Meet MVMA’s New President b Vet/Spring_2014.pdf · SALES & USE TAX FOR VETERINARIANS MVMA continues to be very concerned about sales and use tax audits occurring in Michi-gan. The

m i c h i g a n v e t e r i n a r y m e d i c a l a s s o c i a t i o n

in this issue . . .

2 Board Update

3 Bovine TB Update

3 Pug Myelopathy Study

7 President’s Honor Roll

8 Drs. Krehbiel and Stinson Receive

Awards

10 Doc, My Cow Has a Headache!

14 A Closer Look at Canine Brucellosis

16 Animal Welfare Conference a Great

Success

18 Creating the Client Experience for

Dentistry

23 Mackinac Island Veterinary

Conference

24 Be a Member and Save!

25 MVMA Helps You Explain

Veterinary Costs to Clients

back cover

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

continued on page 2 .

v o l u m e i x • n u m b e r 1 • s p r i n g 2 0 1 4

DR. THERESE BURNS

Meet MVMA’s New President

being a veterinarian, mom, practice owner, and volunteer is challenging. Some days I just want to

escape to a tropical island and throw my phone in the ocean. We all need time for some fun, right?

I find myself thinking a great deal about young veterinarians as they graduate from veterinary

school. It’s not easy to overcome obstacles to advance your career, particularly when you’re dealing with

significant financial debt, thinking about getting married and having children, and juggling multiple

priorities.

Our new graduates want advice on obtaining a job and how to advance in the profession. They need

information on what opportunities exist that will provide them with some actual experience. They crave

relational communication opportunities with their peers and want direct interaction with

leaders.

There are two ways that we can help these young doctors. The first is by

encouraging them to be a part of MVMA. MVMA is working hard to develop

a wide variety of resources to assist them. The website has a “New Docs”

area which includes information on transitioning to practice, licensure,

financial planning, communication strategies with clients, career

information, and more. MVMA can put them in touch with experts

on finances and attorneys who will help them—for free. They can

also sign up to be a part of MVMA’s free Power of Ten Leadership

Academy which provides a series of leadership training modules to

help them improve their skills at work and in other venues.

As more experienced veterinarians, we can assist our recent

graduates by mentoring and supporting them. Provide them with

hands-on opportunities to learn in your practice and give them the

opportunity to interact with leaders in the profession through sup-

porting their participation in organized veterinary medicine. Your

practice will benefit as they develop their leadership skills. Give

them paid time off to attend these opportunities that will

ultimately improve your practice.

You can make a diff erence in the life of a young

veterinarian! As a busy mom of four children, four dogs,

and multiple other critters, I can tell you first-hand that

they need your help. I can also tell you that my time on

the MVMA Board of Directors, Executive Committee,

Public Health Committee, and Leadership Development

Committee have made a huge diff erence in helping me

become a veterinary leader. As Mahatma Gandhi once

said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” cconconconconconcooncononcocoonnnnnnconcocoonconconconconcccooncccooocc ncconnconocc ncc nntintintintintintintintintintintintinnintintintintintintintinnnnt ueduedueduedueduedueduedueddduedddddduedueueedueddddueueueuededdueduedueduedddddedddddeeddddu d ononononononononononnononononononoonononooo papapapapapapapapapapapapapapapapaapappappappapp ge ge ge ge ge ge ge gege ge ge ge ge ge ge gege ge gge ege ge 2222222222222 222222222222222 22 2 2222222 22222 ........

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2144 Commons Pkwy., Okemos, MI 48864-3986

tel (517) 347-4710 · fax (517) 347-4666

email [email protected]

web www.michvma.org

facebook www.facebook.com/ilovemyvet

twitter www.michvma.org

youtube www.youtube.com/michiganvma

pinterest http://pinterest.com/michvma

Published quarterly in March, June,

September, and December.

Deadlines are the first of the preceding month.

