Veterinary Technicians Call Article Referring to them as ‘Camels’ Disrespectful 

Veterinary technicians have called out an article comparing support staff to ‘camels pushing the master out of tent’ as disrespectful. 

The quote, which was from a Vin News article discussing the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) debate around whether they should grant non-vets membership, was labeled as ‘incredibly offensive’. 

‘In my 23 years as a certified veterinary technician and 16 years as a veterinary technician specialist in emergency and critical care, I cannot remember a time when the profession of veterinary technicians has been so demeaned,’ said one reader. 

‘The AVMA needs to get ahead of this statement, and quickly. Technicians deserve a voice in decisions that impact them; they deserve a seat at the table. While we are not in the same role as veterinarians, we should be viewed as equally important, not as camels to a veterinarian master.’

For more on this story, click here. 

Veterinarians Are Being Asked to Limit Inhaled Anesthetics Due to Environmental Concerns 

Veterinarians are increasingly being asked to limit the use of inhaled anesthetics amid concerns that they could be contributing to climate change. 

Inhaled anesthetic agents (IAAs) contain gases such as nitrous oxide, desflurane, isoflurane- all greenhouse gases. 

‘We tend to view health care as some sort of bubble- that everything we do is beneficial and the environmental impact doesn’t count,’ said Dr. Matt McMillan, a veterinary anesthesia specialist.

‘However, everything we do, all the amazing things we do, have a knock-on cost on the environment, and the further we go into this climate crisis, the more we have to think about these effects.’

A number of veterinary companies have pledged to reduce their use of IAA’s, including Mars Inc, one of the biggest veterinary conglomerates in the world. 

For more on this story, click here. 

Too Many Pets Are Being Kept Alive When Euthanasia is the Ethical Option- Says Vet

Vets are calling for greater awareness of the ethics of putting pets through intensive medical treatments. 

With the advancement of veterinary technology has come the rise in owners willing to go the extra mile to keep their pets alive. But with this has come an increase in animals being put through unnecessary, and sometimes unethical treatments. 

Danny Chambers, a vet in Hampshire who runs a pet owner helpline said: 

‘There are some situations where for the welfare of the animal, euthanasia would be appropriate to end the suffering. If you’re going to put them through quite complex surgery which has many months’ recovery time with complications, there is an ethical discussion to be had around that.’

‘Animals don’t have a desire to live a long life, they don’t want to make it to Christmas or someone’s birthday or to be 10 years older. They just want to be happy day by day.’

For more on this story, click here.

Kent Vet Struck off For Inappropriate Surgeries 

A vet from Kent has been struck off the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) register after carrying out a number of hip replacements that weren’t necessary and without consultation. 

Marthinus Ryk Botes faced nine charges, two of which he denied. 

Ian Arundale, the chairman of the RCVS Disciplinary Committee said: 

‘In coming to its decisions, the committee took into account Prof Innes’ opinions that it was not reasonable for Dr. Botes to have carried out the THR without sufficient investigation into Kilo’s [the dog’s] pain; that the THR undertaken in respect of Sora was not in the animal’s best interests; and that it was ‘entirely unnecessary’ to recommend the THR in respect of Penny.’

‘In addition, the committee has found that both THRs performed in respect of Daisy were not in her best interests. Thus, in the committee’s view, Dr. Botes’ actions and omissions did not ensure the animals’ health and welfare.’

For more on this story, click here. 

Canadian Agricultural Partnership Launches Program to Better Connect Vets & Farmers

A new agricultural partnership is looking to improve virtual care options as well as expand telemedicine access for veterinary clients across rural Canada. 

The Livestock Veterinary Innovation Initiative will help fund practices that are looking for: 

• Equipment to help deliver enhanced virtual care, diagnostic work, and telemedical support for farms.
• Portable, specialized, livestock handling equipment to help farms manage animals while receiving care.
• Training for veterinary professionals to help them use new equipment, techniques or deliver more efficient and accessible support to livestock farmers.

Eligible applicants can apply for the funds between Feb 15th and March 31st. 

For more on this story, click here. 

Why Managers & Staff Should be Trained to Support Mental Wellbeing 

There is still a lot of stigma when it comes to mental health in the workplace. Many workplaces are ill-equipped to address mental health needs and are confused as to how to respond. 

There are several benefits to providing mental health training for managers and employees. For one, it raises awareness and destigmatizes mental health conditions that otherwise may be swept under the rug. It also encourages early intervention and prevents employees from quitting entirely. 

For more advice on why and how you can provide mental health training, click here.

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