2010 Proceedings
Managing Diversty
Presented by Dr. Jayne Takahashi, VP Communications for Associate Veterinary Clinics
This was a fun, interactive presentation on the fascinating differences in perceptions, understandings and interpretations that can be found within any group of individuals. Recognizing and appreciating the diversity within our clinic teams can foster innovative solutions, an appreciation for experience and healthy team communication.
Advanced Nursing Care
Danielle Mierau RVT, VTS (ECC)
Going beyond just doing treatments on patients. Taking the time to think about the patient and going the extra mile to ensure they get everything they need while in the hospital. Proceedings...
Stopping Wobbles and Getting Rid of Wigglers
Katherine Robinson BSc, DVM
Vaccine and deworming strategies for horses in Saskatchewan. A case-based, presentation on preventive care for the equine patient. No one vaccine or deworming strategy will be right for every horse. Proceedings
Back to the Basics: Introduction to Dermatology Sampling and Techniques
Candace Dietzen, RAHT
Techniques for taking and preparing samples and interpreting the findings. Basic and relatively inexpensive ways to begin a work up for dermatology related patients. Technologists can play a very helpful role when putting the puzzle pieces together for the patient. Proceedings
Local and Overseas Opportunities with Christian Veterinary Missions of Canada
Brent Wagner Director, CVM Canada
Veterinary technicians have many skills that can make an incredible difference to the lives of those served through our programs helping the rural poor of the developing world: The “Moses Project” in the Middle East, “Chickens for Christmas” and the “Wellington Orphanage” in Sierra Leone, “Vet Net” opportunities in Mongolia, projects in Peru/Haiti/Nigeria, and services here at home. Proceedings
Which Animal Are You? Understanding Behaviour Styles
Jayne Takahashi DVM MBA, VP Communications Associate Veterinary Clinics
Understanding the different behaviour styles of people can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively both professionally and personally. Tips and suggestions to help you communicate with each style and to create an appreciation of the differences. Proceedings
Embracing the Digital Radiography Revolution
Tim Spotswood BVSc MMedVet (Diag Im)
Digital radiography has radically changed the way radiographs are acquired, processed, transmitted and stored in veterinary practice. Teleradiology review services are now available to any veterinarian practice with an internet connection, no matter how remote.
Is there a role for the Animal Health Technologist in Veterinary Ultrasound?
Tim Spotswood BVSc MMedVet (Diag Im)
Diagnostic ultrasound is well established as an essential diagnostic imaging tool in veterinary practice. In human medicine, the sonographer is an integral part of the radiology team; yet in veterinary medicine, this is not yet the case. This explored the potential role of the Animal Health technologist in veterinary diagnostic ultrasound.
The Dirt on Cleaning and Disinfecting
Dave Van Walleghem BSA
Proper techniques of cleaning and disinfecting, description of families, and calculations of proper product usages. Dave is donating his honorarium to SAVT for continuing education projects. Proceedings.
