Blog

by Janelle Allen, LVT

Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is a common condition in the spine that causes back pain, partial loss of function in the limbs, and in more severe cases paralysis and loss of feeling. While the Dachshund is the most notorious breed for this disease, IVDD can occur in any breed of dog. However, it is rarely seen in cats.

Let’s explore the canine spine for a moment. The spine is made up of 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae, 13 thoracic (chest) vertebrae, 7 lumbar vertebrae, and 3 sacral vertebrae that are fused together. There are a variable number of coccygeal (tail) vertebrae depending on breed. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc, designed to provide cushion between the vertebrae depending on the breed. Each disc is made up of a fibrous outer layer, called the annulus fibrosis, and a gel-like inner layer called the nucleus pulposes. In the dog, the discs are located below the spinal canal and the spinal cord lives in this spinal canal. Now that we know a little bit more about the anatomy of the canine spine, we can get an idea what happens with IVDD. Continue…

by Kim Schur

This month we celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week!  It is recognized as the third week in October.  This year that is October 15^th to 21^st.

What is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)?

By definition, a Licensed Veterinary Technician is a person who has graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology program (usually 2 to 4 years) and passed their board exams.  LVT’s work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Pet parents often think of them as animal nurses.  This is a good comparison, but they are SO much more!  Not only do they assist the veterinarian by taking a history and restraining pets, their day encompasses a multitude of jobs.  A few of them are…

• Phlebotomist
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Surgical Assistants
• X-ray Technicians
• Dental Hygienists
• Nutritionists
• Laboratory Technicians
• Receptionists
• Anesthesiologists
• ER Nurses
• Educators
• Janitors
• Grief Counselors

Licensed Veterinary Technician can also go on to specialize in at least a dozen different areas such as Emergency & Critical Care, Dentistry, Surgery, Behavior, Dermatology, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, just to name a few.

Their jobs can be physically and emotionally demanding.  One moment you can be working with a playful new puppy or kitten, the next you may be assisting with the humane euthanasia of a beloved pet.  Often times you are lifting large dogs or crawling around on the floor.  It is not a career for the faint of heart!

Please take a moment to say “Thank You”, “I appreciate you” or “You do a great job” to your veterinary technicians as we celebrate these special people.  They deserve it and a whole lot more!

Meet the Veterinary Technicians at Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation!

Cathryn

Cathryn has been a licensed veterinary technician for 4 years, but was an assistant for 9 years before she became a technician.  The veterinary field is very unique and always changing with new advancements.  Rehabilitation has allowed her to specialize her training.  The most rewarding aspect is helping her patient’s quality of life and supporting the bond between the pet and their family.

Janelle

Janelle has been a veterinary technician for 1 year. She found her passion for animals while completing a degree in psychology. But once she started down the path to becoming a technician, she never looked back. Her favorite thing about veterinary medicine is that the field is always advancing, and there is always something new to learn to help her patients on their road to feeling better.

Jennie

Jennie graduated from Baker College of Clinton Township’s Veterinary Technician Program and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2011. She has worked in several general practice clinics and an exotic practice in the metro area. She has a chocolate Lab, 2 cats (one who receives acupuncture for his glaucoma), a white dove, 4 goldfish, 5 land snails, and a husband.

Why I became a Vet Tech- For as long as I could remember I have always loved animals and wanted to work with them when I grew up. When I was a senior in high school I found out about becoming a licensed veterinary technician and I knew that was that I wanted to be. I love being an advocate and speaking for my patients. I also love building relationships with my clients and helping them build stronger relationships with their pet.

Colleen

Colleen has been an LVT for 7 years, with 4 of those years dedicated to veterinary rehabilitation, and she has loved every second of it. The thing about rehabilitation that she loves the most, is seeing the patients improve week by week and how this affects their bond with their families. Even the smallest amount of progress can be celebrated; whether it is a recovering stroke patient that is able to roll on to their side, a senior dog able to rise from a sit unassisted or a post-operative cruciate patient able to return to doggy daycare. “It’s not for every technician. For me, being a veterinary technician is amazing, but being a rehabilitation technician, is phenomenal.”

Angelia

Angelia has been a veterinary technician for the past 4 years. She has worked in general practice and emergency medicine but has always had passion for rehabilitation.  The thing she loves the most about rehabilitation is providing the care and attention to the patients that may not always be available elsewhere.  Being able to experience and see the improvement in the patients every day is extremely rewarding. “For me, I feel like I have made a difference for the patients, by providing care to help them live longer healthier lives”.

Kim

Kim has worked in the veterinary field for over 30 years as a receptionist, veterinary assistant, and office manager.  She just celebrated her 4 year anniversary here at Pawsitive Steps Rehab!   She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with animals and landed her first job at a veterinary hospital just after high school.

“What we do for our patients is truly amazing!  We strive to increase and improve the quality of life of client’s fur babies.  It is SO rewarding to see our patients gain strength or feel more comfortable after treatment.  We are often times their last resort.”