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APRIL 2017 | NEWS & UPDATES
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President's Message
The Challenge of Managing Pain
A friend of mine recently underwent spinal fusion surgery. She shared with me how incredibly painful her first PT session was, but that PT would be critical for her to achieve a successful, functional outcome. She even went on to say, "There is no sense in doing the surgery if you aren't going to put in the time for PT ... even if it does hurt!"
This reminded me how important pain management is for all of our patients - from those with conditions being medically managed, to those undergoing surgical intervention and others with conditions, such as osteoarthritis, resulting in long-term chronic pain. It is a frustrating challenge to navigate the management of these patients. Each one is different, each one responds differently and individualized treatment plans are a moving target.
Working with clients, educating them on behaviors associated with pain and to note responses to therapy are critical to assessing whether treatment(s) are effective and if modifications are needed. Clinical metrology instruments such at the Canine Brief Pain Inventory, Canine Orthopedic Index, Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index can provide insight to the patient's level of pain and function in the home environment. This valuable client input, combined with a therapist's assessment is integral to managing our patients. If a patient is not responding as we had hoped, could it be due to wind-up pain which requires hospital admission for intravenous pain control? Have we correctly localized the source of the pain? Are there now compensatory changes adding to our patient's discomfort? Continual assessment and reassessment are vital to ensuring therapy is effective in maintaining a high quality of life for our patients.
The
STAAR Conference is coming up at the end of this month, from April 26-30. This is a fantastic opportunity to attend some great workshops and lectures. The AARV is sponsoring a lecture track on Saturday, April 29th, with a focus on pain management. Please also join the AARV Saturday night for the cocktail social event, sponsored by
Purina. We look forward to seeing you all at STAAR!
Warm regards,
Cara Blake, DVM, DACVS-SA, CCRT
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Join Us April 29th for the AARV Lecture Track at the STAAR Conference
AARV is pleased to present a full-day lecture track Saturday, April 29 at the
STAAR Conference in Florham Park, New Jersey. Register today, and join us!
For complete details about each session, please see the AARV Lectures area on the
Symposium Workshops page.
Saturday, April 29, 2017 - Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center, Florham Park, New Jersey
| 8:30-9:30 am |
Using Shock Wave and Other Modalities for Adjunct Pain Management
Speaker: Cara Blake, DVM, DAVCS-SA, CCRT |
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9:35-10:35 am
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2:15-3:15 pm |
Novel Therapeutics in Pain Management
Speaker: Cara Blake, DVM, DAVCS-SA, CCRT |
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10:40-11:40 am
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4:25-5:25 pm |
When to Choose Surgery as a Tool for Managing Pain in Patients with Musculoskeletal Disease
Speaker: Felix Duerr, Dr. Med. Vet., MS, DACVS, DACVSMR, CCRT |
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11:45 am-12:45 pm
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5:30-6:30 pm |
Pain in Geriatric Patients: Safely and Effectively Manage Pain in Older Dogs
Speaker: Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRT, CVCHM |
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| 3:20-4:20 pm |
Localization of Pain
Speaker: Rick Wall, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CMTPT |
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The AARV also will be hosting a social event sponsored by
Purina the night of April 29th at STAAR. Please join us for cocktails, food, a raffle drawing and for more information about the AARV and Purina. All STAAR conference attendees are encouraged to come!
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SPOTLIGHT PRACTICE
CARE Pet Therapy at Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York
CARE Pet Therapy (Complementary and Animal Rehabilitation Essentials) at Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York opened in July 2016 and is the premier rehabilitation facility in the Syracuse, New York area. The CARE addition was added to an existing specialty referral and 24-hour emergency practice where rehabilitation services were previously housed.
Veterinary Medical Center of CNY was opened by Timothy Robinson, DVM, DACVS, in 2002 as a 24-hour emergency facility with surgical and internal medicine specialties. The practice was supportive of rehabilitation therapies early on and facilitated Lis Conarton, through her CCRP certification, to provide adjunct rehabilitation services. An underwater treadmill was added to the practice in 2006 to facilitate expansion of this service.
Continue reading about CARE Pet Therapy ...
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Instagram Photo Contest Winner!
We have a winner! Congratulations to
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (@cvrc_charleston_vet_referral) for winning our Instagram contest with the most post likes! Thank you to everyone who submitted a picture. Special thanks to Blue Dog Designs for donating the
Help 'Em Up harness. Check out #helpemupharness on Instagram, and keep your eye out for future contests!
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 Interested in Conducting Clinical Research?
Are you interested in conducting clinical research but don't know where to start?
The entire process from concept to publication is covered during the 10-week course. You will view online lectures, read assignments, and participate in an online live discussion with Dr. Zink each week. You will develop a research hypothesis that matches your interests and clinical caseloads, and then design, carry out and analyze the data for a pilot study. This course is RACE approved by the AAVSB for 15 credit hours.
There are students from the first course that are now collaborating on studies and have been awarded research grants.
AARV members receive a 10% tuition discount. If you have questions or are interested in registering for the next session, email CRI at info@caninerehabinstitute.com.
