Hoosier Veterinarian. N o v e m b e r Wellness Risk Factor Study Finds Positive Correlation to VMA Membership. V o l u m e 4 8, N o.

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1 Hoosier Veterinarian V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 N o v e m b e r Take Full Advantage of Social Media from the IVMA! Crank up your clinic s social media! Share, retweet or repost any of the content the IVMA posts on Facebook and Twitter or on on your clinic s social media. All info shared on these sites is for our members to help in sharing news and gaining social media presence. If you haven t already, like us on Facebook and follow us on Wellness Risk Factor Study Finds Positive Correlation to VMA Membership In a recent article published in JAVMA, Nett et al. (2016) research found that membership in a veterinary medical association is positively correlated with less mental illness and suicidal ideation. The authors also found that 9.1% of veterinarians were experiencing severe psychological distress at the time of the survey and that 16.7% had contemplated suicide since graduation. These distressing numbers are higher than that of the general US adult population. The number of veterinarians currently in psychological distress nearly doubles when controlling for membership in organized veterinary medicine (9.3% for members of a VMA vs. 17.5% for those that are not). A similar but less pronounced pattern is seen when examining the relationship between currently married, separated/divorced and never married veterinarians (8.1%, 13.8% and 14.7% respectively). The authors hypothesized that these patterns may be related to the interpersonal relationships in a veterinarian's life. They go on to site research that names social support as a positive influence on mental health. Alternate factors associated with psychological distress were working in shelter medicine and being in practice for less than 20 years. It was unclear from the data if it was age, a change in class selection criteria, or another factor that led to increased risk in younger vets. Other research questions revealed a disconnect between veterinarians and the general population when it comes to perception of those with mental illnesses and the help available. Psychologically stressed veterinarians were significantly less likely than those similarly afflicted in the general population to state that "People are caring towards those persons with mental illness," and less likely than non-distressed veterinarians to agree that "Mental health treatment is accessible." This perception of a lack of support may be one factor contributing to higher distress levels. The findings of this study open a pathway to better caring for veterinarians in psychological distress. Veterinary medical associations play an important part in this battle as they provide social support and a vehicle for dissemination of information. Because so many veterinarians in distress perceive that no aid is available, VMAs have the opportunity to step in as helpers. Support systems such as the AVMA's Early Career Online Community and VIN's From the Trenches message board provide practitioners with a group with whom they have similar trials, worries, and sometimes even victories. If you are experiencing psychological distress, please seek help. If you have suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at TALK. More info on Veterinary Wellness can be found on page 15. Written by: Dr. Caroline Faust, DVM and Dr. Elizabeth Strand, LCSW, Univ. of TN Citation: Nett, R. J., Witte, T. K., Holzbauer, S. M., Elchos, B. L., Campagnolo, E. R., Musgrave, K. J., Funk, R. H. (2015). Risk factors for suicide, attitudes toward mental illness, and practice-related stressors among US veterinarians. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 247(8),

2 P a g e 2 Dr. James Stepusin We all have similar stories, where someone steps in to help during times of need with family or that lonely island of veterinary medicine. Many of us have lots to be thankful for, but I wanted to give a crack at a few more of my own thankful items. President s Message As we wind down with 2016 and head into the holiday season, it s always a good thing to reflect back on what we re thankful for. For starters, I m thankful for two healthy children and a wife that keeps everything together when I m traveling for work. It s not easy being a defacto single parent for days on end and my wife does a great job, all while keeping her dayjob as a teacher. But she is always more than happy to hand the kids off to me when I get home as she walks (runs?) out the door for some much needed time off. We all have similar stories, where someone steps in to help during times of need with family or that lonely island of veterinary medicine. Many of us have lots to be thankful for, but I wanted to give a crack at IVMA Board of Directors President: Dr. James Stepusin President Elect: Dr. Maria Cooper Vice President: Dr. Nathan Rich Immediate Past President: Dr. Jerry Risser Treasurer: Dr. Aaron Smiley AVMA Delegate: Dr. Jim Weisman AVMA Alt. Delegate: Dr. Phil Borst District I: Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger District II: Dr. Kimberly Bruce District III: Dr. Rob Holl District IV: Dr. Nancy Whitesell District V: Dr. Aileen McDivitt a few more of my own thankful items. I m thankful for all of the IVMA officers, committee members, volunteers, and staff members that make this organization one of the best VMAs in the country. As part of my day job I get the opportunity to work with other VMAs and I m constantly amazed at the talent and dedication we have within the veterinary profession here in Indiana as well as the IVMA. (continued on next page) District X: Dr. Philip Howell District XI: Dr. Peggy Villanueva, Board Chair District XII: Dr. Kyle Shipman District XIII: Dr. Daren Miller District XIV: Dr. Brian Biggers District XV: Dr. Jason Huff District VI: Ashley Mealey, & Jr Rep Katie Beckman, Purdue District VII: Dr. Steve Channel District VIII: Dr. Marybeth Feutz District IX: Dr. Harley Robinson H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

