dentistry 101

This course covered the basics of performing an oral exam, the vocabulary and anatomy involved with the mouth and many of the abnormalities that may be discovered while performing a dental cleaning. It also discussed the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental disease.

Companion Animal Dentistry 102

This course covered the importance of offering dental services to our patients as well as developing a treatment plan based on exam findings including cleaning in the hospital and home care. It also discussed safety measures that should be followed for the patient as well as the technician performing the dental cleaning.

Jane Kushnir LVT

Zoonotic diseases are infections or diseases that are naturally transmitted
between animals and humans. Transmission occurs through feces, urine,
saliva, blood, vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes), meat, milk, aerosol, water
contamination with urine or feces, and bedding. Our best line of defense
is basic hygiene, washing thoroughly, personal protection such as gloves,
vector avoidance or protection (insect repellents), and thoroughly cooking
the meat we eat. It is better to take precautions instead of having to be
treated. Animals can be shedding infections/parasites without showing
any signs.

Roundworms/hookworms
Two common intestinal parasites that can be transmitted from pet to pet
and pet to human are roundworm and hookworm. Roundworms are
transmitted by ingesting the eggs and hookworms penetrate through the
skin when we come into contact with contaminated soil. It is very important
to clean up after our pets daily and start worming kittens and puppies as
young as 2 weeks old.

Salmonella
Salmonella is transmitted from our “pocket pets” such as reptiles, rodents,
and other mammals such as hedgehogs. They don’t have to be sick to be
to be passing salmonella. It is important to wash hands thoroughly, wear
gloves when cleaning cages in well ventilated areas, and not “kissing the
rodents”.

Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a coccidian protozoan organism that can be transmitted
by ingestion of oocysts (shed by cats) or meat containing live organisms.
It is important to clean the litterbox daily, keep your cats indoors, and not
eating undercooked or raw meat and washing well after handling raw meat.

Rabies
Rabies is caused by a virus and the bat is the #1 cause of human exposure.
In our area, skunks and raccoons should also be considered suspect.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochete, and vaccines are designed to
prevent disease not necessarily the infection. Infections can be acquired
from contaminated water, soil, animal tissues or urine.

Dr. Cox has recently attended two ultrasound courses to further her ultrasound skills and knowledge. The first course was a 3 day overview course on basic ultrasound using our new ultrasound machine. This course covered ultrasound physics, artifacts and scanning techniques for the 4 major abdominal organs: spleen, liver, kidneys and bladder. The second course was a two day advanced ultrasound course focusing on the smaller and more difficult abdominal organs including the pancreas and adrenals. In addition, this course covered the new and advanced option of telemedicine which is now offered at Southpointe. Telemedicine allows us to transmit the results of our diagnostic tests including x-rays, ultrasound and bloodwork directly to a board certified specialist for their professional review. The board certified specialist will then provide a written report with their findings, diagnosis and recommendations to help provide the most optimal care for you and your pets without having to leave Southpointe’s building.