Dealing With Sick Neonatal Foals—Emergency Procedures and Common Conditions
Katharina Lohmann DVM PhD Diplomate ACVIM
Common conditions affecting neonates with an emphasis on emergency and diagnostic procedures. Differences in handling between foals and adult horses are highlighted. Nursing care of foals is discussed under particular consideration of fluid and nutritional requirements as well as monitoring for complications. Case examples are used to illustrate the presentation. Proceedings
Parasite Treatment Guidelines
Brent Wagner BSA MSc
Recently, parasitologists from the five Canadian veterinary schools have developed treatment guidelines for dogs and cats in Canada. These guidelines as well as any recent data and updates will be presented. Also a web based resource for parasite information will be introduced and made available to Saskatchewan Veterinary Technologists. Proceedings
Breeding Cattle Using The Latest Technology
Colin Palmer DVM, MVetSc, Dipl. ACT
A few of the most commonly used fixed-time artificial insemination protocols will be described. Included will be a discussion of reproductive physiology to enhance understanding of the “hows” and whys”of the various hormones used. An example program will be designed in a step-by-step manner and relevant human safety issues will be addressed. Proceedings
HACCP: Food Safety and Current Events
Erin Hiebert HACCP Food Safety & Quality Program Coordinator
We will discuss the history of HACCP and the evolution of food safety. Specific hazards related to veterinary practices will also be highlighted. Pre-requisite Programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and a description of hazards will also be presented. Specific recalls in the food industry will be used as examples. The HACCP principles and steps to implementation will serve as the backbone for the presentation. Proceedings
Pregnancy for Veterinary Technologists
Kristine Mytopher MD OBGYN
A review of the precautions required to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for Vet Techs. Proceedings
Animal Rights: From Fur to Fanatical, Leather to Legislation
Karen Schwean-Lardner MS
Come find out how animal rights groups such as PETA and the American Humane Society are going from Fur to Fanatical, and Leather to Legislation. With financial backing, media coverage, and celebrity support, how are they influencing social thought on pets, and food producing animals. more...Animal Rights: From Fur to Fanatical, Leather to Legislation. Proceedings
A Day In The Life of an Animal Protection Officer
Ashley Madden RVT
Animal Protection Officers (APOs) are the front line workers of Saskatchewan SPCA, travelling thousands of miles each year in the performance of their jobs. What does it takes to be an APO and how cases of animal neglect or abuse are investigated and resolved. Proceedings
Remote Area Veterinary Services—The Northern Experience
Lesley Sawa DVM
Remote Area Veterinary Services was started in 2004 as a joint project with the Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock. Dog overpopulation is a serious problem in many northern communities. There have been incidents of dog bites, maulings, and even death. The program was created to help communities deal with dog overpopulation issues. At this time we have travelled to northern communities 7 times. This presentation is an overview of what we do and how the communities have been affected.
The Smart Way of Interpreting Pet Food Labels
Marion (Meg) Smart DVM PhD
Veterinary technicians often become the individual who is responsible for advising clients on how to feed their pet. What is your answer when asked “What is the best diet for my pet?” Is it the products your veterinary clinic is selling? Do you only recommend premium pet foods, ones that are AAFCO tested to be nutritionally balanced, CVMA certified, or is your recommendation based on a personal unbiased evaluation of the more popular companies and their product? I will introduce you to a whole new perspective on the value of the pet food label in terms of marketing and science. Proceedings
Clinical Pathology in Practice
Hilary Burgess BSc, DVM, DVSc, Dipl ACVP
General laboratory methods and interpretive concepts with respect to the complete blood cell count, urinalysis and basic cytology. Information will be provided in seminar format with interludes at the multi-headed microscope for interactive evaluation of glass slides to solidify concepts and confidence with microscopic identification. Discussion will focus on approach to laboratory analysis as well as common abnormalities and their significance in health and disease.Proceedings
Here Kitty Kitty... Exploring Feline Dissection and Lesion Recognition
Angela Turner RVT
This novice wet lab is not for the faint of heart or stomach. Each participant will complete a basic feline dissection with the opportunity to review anatomy and discuss a technician’s role in lesion recognition. Proceedings
Equine Relaxation Massage & Stretching
Lorraine Serhienko RVT LAMP
Equine relaxation and massage provides RVTs with tools for improved patient care. The principles and skills learned in this lab also apply to small animals. Massage benefits the immune, cardiovascular and muscular systems and provides relaxation as well as many other benefits. Veterinary medicine and massage work well together and massage provides improved patient care. Participants in the lab will learn about massage in animals, how to do a relaxation massage and stretching of muscles. There will be lots of time to practice and ask questions.
What is Rehab, Who Does It, and How Does it Work?