3 V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 President s Message Continued... P a g e 3 I m thankful for the fall season. I love the season and the cooler temperatures, but I also love the fall color change. While on fall breaks in vet school at Auburn University, the drive home to Kentucky was highlighted with the stretch through Tennessee close to the Great Smokey Mountains. The beautiful color changes to all of the trees is still something I see in my mind when I think about vet school. I m thankful that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. A holiday centered on giving thanks and spending time with family, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I typically spend it with extended family and I enjoy seeing people I don t see on a routine basis. But honestly, the star of the holiday for me is the food roast turkey and smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, stuffing or dressing, corn pudding, fresh cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and I could go on and on. My love of this food was such that I requested it for my birthday dinner growing up in the heat of July. I m thankful for the IVMA s Legislative Committee and their work with the Indiana legislature on topics related to the practice of veterinary medicine. Just recently, the Legislative Committee met with the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners to determine the next steps regarding potential legislation around equine dentistry and the ability for lay people to provide services. Each year there seems to be some bill related to the practice of veterinary medicine and this year will be no different. I m thankful that the college basketball season is finally upon us! Growing up in Lexington and attending the University of Kentucky for undergrad definitely made me a UK football fan. Unfortunately, most years ended in disappointment. But as the color change signals the start of fall, it also signals the beginning of the college basketball season and my attention turns to a team that doesn t disappoint me nearly as much. This is a sentiment that many Purdue and Indiana grads may share with this Kentucky boy! I m thankful for good coffee. Even though I have given up caffeine for the most part, I still like to drink coffee. The best coffee I ve ever had was in San Francisco at the downtown farmer s market and I ve been searching for this nirvana ever since. I know it s out there. I m thankful for traditions. Many families have traditions around the holidays and I love the ones we have continued and started with my family. And the IVMA has many traditions too one of which is the annual meeting. This year, we try to add to that tradition with a new membership reception on Friday night with a live band! I m thankful for a wife who laughs at my jokes. Or maybe she s laughing at me some of the time. Regardless, I ve always enjoyed making people laugh and smile, even if it s at my own expense. I m thankful for the work the Annual Meeting Committee and Continuing Education Committee did this year. At the 2017 IVMA Annual Meeting, you can get up to 31 hours of continuing education! And we looked at different ways to provide CE through the year, with a summer meeting in French Lick and another quality meeting at the state fair, as well as online CE opportunities (this at no cost to you). That s definitely something to be thankful for. I m thankful for a core group of close friends that I can lean on in times of need. When it comes to veterinary medicine, the IVMA provides that outlet for many. Many veterinarians often feel that they have no one to turn to in times of need. My time with the IVMA has shown me that I have countless colleagues within the organization that are willing to listen and talk on any number of topics. The more active you become within the IVMA the more you see the value, not only in the services, but also the people. I m thankful for chocolate and cream cheese frosting. Just like most kids, I always liked sweets growing up. But not like I do today. For some reason, about a decade ago, something switched inside me and required copious amounts of dark chocolate. Much to my wife s chagrin and my children s delight. And I ve been known to order a bowl of cream cheese frosting for dessert no cake, just the frosting. My wife would be the first to say something s not right with me. I m thankful that I get to work in this great profession and give back through my work with the IVMA. I get the opportunity to interact with many brilliant, tireless, funny, and wonderful veterinarians and I m honored to not only call them my colleagues but also my friends. If I have a question, this group has likely asked that same question and knows the answer. Or if I have a situation, this group has likely dealt with that same situation and handled it beautifully. This network of colleagues and friends makes my island feel a lot bigger. As you can see, regarding veterinary medicine in Indiana, I think the IVMA deserves a lot of thanks, as well as the many members that help make the IVMA run smoothly. So if you are involved with the IVMA stay involved. But if you re not involved with the IVMA get involved! You ll thank me for it. Dr. James Stepusin IVMA President James.Stepusin@merial.com 317/