editorsKarlene B. Belyea, MBA • Sheri Fandel

2014 mvma officers & directorsofficers

Dr. Therese Burns, President

Dr. Julie Cappel, President-Elect

Dr. Kevin Stachowiak, 1st Vice President

Dr. Bruce Cozzens, 2nd Vice President

Dr. Ralph Huff , Immediate Past President

Dr. Nancy Frank, AVMA Delegate

Dr. Kathleen Smiler, AVMA Alternate Delegate

Karlene Belyea, MBA, Chief Executive Offi cer

directors representing districtsDr. Matthew Taylor, (1) Southern

Vacant, (2 & 3) Michiana & Southwestern

Dr. Melissa Owings, (4) Jackson

Dr. Lauren Gnagey, (5 & 9) Washtenaw & Livingston

Dr. Christian Ast, (6 & 8) Wayne & Oakland

Dr. Tari Kern, (7) Macomb

Dr. Jamie Snow, (10) Mid-State

Dr. Chad Ackerman, (11) Western

Dr. Kurt Dunckel, (12) Saginaw

Dr. Rebeca Barr, (13) Thumb

Dr. Jessica Christensen, (14) Northeastern

Dr. Marcia Izo, (15) Northern

directors representing associationsDr. Mike Thome, MI Equine Practitioners

Dr. Steven Bailey, Southeastern Michigan VMA

at-large directorsDr. Erin Howard, Food Animal

Dr. Charles DeCamp, MSU CVM

Dr. Lori Penman, Lab Animal Medicine

layout/designCharlie Sharp/Sharp Des!gns, Lansing, MI

printing & mailingBRD Printing, Lansing, MI

▪ The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association

represents the veterinary profession in Michigan,

advances the knowledge and standards of its

membership, and promotes the science, practice,

and value of veterinary medicine for the benefi t

of animal and human health.

Professional excellence.

Compassionate care.

MVMA Now Offers Podcasts! MVMA member Dr. Jenna Corbett is recording a series of podcasts which are

available on the MVMA website. The first is “Genetics in Veterinary Practice”

and the second will be a mini-series entitled “Before Buying a Practice.” Many

thanks to Dr. Corbett for her eff orts!

PROGRESS ON STRATEGIC PLAN

n Mandatory Continuing Education (CE)

is on hold since the administration is cur-

rently working to downsize government

entities through the Office of Regulatory

Reinvention (ORR). The Michigan Depart-

ment of Community Health was asked by

Governor Snyder to conduct a high-level

review of the Michigan Public Health Code

to identify opportunities for improving

the health-care regulatory environment

in Michigan. The intent of the project is to

provide the Governor with a set of recom-

mendations as to which parts of the Public

Health Code would benefit from a more

in-depth review in the future. To assist,

MDCH and the Public Health Code Advisory

Committee are seeking input from individu-

als and organizations with expertise or

interest in the requirements of the Public

Health Code. The Committee will review

and analyze suggestions and develop a set

of recommendations. MVMA’s Executive

Committee and CEO submitted comments

on mandatory CE for consideration.

n The Strengthening CE Task Force met

on November 27. The focus of this meeting

was on alternative CE delivery formats and

evaluating the existing structure of MVMA’s

CE Committees. Online CE of current and

past Michigan Veterinary Conference (MVC)

recordings will be provided to 2014 MVC

attendees at no charge so that MVMA can

gather data and track usage for future

planning. Webinars are also being discussed

to assist recent graduates with a variety of

relevant topics.

MVMA INVESTMENT UPDATE & 2014 BUDGET

Wells Fargo Advisors consultants shared

information on MVMA’s investments. The

value of the portfolio as of December 17,

2013, was $801,281 with approximately 62%

in equities, 22% in fixed income, and 16%

in cash and other alternatives. Net of fees,

MVMA’s annual return was 13.5%. MVMA

has taken a diversified, balanced approach

with a focus on growth while mitigating risk.

The Board approved the 2014 budget.

SALES & USE TAX FOR VETERINARIANS

MVMA continues to be very concerned about

sales and use tax audits occurring in Michi-

gan. The State has a new treasurer who may

be helpful with the Sales and Use Tax issue

and MVMA’s lobbyist has met with him. A

preliminary meeting has also occurred with

the Lt. Governor. MVMA has hired a tax

consultant to assist with analyzing the way

various practices are handling these taxes.

We hope that he will ultimately assist in

developing information for veterinarians on

how to best handle Sales and Use Tax.

DECEMBER 18, 2013 MEETING

board update

the michigan veterinarian • spring 2014 3

STATE VETERINARIAN’S MESSAGE

Bovine TB Update

in early January 2014, the Michigan

Department of Agriculture and Rural

Development (MDARD) announced the

culmination of a bovine tuberculosis (TB)

investigation in the Saginaw County area

that had started in March 2013 when a Sagi-

naw County dairy farm was discovered to be

bovine TB positive. A cull cow with lesions

suggestive of TB went through slaughter

channels and United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection

Service (FSIS) examiners identified and

removed the cow for human consumption.

Samples were submitted for laboratory test-

ing and later found to be positive for TB.

In March 2013, MDARD quarantined the

Saginaw dairy farm as part of the bovine TB

response plan and started a trace investiga-

tion into where the farm’s cattle went to,

or came from, in the past five years. Nearly

26,000 cattle were tested as part of the trace

investigation. Veterinarians have quaran-

tined and tested 373 farms in the past nine

months. We could not have accomplished

this without the help of accredited private

practice veterinarians and cattle producers.

This partnership is of utmost importance in

the state and I appreciate your willingness

to collaborate when we ask for assistance.

The investigation found three ad-

ditional TB positive farms—one each

in Midland, Gratiot, and Arenac counties.

No other positive cattle have been revealed.

