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NUTRITION NOOK
OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS
By Chris Bessent, DVM, MSOM, DIPL. OM, L.AC. One out of two companion animals is obese. This article explores how obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases intersect, and why they are on the rise in cats, dogs — and people.
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VETERINARY SOCIAL WORKERS By Bethanie Poe, LMSW
Learn how this emerging specialty benefits veterinary teams and the humananimal relationship.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE CLINIC SETTING
By Nancy Brandt, DVM, CVC, CVA, CVMA
Veterinarians and their staff are at risk of being exposed to viruses and infections, such as COVID-19. Biologically active essential oils are an effective alternative to disinfecting chemicals.
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CCRT, CVFT
HOW VETERINARY REHAB CAN BENEFIT OBESE DOGS By Jessica Dreyfuss, DVM, CVA,
Canine obesity can lead to a range of diseases. Veterinary rehabilitation practices with weight loss programs will help overweight patients shed excess pounds, thereby improving their overall health and longevity.
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A PLAN OF ATTACK FOR CANINE AND FELINE HEART HEALTH
By Barbara Royal, DVM, CVA
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Supporting good cardiovascular health in dogs and cats requires an understanding of the heart’s hemodynamic role in the body, and the factors necessary for its optimal function.
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YOUNG VETERINARIANS CAN BENEFIT FROM GREAT MENTORS
By Megan Kelly, DVM
Most of us suffer self-doubt in the early years of our veterinary practice, and need the reassurance and guidance of an older successful professional — both for clinical skills, and for the critical skills of running a business.
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RECOGNIZING AND MANAGING EQUINE (AND CLIENT!) EMOTIONAL STATES
By Janet Gorden Palm, DVM, CVCP
When horses feel understood, they are more
IVC Summer 2020
at ease with handling. When clients feel they are “heard”, they are more compliant to your recommendations. This model helps you understand the emotional needs of your equine patients and clients.
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USING OZONE FOR DISINFECTING PPE
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DOGS, COVID-19, AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
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INNOVATIVE PRACTICE
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YOUNG DOGS GO THROUGH MOODY“ADOLESCENT” PHASE
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VETERINARY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT — LEADERSHIP DURING A CRISIS
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HELPING YOUR CLIENTS MANAGE BAS IN THEIR DOGS
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EPIDEMICS AND HOMEOPATHY: AN UPDATE
By Margo Roman, DVM, and Karen Gellman, DVM, PhD
Being able to safely clean our valuable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) so it can be reused is vital at any time, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how medical ozone does the job.
By Lori Kogan, PhD
How has COVID-19 changed and impacted the relationship clients have with their dogs? This study explores how the pandemic has impacted human, veterinary and pet relations.
BRAVE NEW WORLD
By Caroline Pattie, DVM, CVA
For new veterinary graduates, finding your niche in the profession can be challenging. Use these tips to help navigate your early career.
A UK study has demonstrated that, like human teenagers, dogs go through a moody adolescent stage when they’re in puberty.
By Marian Rowland, CVPM
How practice managers can effectively lead their teams during times of global uncertainty.
By Kathryn Rosalie Dench, DVM
Gaining a better understanding of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) in dogs is key to advising your clients on best management practices.
By Todd Cooney, DVM, CVH
A look at the effectiveness of homeopathy over the last few hundred years, and the methodology for use in epidemics.
advisory board
54 COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
8 Editorial 12 From the NASC 21 Profitable practice
— Smart.Vet
29 Business profile
— VetBadger
37 IVC Virtual Expo 41 Industry innovations 44 From the IVAS 45 Business profile
— Nature's Logic
53 Profitable practice
— Angel's Animals
57 From the VBMA
Dr. Richard Palmquist, DVM GDipVCHM(CIVT) CVCHM (IVAS), graduated from Colorado State University in 1983. He is chief of integrative health services at Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, California, former president and research chair of the AHVMA, and an international speaker in integrative veterinary medicine. Dr. Palmquist is a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and a past president of the AHVM Foundation. He has published two books, one for conventional veterinarians and a second for clients discussing how integrative thinking works. Michelle J. Rivera, MT, VDT, is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and The Healing Oasis Wellness Center, a post-graduate educational institution offering state-approved programs. She is co-owner of The Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital, offering massage, rehabilitation, chiropractic and Chinese and Western Herbology. Michelle completed the Chinese Herbal Medicine program from the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, and is certified in Chinese Medicine by the Wisconsin Institute of Chinese Herbology.
Dr. Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, graduated in 1984 from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her practice is 100% holistic, using acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and homeopathy to treat horses to enhance performance and those with a variety of chronic conditions, with an emphasis on Lyme Disease. Her publications include the Pain Free Back and Saddle Fit Books, and numerous articles in lay and professional magazines. She maintains an informative website: www.harmanyequine.com. Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, Lac. Dipl.CH, CVA, AHG lectures for IVAS, the AHVMA, the AVMA, and numerous other organizations. He is co-founder of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and is a director emeritus of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland OR. He authored the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine (Mosby); and Essential Guide to Chinese Herbal Formulas (CIVT). Dr. Marsden is extensively trained in alternative medicine, including Chinese herbology, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. He has holistic veterinary and naturopathic medical practices in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, Dr. Marsden was named Teacher of the Year by the AHVMA; and Small Animal Veterinarian of the year by the CVMA in 2009. Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she moved to Southern California to establish Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many national and international committees on hematology, animal models of human disease, veterinary medicine, and laboratory animal science. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994.