4 P a g e 4 IVMA One Welfare Initiative Euthanasia in Swine These articles are written and provided as an education resource by members of the IVMA Animal Welfare Committee. The collective body of articles can be found at Most of the processes utilized are a one-step procedure rendering the pig insensible with resulting death. A two-step process temporarily renders the pig insensible, but requires a secondary step (usually exsanguination or pithing) to accomplish death. Pig farmers and caretakers are usually the individuals responsible for euthanasia of pigs. It is not possible or practical for veterinarians to provide timely euthanasia in most situations. However, veterinarians play a key role in training caretakers, developing a euthanasia action plan, addressing questions, and monitoring euthanasia procedures utilized on the farm. The goal with swine euthanasia is to perform a humane process, whereby the pig is rendered insensible with minimal pain and distress prior to death. A brochure developed jointly by the National Pork Board and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians is available, with a new revision due soon. This brochure highlights the euthanasia methods that meet the humane definition based on available scientific literature, but may not be all inclusive. It is important to know when timely euthanasia is required: Pigs that have no likelihood for improvement or that don t respond after 2 days of intensive care, unless otherwise recommended by the veterinarian. The caretaker can take into account past experiences with similar conditions relative to the chance of recovery Severely injured or non-ambulatory pigs (can t get up or if standing not able to bear weight on two of its legs) Non-ambulatory pigs with a body condition score of 1 (very thin) Pigs with perforated hernias, or hernias that touch the floor while standing and are ulcerated Any pig with untreated necrotic prolapse - Uterine prolapses are to be euthanized immediately The timeliness of euthanasia is stressed during training in order to minimize the pig s pain and distress. If third party auditors deem that euthanasia is not timely, this can cause the farm to fail a welfare audit. The euthanasia methods will be briefly discussed in this article; for more detailed information, refer to the previously cited brochure. Most of the processes utilized are a onestep procedure rendering the pig insensible with resulting death. A two-step process temporarily renders the pig insensible, but requires a secondary step (usually exsanguination or pithing) to accomplish death. H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

5 V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 One Welfare - Continued P a g e 5 Continued from previous page Euthanasia by carbon dioxide is effective for suckling and nursery stage pigs. The carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in the blood and causes rapid onset of anesthesia followed by respiratory arrest. Even when used correctly, pigs that are unconscious may exhibit involuntary vocalizations and movements. This method requires special equipment to work effectively, including an airtight container with an outlet valve, a regulator and a flow meter. This method is safe for properly trained personnel, and it should be performed in a well ventilated area. Gunshot to the head can be used for nursery through adult stages. The muzzle should be 2-10 from the pig s skull, ½ inch above eye level, midline, aimed toward the tail. 12, 16, or 20 gauge shotgun can be used for finishers and mature animals. A 28 or 410 gauge shotgun is only recommended for nursery pigs. Slug ammunition is recommended for shotguns. Another option for close range use is a rim -fire rifle. The gun and ammunition must have the muzzle energy to pass through the thickness of the skull. When using a.22 caliber gun a shot delivered behind the ear (aimed towards the opposite eye) is recommended, and the ammunition should be round nosed and solid. Captive bolt guns are available with non-penetrating and penetrating bolts. The non-penetrating bolts should be placed firmly against the front of the pig s head. The penetrating bolt placement is on the midline ½ inch above eye level. Immediately after application of captive bolts the pig will exhibit tonic and clonic movements, usually followed by involuntary kicking for 1-2 minutes. It is important to select the proper size bolt gun and cartridge, based on size of the pig. It is also important to clean and maintain the bolt gun regularly. Electrocution causes death by insensibility of the brain followed by cardiac fibrillation and cerebral anoxia. The flow of electricity should be at least.5 amps and 110 volts for pigs up to 6 weeks of age and at least 1.3 amps and 240 volts for pigs over 6 weeks. Electrocution should not be used in pigs less than 3 days of age. Head to heart electrocution is one-step and therefore the most practical. The front electrode should be placed at the level of or in front of the brain, with the rear electrode on the opposite side of the body behind the heart. The current should be applied for a minimum of 15 seconds. Electrocution obviously has human safety concerns so extreme care must be taken when using this method of euthanasia. Indiana code has some confusion in its language but the use of electrocution, is allowed as an acceptable farm management practice. Euthanasia solutions (barbiturates) administered by veterinarians are effective at causing death when administered intravenously. Since these are controlled drugs they have limited use in many instances where a pig needs to be euthanized. Additionally, disposal methods may need to be altered due to the chemical residues in the carcass. Blunt trauma euthanasia is only effective for pigs up to 12 pounds body weight. It is essential that the firm blow to the top of the head is administered accurately and with resolve to ensure euthanasia. This method may be aesthetically unpleasant to some workers performing this method or to others observing it. Recognizing these concerns, the National Pork Board and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians continue to support exploration of alternative methods of euthanasia for this stage of pig. Training by the veterinarian is essential so that workers understand how to assess insensibility so that they can assess effectiveness of euthanasia method, followed by confirmation of death. Although the task of euthanasia in swine can be unpleasant, it is important that workers and others understand that euthanasia can be in the best interest of the pig s well-being.

