EVT Magazine January 2010 Issue

Featured Article

Euthanasia: The Compassionate Goodbye

There is no time in veterinary care when compassion, education, and communication are more important than in euthanasia. The word, meaning “gentle death,” refers to the practice of ending a life in a painless manner, but the procedure is anything but painless for a client—or the veterinary staff. Thoughtful planning, conscious care, and full awareness of the client’s need for education and support can provide a truly “gentle death” for patients and support pet families through the difficult process.

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Features

Delivering Bad News: A Crucial Conversation

You take a deep sigh as you look at Max’s hip radiographs. You need to tell Claire that her beloved 6-year-old Lab and hiking partner has severe hip dysplasia. Over the years, you’ve heard about their outdoor adventures and more recently, their long-anticipated trip to Alaska. Now you must tell Claire that Max cannot handle such long and demanding hikes, and you know this news will result in significant changes to their lifestyle, activities, and future together.

Room Enough for All of Us

Mrs. O’Donnell loves Dr. Givens. He’s compassionate, knowledgeable, takes the time to address her concerns, and always gives Peaches a treat. And once, when a late-night encounter with a porcupine left Peaches with a face full of quills, he met her at the clinic. He’s everything a veterinarian should be...except he stands so close!

Consensus on Compliance Essential, Not Optional

In 2002, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined forces to investigate compliance in veterinary medicine. Data were published in 2003 and for the past 7 years, the word compliance has taken on significant meaning within the worldwide veterinary profession. But for many of us, several questions remain:
• What is compliance?
• Why is it important?
• How can the concept of compliance be leveraged to better provide for the pets and people we serve?

Compliance Form

Download this compliance form to help you track data based on every patient's visit. For more on how to use this form read the article State of the Art Meets State of the Heart to learn how Robin Downing, DVM and her team utilize it in their practice.

You Don’t Say...Honing Nonverbal Communication Skills

You walk into your family physician’s office slightly early for your scheduled appointment.

Two staff members are sitting behind the front counter with their heads lowered, focused on their tasks. Several minutes pass before one turns to you, forces a smile, and says, “Hi...you can sign in here,” pointing to a clipboard.

Compliance Is About Best Care

When you go to the doctor, what are you looking for? Competence will always top the list, followed closely by a desire for trust, compassion, and open communication with your health care provider.

State of the Art Meets State of the Heart

“Pet owners assume that every practice is good. But in fact, all practices are not the same, procedures are not all the same. We are a small practice, and a tight team. Our culture is to be the other family doctor… Every once in awhile, I stumble upon a dog that’s just a dog. But until I’m told otherwise, every pet is a member of the family.”— Robin Downing, DVM