As a result, the special surveillance areas

in Saginaw, Midland, and Gratiot counties

have been released and the area is consid-

ered TB-free.

Slaughter surveillance is an important

part of the food safety net, since bovine TB

is primarily spread through respiration—the

bacterium is generally found in lung tissue.

As a reminder, to kill any bacteria, all meats

should be thoroughly cooked to an internal

temperature of 165° F for 15 seconds and

all milk should be pasteurized before

consumption.

—James Averill, DVM, PhD, State Veterinarian

Pug Myelopathy Study

michigan veterinarians are encouraged to assist the MSU College of Veterinary

Medicine in the study of spinal cord disease in Pug dogs. Recently, a previously

unreported condition termed “constrictive myelopathy” was described in adult Pug

dogs (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 242: 223–229). The condition involves a progressive incoordination

and weakness of the hind limbs resulting from a constriction of the spinal cord at the thoracolum-

bar junction.

Case histories of ataxic Pugs encountered in Michigan practices are sought to identify the preva-

lence, and potentially unique diagnostic features of constrictive myelopathy and other spinal diseases

seen in purebred Pugs. Lead faculty at MSU CVM are Jon Patterson, DVM, PhD, DACVP, and Elizabeth

Ballegeer, DVM, DACVR. Please contact Dr. Patterson at (517) 353-9471 or [email protected] for

more information. We will provide a questionnaire for description of clinical cases, and/or instructions for

donation of postmortem specimens.

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InMemoriam

n Andrew A. Catey, DVM, died on July 6, 2013, at the age of 58.

He graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary

Medicine and had been a member of MVMA since 1984. Dr. Catey

practiced small-animal medicine at All Paws and Claws Veterinary

Clinic in Angola.

n Charles Stuart Thrush, DVM, died on December 30, 2013, at the age

of 79. He graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Veteri-

nary Medicine and was a life member of MVMA. Dr. Thrush practiced

small-animal medicine and opened Waverly Animal Hospital in Lan-

sing in 1963.

The MVMA extends its sympathy to the friends and families of departed members.

In memory of deceased members, the MVMA contributes $50 to the Michigan

Animal Health Foundation. Friends of deceased members may send memorial

contributions to the Foundation. When contributions reach $500, the

member’s name is entered on a memorial plaque displayed in the MVMA

office. The MVMA staff thanks those thoughtful members who

take time to notify the office and send obituaries of

our recently deceased members.

4 the michigan veterinarian • spring 2014

for & about members

Dr. Hank Vaupel (center) was honored to receive

the Rooker Award for Excellence in

Equine Practice by the Michigan State

University College of Veterinary Medicine and

the Michigan Equine Practitioners’ Association.

The Rooker Award was established in 2012 as

the highest honor bestowed upon a Michigan

Equine Practitioner that has devoted their

career to advancement of veterinary

medicine, and training of future

generations of practitioners

and professionals.

FREE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ADVICE

MVMA often gets calls from members seeking

legal advice on a variety of issues. Consequenly,

MVMA has retained the services of White, Schneider,

Young & Chiodini, P.C. to assist our members with

questions. Members receive free 15-minute telephone

consultations as often as necessary. In addition, if a member decides to pursue legal action using

the firm, they receive a 10% reduction on the attorneys’ customary billing rates.

Do you need guidance on how to best handle your student loans, or help deciding if you can aff ord

to buy a practice and someday retire? Let MVMA’s accountant and financial consultant help you. Members

receive free 15-minute telephone consultation as needed.

Call the MVMA offi ce at (517) 347-4710 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

DISCOUNTS ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT WEBINARS

MVMA has partnered with Wendy Myers and Communication Solutions for Veterinarians to off er monthly

webinars that let you train your entire team for an aff ordable price. Live one-hour webinars are the third Thursday

of each month at 12 and 3 p.m. Eastern time. If your team isn’t available on a webinar date, buy the archived

session and then set a training date that fits your schedule. Each webinar is a MVMA member rate of $89 per

hospital, a savings of $10 off the regular price. An annual membership includes 12 webinars for $1,068 paid at

enrollment, a savings of $120.

To enroll, call 720/344-2347 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time and mention you’re a MVMA member.

member benefits

spotlight



michigan veterinary

conference

this year’s Michigan Veterinary Conference attracted over 1,500

attendees. In addition to the excellent educational program and

outstanding exhibit area, attendees were treated to a variety of

receptions, social events, and new CE venues.

The MVMA Annual Meeting included informative presentations

and awards. Immediate Past President Dr. Ralph Huff spotlighted

the “President’s Honor Roll” to recognize the hard work of MVMA

supporters.

Watch for information on the 2015 Michigan Veterinary Confer-

ence. You won’t want to miss it!

PLATINUMZoetis

GOLDBluePearl Veterinary Partners

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica

CareCredit

Companion Therapy Laser

Dechra Veterinary Products

Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center

Merial Ltd.