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Dr. Barbara Fougere, DVM, CVAA graduated in 1986, and was named the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Educator for 2011. Dr. Fougere is the principal and one of the founders of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. She has continued studying over the last 26 years, and has three Bachelor degrees, two Masters degrees, three post Graduate Diplomas, several Certifications and numerous other courses under her belt.
Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH, graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College in 1980. She is a founder of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School and has been the holistic modality adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and is the former Associate Editor of IVC Journal. Dr. Chambreau teaches classes in homeopathy for animals, lectures on many topics, speaks on Radio and TV, and is the author of the Healthy Animal’s Journal among other titles. She is now on the faculty of the Holistic Actions Academy, which empowers members to keep their animals healthy with weekly live webinars.
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Harnessing the
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS of ESSENTIAL OILS in the veterinary clinic setting BY NANCY BRANDT, DVM, CVC, CVA, CVMA
Veterinarians and their staff are at risk of being exposed to viruses and infections, such as COVID-19. Biologically active essential oils are an effective alternative to disinfecting chemicals.
As veterinarians and essential businesses, we and our staff are at increased risk for coming in contact with novel viruses or infections. In veterinary medicine, we often become a bit lax when it comes to protection. However, because our patients are in direct contact with their families through hugs, cuddles, pets and kisses, their coats can become exposed to human-sourced pathogens, and as such we must consider pets as potential fomites. What should we do? Should we be spraying down or bathing pets in disinfecting chemicals? Are there alternatives? The answer to the last question is yes. Essential oils can offer a safe and effective alternative to chemical disinfectants.
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IVC Summer 2020
ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTS MUST BE BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE Much research has been done on the antimicrobial nature of essential oils; many are known to be effective for MRSA infections in addition to having antiviral properties. In our practice, they are the first go-to for viral infections. The caveat to using essential oils safely and effectively is determining whether they are biologically active. Essential oils can cause harm if they are just as adulterated as other chemical products. There are many poorly-produced products out there that your clients are reaching for. Your
job is to educate yourself on what constitutes a safe and effective essential oil. All essential oils are not the same; however, they are often all lumped together as ineffective and even dangerous. As an analogy, life-giving water can sustain us or kill us, depending on how clean it is. Likewise, you can drink water or drown in it. The same goes for essential oils. Adulterated, contaminated oils are not medicinal, biologically active ones. They can be ineffective at best, and dangerous at worst. Conversely, biologically active oils have powerful healing qualities. What follows is a brief overview of the biologically active essential oils I have found to be safe and effective for antimicrobial use, through my practice and from clinical studies since 1997. Numerous culture results taken in the practice have confirmed the effectiveness of their use in bacterial infections.
PROTECTION FOR PATIENTS AND STAFF During the COVID-19 pandemic, my practice instituted an essential oil disinfection protocol for all animals and staff. • First, videos and letters were sent to all clients so they were informed about what to expect upon arrival at our clinic. • A ll animals were sprayed down thoroughly with a diluted, safe, effective, biologically active essential oil disinfectant blend on the way in and on the way out. • Footbaths were also used for employees and pets as they entered and exited the building. • A ll surfaces were constantly sprayed down as well.
Fourteen-year-old Kirby stands in a footbath containing a pad saturated with essential oil solution. The client or technician offers each patient a treat to encourage cooperation. All humans entering and exiting the building must also use a footbath.
make the host stronger. Many essential oils can increase cellular regeneration and tissue repair, thereby increasing the integrity of the immune system’s barrier function. In contrast, through the inhalation or ingestion of many commercial cleaning products, protective mucous membranes can be burned or compromised, rendering the individual more susceptible to infections by allowing microbes to penetrate more deeply into the body. We need to consider the use of toxic products as contributing factors to respiratory malfunction and inflammation. Continued on page 20.
Our practice used products that animals could safely lick and therefore ingest (we have been using these for over 20 years) at a concentration known to not cause sensitivities. We avoid spraying animals or surfaces with harsh chemicals such as bleach, or any other product that humans themselves cannot ingest.
ESSENTIAL OIL MECHANISMS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING Essential oils are lipid in nature and therefore able to break down the lipid coating of viruses, similar to what soap does. They can also dessicate viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When essential oils are sprayed on surfaces, they remain in place rather than evaporating, and therefore increase the barrier function of the surface. Many of the essential oils with strong antimicrobial properties are also safe for ingestion. In addition, essential oils have chemical constituents that support the cellular activities of the host cell and IVC Summer 2020
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