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TECHNICIAN CORNER
Top 10 Ways to Prepare to Become a VTS in Physical Rehabilitation
by Jenn Panko, RVT/CCRP (OCMC, CAPMC)
Registered Veterinary Technologist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Osteoarthritis Case Management Certificate, Companion Animal Pain Management Certificate
Greetings, #vetrehabtechs!
We hope you are as excited as we are about the Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation Petition being approved by NAVTA. Members of the Class of 2018 have submitted their pre-applications and are working on their applications. Would you like to become a VTS in Physical Rehabilitation? Our Organizing Committee has put together a
Top 10 List of things you can do to prepare yourself for the process!
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Familiarize yourself with our Applications Resources Page. A Reading List, Case Log Examples, Abbreviations, and Scoring Systems are found here!
- Visit the Continuing Education section on our website for opportunities to learn and improve your skills.
- Familiarize yourself with the APRVT Code of Ethics and put them into practice!
- Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube too for all the latest #vetrehabtech news!
- Subscribe to our mailing list at www.aprvt.com. Add vetrehabtechs@gmail.com to your contacts so you don't miss an update!
- Join the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians as a Technician Member to gain access to their members area including proceedings and research papers.
- Obtain and maintain your NAVTA Membership.
- Seek out and take opportunities to write articles and speak at conferences about Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation.
- Familiarize yourself with our Mentor Packet and find a mentor that meets criteria.
- Review our points system and make sure you have a minimum of 135/325 points.
If you do not meet the requirements, identify areas you can achieve and set goals and make it happen! There is no rush. It is a process and takes time.
Attend Lis Conarton's Workshop at STAAR
Join #APRVT Organizing Committee Member and Treasurer
Lis Conarton at
STAAR this year for what promises to be an educational and interactive workshop:
Looking Beyond Primary Disorder: Using Therapeutic Exercise to Identify and Treat Compensatory Dysfunction
Day/Time: Friday, April 28, 8:30 am - 12:45 pm
Instructor: Lis Conarton, BS, LVT, CCRP, CVPP
Exercise physiology is a distinct category in the field of physical rehabilitation and is a discipline that examines how the body is affected by exercise. Demands placed on the body cause adaptation, which may be appropriate or compensatory depending on the patient's physical status. In this workshop, participants will learn how to utilize therapeutic exercise to identify dysfunction, determine extent of imbalances, and modify the current exercise regime to achieve basic goals in rehabilitation including tissue healing, reconditioning, and strengthening.
If you're a #vetrehabtech at STAAR, please introduce yourself to Lis! For more information, visit the
STAAR Conference website.
Learn More About APRVT
The technicians on the Organizing Committee of the APRVT would love to speak at your clinic or local conference! Contact us at vetrehabtechs@gmail.com to find someone in your area!
Please visit the APRVT website and social media sites to learn more about us and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!
Do you have an article in mind for the Technician Corner? Contact Dawn Hickey, LVMT, CCRP, AARV Technician Liaison, to submit an article (suggested length of 200-300 words) or suggest a topic.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
See Questionable Advertisements about Rehabilitation Services? Investigate and Speak Up!
by Kristyn Richardson, DVM, CCRT, CVSMT
Legislative Liaison
Hello AARV Members,
I wanted to take a quick break from the states' practice acts and talk about a topic that is mentioned more and more on social media. There are numerous mentions of practitioners seeing businesses advertising "rehabilitation" or "animal rehab" or "a specialist" for their business, and when you look closer, there is a lack of education/training or licensing in the field of veterinary medicine. To clarify, there is an implication that they can diagnose and/or treat injuries to animals and help them heal.
These particular implications in advertising can be misleading to the public and be a potential area of concern for the consumer and for veterinary professionals in animal rehabilitation. In some cases, these particular advertisements are in violation of many state practice acts depending on the state.
This is your profession, your area of practice!
I would urge all of you that see these questionable advertisements to investigate the claims and the credentials of the business. If appropriate, inform your state veterinary board if you are concerned that this particular business may be violating the state practice act. At the AARV, we are here to help you in these situations and can help to ensure that your patients, the consumer, and you as a practitioner are able to continue to practice the highest caliber of animal rehabilitation. Please contact me if you have concerns at
rehabvetdoc@gmail.com.
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Articles of Interest
The April Articles of Interest are now available for review in the Members Only area of the website.
Click here to review this month's as well as past months' articles of interest.
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Pet Insurance Summary Updated
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Grant Opportunities Through the AARV
Check out our past AARV grant winners and keep an eye out for information regarding upcoming research grants
here (member log-in required).
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Add Your Rehabilitation Event to the AARV Calendar
Do you have an event to add to the AARV calendar? All calendar posts are now free for AARV members.
Please send your calendar event to info@rehabvets.org and be sure to include the name of the event, speaker, topic, date, time, location and URL. Rehabilitation related events/classes only, please.
