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FEBRUARY 2019
VOLUME 54, ISSUE 1
4
MEMBERS HEALTHY
10
HALT! GIVE YOUR
12
THE SCIENCE
15
COUNCIL REVIEW OF
LIVING GALLERY TEAM A BREAK OF FEAR FREE DISCIPLINE PROCESS
NexGard® is the ONLY isoxazoline* soft chewable
that kills fleas and ticks, including Ixodes scapularis,
that is approved for puppies 8 weeks of age or older.1
* isoxazoline class of parasiticides (afoxolaner, fluralaner, sarolaner) NexGard® is a registered trademark of Merial (a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of
1
NexGard® Canadian product label. companies), used under license. ©2018 Merial Canada Inc. (a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim
group of companies). All rights reserved. XCN312304.
president’s perspective
Victor Kernaleguen, DVM
W
elcome to new year! I hope you RSVP through your online member account. veterinarians is key to assuring our livestock
had an enjoyable holiday season At the last Annual General Meeting, agriculture industries can grow and thrive.
with families and friends. members voted to add a Registered I would like to encourage every member
Let me start off by sending a thank Veterinary Technologist to SVMA Council concerned about the supply of veterinarians
you to everyone who volunteered their as a voting member. Nominations were in Saskatchewan to write to their MLA about
time for the SVMA booth at Agribition submitted, and eligible member RVTs and it. We need to advocate for our profession.
in November. Opening communication DVMs had the opportunity to vote on the We cannot wait for anyone else to do it for
channels with pet owners, producers and nominees. Welcome to Nadine Schueller, us. It takes each member’s voice to be heard
the community is vital to the veterinary RVT. Monday, January 14, 2019 was the first through a letter or email for this to work.
profession everywhere. The opportunity to SVMA Council gathering to include the RVT We are happy to announce that the
connect with the public and discuss current seat. Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association will
public concerns (like changes in access to Council has been busy working on our be teaming up with us for another year of
antimicrobials) is why we continue to attend support for the WCVM in the face of its loss the Preceptorship Program. This year we
large agricultural events like Agribition on of funding from Alberta. I have met with have funding for six spots for third-year
an annual basis. Dean Freeman to discuss how the SVMA students.
Following Dr Judy Currie’s notification can help with the situation the WCVM is Council met for their annual Joint Session
in September that she is retiring from facing. We sent a detailed survey out to the with ABVMA Council a couple of weeks ago,
the position of SVMA Registrar at the end membership in November to collect data and I have just returned from attending the
of March 2019, the SVMA Council struck on several points relating to the need for CenCan conference in Winnipeg on behalf
a hiring committee to fill the position. veterinarians in Saskatchewan. This data of the SVMA. Meeting with neighbouring
The requirements for the position are has provided great member input into associations provides important
DVM certification and eligibility for SVMA discussions that are occurring at our Council opportunities for networking, discussion of
membership. Please contact me if you are meetings and has already helped guide our shared concerns and collaborative action.
interested in applying. actions, starting with a letter that we wrote With the new antibiotic regulations in
In addition, all SVMA members are to the Ministers of Advanced Education, place, there are some new challenges and
invited to join us Friday March 22, 2019 at Agriculture and Health and the Premier. opportunities for us all. Feel free to share
the Persephone Theatre to thank Judy for We also used this information to your experiences, voice concerns or ask
her seven years as SVMA Registrar and to formulate letters to producer groups asking questions along the way as there will be new
wish her well in the future. There is no ticket for help in making sure the government situations seen by us all.
fee for the evening reception, but you must knows that an adequate supply of
Keep informed of the decisions Council welcomes comments and
KEEP Council is making and actions being
taken on your behalf. The minutes
suggestions from all members. Email your
comments or questions to a councillor
INFORMED
from Council meetings are posted (addresses are on the website’s Contact
on the Members’ Side of the SVMA Us page) or to the office and they will be
website www.svma.sk.ca. passed on to Council.
SVMA 1
FEBRUARY 2019
SVMA NEWS is a publication of:
SASKATCHEWAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
202-224 Pacific Avenue,
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N9
T: 306.955.7862 • F: 306.975.0623
HALT!
E: svma@svma.sk.ca • www.svma.sk.ca ! " $$
Editor: Sue Gauthier
' %
T: 306.955.7868 • E: sgauthier@svma.sk.ca
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40016569
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
4 10
202-224 Pacific Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N9
SVMA MISSION
We are an organization dedicated to the protection
of the public by ensuring the proficiency, competency MEMBERS HEALTHY HALT! GIVE YOUR
and ethical behaviour of its members in the practice
of veterinary medicine. Our association promotes LIVING GALLERY TEAM A BREAK
veterinarians and veterinary medicine. We support the
physical, personal, financial and professional well-being
of our members through continuing education and
professional interaction. We regulate our profession
through the licensing of veterinarians, approval of
practices and disciplining of members as required.
THE SVMA BELIEVES IN
• the personal responsibility of veterinarians to develop
and maintain competency in their chosen area of
" % " "
veterinary medicine ! % &
• fostering our profession by involvement in education of
' %
future and present veterinarians
• quality veterinary practice, humane animal care and
compassionate treatment of the client
• providing for public protection and confidence
through the fair and unbiased administration of The
Veterinarians Act
12
15
• enhancing the public’s awareness of veterinary
medicine and its contribution to society THE SCIENCE OF
COUNCIL REVIEW OF
• the unbiased treatment of members and we expect
members to treat each other fairly
FEAR FREE DISCIPLINE PROCESS
• supporting members by providing guidance and
information
COMMERCIAL FOUR-COLOUR AD RATES:
Single 4 issues
Outside back cover $1200 $4400 01 President’s Perspective 18 You Said it!