6 P a g e 6 Check Out the Tremendous CE Planned for IVMA Annual Meeting Thursday, March 2, 2017 Rehabilitation Medicine Dr. Debbie Gross Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Dr. Karen Tobias Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians Kelly Vearil, RVT Equine Medicine Dr. Elizabeth Santschi Learn more at invma.org Friday, March 3, 2017 Sunrise CE 7-8 am Practice Management Shelley Johnson, sponsored by Patterson and Merial Small Animal Nutrition Dr. Becky Mullis, sponsored by Hill s Pet Nutrition Small Animal Respiratory Disease Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski Feline Medicine Dr. Susan Little, sponsored by Hill s Pet Nutrition Equine Medicine Dr. Rose Nolan-Walston Versatility in Veterinary Technology hear from 6 registered veterinary technicians about their areas of practice within veterinary medicine Anesthesia for Veterinary Technicians Dawn Miyake, RVT Accreditation Modules and Public Health Updates various speakers Saturday, March 4, 2017 Sunrise CE 7-8 am Radiology Dr. Greg Almond Small Animal Nephrology Dr. Greg Grauer Veterinary Wellness Julie Squires Behavior Forum Dr. Fiia Jokela Small Animal Infectious Disease Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, sponsored by Merial Camelids Dr. Theresa Ollivett Zoo Medicine/Wildlife Medicine for Veterinary Technology/Veterinarians Laura Edmonds, Amanda Wrigley, and Dr. Melissa Sama Sunday, March 5, 2017 Small Animal Neurology Dr. Stephanie Thomovsky Small Animal Dermatology Dr. Candace Sousa, sponsored by Zoetis Alternative Livestock Dr. Pat Wakenell, Dr. Nicky Baird, and Dr. Debra Baird Small Animal Orthopedics Dr. AD Elkins, sponsored by Vetoquinol The Business of Veterinary Medicine Terry O Neill, CPA, and Beth Scott, CPA, sponsored Katz, Sapper and Miller H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

7 V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 P a g e 7 Certificate of Excellence in Education Seeking Applications Did you earn 40 hours of CE during calendar year 2016? If so, complete the application and be recognized! The form can be found at Return to the IVMA office by 12/31/16. If approved, you will receive a certificate for your accomplishment and a press release sent to your local newspaper. Just another benefit of belonging to IVMA. In Memoriam Dr. Charles Cooke, PU 76 Died September 2, 2016 IVMA Member Terre Haute, IN Dr. Joe Bojrab, PU 64 Died September 13, 2016 Las Vegas, NV Are you eligible for Life Membership? IVMA Life Membership status is granted to: A veterinarian who has maintained membership for 40 years. Up to 15 years membership may be granted for membership in associations of other States provided that the most recent 25 years was in the IVMA. A veterinarian who has completed 35 years as a member of the Association and has retired. Up to 10 years credit may be granted for membership in associations of other States, provided that the most recent 25 years was in the IVMA. A veterinarian who has reached 65 years of age, has retired, and has been a member of the Association continuously since graduation from veterinary college. Credit may be granted for membership in associations of other States, provided that the most recent one half of the period of membership was in the IVMA. A member who has retired due to disability. If you believe you qualify for Life Membership in the next calendar year, send a written request to the IVMA by December 31, Upon application to and approval by the Board of Directors, the member will be excused from payment of dues and continue to receive the rights and privileges of membership. Life membership certificates will be sent to you in February, 2017.