Patterson Veterinary Supply

SILVERCEVA Animal Health

Dan Scott & Associates

Diagnostic Center for Population & Animal Health

Kinetic Vet

MSU Federal Credit Union

Nestlé Purina PetCare

Novartis Animal Health

United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Veterinary Dental Products

Wedgewood Pharmacy

BRONZEAnimal Neurology, Rehabilitation & ER Center

Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Services

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services

Drs. Bryan Cornwall and Steve Steep

Drs. Paul Mesack and Gay Gira

Drs. Chris Juroszek, Lisa Kutchins, and Sarah Abood


President Dr. Ralph Huff’s HONOR ROLL

Dr. James Averill, leadership as our State

Veterinarian

Dr. Sarah Abood, leadership on the

Membership Development Committee

Dr. Cathy Anderson, assistance

with “Building Bridges” between

veterinarians and animal care and

control agencies

Dr. Steve Bailey, leadership on the

Strengthening CE Task Force

Dr. Marcie Barber, leadership on the

Animal Welfare Committee

Ms. Karlene Belyea, management of all

aspects of the MVMA

Dr. Jeremy Boge, leadership on the Food

Animal Practice Committee

Dean Chris Brown, leadership of our

college of veterinary medicine

Dr. Kim Buck, coordination of the small

animal seminar series

Dr. Therese Burns, leadership on the

Executive Committee

Dr. Julie Cappel, leadership on the

Executive Committee

Dr. Frank Carmona, leadership on the

Power of Ten Leadership Academy

Mr. George Carr, service in political and

legislative arenas

Dr. Renee Coyer, coordination of the

Upper Peninsula Miracle of Life

Dr. Jeff Dizik, leadership on the Michigan

Animal Health Foundation

Ms. Sheri Fandel, coordination of MVMA

operations and as a tremendous

resource for members

Dr. Nancy Frank, leadership in

representing Michigan in the AVMA

HOD

Dr. Steven Halstead, Senior Livestock

Liaison at MDARD

Dr. Jean Hudson, leadership on the

Legislative Advisory Committee

Ms. Jan Hodge, coordination of

administrative services

Dr. Gail Hoholik, coordination of the

Upper Peninsula Miracle of Life

Dr. Lana Kaiser, coordination of the

MVMA Animal Welfare Conference

Dr. Tari Kern, coordination of People, Pets

& Vets

Dr. Joe Kline, leadership on the Public

Health Committee

Dr. Jan Krehbiel, leadership as AVMA

District V Representative

Dr. Larry Letsche, leadership on the Board

of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Angela Lusty, leadership on the Power

of Ten Leadership Academy

Ms. Amy Morris, leadership in MVMA

Public Relations

Dr. Pat O’Handley, leadership on the

Ethics and Grievance Committee

Dr. Pete Prescott, leadership on the Ethics

and Grievance Committee

Ms. Kara Henrys, management of member

benefits and student programs

Dr. Ed Rosser, leadership on the Joint CE

Committee and MVC

Dr. Mary Seager, leadership on the Awards

Committee

Dr. Kathy Smiler, leadership in

representing Michigan in the AVMA

HOD

Dr. Kevin Stachowiak, leadership on

the Executive and Legislative Advisory

Committees

Dr. Mike Thome, leadership on the

Leadership Development Committee

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DISTINGUISHED LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Established in 1970, the Distinguished Life-

time Achievement Award is conferred upon

only a few individuals of the highest profes-

sional caliber who have completed thirty-five

consecutive years of active membership and

have partaken actively in association obliga-

tions and otherwise served the veterinary

profession in an exemplary fashion at the

state and/or national levels. This is the high-

est award conferred by the MVMA.

Dr. Janver Krehbiel worked at MSU CVM for

almost 40 years. During his early years at

the college, he earned his master’s degree

and later his PhD with a National Institute

of Health Special Post Doctoral Fellowship

in the department of pathology where he

continued as an instructor.

After earning higher education degrees,

Dr. Krehbiel moved through the professional

ranks to full professor and served as director

of the clinical pathology laboratory. In 1983,

he was appointed acting associate dean for

professional and undergraduate education

and then became dean for academic and

student aff airs in 1989. In 1998, he was

appointed senior associate dean for admin-

istration and associate dean for academic

programs. In addition, he twice served as

acting dean and in 2006 he was appointed

Director of International Programs for CVM.

Dr. Jan Krehbiel’s leadership has had a

significant and lasting impact upon MVMA,

the college, and students, faculty, staff ,

alumni, and friends. His duties required him

to manage the delicate balance of acting as

an advocate for both faculty and students.