Theresa Zeigler BScPT, Diploma of Canine Rehabilitation
Rehab discussion will include what education you need to have to do it, who does it, and how it is done. Modalities will be reviewed as well as other techniques and rehab practices. Indications for rehab will be reviewed as well as the rehab process and outcomes. Proceedings
Rodent Handling and Anesthesia
Peggy Nelles RVT RMLAT, Colette Wheler, BSc, DVM, MVetSc, and Carla Hudy RVT
Students learn correct handling and restraint methods, develop an injectable anesthetic protocol, calculate drug dosages, support the anesthetized animal, monitor reflexes, provide proper post-op environment and provide anesthesia for mice and rats. Inhalation anesthesia will also be demonstrated. Rodent Handling Proceedings Subcutaneous Fluid Therapy in Rodents Rodent Anesthesia
Bovine Procedures
Sherry Presnell RVT
The bovine procedures lab will include an overview of common technical procedures and handling skills that can be used in everyday Large Animal Practice. Some examples of procedures that can be practiced on live cows in this lab include: IV catheterization, epidural and paravertebral bocks, gastric tubing, bleeding, foot trimming, etc.
Surgical Assisting Refresher
Leona Boyer RVT
Participate in a “mock surgery” you’ll get a refresher on instrument names and usage, gowning/gloving techniques, suturing, and surgical procedures. This lab will suit those who have not been involved in surgery in some time, students, or those who work in a non-clinical environment.
Saskatchewan Bats—Anatomy & First Aid Exams using Rescued Captive Bats
Melanie Elliott B Sc, B Ed, STEC certified, SCUBA Instructor
Bats are beneficial ecosystem components now living in urban environments. Learn to rescue, examine and release healthy bats to the wild. Two big brown bats, Batrick and Elizabat have been used for educational programs since 1995 at the UofS Extension Division and for public education for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan.
UofS Poultry Barn Poultry Barn tour and Mock Inspection
Erin de Coninck Smith B.Sc RVT
Tour an egg producing chicken barn and participate in a mock inspection looking at food safety, animal welfare, disease control and record keeping. Proceedings Eggs Canada Saskatchewan Egg Producers
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)—Youth Internships
Erin de Coninck Smith B.Sc RVT
Hear about CIDA youth internships and the 8 month project Erin went on in Kenya. From living in a tin shack to eating termites, marriage proposals to dipping goats, orphaned kids to civil war—Erin experienced the best and worst of Africa—and encourages you to do the same. Proceedings
Radiation Exposure in an Academic Veterinary Dental Suite: Estimates of Staff Radiation Exposure
James Anthony, BSc, DVM, MRCVS, Dip. AVDC, Dip. EVDC, Associate Professor in Veterinary Dentistry at WCVM
This presentation will discuss the ALARA principles and how they apply in veterinary dentistry. The presentation will explain our research findings as to radiation safety and a discussion on what one should do to be safe while taking veterinary dental radiographs.
Swine: Opportunities for Vet Techs
Tamara Leader RVT
A look at various opportunities in the swine industry for Veterinary Technologists. Touches briefly on food safety and animal welfare. Proceedings
The Chicken or The Egg...Which Came First??
Erin de Coninck Smith B.Sc RVT
Follow the journey of an egg from the chicken to your plate, and learn about poultry barn inspections with respect to biosecurity, animal welfare, record keeping, traceability, cleanliness, food safety, and disease control. Proceedings
A Day In The Life of a Research Technician
Jan Erickson RVT
Daily tasks and responsibilities as a tech at a level 2 research facility including: Husbandry, cleaning rooms, cages, and stalls and feeding animals. Technical procedures such as vaccinations (routes), taking samples, euthanasia, necropsy. Containment procedures involving personal protective equipment, entering exiting rooms, disinfection /sterilization of rooms, instruments and equipment. Anesthesia, pre and post operative care and assisting in surgeries. Animal enrichment and replication of natural instincts and tendencies.
Poisonous Plants
Barry Blakely DVM, Ph.D
The presentation will discuss the types of poisonings encountered in small animals in Saskatchewan. The most common toxicoses will be discussed. A brief description of clinical manifestations and management will be included. An emphasis on plant poisonings including house plants and seasonal plants will be presented. Proceedings
