Day 3

Here are the latest photos sent by our team from Guatemala...Looks like they are having some long busy days!

Surgical pack prep area- Natalie and Melissa

Spaying "Rebecca" as her family watches on

All dogs get muzzled for safety

Day 2 - Working in Todos Santos

Here are some photos sent early this morning from our crew in Todos Santos. Viewers please be advised some photos may be graphic to some.

Some of the children bringing their pets for care

families with their pets

getting an exam

unpacking and sorting supplies

Dr. Lechten operating

Melissa holding a dog for an exam

Lynsay getting a patient prepared for surgery



The children  (who look amazed) watching the team working on patients

recovery ward, keeping the patients warm

Dr. Lechten, Dr. Rogers at work

 

DAY 1

Feb 9th, 2013- Day One - an update from Melissa

On Feb 8, 2013 we started our journey to Guatemala. Our original flight was Feb 7th,

but our flight had been cancelled due to mechanical problems. So our ten day trip has

now become an eight day adventure. Now you would think that getting there would be

the easier part of this trip, however it has already been a challenge. We arrived at

Pearson Airport (Toronto), and all five of us have huge hiking packs with our personal

belongings, carry-ons, 6 large green totes full all the medical supplies, and

an autoclave. The airport was very busy as a lot of flights were cancelled, due to the

snow storm. We headed to  check-in, we loaded all our packs on,

all the totes, but when it came to the autoclave they were not going to let us take it.

This was not good, an autoclave is a machine that sterilizes surgical instruments, this

unit had been donated from another vet hospital. We had  a local company  build a

box for us with wheels as the unit itself weighs 75lbs, and now we find out that it weighs

155lbs in the crate!  Air Canada will only accept items under 70 lbs. It is very

important that we take this, as there is not even one at the human hospital to use. We

try to find a screwdriver to open the crate, we probably spent a good 45mins looking,

but no luck. Finally Janine, our baggage lady came up to us, she checked with the head of

the airlines and found they would allow us take it. We were thrilled- we made our flight

with minutes to spare. We had a lay over  in Houston Texas at 12:30 am.

We hustled to our hotel, hit the pillow at 1 am. By 6:30am (after a short nap),

we headed back to the airport in Houston to catch our flight to Guatemala. So

once again we lug our hiking packs, 6 totes, carry-ons and the autoclave to check in.
 

It was the same problem all over again. Now United Airlines would not accept

the autoclave! We could not believe we had made it this far and we were going to have

to leave it. Once again we needed a screwdriver, as the airline said they may let us

take it out of the wooden crate as it would weigh less. All of us went hunting, from

maintenance men, to police women, to running back to the hotel-  we needed a

Robertson screwdriver, and there was none to be found!  Finally they called the baggage

handler and he said he would take it, he probably could not say no to grown women crying.

So off we went, got breakfast and boarded our plane. What a great guy! So I am going to

sign off now as we head for a 3 hour flight to Guatemala. Stay tuned for our next update...

Fast approaching...V-Day!

About one  month away, Valentines Day will be here soon enough. A few hazards to ensure your pet doesn't become a victim of toxic ingestion...

Flowers. All species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. If possible, specify no lilies if buying an arrangement for a household with cats. If not, sort through the flowers to remove any lilies. Symptoms of lily ingestion in cats can be stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Likewise, thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on, or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.

Chocolate. Many people receive chocolate on Valentine's Day—Americans spend some $1 billion on chocolate for this holiday alone—but it's important to remember that chocolate is toxic to both cats and dog. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Darker chocolates contain caffeine-like stimulants that cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiac functions that can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and elevated heart rate. However, any kind of chocolate—dark, milk, semi-sweet, and baker's chocolates—can cause adverse reactions. High fat in lighter chocolates can cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, so make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can't reach it.

Along that note, what are you doing for your pet on this special holiday? How about giving them special cuddle time, baking dog treats in a heart, or giving them a new heart shaped tag with their name on it? There are lots and lots of ideas out there!

AVH's top 10 Christmas Gifts for your Pet

Just like Oprah's holiday special where she gives out ideas of her favorite Christmas gifts, we have compiled a list of our top ten favorite pet gifts you could give to your pet. Here they are....

10. A Backpack for your dog! Do you enjoy the outdoors more when you don't have to carry your pets water bottles, treats and bowls? Doggy backpacks are easy to put on, with multiple pockets where they can carry a mini first aid kit, collapsable water bowl, small canteen of water, and treats for your pet.  You can even add in freezer packs of ice into the backpack pockets during the warmer weather to help keep your pooch cool. Great for avid hikers or just wanting to take a stroll.

9. A new collar and leash. Tired of the old leash, they have so many funky kinds out there, it's easy to find something to suit your style.

8. Self warming pet bed. Beleive it or not they have self warming pet beds available. Great for the older pet that may have arthritis and achy joints or great for cats that love to curl up.

7. FroliCat Dart. This is an automatic laser toy for cats, how cool is that?

6. Seat Harness for car rides. Harnesses are easy to place on your pet, and clips into the seatbelt to keep them secure while driving.