Inside front/back cover $1100 $4000
03 CE on Your Schedule? Welcome 19 The Council Table
Standard full page $1000 $3600
to SVMA’S Online Classroom
Half page $525 $2000 20 Ministry of Agriculture
Quarter page $275 $1000
04 SVMA Member Wellbeing
Business card $150 $500 22 CVMA Update
Insertions $300 $1100 06 Veterinary Welllness Retreat 23 SAVT Update
07 I Don’t Need Insurance! (…or do I?)
All advertising rates are subject to GST 24 Update from WCVM
08 Registrar's Desk 25 Classifieds
ISSUE DEADLINE
16 Member News
February Jan 6 27 On Campus at the WCVM
May April 6 CS Animal Health Perspectives
August July 6 28 Membership Changes
November Oct 5
The material distributed in SVMA News does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of the members or council
of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
Cover photo: Shutterstock
CE ON YOUR SCHEDULE?
WELCOME TO SVMA’S
ONLINE CLASSROOM
The Online Classroom is a hit! Member DVMs and RVTs are
enjoying their free access to online CE. Non-member vet
professionals can also access the CE courses for a small fee.
The secure platform offers a variety of online CE credit courses created just for
Saskatchewan’s veterinary professionals. SVMA members have free access to the courses on
the online CE platform. (Quiz retakes are $10 each.) More courses will be added as they are
created. SVMA’s mandatory licensing seminar exam is also hosted on the Classroom.
Accessing online courses is a snap! Currently offered:
1. Log in to your SVMA member’s Antimicrobial Resistance 2016 (one hour)
side account. Antimicrobial Stewardship 2017 – A Practitioner’s
2. Select the CE course you would like from Perspective (one hour)
the Current Course Menu and register for it. Antimicrobial Stewardship 2018 - Ethical and Legal
There is no cost. You will receive confirmation Prescribing (one hour)
of enrolment and instructions for access to
the classroom site by return email within A Conversation About Animal Welfare in
3 business days. Saskatchewan 2018 (4 hours)
3. Log in to the Classroom and take the course Social Media in Veterinary Practice 2018 (3 hours)
on your own schedule. Once you have completed
the course, a certificate of completion will be Just added:
unlocked for download. The Classroom also keeps
Poultry for Veterinary Professionals 2019 (5 hours)
a record of the CE credits you have earned.
Questions?
Contact Lorraine Serhienko, RVT
lserhienko@svma.sk.ca
306-955-7860
SVMA 3
! " $$
MEMBERS ' %
HEALTHY LIVING
self
GALLERY
This issue’s theme: Taking time to relax My best strategy for self-care
with my fur babies!! is going to the gym.
— Melissa Topham, — Filmon Tzeggai,
Swift Current Humboldt
care
" " $&
" % " "
! % &
) $ $'
' %
Winter walks with this guy! Trying
out speed skating!
— Lindsay Murphy,
— +**+(
Kenzie Makowsky,
Regina " " !!$
Saskatoon
! $( %
$ " (
+**,(
W elcome to the Members ! $
( !+
Healthy Living Gallery, !!"
$ #
a four-part photo celebration
" " $& %
" $ &
of your strategies for work-life ) $ $'
) $ #'
balance, based on the four pillars
of wellness: self-care, physical
activity, healthy cooking/eating Spending time outside and taking
naps keep !me relaxed
and grounded.
$ !(
—
Leah Frei, Saskatoon
and acts of kindness. For this issue,
− '
we asked you to show us things
I
graduated
from WCVMin 2002.
+**+( I focused on
you do for self-care.
" " !!$
working and was not
involved
! $( % $
in any other ac-
&
tivities initially. I " (
$ realized that I could not make
For each issue, a photo will be drawn at random +**,(
my life all about work. I started a Ukrainian
) %" $'
! $
from all photos received to win a $100 credit in dance class in 2004. I had "
( !+ danced as a little girl
wellness spending. This issue’s winner is Melissa and loved the opportunity
$ #
!!" to do so again. Since
"(
Topham. Congratulations! then I have had 2 daughters who have fallen in
% !
$ %#love ! with
Ukrainian
" $ & dance
( as well. Not only do
! %
* !+' " % ! "
I benefit from the % !
exercise and
socializing but
#( % ! '
also )
$ #'
& % !
get to do something I love with my kids!
% " % 20'1/03 !
$ !(! ! ! # !
% ) ( !
— Stacey Lemieux, Warman
% ! , "( ((
!' # #
" #.0// # (
4 February 2019
! ! % ! # ! # ! !
.0//(
% % ! " ! ! ! # ) 
!!#) " % % " " ! $" % 4655 "
% !!! +!!!#,!% ! !! + "#" !'
To stay
fit, get everything not
" &! " &!& "&)
needed
7
out of my brain and feel
sooooo
! " #! "" # # &)
relaxed afterwards, I fence.
" !%&% $ !!+ # )
# ! % # # & — Geneviève Rosseel, Asquith
"" " %"$ &&!" !! !+ " % " "
# )""" "" !" ! " ! % &
!# #" $ "
!"% % " !) %! " #! &! ' %
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!# # ! +$! & # ! " #
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+!!#! "$ " "#
!"!"" !&" & ## & #1 "
#!! "
%/ &$"
"""
%&0+ & "# ! &
# !"!!# "" ! % #!"
! $ + % ""$% "
I attend aerial
& # silks
) classes!
# as &"
a way of
"%"$ staying %&(
!& # active. I have
never been so strong or flexible!
. —! " ) %"# Saskatoon
Danielle Zwueste, "
To take care of myself both physically and
mentally,
I make a conscientious effort to
run regularly, aiming for 3 times weekly
whenever possible. I am a much happier,
Here is a photo of a digital drawing I have recently %
,
done
more grounded person when I run regularly !
for my personal wellness project I call
and am better able to deal with everyday "
Portraits”.