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CLASSIFIED AD
Full-Time DVM, CCRT or CCRP, Oakland, California
Holistic Veterinary Care has an exciting opportunity to join our award-winning team located in the beautiful Oakland hills. Our relationship with local practices facilitates open dialogue and a constant flow of referrals into the practice. Be the leader of the rehabilitation department and consult with on-site colleagues to develop a unique whole body treatment plan. We also have the ability to integrate eastern and western medicine together by collaborating with the DVMs at our sister hospital, Montclair Veterinary Hospital. We offer a competitive salary, flexible schedule, full benefits, CE and more. Please submit your resume and cover letter today to Ashley@MontclairVetHospital.com!
Website: holisticvetcare.com
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CLASSIFIED AD
DVM, CCRP or CCRP Opportunity, Stoughton, Massachusetts
Animotion Animal Rehabilitation Center, Stoughton, MA. about a 30 minute drive south of Boston is seeking a DVM, CCRP or CCRP to add to our team of outstanding professionals. Animotion not only offers state of the art therapies including underwater treadmill, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine options but we have just entered the field of Regenerative Medicine positioning us as a leader in our geographic area in this exciting new aspect of rehab treatments.
By utilizing Stem Cell and PRP injections we are now positioned to offer our clients a treatment option that is less invasive than surgery.
Relocation expenses will be part of a conversation for those candidates interested in relocation.
If you wish to be part of our exciting future and join a team committed to providing cutting edge therapy in a newly remodeled state of the art facility please contact Bruce at: hospitaladmin@lloydanimal.com
Website: www.animotionanimalrehab.com
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CLASSIFIED AD
Credentialed Veterinary Technician - Rehabilitation, Gaithersburg, Maryland
VCA Veterinary Referral Associates is seeking a full-time RVT with CCRP or CCRA certification to join the rehab team in our 24-hour emergency and specialty referral practice. Our rehab team works closely with in-house specialists as well as general practice referrals. Our caseload includes post-operative patients, neurological as well as orthopedic; conservative management of various conditions; geriatric patients; and obesity management. For the right licensed technician, we will pay for your CCRA certification after 1 year of successful employment at our hospital. Please apply online at https://vcajobs.com/job/11195/ or submit cover letter and resume to Robin Price at Robin.Price@vca.com.
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CLASSIFIED AD
CCRP/CCRT Veterinarian, Charlotte, North Carolina
Steele Creek Animal Hospital's Companion Animal Rehabilitation Center is looking for a talented and devoted CCRP/CCRT veterinarian to join our team. Our perfect team member would be passionate about rehabilitation while also enjoying traditional general practice. Acupuncture certification is a plus. Candidate should possess the knowledge and desire to practice best medicine.
Our hospital has offered an active in house and referral rehabilitation and acupuncture service since 2004. We are well equipped offering water therapy, therapeutic ultrasound/NMES, shockwave therapy, PRP and laser.
Our enthusiastic and devoted staff includes 3 associate Doctors and 3 Technician/vet assistants with 11 to 19 years tenure in our practice.
Great area to live with many recreational opportunities nearby and city professional sports and night life within easy reach.
Email pnydvm@KeepingPetsHealthy.com
Website www.KeepingPetsHealthy.com
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CLASSIFIED AD
Residency in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic invites applicants for a sports medicine residency, as we did not find a suitably qualified individual through the VIRMP. The program is directed towards individuals who have completed a 1-year rotating internship or 5+ years in general practice. The residency provides in-depth training in a busy practice where 50% caseload is sporting or working dogs; average daily caseload is 30-45. Training in diagnostic ultrasound, interventional procedures, and advanced use of orthoses and prosthesis is included as part of the residency. Support will be provided for clinical research. The 5000-sq feet facility has a canine sports arena as well as comprehensive rehabilitation equipment including modalities (shockwave, LASER, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, PEMF) and therapeutic exercise equipment (hydrotherapy and land based). The clinic has diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Regenerative therapies are also used. Adjunct therapies used at the facility include chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy. For more details including compensation and benefits, please email jenny@tcrehab.com.
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Please take a moment to visit our sponsors.
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TIER 1: EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SPONSORS
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TIER 2: SPONSORS PROVIDING MEMBER DISCOUNTS
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Hudson Aquatic Systems: Receive a FREE UV Water Sanitization System, a $1,500 value, with any new AquaPaws unit purchase.
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OrthoPets: 5% discount
To redeem OrthoPets discount: Contact OrthoPets for details
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Healing Oasis: 5% discount for AARV members on continuing education seminars To redeem Healing Oasis discount: Contact Healing Oasis for details |
The Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI): 10% off any continuing education course
To redeem CRI discount: Register for any continuing education course, and your discount will be available at 'checkout'
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CRCG Consulting: $500 off endless pool package and 20% off consulting services
To redeem CRCG discount: Please contact CRCG to purchase equipment or consultation services and let them know you are an AARV member.
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International Veterinary Acupuncture Society: Discount on Certification Course.
To redeem IVAS discount: Contact IVAS for details.
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TIER 3: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
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