In addition to his stellar career, Dr. Krehbiel

is a member and Diplomate of the American

College of Veterinary Pathologists (boarded

both in anatomic and clinical pathology)

Drs. Krehbiel and Stinson

Receive AwardsAT THIS YEAR’S MICHIGAN VETERINARY CONFERENCE,

THE ASSOCIATION GAVE TWO OF ITS MOST

PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS TO OUR SPECIAL MEMBERS.

Dr. Ralph Huff presents Dr. Janvier Krehbiel with the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.


and has received numerous awards for his

incredible service.

Dr. Krehbiel has served as President of

MVMA, President of the American Society

for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Chairper-

son of the Association of Academic Deans,

Chairperson of the AVMA Informatics Com-

mittee, Chairperson of the National Board

of Veterinary Medical Examiners and six

years as a member of the AVMA Council of

Education and the Committee on Veterinary

Technician Education and Activities.

In 2007, Dr. Krehbiel was elected as the

AVMA District 5 representative on the AVMA

Executive Board. In 2012, the AVMA Board

elected him as its chair. He did an amazing

job on this Board representing organized

veterinary medicine and MVMA was proud

to thank him with the Distinguished Life-

time Achievement Award for his progressive

work, tremendous dedication, and many

years of service.

W. KENNETH McKERSIE SERVICE AWARD

TheW. Kenneth McKersie Service Award is

conferred upon a member of the MVMA for

cumulative service and accomplishments

benefiting the profession of veterinary medi-

cine, the community, and the Association.

In 1964, Dr. Al Stinson was a professor at

MSU until he retired in 1994 as Professor

Emeritus. During that 30-year period, he

taught microscopic anatomy and animal be-

havior to thousands of Michigan veterinar-

ians, supported Michigan dog breeders with

his legislative lobbying, and raised over a

million dollars to support research of pure-

bred dogs at MSU. After his retirement, he

continued to be active in the support of the

veterinary and dog breeding industries and

was an active member of MVMA’s Legislative

Advisory Committee until 2012.

Dr. Stinson’s accomplishments in

Michigan’s dog industry included being

Vice President of the Obedience Training

Club of Greater Lansing, President of the

Ingham County Kennel Club, President of

the Huron River Labrador Retriever Club,

President of the Michigan Association for

Pure Bred Dogs, Founder and Director of

Legislative Aff airs for the Michigan Hunt-

ing Dog Federation, and Co-founder and

Executive Director of the Michigan State

University Pure Bred Dog Endowment Fund,

an endowed fund with a current value of

more than $1.5 million. He also served on

the Board of Directors of the American Dog

Owners Association for a number of years

and as Michigan’s legislative liaison for the

American Kennel Club.

In 2001, the United Kennel Club pre-

sented Dr. Stinson the first Fred T. Miller

Memorial Award. He received this award

in recognition of his work lobbying for

the rights of dog owners, particularly in

his tireless fight against breed-specific

dangerous dog laws, dog limitation laws,

and anti-breeder laws. For his outstanding

contributions to veterinary science, MVMA’s

Legislative Advisory Committee, Michigan

dog breeders and owners, and pure-bred

dog research, MVMA was pleased to

recognize Dr. Stinson with the W. Kenneth

McKersie Service Award.

Dr. Ralph Huff presents the W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award to Paul Stinson, accepting the honor for his

father, Dr. Al Stinson.


Doc, my cow has a

headache!Dr. Lana Kaiser

imagine you are a human with a head-

ache—you reach into your medicine

cabinet, select a pain reliever approved

for use in humans, read the label, take a

pill— and your headache is gone.

Now imagine you are a cattle veterinar-

ian about to perform a painful procedure on

a calf. You reach into the medicine cabinet—

and it is empty.

In the US, currently, there are no medica-

tions approved for use in cattle for pain

relief. That means that any time we choose

to mitigate pain in cattle we are using

drugs in an extra label manner. In addition,

unlike extra label use in small animals,

cattle veterinarians need to be concerned

about violative residues in meat and milk.

You might ask, isn’t Banamine (flunixin

meglamine) used for pain relief in cattle?

Indeed, Banamine and the generics

have been used for a long time to

relieve (or we think to relieve)

pain in cattle, but the label

for Banamine use in cattle

states that it “is indicated for

the control of pyrexia associ-

ated with bovine respiratory

disease, endotoxemia and

acute bovine mastitis,” and it

is “also indicated for the control

of inflammation in endotoxemia.”

Banamine has a four-day slaughter withhold

when given IV and because it appears that it

is often not given by that route, it is a major

cause of violative residues in dairy cattle.

There was a time when very few, includ-

ing veterinarians, considered the relief

of pain in cattle, and which may not be

surprising as there was also a time when

surgery was performed on newborn infants

with little consideration for pain. Today it

is diff erent, or at least it should be, because

now we know that cattle are capable of per-

ceiving and reacting to pain. We also know

that the bovine nervous system involved in

emotions, like pain and fear, is very similar

to ours, and that mitigating pain is a good

thing for the animal.