“Pawsitive I started this small business
stressors. I find running, be it hitting #"
as
a way to do something outside ofveterinary
% % #
the trails at Sask Landing in the summer , # that
" I enjoy
-* and
#
medicine that helps to keep me
and fall or heading out and braving the ! #% !
balanced. I have always had a passion
" % %
and love
Saskatchewan winters, allows me to focus
for *"#%
art so it has been a really good way to give me
on myself for that set period of time and "
something outside %
of the clinic that I look forward
enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. I #% " !
to
doing # joy
AND it also brings to others when
.
have especially found since taking up trail
they receive
% their personalized
# pet portrait. It’s a
% "
running, that it has taught me to focus on &
win win :). This is a drawing
* + ##)/*
of an old gal named
the "right now" instead of running on auto- # , -*
“Chloe”.
pilot and allowing my mind to wander back
. ( — Erica Sims, Regina
to things that may be bothering me. This
is because of the varied terrain and natural
obstacles that can easily trip you up if you're
not focussed on the here and now (I may
have had to learn that the hard way). My
picture is from one of my runs this summer
I go to the gym at least 3x a week.
Last year I
on the trails behind Goodwin House at Sask %
completed a half marathon in Regina but this year I
Landing Provincial Park. How can that view
!
completed a crazy 8km, 24 obstacle Spartan
Sprint
not make you a happier, more grounded %'
Race in Calgary! Heavy lifting and running
help me 2$#* %
%
person ready to tackle whatever comes your !
relieve stress and give me energy! .
way? % &%4(13
— Deneille Noble, Esterhazy
%'"%
— Alison Eltom, Swift Current ! " "
%'
. ( &%
NEXT ISSUE’S HEALTHY LIVING PHOTO CONTEST
The next Member Healthy Living gallery will feature PHYSICAL Each issue, a photo will be drawn at random from all photos
ACTIVITY. Often fun and enjoyable (sometimes not so much), received to win a $100 credit in wellness spending.
Winners
moving that body on a regular basis is vital for your health and your wellness
must submit receipts to the SVMA office for
mental wellbeing. What do you do to for strength, heart health purchase and will be reimbursed up to $100. By emailing
and stress relief? Send in photos of your physical activities by photos you are giving
SVMA permission to publish them
March 31, 2019 to be published in the next issue. Future
issues in an upcoming issue of SVMA News and/or be displayed
will focus on healthy cooking/eating and acts of kindness.
on the Member Wellbeing page of the SVMA website.
Submit photos anytime to sgauthier@svma.sk.ca.
SVMA 5
V E T E R I N A RY
Wellness RETREAT
A P R I L 27-28 , 2019
Join your veterinary cohorts for a relaxing weekend
at Manitou Springs Resort in Watrous, ranked #1 Spa
in Saskatchewan 2012-2017 by Spas of America.
This year’s retreat has been The retreat runs from Saturday Registrants have the choice of pri-
designed to refresh mind, body lunchtime to Sunday afternoon, vate or shared accommodations
and spirit. Facilitators Drs Trisha and there will be plenty of time in one of the resort’s newly reno-
Dowling, Lynne Sandmeyer and for “floating your stress away” in vated rooms. Retreat registration
Kathleen Keil are once again "the Dead Sea of Canada". You is $280 per person for a private
teaming up to bring you and your can even book a massage or spa room or $190 per person to share
veterinary colleagues a wonderful treatment. a room with a friend. All meals, CE
mindfulness experience that also and admission to the therapeutic
earns you CE credit. mineral pools are included.
The deadline to register is Sunday March 31.
Visit www.svma.sk.ca for details.
6 February 2019
I DON’T NEED
INSURANCE!
(…or do I?)
The veterinary profession is
one of the highest risk professions
for workplace injuries.
One in four Canadians in their 20s will suffer a long-term disability!
Will you be the one and how will it affect your financial independence?
Okay, back to the sexy topic of insurance. advantageous to you, but having some form Choosing our plan over others
Why the repeated articles? Because we built of insurance coverage is the essential thing. will definitely be advantageous
this plan and want all of our Association FACT: to you, but having some form
members to benefit from it. We have a habit Of the general population, one out of four
of talking about things we have available people in their 20s will have an accident or of insurance coverage is the
that members can benefit from. (We’re
funny that way.)
a disease before the age of 65 that results essential thing. Our advisors
in them being unable to work for about
So, yes insurance. We’ve already gone four years.
can help you compare.
into great detail about the Group Health FACT:
Insurance and Benefits Plan (GHP). All decisions to bring about success in their
The veterinary profession is one of the
the information about our great package careers. However you define success, most
highest risk professions for workplace
of benefits is available on our svma.sk.ca professionals would agree that financial
injuries.
website anytime. You already know that its stability and a comfortable retirement are
great coverage and rate stability are only FACT: desired outcomes.
available because of our large group size. Having disability insurance replaces your
income if you can’t work. There is no other It’s not nice to hear about the many
You also know that coverage is available to all
option for a continuous, guaranteed level of unavoidable things that can (and
practising and non-practising member DVMs
income replacement that won’t potentially unfortunately do) happen in life that
and RVTs. In fact, the members and practices
wipe out your savings. can jeopardize your financial security if
who are enrolled in the GHP are all telling
you’re not prepared. Putting insurance (in
us that GHP coverage per dollar cost beats FACT: particular disability coverage) in place is
other plans hands down (but we knew that.) People generally avoid investing in the smart decision. Whether you go with
Why then would we be concerned about insurance coverage until they have a the GHP or any other insurance plan, taking
members who have not yet signed up? The personal incident-then they typically go out steps to ensure your finances remain stable
truth is, it’s not having our specific insurance and buy all the coverage they can get. in hard times is smart for you and your
plan that’s most important. Choosing DVMs and RVTs are professionals, meaning family members. That’s why they call it
our plan over others will definitely be they work hard and make strategic ‘coverage’.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www.svma.sk.ca /Member’s Side or contact Ken Dornan 306-261-6965 or Don Cole 306-270-6446.