8 P a g e 8 Know Your 2017 Candidates for IVMA Office Your candidates for officers in the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association are listed for your review. Candidates will be elected by voice vote at the IVMA Membership Reception on March 3, PRESIDENT 2017 Dr. Maria E. Cooper (PU 11) is the Director of Biodefense, Food Protection, and High- Consequence Disease Preparedness at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. She completed both her undergraduate work and veterinary degree at Purdue University. During veterinary school, she concurrently pursued nine additional courses through Purdue s Veterinary Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Program to expand her knowledge of natural and intentional high-consequence threats to animal health. Despite a love for the clinical side of veterinary medicine, Dr. Cooper identified her true passion in public health and regulatory medicine early in her professional curriculum, and immediately joined the BOAH team after graduation. Dr. Cooper became involved with the IVMA shortly thereafter, attending the Heartland Veterinary Conference as Indiana s Emerging Leader. She now serves on the IVMA Health and Wellness Committee, Annual Meeting Committee, and Continuing Education Committee, and completed the IVMA Power of Ten Leadership Program in She received the IVMA Achievement Award in Dr. Cooper is a current class member of Indiana s Agriculture Leadership Program, a two-year, highly acclaimed, competitive professional development program which expands the leadership capacity of participants to serve Indiana agriculture and rural communities in public affairs at the local, state, national, and international levels. In 2012, Dr. Cooper joined the ranks of many of her fellow colleagues and became a USDA certified Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician after attending the rigorous training on New York s Plum Island studying the world s most globally devastating animal diseases. She serves on the Indiana Department of Agriculture s Certified Livestock Producer Program Advisory Board, the State Department of Health s Foodborne Illness Committee, and the Indiana State Fair s Public Safety Committee. She is active on Indiana s Homeland Security Team, the State s Agricultural Risk Committee, the Indiana Food Safety and Defense Task Force, the Purdue Extension Agrosecurity Team, and the Multistate Partnership for Security in Agriculture. Hands down, Dr. Cooper s favorite part of her career is the scope and diversity. She says BOAH s clients are the citizens of Indiana, and their patients include every type and size of animal living here from mouse to cow to elephant. Dr. Cooper considers it a great fortune to work with a team that serves pet owners, livestock producers, dog breeders, fish farmers, food processors, law enforcement agents, human health care workers, and of course, private practicing veterinarians, just to name a handful. She looks forward to further serving Indiana s veterinary industry as IVMA s President. PRESIDENT-Elect 2017 Dr. Nathan Rich is a 2006 graduate of Purdue University s School of Veterinary Medicine. During his time at Purdue he was an active member of both Purdue s Trap and Skeet Club and Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. After graduation in 2006, Dr. Rich joined his father, Dr. Robert Rich, and Dr. Kent Wisecup in their mixed animal practice in New Castle, Indiana. He worked for four years as an associate, practicing small animal medicine exclusively. In January of 2010, Dr. Rich purchased Dr. Wisecup s shares of the practice and achieved his lifelong dream of being a partner with his father in his hometown veterinary practice. Shortly after graduation from Purdue, Dr. Rich decided to become involved in organized veterinary medicine. He began attending his local 10 th district meetings. After about a year of planning and scheduling meetings, Dr. Rich was appointed to the IVMA Board of Directors representing the 10 th district. He has served in that capacity since Through the encouragement of Dr. Steve Sunbury, Dr. Rich became active in multiple IVMA committees. He was asked to chair the IVMA Membership Committee in 2010 and still does today. In his free time, Dr. Rich enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with his family. He met his wife Katie while studying biology at Purdue. She is a dentist practicing general dentistry in both New Castle and Hagerstown. They have 2 young boys, Ben (5) and Sean (2). Their family pets include a Doberman and 5 cats. (Dr. Rich didn t realize cat collecting was his wife s hobby before they got married!) H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