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Dr. Lana Kaiser

and it is empty.

In the US, curr

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Gone are the days when we thought that

if the animal was in pain it would be quiet

and heal faster. Expansion of the moral

circle, feminization of the profession, and

a greater awareness of the neurobiology of

pain all play a part in our increasing desire

to improve animal welfare and provide pain

mitigation for cattle.

We can use disbudding/dehorning strate-

gies as an example of improving welfare

and mitigating pain. Research, as well as

common sense, supports the notion that it is

better to do it earlier. Disbudding (removal

of the horn cells before they become

attached to the skull at approximately 2

months of age) is preferred to dehorning,

and ideally should be done within the

first few days of life. Disbudding uses heat

(hot-iron), chemicals (caustic paste), or

amputation to remove the horn cells while

dehorning requires physical methods which

result in the amputation of the horn. In all

cases there is pain.

The most welfare-friendly and least pain-

ful way to dehorn calves is genetic—use a

homozygous polled bull. Polled is dominant

and horned is recessive; all calves sired by

a homozygous polled bull with be polled.

While in beef cattle a high percentage (ap-

prox 75%) of calves are born polled (without

horns), currently most dairy calves are born

horned. In beef operations slightly more

than half of calves born horned will be

dehorned before leaving the farm or ranch,

the remainder are not dehorned because the

horn is valuable, or a breed characteristic,

or someone forgot!

Most dairy calves are separated from

their dam within 24 hours of birth, generally

placed in individual hutches, and could be

dehorned relatively easily within the first

week of life. Some dairy farms have started

using paste applied while the calf is nursing

colostrum. While beef calves may be tagged

at birth, in some operations they are not

handled again until near weaning. Thus the

management of dehorning may be diff erent

in beef and dairy calves.

In general, dehorning should be done

early in life and with consideration given

to mitigate pain. While in several European

countries administration of local anesthesia

before dehorning is legislated, in North

America we prefer to follow “codes of

practice.” Following the code is voluntary,

thus the use of pain control for disbudding

or dehorning is voluntary.

The Canadian Code of Practice requires

that “Pain control must be used when de-

horning or disbudding,” but again following

the code is voluntary.

Dehorning is painful and we have a

responsibility to mitigate the pain associ-

ated with the procedure. While there are no

approved drugs for pain relief in cattle, extra

label use of nonsteroidal anti inflammatory

drugs, especially meloxicam, combined with

local anesthesia (cornual nerve block) and

or sedation can be used to mitigate the pain

associated with disbudding/dehorning.

Hans Coetzee and his group have done

extensive studies evaluating the efficacy

of meloxicam on mitigating pain in cattle.

They have demonstrated that plasma

drug concentrations are maintained in an

eff ective range for 3–5 days after a single

administration of 1 mg/kg and that this dose

is useful in mitigating the pain of dehorn-

ing. In addition they have demonstrated

that meloxicam may be useful in lameness,

decreasing stress associated with long

travel, and if given prior to castration in feed

lot cattle prevention of respiratory disease.

Further, a single dose of meloxicam is ef-

fective if given 12 hours before dehorning or

at the time of dehorning. Meloxicam is given

orally at a dose of three 15 mg tabs per 100

lbs. While Banamine (flunixin meglumine)

is an approved NSAID for use in cattle,

when used for relief of pain, it is considered

an ELDU and must comply with AMDUCA

regulations.

Diff erences between the two drugs, in-

cluding meloxicams purported COX-2 selec-

tivity, four time longer half-life, and ease of

administration (oral vs. intravenous), may

make meloxicam a more attractive choice in

pain management in cattle.

Dr. Kaiser is a physician and bovine veterinarian who has

a beef cattle practice, raises registered Maine-Anjou and

Red Angus cattle and is a member of the MVMA Animal

Welfare and Food Animal Practice Committees.

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Percentage of veterinarians using analgesia before and/or after castration in diff erent animals and countries.

From 2012 Schwartzkopf-Genswein, Fierheller, Caulkett, Janzen, Pajor, González, and Moya, “Achieving pain

control for routine management procedures in North American beef cattle,” doi:10.2527/af.2012-0049




in late November 2013, the State Veterinarian issued a warning

to dog owners: test for canine brucellosis. This came as a result

of three investigations into canine brucellosis over the course of

four months, spanning late summer into fall. Canine brucellosis is a

reportable disease in Michigan but not in all states.

Testing for canine brucellosis sounds like a simple solution to

avoid an outbreak, but tests are not necessarily a definitive method to

determine the presence of the bacterial infection. Veterinarians and

owners need to be aware of the insidious nature of Brucella canis as it

poses a serious health risk for all dogs as well as the general human

population and it is incredibly difficult to conclusively diagnose.