SVMA 7
registrar’s desk
What does it take
to run the SVMA?
I
t takes people, SVMA staff and many administration of the practice inspection
other people who are willing to process, producing and keeping up to date
Judy Currie, DVM
volunteer and donate their time and the SaskVets social media platforms, contact
Registrar, secretary/treasurer
energy in order to maintain and improve with the SAVT, registration of veterinary
306.955.7863
the Association and the profession. As technologists and maintenance of their reg-
jacurrie@svma.sk.ca
mentioned in previous articles, the SVMA is ister. She also handles all tech support in the
a dual organization that functions both as office. Finally, Lorraine works cooperatively
the regulator for veterinary medicine and as with livestock producers and groups such as
an advocate for veterinarians and veterinary Saskatchewan Cattlemen to promote public
technologists in Saskatchewan. Both areas education within the province.
"
rely heavily on the office staff, practice
Many of you have met Darlene Tingtved and
Member inspectors and committees populated by
member volunteers to keep everything
Orest Bobowski, the SVMA practice inspec-
tors. Darlene and Orest are responsible
involvement is running smoothly.
There is a core of four office staff who have
for a substantial amount of the face to face
contact the SVMA office has with members.
crucial for strategic many different jobs. Jane Freimark, the Of-
fice Administrator, has the most experience
These two seasoned inspectors, both with
many years of experience with animal health
planning for as an SVMA employee. It is her pleasant
voice that you hear when you call the main
inspection systems, have been instrumental
in the development of the current SVMA
the veterinary SVMA office number. She is responsible for
maintaining all financial records, keeping
practice inspection protocols. With their
assistance, we have developed an efficient
profession in the member database accurate, processing
new licenses and license renewals, ensuring
process that has significantly reduced the
hours needed to complete an inspection.
"
safekeeping of all association records, equip- With organized data on the most common
our province. ment and property as well as answering practice deficiencies in hand, Darlene
inquiries from members and the public. and Orest do their best to guide practices
Sue Gauthier is your Member Services Coor- through the inspection process with no
dinator. Sue organizes the annual confer- deficiencies.
ence, puts together our quarterly magazine The CEO, registrar and secretary/treasurer
SVMA News, manages the website, arranges duties are performed by one person who
events and meetings and keeps the business wears many hats. The secretary/treasurer
of all of the advisory committees moving oversees the financial business of the Asso-
along. The advisory committees are Animal ciation by monitoring day to day expenses,
Welfare, CE, Practice Economics, Awards and investments, personnel, payroll and general
Professional Wellness. Five committees with management of the Association.
over 30 members, all of which require Sue to
The registrar oversees licensing of mem-
keep communication flowing and every-
bers of the Association and administers all
thing coordinated so the business for which
disciplinary procedures mandated by The
each committee is responsible occurs in a
Veterinarians Act and Bylaws of the Associa-
timely fashion.
tion. He or she keeps registers of all mem-
Lorraine Serhienko, the most recent addition bers of the Association (DVMs and RVTs) and
to the SVMA office, is a Registered Veterinary oversees the inspection and registration of
Technologist and the Administrative Coor- practices and professional corporations. At
dinator. Lorraine’s responsibilities include times, the registrar may seek legal counsel
8 February 2019on behalf of SVMA Council, the Professional being dealt with by the PCC or DC. It is There is no ‘insiders club’ of people steering
Conduct or the Discipline Committee and
provide advice and guidance to these com-
FEELING
the registrar’s duty to insure disciplinary
proceedings are fair, unbiased, transpar-
Association decisions to their own benefit.
Every single decision is made within the
mittees on professional discipline proce-
dures and on the interpretation and intent of
The Veterinarians Act and SVMA Bylaws. The
OVER WHELMD?
ent and efficient and that the principles of
natural justice and procedural fairness are
parameters of The Veterinarian’s Act and our
Bylaws. Every single representative and
committee member volunteers their own
followed through adherence to the standard
registrar reports on activities of the profes- model of professional discipline. He or she time for the betterment of all of you. Every
sional discipline process to SVMA Council, is accountable only for administration of the single person who volunteers gets the big
coordinates the activities of the Discipline professional discipline process, insuring the picture and sees that enforcing practice
and Professional Conduct Committees and and professional standards is a necessary,
primary role of self governance is upheld –
oversees the recording and filing of legislat- effective and beneficial route to advancing
protection of the public.
ed committee documents. the profile of any profession.
And then there are the 75+ volunteer mem-
The registrar maintains regular contact with Member involvement is crucial for strategic
bers of Council and the various committees planning for the veterinary profession in our
the registrars of the other veterinary medical who give countless hours of their time to the province. This is a big ship and yes, it has
colleges/associations as a member of the Association and the Saskatchewan veteri- a steering wheel. Someone needs to take
Canadian Council of Veterinary Registrars nary profession. Many of these volunteers the wheel to keep the ship from spinning in
(CCVR) and meets periodically with regis- are afflicted with ‘chronic volunteerism’, circles. With intelligent, sober eyes on real
trars of other professional associations in serving on several committees, often multi- world issues, your volunteer colleagues are
Saskatchewan. ple times. This core group of vets and techs doing the work of steering our profession
The registrar has no responsibility for who have stepped up and gotten involved into the future. And they will welcome you
making decisions about specific complaints deserve all of our respect and appreciation. as a fellow volunteer – anytime.
NOMINATIONS
FOR THE 2019
of Distinction
SVMA AWARDS
SASKATCHEWAN
AGRICULTURAL ARE OPEN!
HALL OF FAME
Every year SVMA members have the
opportunity to recognize deserving
Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame salutes colleagues with a nomination for one of
individuals who have made significant and distinguished the following SVMA Awards:
contributions to the welfare and improvement of
Saskatchewan agriculture and the family farm. JJ Murison Distinguished Veterinarian Award
The SAHF recently announced its 2019 Inductees. Each RVT of the Year Award
Inductee has contributed to agriculture in a significant Meritorious Service Award
way, exemplifying initiative, creativity and perseverance Communications/Public Relations Award
making Saskatchewan a leading agricultural producer.
