March 2023
Social workers are becoming an increasingly important part of veterinary medicine. UW Veterinary Care social worker Rhonda Nichols, left, and social work intern Lee Xiong, right, support hospital staff, clients, clinicians, staff, and students in processing difficult situations and emotions. "The patients and clients are why everyone is here," Nichols says. "I'm trying to fill the emotional needs that come with the incredible relationships people have with their animals. Nichols' position helps move the school towards a more supportive culture for those delivering and receiving care at UWVC.
PET TIPS AND CLINICAL STUDIES

Neutering is one of the most common procedures veterinarians perform. Some pet owners believe it will cause changes in their animal’s behavior or energy level; however, this is not true. What is known are the benefits of neutering for long-term health. “Neutering dramatically decreases the chances of benign growth of the prostate, cysts, and infections,” Maria Verbrugge, a clinical instructor of primary care at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, said on a recent episode of Wisconsin Public Radio's The Larry Meiller Show. Ultimately, if you are worried about any adverse effects of neutering, talk to your veterinarian.

Sonja Tjostheim, a clinical assistant professor of cardiology with the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, is recruiting dogs with atrial fibrillation (resulting in rapid heart rate) to participate in a clinical study to evaluate two common anti-arrhythmia drugs, diltiazem and amiodarone. The goal is to determine if strict heart rate control can be achieved in dogs with atrial fibrillation with either of these medications or a combination of the two drugs. This is important because it has been shown that dogs with atrial fibrillation live longer with strict heart rate control. Participation in the study is voluntary.
When most people think of the operating room (OR), they picture doctors performing surgery. However, getting to that point takes lots of preparation. OR technicians and on-call student hourlies help ensure operating spaces are prepped and ready for any surgery.

“They are like the superheroes behind the scenes,” says Meenu Verma, associate director and hospital administrator for UW Veterinary Care. “They work throughout the whole cycle of the surgery, from prep to clean up.” 

OR technicians work full-time during the week, while student hourlies, made up of both undergraduate and DVM students, fill in during on-call hours across weekends and weeknights. There are two teams, one for large animal and one for small animal surgeries. 

Both student hourlies and OR technicians work to collect and sterilize equipment, set up the operating room with specific tools needed for the surgery, help clean up after the procedure and prepare for surgeries the next day. Whether it be a Great Dane, rabbit or bird, OR staff are well-versed in the equipment and preparations needed for every surgery.
UWVC Small Animal Emergency Care is experiencing staffing shortages and space constraints. To ensure proper care of our hospitalized patients, ER status and Hospitalization capacity change frequently. Clients are encouraged to check the UWVC website and call ahead prior to arriving.
SOCIAL ANIMALS
Highlights from your social media mentions of UW Veterinary Care
and the UW School of Veterinary Medicine
We’re back at UW Veterinary Care this week to get our little buddy another round of radiation to treat that pesky tumor. He’s in the best hands possible so we’re hoping to be back chasing squirrels by the weekend! ❤️

Our sweet Polly was seen at UW Veterinary Care yesterday. She has been having chronic diarrhea since she came to us as an 8-week old kitten back in October...We are very grateful UW was able to see her sooner than our original clinic date.
We are SO happy!! @freya_the_floofy was discharged from @uwvetmed today. Treatment has been successful and we are thankful for the team who cared for her the past 3.5 days ❤️

I made it home today! But before heading home, I had to get a picture with my care team from the last several days - Sam and Dr. Jamie took such good care of me!