Courtney Chapin

MSU Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health

A Closer Look at Canine Brucellosis

— Not Just a Dog STD

inset photo, right, above: Testicle, dog. Interstitial hyperplasia

markedly expands the interstitium and separates and surrounds

degenerate seminiferous tubules (hematoxylin and eosin, 200×).


Tackling MisconceptionsIn dogs, there are many misconceptions

about brucellosis infection. Most of the time,

the animals are asymptomatic carriers of

the disease. They often do not show clinical

signs of infection yet, if positive for Brucella,

they shed organisms into the environment.

The organism is shed through any body

fluid—including saliva, blood, urine, semen,

and vaginal fluids. Once the organisms are

in the environment, all dogs (castrated,

spayed, or intact) and people are susceptible

to infection. Transmission commonly occurs

via ingestion of contaminated material or

through the venereal route; however, infec-

tion also occurs via contact with the oral/

nasal or conjunctival mucosa.

Canine brucellosis is often associated

only with breeding animals because the eas-

ily recognized clinical signs of infection

are infertility, abortion, or stillbirth.

However, in a group or kennel

situation, infected breeding

dogs also expose non-breeding

animals to the disease primarily

because urine and aborted tis-

sue/discharge contaminate the

general environment. Owners

and breeders often do not con-

sider this type of environmental

exposure and should be counseled

to be aware of the risks.

Canine brucellosis should be sus-

pected when dogs present with a variety

of conditions, such as uveitis, discospondy-

litis, infertility (in males or females), abor-

tion, and orchitis/epididymitis. Contrary to

much of the information present online, it

is not easy to diagnose, it is not limited only

to breeding dogs, it is very difficult to treat/

cure, and humans are at risk of infection.

Conclusive TestingCanine brucellosis is difficult to diagnose

because the majority of available serologic

diagnostic tests are not conclusive. In addi-

tion, in asymptomatic carriers, the bacteria

are sequestered in the bone marrow and

lymph nodes once it enters the body. Dogs

may only show symptoms immediately after

infection.

Brucella canis is a fastidious organism.

It grows slowly and is easily overgrown by

other organisms in culture. Therefore, a

routine 48-hour bacterial isolation may be

deemed “negative” when, in fact, brucel-

losis is present. Veterinarians need to tell

their diagnostic laboratory that they suspect

brucellosis so the sample is cultured for a

longer time period (up to 14 days).

Because the organism is challenging

to culture, serologic testing is often used.

However, dogs may be infected for as long

as 8–12 weeks before

the antibodies are high

enough to be detected.

A recently infected dog

could have negative

serologic results despite

being infected with

Brucella canis.

Additionally, when

dogs present with

conditions that could pinpoint brucellosis

infection (uveitis, discospondylitis, etc.)

they often are empirically treated with an-

tibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotic therapy

may interfere with culture. However, even

if antibiotics clear the organism from the

blood stream, the antibody titer may still be

detected via serologic testing.

Dogs with positive serologic test results

should be quarantined until the diagnosis is

confirmed (or refuted) by a culture.

The Diagnostic Center for Population and

Animal Health (DCPAH) off ers three options

for Brucella canis testing: Brucella culture,

Brucella canis antibody/slide agglutination

(90009), and a Brucella canis IFA titer test

(60067).

In addition to providing a numerical

titer, IFA is a sensitive test that may identify

weak infections earlier than the in-house

slide agglutination test. The IFA can be used

on both acute and convalescent samples.

Although it requires more set-up than the

slide agglutination (more than one hour as

opposed to two minutes), the IFA test has

virtually the same turnaround time and

price. While the IFA does not satisfy most

export requirements, it is recommended

for screening cases in which Brucella canis

infection is suspected.

Increasing AwarenessVeterinarians can help increase awareness

among dog owners and breeders by being

mindful of where dogs are being procured,

whether or not the animal has been in

transit, and by looking at the sources of

“pet” quality dogs (where did your client

buy/receive their pet?). Keep an open

dialog with clients, test all animals that

may be used for breeding, and counsel your

clients to never acquire a dog with known

reproductive problems.

In Michigan, the majority of positive

dogs are coming from kennels that may

be referred to as “puppy mills” (often

selling dogs to pet stores), “designer” dog

breeds, establishments that breed multiple

varieties of dog breeds, rescue groups,

and shelters. These are dogs intended to

be pets, not the show dogs or performance

dogs veterinarians usually associate with

dog breeders.

Veterinarians need to ask their clients

about their dog’s history, especially with

new dogs and puppies.

Because Brucella canis is a zoonotic

organism, veterinarians play a critical role

in protecting the health of their human cli-

ents (and the public) by diagnosing canine

brucellosis in dogs.

Veterinarians are encouraged to keep

canine brucellosis on their list of dif-

ferentials for uveitis and discospondylitis

regardless of the dog’s breeding status,

neutered or intact, and to submit samples

to a diagnostic laboratory for additional

testing as needed.