Each year an induction dinner and portrait unveiling Mentorship/Leadership Award
ceremony is held. The 2019 ceremony is Saturday April 27, Young Veterinarian Award
2019 at the Western Development Museum, Saskatoon.
Tickets are available at http://www.sahf.ca. Come
Awards will be presented at the
Celebrate with us!
SVMA Conference Annual Awards Banquet
on Saturday September 7, 2019
Know a deserving individual? Consider nominating at the Delta Regina Hotel.
that person for 2020! Nominations must be received by
September 1 of each year. Nominations forms available Awards criteria, nomination forms and list of
at https://www.sahf.ca. For further information contact past award recipients can be viewed or
Chair Reed Andrew at r.andrew@sasktel.net. downloaded from www.svma.sk.ca
Nominations can be submitted anytime! .
SVMA 9
30 SVMAHALT!
YOUR
CAREER / PRACTICE GIVE YOUR TEAM
MANAGEMENT A BREAK
By Terra Shastri, OVMA
W
orking for long stretches with- taking breaks is also important for patients, starts with a few simple questions: What is
out breaks leads to stress and as it allows staff to make the best possible achievable for you and your team in prac-
exhaustion. It also takes a toll on decisions for our patients.” tice? How can you work together to ensure
workplace morale and can affect your team’s that breaks are taken fairly and safely? A
While aspects of HALT may seem obvi-
engagement. If your team is experiencing break or even a short pause provides an
ous, the instinctive need to achieve the goal
issues, often an easy solution is to make sure opportunity to “check-in” with ourselves and
in front of us often overshadows the logic of
staff receive breaks throughout their shift. notice how we’re feeling and what might be
staying hydrated, taking a break or address-
Unfortunately, not taking breaks is com- affecting us.
ing sources of stress. This is often combined
mon in the medical community, among both with social pressure from team members, es- Taking care of your team’s wellbeing
human health and veterinary practitioners. pecially managers and practice owners, who is important, and part of that means taking
In the UK, many medical facilities and veter- don’t take breaks themselves. This produces breaks. Introduce HALT to your staff at
inary hospitals are raising awareness of the a culture of “pushing through” regardless of your next staff meeting and start your own
issue using a campaign that’s been around how staff members are feeling. clinic campaign. Post a HALT sign in your
for decades, called HALT. This initiative staff room or somewhere in your hospital
Canada’s Employment Standards Act
reminds teams in the medical community where all team members will see it fre-
says: “Employees work no more than five
about the importance of taking breaks to quently (download one at www.ovma.org/
hours in a row before receiving a 30-minute
improve their health and well-being. assets/1/6/HALT_handout.pdf).
meal break. Employee(s) who are splitting
HALT STANDS FOR: the 30-minute eating period into two peri- Remember, it’s not enough to tell staff
H – Are you hungry or thirsty? ods have agreed to this, either electronically, members to take a break, so create a break
A – Are you feeling anxious or angry? in writing or orally, and that both periods are schedule. The break schedule outlines the
L – Is it late? Are you lonely? taken within five consecutive hours.” This times a team member will be on break and
T – Are you tired? isn’t always followed in busy clinics when assigns someone to cover their role when
there doesn’t appear to be time for breaks. necessary. For example, Amy, the client
Guy’s Hospital and St. Thomas’ Hospital in But it’s the employer’s responsibility to en- service representative, is on break from
London, England, implemented the HALT sure that staff are taking the breaks they’re 11:30 a.m. to noon, and Lindsay, the animal
campaign in March of 2017. entitled to—it’s good for staff, the patients care assistant, will cover reception during
and the clinic. that time.
“The HALT campaign reiterates our
commitment to ensuring that all staff take For their HALT campaigns, Guy's and HALT is helping to raise awareness
their breaks, and that we create a ‘take a St Thomas' hospitals have recommended about observing and evaluating elements
break’ culture,” says Eileen Sills, chief nurse working no more than five hours without key to physical and mental well-being. It also
at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. “Taking a 20-minute break. This was challenging at provides a starting place to build a clinic cul-
a break gives our staff the chance to take a first, since it required organizing when staff ture supportive of well-being and self-care,
breather and to replenish energy levels by could take breaks and staggering them so which benefits the people, the practice and
eating or having a drink, physically resting patient care was still available. patients.
or taking a mental break. As well as being Every organization is different and Terra Shastri is OVMA’s director of business
important for staff health and well-being, there’s no “one size fits all” solution, but it development and strategic initiatives.
10 February 2019HALT: Take a break
Working for long hours without taking a break isn’t healthy for you, your colleagues
or your patients. If you are Hungry, Anxious, Late or Tired, you’re less productive and
it’s more difficult to make decisions effectively. HALT encourages you to focus on your
health and well-being, and is a reminder to take your breaks.
Consider the following mental health and wellness indicators:
Are you:
H ungry or thirsty
Are you:
A nxious or angry
Are you: L ate or feeling lonely
Are you: T ired
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Plan your breaks: ensure all staff members know when their breaks are.
2. Work as a team: create a break schedule that outlines when a team member
will be on break and assigns someone to cover their role when necessary.
3. Create a “take a break” practice culture: lead by example, and create an
environment where breaks are encouraged.
SVMA 1112 February 2019
THE SCIENCE OF
FEAR FREE
Gary Landsberg DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM • Head, Fear Free Research • Fear Free Practice
Certification Veterinarian • Vice President, CanCog Technologies
T
he Fear Free mission is to prevent fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets by inspiring and
educating the people who care for them. This is goal which every veterinary health
care professional and every veterinary facility should strive to achieve. FAS is not only
a serious welfare issue for the pet, but negatively impacts physiological measurements and
laboratory results, is a potential safety issue for veterinarians, staff and owners and contributes
to decreased use of veterinary care.