5. Pet Fountain. Automatic drinking fountains with continous running water keeps it fresh and cool. Most fountains hold almost 1 L or water. Some cats prefer running water instead of  water in a bowl.

4. Automatic Pet Feeder. Fabulous idea! Great for cats and dogs especially if your pet is a wee bit on the chunky side. With some calorie reducing foods, using an automatic dispensing door, set the timer according to how many times you want the dispensing door to open and for how long and away you go. Ingenious!

3. Dental prophy. Can you imagine going all your life without going to the dentist? Pets cannot speak like we do, they can't tell us when they have a toothache or something is bothering them. Come on in and visit us with your pet for a complimentary dental quote.

2. Training. How about a training class? There is always room to learn a new trick or two. A great way for some social interaction for your pet as well.

1. Microchip. What if your pet becomes lost? Gets off a leash chasing a rabbit, or gets confused when outside and tries to find the wrong house to come home to? Microchipping is easy, affordable, and a quick procedure. Book your appointment by calling our office 705-733-1422.

The 12 days of Christmas is also the 12 hazards of Christmas....

Now that the holiday season is upon us, our pets are especially vulnerable to hazards sometimes we wouldn't even think were toxic or unsafe for them. Here is a quick list of what to watch out for put out by our friends at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Clinic. They are:


1. Ethylene Glycol, this common toxin can cause renal failure with as small an amount as 4.2ml/kg in dogs and 1.5ml/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seens are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is fatal.

2. Chocolate, seen mor efrequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the "purity" of the chocolate. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrythmia and can progress to seizures.

3. prescription drugs, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays ingestion of our human medications can become a hazard. Animals do not react the same way as people do our human medications. Conculting with your veterinarian or Poison Control hotline can be a life saver.

4. Poinsettia. Commonly thought to be the "toxin of the holidays", this plant rarely causes more than gastric upset.  Avoid having diarrhea and vomiting in your pet and keep them out of reach.

5. Mistletoe, a rare toxin but none the less "out there" mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fluid loss and even death has been reported.

6. Raisins/Grapes, because of the mechanism of toxicity is not knownm we do not know much about raisins so please be careful of this treat. It can often cause reanal failure and even death.

7. Macadamia nuts, like raisins the toxicty of this nut has not yet been identified but can cause vomiting, diarrhea and inability to use the hind limbs or stand.

8. Bulbs, amaryllis is a favorite around this time of year but also cause vomitting and diarrhea in both cats and dogs.

9. Road salt, rarely seen an an ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small crack or cut- ouch!

10. Hypothermia, beleive it or not this can happen even though they are built with fur coats.  Cats are prone to this.

11. Foreign bodies, Toys, ribbons, ornaments- is it any wonder why this is common around this time. Pet proofing is the only way to go to avoid an emergency trip to the vets.



12. Table scraps/Diet change, sure everyone enjoys a good turkey over the holidays, but allowing your pets  to ingest the bones or feeding left overs can result in a trip to the vets. Try to avoid changes in diet as much as possible.

Celebrate good times c'mon! National Vet Tech Week!

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is essentially the "right hand man" for the veterinarian. Just like medical doctors work alongside with nurses, veterinarians count on RVT's to help them with a variety of procedures.
The type of work that you will do as a RVT varies depending on your experience, what type of setting you are working in and your specialties.  Despite the range of responsibilities, there are some general procedures that almost all vet techs will take care of during their careers. This list is by no means all of the duties or set in stone.

Common RVT Duties ( in no particular order):

lab analysis (blood, urine, fecal tests)
dental Care
preparation of samples
inducing and monitoring anesthesia
general nursing duties
radiography
client education
surgery preparation and assistance
patient restraint
wound care
office work
inventory

What RVT's don't do:

diagose patients
surgery
prescriptions

So as you can see the list is pretty lengthy. Anything the veterinarian needs help with  thats what the vet tech is there for. Many people confuse vet techs (RVT's) with vet assistants.  Vet assistants do not have RVT status, some have learned on the job or obtained certicates from online vet asistant programs.


Scooling and Training:

Certified veterinary technicians are individuals who have graduated from a two year vet tech accredited program. Veterinary technologists are students that have graduated from a three year program, where the third year is primarily conisiting of laboratory animals and research.  In most provinces graduates have also taken a passed a national registration board exam (VTNE). All provinces require technicians to pass this credentialing exam in order to obtain official licensure or certification. RVT's that have been out practicing in the field for a minimum of five years also hav ethe abilityy to upgrade their credentials by becoming certified in a veterinary technician specialty. There are many specialties available, Lisa one of our RVT's here  went through the task of becoming certified in small animal anesthesia. It took a few grueling years to complete but Lisa says "Although it was very challenging, it was one of the most rewarding moments inmy career." Here is a link to one of Lisa's interviews...

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/Life-As-A-Veterinary-Technician-Randon.htm

So if you are thinking of becoming an RVT, try volunteering at a local shelter, veterinary hospital or completeing a co op pplacement through school. If you truly like being with animals it can be a very rewarding career. October 14 - 20th, 2012 is deemed as National Vet Tech Week, so hug a tech today!