9 V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 P a g e 9 IVMA Officers 2017 VICE PRESIDENT 2017 Dr. Matt Cantrell completed his 8-year journey at Purdue University in 2010, obtaining his DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine. While working on his undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences, which he earned with highest distinction in 2006, Dr. Cantrell could often be found at the veterinary school working in the kennels, the medical records department, or clinical pathology. He was also an active member of International Veterinary Student s Association and Omega Tau Sigma, the international veterinary fraternity. In the years following his graduation, Dr. Cantrell worked as an associate in a small animal exclusive practice in Brownsburg, Indiana. While constantly working to improve his skills as a veterinarian those first few years, he also spent time volunteering for the IVMA on the Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Committees. He was also the recipient of the IVMA Achievement Award in 2013 and has been recognized for serving as a board member for a Hendricks County animal rescue group. Dr. Cantrell went on to become one of the first graduates of the IVMA s Power of 10 Training Program and eventually helped organize subsequent classes. Dr. Cantrell continues to be active within these programs, and is also currently serving his 2 nd year as an IVMA liaison to Purdue s Veterinary Admissions Committee. In late 2013, together with his wife Megan, Dr. Cantrell realized his near life-long dream of starting a veterinary practice. He continues to try to make a positive and lasting impact on his community through his profession. Following his certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner (CCRP) in 2015, he has become very active in the rehabilitation community. Mental health and physical fitness are extremely important to Dr. Cantrell, and as such, he spends as much time as possible with his son, Israel. Together with his family, Dr. Cantrell attends trail running events around the country. He has completed many 50 mile runs and has even finished a 100 mile run in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He whole-heartedly believes that all IVMA Golf Outing Another Fun Success The Indiana Animal Health Foundation s Annual Golf Outing was held on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at the Purdue golf course in West Lafayette. Fourteen foursomes participated in the outing. Funds raised at the outing will be used for scholarships for Purdue veterinary students and for Boiler Vet Camp scholarships. The event isn t a success without both golfers and our terrific hole sponsors. IAHF is very grateful to the sponsors for their support! Mira Vista Diagnostics Golf Cart Sponsor Pet Rest Animal Medical Clinic First Merchants Bank Simmons CIVMA Wells Fargo Elanco Princeton Veterinary Hospital West Central Veterinary Services Vetamac IDEXX The Corydon Group Drs. Ed Sommers and Larry Borst hole in one sponsors

10 P a g e 10 H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

11 V o l u m e 4 8, N o. 6 P a g e 11 Responding to Animals in A Hurricane s Destruction When a natural disaster strikes trees fall down, homes are damaged, roads are closed, and residents and pets are displaced. In October, Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) veterinarian, Sandi Norman, DVM, saw the destruction first hand. She spent a week in South Carolina providing veterinary care to animals that were displaced by hurricane Matthew. Dr. Norman is part of a National Veterinary Response Team, which is comprised of veterinarians and veterinary technicians from across the country. These veterinary professionals are deployed in the event of large-scale disasters where animals are displaced and in need of veterinary care. During her time in South Carolina, Dr. Norman worked with other veterinary professionals to provide veterinary care to more than 200 animals, primarily dogs and cats, which were taken to local animal shelters. Some of the animals just needed a place to stay until their owners came and other animals were injured and in need of veterinary care, said Dr. Norman. A majority of the animals were microchipped making it easier to reunite pets with owners. The local animal shelters were used as a place to keep animals during the hurricane and afterward, while power was being restored to the area. During power outages many animals were brought to the shelters to receive veterinary care. Most pet owners either evacuated with their animals or had made arrangements for their pets before the hurricane hit, said Dr. Norman. Creating a plan for your animals before a disaster strikes could save your pet s life. Dr. Norman s response was part of a national team that may be called upon to respond anywhere. Indiana has comparable teams that may be called upon to respond within the state. Disaster Response in Indiana In May 1995, Indiana became the first state in the nation to recognize a veterinary response network as part of the state s official emergency management plan. This network (long known as ASERT) is managed by BOAH and is comprised of state, federal and private animal health and care experts and others who are willing to respond to meet the needs of animals and their owners in governor-declared disaster situations. Volunteer responders perform a variety of necessary tasks, including: Rescue and capture standard or abandoned animals, Treat and triage injured animals, Feed and house, temporarily displaced animals, Identify and reunite animals separated from their owners, and Dispose of dead animals that may pose public health problems. Local Preparedness Planning and readiness at the local level is essential because not every disaster is large enough to earn a governor s declaration. Before a state will declare a disaster, all essential local resources must be exhausted. By preparing locally, members of a community can respond to all situations, even when state resources are not yet available. Individuals with experience, expertise and/or interest in assisting animals in disaster situations should contact the county emergency management agency to discuss preparedness plans. Local Purdue Extension Service educators are also another excellent source of information. Veterinarians interested in joining an Indiana based veterinary medical response corps (formerly ASERT) should contact Dr. Sandi Norman at: or snorman@boah.in.gov.