Fear Free focuses on how to positively and effectively care for our patients, as well as how
to prevent, reduce and alleviate FAS in the lives of our pets through counseling, advising,
and providing resources to pet owners. Fear Free provides online and in person continuing
education, including three levels of RACE approved courses for Fear Free certification, as well as
podcasts, resources and an online community. Last year, Fear Free also introduced courses and
resources for pet owners (Fear Free Happy Homes), trainers, and groomers and Fear Free Hospital
Certification. As of December 1, 2018, there are now four Fear Free certified hospitals in Canada.
FEAR FREE SCIENCE For cats, the highest level of fear was on the
exam table, while almost 60% of cats were
To insure that Fear Free is soundly grounded stressed when returning home, sometimes
in science, Fear Free has established a for days. Injections were most fear evoking
research portfolio headed by Dr. Gary (34%) followed by rectal temperature, blood
Landsberg to (a) encourage and support collection, wound treatment and ears.2 As
original evidence based research through the many as 58% of cat owners and 38% of dog
funding of grants and awards and (b) collect, owners report their pets hate going to the
collate and maintain a bibliography of the veterinarian.3 In fact, 28% of cat owners
current literature that cites and references the and 22% of dog owners would visit the
effects of FAS on the pet and its caregivers, veterinarian more frequently if it wasn’t so
pet communication and learning, how FAS stressful. Dogs and cats also suffer from
can be assessed, and how Fear Free can “white coat” syndrome. Compared to the
positively affect outcomes. In addition, all same procedures done as home visits, blood
Fear Free information and education materials pressure, pulse, rectal temperature and
are reviewed by veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ken respiration are increased in dogs and cats, and
Martin, and all Fear Free courses are reviewed blood glucose increases in cats. 4,5
by specialists in their field.
Dogs have been shown to be less fearful when
FEAR FREE EVIDENCE moved from the reception area into the exam
room, and less fearful in the exam room than
More than 75% of dogs and cats are stressed in the treatment area. There is also evidence
during a veterinary visit.1,2 In dogs, the that contact from the owners decreases heart
greatest fear was before arrival and the rate, temperature, and attempts to jump off
least when moved into the consult room.1 the table, and that separating pets from their
The most stressful procedures were rectal owners increases anxiety. However, safety is a
temperature (22%) followed by blood first priority, and a fearful owner can add to a
collection, injections and ear exams.1 pet’s fear and anxiety.
SVMA 13FEAR FREE WORKS!
Pets with positive veterinary
28% of cat owners and
experiences were less fearful at
subsequent visits. In cats that had Fear
Free veterinary visits including gentle
22% of dog owners would
handling, pheromones, taken directly into
the exam room, allowed to exit their cage visit the veterinarian more
frequently if it wasn’t so
voluntarily, and owners present, there were
no differences in heart rate, temperature,
respiration or blood pressure between home
stressful.
visits and veterinary visits except for a higher
blood glucose in the clinic.6 In cats, passive
restraint compared to full body handling led
to reduced fear, and fewer attempts to jump
off the table.
knowledge and understanding of for the European Veterinary Behavior and
IF YOU CAN’T ABATE … MEDICATE! preventing, alleviating and assessing fear, Welfare Congress (ecawbm.com) on the
anxiety and stress. To help encourage and effects of puppy classes on early adopted
Waiting too long to medicate leads support research and to document and puppies and on behavioral drugs used
to unnecessary fear and increases the share the findings, Fear Free has established during veterinary visits. Fear Free is also
amount of medication needed to sedate. a research portfolio to encourage and pleased to announce the funding of two
In addition, any painful, uncomfortable or support further research through funding welfare awards in the Journal of Veterinary
disturbing experience is both an immediate of awards and grants for new evidence- Behavior, an international peer reviewed
welfare issue and conditions fear of further based research related to the prevention, journal focused on veterinary behavioral
experiences. Studies have demonstrated treatment and measurement of FAS during medicine and applied research. for the best
an effect for gabapentin, trazodone, veterinary visits or in the home. papers published in 2019 related to fear free
benzodiazepines, and alpha-2 agonists veterinary visits and fear free happy homes.
such as clonidine and dexemedetomidine The initial focus of funding has been See https://www.journalvetbehavior.com/
oro-mucosal gel (not yet available in for both veterinary teaching institutions and improving-pet-welfare-research-awards.
Canada) in reducing fear and anxiety for board-certified behaviour colleges, to
related to car rides and veterinary visits, support student, resident and behaviourist To view the abstracts of the findings,
as well as an anxiolytic effects of natural research projects. These include grants for a collated bibliography of references, or to
products including pheromones, alpha- a veterinary student project that has now submit your own research proposal, visit our
casozepine and l-theanine. In addition, been completed at the University of Florida research website at https:/fearfreepets.com/
compared to manual restraint, injectable which found that patients in the exam room fear-free-research.
sedation with dexmedetomidine and were less fearful than in the treatment area
based on heart rate and signs of fear and 1. Mariti et al. Guardians’ perceptions of dogs’ welfare
an opioid (e.g. butorphanol) resulted in
and behaviors related to visiting the veterinary
improved cooperative and behaviour scores, anxiety; and a number of projects pending clinic. JAAWSi 2017;20:24
lower cortisol, less need for restraint, less or in progress including veterinary student 2. Mariti et al. Guardians’ perception of cats’ welfare
personnel, time and costs.7 Pre-medication research at Western University on the effects and behavior regarding veterinary visits. J Appl Anim
with pain control medication is also essential of enhanced human interaction on reducing Welf Sci 2016;19:375
for painful pets and potentially painful stress of veterinary visits, a behavioural 3. Volk et al. Executive summary of the Bayer veterinary
procedures. Fear Free provides a wealth residency project at Purdue University care usage study. JAVMA 2011;238:1275
of support material including algorithms on the effect of an anxiolytic during on 4. Quimby et al. Evaluation of the effects of hospital vis-
and dosing charts for pre-visit medications, veterinary exams, and funding for a member it stress on physiologic parameters in the cat. JFMS
2011;13:733
natural supplements, and in-clinic of the Australian and New Zealand College
sedation. The Level 1 Certification Program of Veterinary Scientists evaluating the 5. Bragg et al. Evaluation of the effects of hospital
stress on physiologic variables in dogs. JAVMA
alone includes two modules on pre-visit effects of a nutraceutical supplement on 2015;246:212
medications and in-clinic sedation. reducing fear at veterinary consultations.
6. Niblett al. Comparison of stress exhibited by cats
examined in a clinic versus a home setting. J Appl
FEAR FREE RESEARCH In addition, awards have been given Anim Behav Sci 2015;173:68-75
to the best Fear Free related studies 7. Barletta et al. Behavioral response and cost com-
While there is extensive current at the American College of Veterinary parison of manual versus pharmacological restraint
protocols in healthy dogs. CVJ 2016: 57; 258-64
research, there is great need for additional Behaviorists (dacvb.org) annual meeting
research to support current decision- on the effects of music and the effects of
making and to make further advances in our a new probiotic on fearful behavior, and
14 February 2019May 2012
FEBRUARY 2019 • VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 1
PRAIRIE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES INC vol. 008 issue. 02
Animal Health Perspectives
WHAT’S INSIDE
1 ISO Certification and AAVLD
ISO Certification and AAVLD Accreditation Accreditation – what does
this all mean and why is it
so important?
– what does this all mean and 3 Cutaneous mast
cell tumor in a horse
why is it so important? 4
4
Staff Update
Familiar Face Returns to PDS
By: Carl K. Johnson, DVM, CEO, PDS Inc
Continuous improvement is international ISO17025 standards PDS technologists have been to ensure they meet AAVLD
integral to Prairie Diagnostic of quality is critically important trained and are now certified Quality standards, as well as the
Services (PDS), both individually to assuring quality in the testing by Oxford Nanopore Technol- lab’s conformance to these SOPs.
as diagnostic technologists and the lab performs. PDS has a ogies to provide commercial Test method standards closely
professionals, and collectively as broad scope of testing that has Whole Genome Sequencing reflect current ISO17025 stan-
a laboratory. Just as for veteri- been ISO certified for 15 years. testing. PDS was the first lab dards. In addition, the AAVLD
narians, continuing education, ISO17025 sets quality standards in Canada (performing either is very interested in how well
specialized training and pursuit for how specific tests are con- human or animal testing) and the laboratory performs overall
of advanced certification defines ducted and such standards are the first veterinary diagnostic lab as a diagnostic test facility. The
us as diagnostic technologists universally applied in certified to be certified to perform this accreditation committee scru-
and professionals committed to labs. Is your referral veterinary testing in North America. tinizes everything from sample
delivering the best possible ser- diagnostic lab ISO-certified for submission, to data integrity and
vice to our veterinary clientele. the tests you are requesting? test reporting. The committee
AAVLD ACCREDITATION
As a laboratory, meeting the carefully evaluates the organiza-
highest quality standards in test- Beyond ISO, CFIA or other certi- tional structure, biosafety pro-
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS
ing and lab performance reflects fications of individual diagnostic visions, its diagnostic skill base
our commitment to delivering If ISO standards are not set for tests, laboratory accreditation is and professional development
accurate, timely and reproduc- a specific test of interest, other another great example of setting programs. It also evaluates the
ible test outcomes that you can certifying bodies may help the highest standard of labora- lab’s financial viability, and even
depend on. PDS is now AAVLD establish proficiency standards tory performance and delivering seeks stakeholder and customer
accredited as a veterinary and certify a lab for such testing. our commitment for continuous feedback. The AAVLD accredi-
diagnostic laboratory, with The Canadian Food Inspection improvement. The American tation process culminates in an
many of its tests ISO17025:2005 Agency certifies testing for some Association of Veterinary Labo- on-site audit of the laboratory
certified. reportable diseases of regulato- ratory Diagnostics (AAVLD) is the by the site inspection commit-
ry interest (e.g. BSE, BTV, CWD, only recognized accrediting body tee, which is followed by a full
ASF), where QA/QC standards of veterinary diagnostic laborato- committee review of all findings.
ISO17025 CERTIFICATION require specialized training and ries in North America. A majority A decision on accreditation
Having a robust Quality Man- where there may be restricted of publicly funded labs in the US (full, provisional or non-accred-
agement System helps ensure access to reference standards. and now four Canadian labs are itation) will set the course for
precision and reliability of test For some tests, particularly for AAVLD accredited. On its initial continuous improvement going
results, and provides a great new technologies that do not application this fall, PDS achieved forward.