12 P a g e 12 DO YOU NEED A LAWYER. Who understands the legal needs of veterinarians? Purchase or sale of practices Lease negotiations Purchase or sale of real estate Employment agreements and concerns Estate planning Statewide practice references available upon request. Bill Rosenbaum Rosenbaum Law, P.C River Road, Suite 310 Indianapolis, IN / Rosenbaum@iquest.net H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

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14 P a g e 14 Why should I hire you? If you were ever asked that question in a job interview, you know that it is a daunting question requiring you to sell yourself to your potential employer. While some candidates hit a home run in their response, it can stop other people in their tracks coming up with answers such as: because I m really good or because I need a job - not exactly the best responses to help get them the job. The same situation happens whenever you are dealing with a potential client over the phone; you are in a position to convince them why they should hire you to take care of their pet s health. Most often you and your team do not how to convey why someone should come to you over someone else in a way that is convincing to someone. You could say because we are really friendly or because we love pets but you can bet that the next hospital they call with say the exact same thing. What are you going to say that is different and meaningful? For some of your team members, they may have a compelling story to share about why they work there. Perhaps they were previous clients who loved the hospital and the staff so much that they jumped at the opportunity to join the team. In this case, the team member could say: What I can tell you about us is that I used to be a client before I started working here. I had been to other veterinary hospitals with my Jack Russell but what I loved about our hospital was that everyone really took the time to explain what was happening with his health and educated me on things I could do to help him stay healthier and pain-free. They really helped me to become a better and more educated pet owner. I could also tell everyone really cared. When I heard they were hiring, I jumped at the chance because it seemed like such a wonderful place to work and I was right! Maybe the person on the other end of the phone has a breed of dog which is the same as the veterinarian so in this case, the team member can talk about how the veterinarian loves that breed so much that she has one of her own. Any and all of these anecdotes will serve the hospital well and will encourage the potential client come to your hospital. Figuring out effective ways to persuade someone should come to your hospital over another requires a lot of thought. Address it with your team and set a deadline of when everyone has to come up with their own reason why someone should bring their pet to your veterinary hospital. Set some parameters such as the fact that it cannot be something other hospitals in the area can say, and encourage the team to be creative and to put themselves in the potential client s shoes. In other words, what would they need to hear if they were seeking out a veterinary hospital that would convince them to choose your hospital? Why Should Clients Hire You? Turning Callers into Clients Terra Shastri, Manager of Business Development Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Ensure all responses are sincere and meaningful to a potential client and the team member saying it. Knowing why someone should choose you as their veterinary hospital is a crucial step in turning information callers (i.e. phone shoppers) into long-term clients. H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

15 IVMA Health and Wellness Survey Summary of Results Earlier this year, the IVMA Health and Wellness Committee surveyed IVMA members regarding mental health and stressors related to their careers in veterinary medicine. This effort is a result of the IVMA Board of Directors Strategic Goals plan to identify the needs of our members and ways we can assist with veterinary wellness. The survey garnered a 16% response rate. See feedback below. 1. Below is a list of concerns that people commonly experience. Please read each one carefully and indicate how much that problem has bothered you during the past month. Top three concerns (ranked in order): 1. Concerns about finances 2. Fatigue 3. Problems balancing work and personal life 2. If you struggle with issues, where have you sought or where would you be likely to seek assistance? Top three areas of assistance (ranked in order): 1. Family 2. Friends 3. Exercise/meditation/yoga 3. How important do you feel it is for IVMA to develop wellness resources for you as a veterinary professional? Answer Options Response Percent Very important 27.2% Somewhat important 34.6% Not sure 23.6% Somewhat unimportant 10.5% Not important 4.2% 4. If IVMA were to develop resources for a wellness program, how likely would you be to use each of these resources? Top areas of resources desired (ranked in order): 1. Online resources for individual or clinic use 2. Books/journals 3. Webinars 4. In-person wellness seminar at the IVMA annual meeting Demographics or respondents: Gender: Female 54.7% Male- 45.3% Year of graduation: 1990 or before 51.6% % %

16 P a g e 16 Antibiotic Stewardship: Getting Ready for 2017 By: Aaron Lower, DVM, and Bill Hollis, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd., Carthage, Illinois (Reprinted with permission from the Wisconsin VMA.) The FDA and the animal health industry are committed to preserving the important therapeutic claims on products now available to producers. All claims for disease treatment, disease control and disease prevention will remain. However, the use of antibiotics for growth promotion will be removed. This directs that all medically important antimicrobial usage within livestock production (feed, water and injectable antibiotics) would be under the direction of a veterinarian through use of prescriptions. Feed-grade antibiotics require prescriptions called VFDs (veterinary feed directive) Water-grade antibiotics require prescriptions similar to the process we use with injectable antibiotics The definition of medically important is important. All antibiotics that are routinely used in human medicine are defined as medically important. The antibiotics that can still be sold over the counter would include: Bacitracin BM Albac Pennitracin Carbadox Mecadox Bambermycin Flavomycin Ionophores Skycis Tiamulin Denagard Implementation Dates: October 1, 2015: Currently available VFD drugs (Nuflor, Pulmotil and Tilmovet ) will have to comply with the new guidelines. January 1, 2017: Current feed-grade medically important over-the-counter (OTC) products will be required to have VFD. Watergrade OTC products will be required to have a prescription. What This Means for the Producer and Veterinarian Feed VFD Must be used within a valid VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient relationship) Does not have to be written for each individual group of pigs can be written for a flow but needs a list of sites where the product will be utilized Do not have to write the total tons of feed utilized As with previous rules, product cannot be fed in a manner different than the label (extra label) this is an illegal practice Any non-vfd products fed concurrently with a VFD product will need a VFD (example Denagard fed at the same time as chlortetracycline) The VFD can be issued with an expiration date of six months, or shorter if the current product states a shorter expiration date. All of the VFD feed must be fed within that six-month period. Producer, veterinarian and feed mill must keep the VFD record for 2 years. If you mix and sell VFD feed: Send a one-time notification letter to the FDA notifying FDA you intend to handle/distribute VFD drug-containing medicated feeds To purchase a VFD product from a distributor, you must send a document acknowledging that you will use the VFD feeds only with valid VFD orders Continued on Next Page. H o o s i e r V e t e r i n a r i a n

17 If you purchase VFD feeds from a commercial mill: The VFD will be sent to that mill, producer, and a copy kept by your veterinarian Water Veterinary Prescription All medically important water-soluble antibiotics will need a veterinary prescription The process will be very similar to the current injectable antibiotic prescription process What Do Producers Need to Do Over the Coming Months to Become Ready? 1. Ensure you have good database for your production sites. As prescriptions need to be generated, this will ease some of the frustration. 2. Continue to work identifying areas to address livestock health, including diagnostics and disease eradication, in order to limit the use of antibiotics. 3. Implement solid antibiotic use record keeping of your injectable, feed and water medications. What This Means for the Producer and Veterinarian Feed VFD Additional information: While this article serves to inform, it mostly relates to swine veterinary medicine. There is also excellent information provided by the Food and Drug Administration. For brochures and information you can share with your producer clients - this info can be found at: For a list of drugs transitioning from over-the-counter (OTC) to veterinary feed directive (VFD) status, go to For a list of drugs transitioning from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription (Rx) status, go to: JudiciousUseofAntimicrobials/default.htm To earn one hour of CE from the IVMA (complimentary!), check out the self-study CE article on the Veterinary Feed Directive at

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