example of continuous improve- yet have international Quality full AAVLD accreditation! AAVLD accredited labs must
ment. Implementing routine QC standards established through AAVLD accreditation is a first adequately address their
measures in your in-clinic testing ISO, a test manufacturer may peer review process, involving a non-conformance findings (no
is an important step in the right certify that such tests are being comprehensive detailed review lab is perfect!) to maintain their
direction. As a referral veteri- performed correctly and in of laboratory procedures and accreditation status, and then
nary diagnostic lab in Canada, compliance with the validated processes. The AAVLD accred-
certification by the Standards test method established by the itation committee performs an
Council of Canada to current manufacturer. For example, in-depth review of the lab’s SOPs Continues on Page 2
p1From Page 1
work to renew their accredita- how to manage your diagnostic decision-making. important, but rather it is how a
tion within the period of accredi- needs. In-house testing can lab strives to meet its continuous
tation granted. It’s a continuous provide rapid test results Quality improvement commit-
BOTTOM LINE:
improvement process that is for most standard tests, ments. Achieving Quality and
on-going and reflects the lab’s assuming the equipment is For your referral veterinary diag- performance standards that are
commitment to operating with performing properly, the test nostic and toxicology testing, for set by international standard set-
a robust Quality Management method is followed correctly monitoring herd health status, ting organizations, and assessed
System and setting performance and routine QC measures are for meeting international test by independent and peer review
standards consistent with other implemented as validated by requirements and for ensuring organizations, are lofty goals
accredited labs. the manufacturer. In-house your research testing meets and labour intensive efforts for
testing is particularly important standards of quality fit for any lab. Your clients trust your
VETERINARY VS. HUMAN for urgent situations or when purpose, consider the Quality clinical judgement. Your clinical
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING turn-around-times (including and performance standards judgement to a large part based
STANDARDS shipping and reporting your diagnostic test laboratory on sound diagnostic test out-
times) are too long to provide measures itself against. It is not comes. Where do you send your
It is interesting to note that
veterinary diagnostic labs are the information needed for good enough to say Quality is referral diagnostic test?
not required to be accredited,
certified or licensed in any way.
Accreditation and certification is
strictly voluntary. As described,
certification may be required for
labs to perform certain regulat-
ed tests for reportable diseases
(i.e. CFIA), for export market ac-
cess or for international border
crossings. However, it is up to
the lab to decide what testing
it wants to perform and what
Quality standards, if any, it wish-
es to implement. For commer-
cial human diagnostic testing
in Canada, lab testing is heavily
regulated on a provincial basis.
In the US, human diagnostic
testing is regulated by a federal
government agency for compli-
ance with the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Amendments
(CLIA). For veterinary diagnostic
testing in either Canada or the
US, there are no requirements
for meeting Quality standards.
The scary truth is that anyone
can start a commercial veteri-
nary testing lab in their garage!
IN-HOUSE VS. REFERRAL
VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS:
A robust Quality Management
System is absolutely integral
to ensuring the accuracy and
dependability of diagnostic
testing. Confidence in test
outcomes is key; however,
there is a balance that is
appropriate when considering
p2Cutaneous mast cell tumor
in a horse
By: Moira Kerr, Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist, PDS Inc.
A 14 year-old, American paint capsulated, noncompressive lin fixed tissues are the foci of and eosinophil granules. I also
gelding presented to its primary mass in the hypodermis. The coagulative necrosis that were suspect these cytology prepa-
care veterinary for an approxi- mass extended to the lateral and present throughout the mass. ration were stained with a Diff-
mately 3 cm in diameter mass deep surgical borders. The mass Quik® stain. Diff-Quik stain can
that was present on the right fa- comprised sheets of individual- The histologic diagnosis was sometimes fail to demonstrate
cial crest for about two months. ized round cells with distinct cell a cutaneous mast cell tumor mast cell granules. Many the-
The mass began increasing in borders and a moderate to high (MCT). MCT are uncommon, ories exist as to why some MCT
size two weeks prior to pre- nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio. The usually benign tumors in will not take up Diff Quik stain
sentation. An in-house fine nucleus was centric, round to the horse.1.2 Cutaneous MCTs but none has been proven. It is
needle aspiration (FNA) cytology oval with a finely reticular chro- commonly affect the head, neck, always prudent to send air-dried
revealed ‘macrophages and bac- matin pattern. The cytoplasm trunk and limbs. Equine cuta- unstained smears from a suspect
teria’. On ultrasonography the was scant to moderate, grey neous MCTs usually show slow, mast cell tumor to a veterinary
mass was noted to have a soft blue and coarsely granulated progressive growth or become diagnostic laboratory where an
tissue echogenicity, lobulated (see Figure 2). The intracytoplas- static, even over a course of two automated stainer, that uses a
appearance and several small mic granules stained positively years.1 Rarely a lesion may show different type of Wright-Giemsa
fluid-filled pockets throughout. with toluidine blue (see Figure 3 sudden rapid growth. 2 Histolog- stain, is typically used. This will
The mass was excised and sub- and Luna stains which highlight ical grading schemes, as exist ensure that a poorly granulated
mitted for histologic examina- mast cell granules. There were for canine cutaneous MCTs, do mast cell tumor is not missed.
tion. The mass was transected numerous, variably-sized foci not exist for equine cutaneous
prior to submission into two, of coagulative necrosis with MCTs. Complete surgical exci- References:
approximately 5.0 x 2.0 cm, admixed intact, degranulated sion is curative. Surgical excision 1. Mair T S and Krudewig C. 2008.
triangularly shaped sections of and disintegrating eosinophils was incomplete in this case, but Mast cell tumors (mastocytosis) in
haired skin. On cut section there (see Figure 2). These foci were spontaneous remission has been the horse: a review of the literature
and report of 11 cases. Equine Vet Educ,
were multiple, variably sized surrounded by multiple layers of reported even when surgical 20(4): 177-182
and shaped foci that contained the mast cells. There were mod- excision is incomplete. 2. Clarke l, Simon A, Ehrhart E J, Mulik,
a yellow granular material (see erate numbers of eosinophils J, Charles B, Powers B and Duncan C.
Figure 1). admixed with the tumor cells. I strongly suspect that the ‘mac- 2014. Histologic characteristics and KIT
The pockets of yellow-brown rophages and bacteria’ noted on staining patterns of equine cutaneous
mast cell tumors. Vet Pathol, 51 (3):
Histologic examination revealed fluid noted on ultrasonography the in-house FNA cytology are
560-562.
a poorly demarcated, nonen- and sectioning of the forma- the mast cells and free mast cell
Figure 1: Subgross of a section from a Figure 2: Admixed mast cells, eosinophils and foci of Figure 3: Toluidine positive staining mast cells. 400x
mass excised from the right facial crest necrosis. Hematoxylin and eosin stain, 400x
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