Please contact DCPAH’s Immunodiagnos-

tics/Parasitology lab at (517) 353-1683 with

any questions about which testing method

for Brucella canis may be most appropriate

for a particular case.

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present online, [brucellosis] is not easy to

diagnose, it is not limited only to breeding

dogs, it is very difficult to treat/cure, and

humans are at risk of infection. ”

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mVMA held an Animal Welfare Conference on November

25, 2013. The conference featured a wide variety of speak-

ers and focused on how veterinarians work together with

producers and others for humane treatment of animals at every stage

of life. Topics included assessing canine behaviors in shelters, under-

standing the disconnect between society and high-tech agriculture,

the historical perspective of animal welfare, facial expressions of

animal pain, who has the better welfare—4-H chickens or the small

commercial flock, the unwanted horse issue, and a live pig handling

demonstration. There were approximately 300 attendees at the event

including DVMs, LVTs, industry representatives, farmers, producers,

shelter personnel, animal welfare enthusiasts, and members of the

public. MVMA plans to hold another conference on November 24,

2014, Dr. Lana Kaiser and Cathy Anderson were honored for their

work in the animal welfare arena. Stay tuned for more information

on the upcoming 2014 Animal Welfare Conference!

animalwelfare conference a great success!


Dr. Lana KaiserDr. Lana Kaiser was recognized at the MVMA

Animal Welfare Conference with a certificate

of appreciation for her work on the event.

The MVMA’s Animal Welfare Conference

has been taking place since 2010 and is one

of the best in the country. The event brings

experts in animal behavior and welfare

from across the country for a full day of

educational sessions and networking at

Michigan State University.

“Dr. Kaiser’s eff orts to make this confer-

ence an unprecedented experience have

been astonishing,” said Karlene Belyea,

MVMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “The

ultimate results of this are improved animal

well-being and a higher level of knowledge

among practitioners and others who work

with animals.”

Dr. Kaiser is a 1995 graduate of Michigan

State University’s College of Veterinary

Medicine and she resides on a farm in

Mason. She raises Maine-Anjou and Red

Angus cattle and has a beef cattle veterinary

practice. She is involved in issues of animal

behavior and welfare at the county, state

and national level. She is also a graduate

of Michigan State University’s College

of Human Medicine, is a Board Certified

(Human) Internist, and was a professor in

the departments of physiology and medicine

in the College of Human Medicine at Michi-

gan State University.

Dr. Cathy Anderson Dr. Cathy Anderson was also recognized at

the MVMA Animal Welfare Conference with

a certificate of appreciation for the Building

Bridges presentations she has been giving

across the state and country on behalf of the

organization.

Building Bridges is a program intended

to improve relationships between private

practitioners and animal welfare organiza-

tions. Dr. Anderson has presented to classes

at Michigan State University’s College of

Veterinary of Medicine, at the Michigan

Partnership for Animal Welfare Confer-

ence, at Michigan’s No-Kill Conference,

to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical

Association, and to numerous local groups

in Michigan.

“Dr. Anderson has made a tremendous

contribution with this program that will

have lasting eff ects on the veterinary com-

munity and on many professions that have

a direct impact on the well-being of animals

in the state,” said Karlene Belyea, MVMA’s

Chief Executive Officer. “This program has

improved relationships between private

practitioners and animal welfare organiza-

tions and our hope is that it will continue.”

Dr. Anderson’s primary position is as

Jackson County Animal Shelter’s shelter

medicine veterinarian. She is a member of

the Animal Welfare and Legislative Com-

mittees of the MVMA. She is an adjunct

professor at Baker College of Clinton Town-

ship where she teaches in the veterinary

technology program, and is one of the

founding members of PAWS Pet Rescue out

of Brighton.


although your team recommends the best medical care for

pets, sticker shock may prevent some clients from accept-

ing dental treatments. The average dental case totals $427,

according to the 2013 AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 8th edition

(see sidebar).1 To get more clients to accept dentistry, we must com-

municate its value.

“Clients want optimal dental care—a higher quality service,” says

Dr. Ed Eisner, Diplomate AVDC, at Animal Hospital Specialty Center

in Highlands Ranch, Colo. “We must off er competence, service,

and value for dentistry. When we communicate value, clients will

appreciate our dental services, pay their bills, tell friends, and return

for annual or semi-annual dental care.”

Here’s how you can create a great experience for dentistry that

makes clients smile.

CREATE PHOTO BOOKS OR SLIDESHOWS

Most pet owners have never seen an animal’s dental procedure from

start to finish. To make a photo list, use your dental treatment plan

template as a guide. Match the order of your photos to the order

creating the client experience for dentistry

Wendy S. Myers

Share dental x-rays with clients to show value for professional services. IDEXX

I-Vision MobileTM Application allows you to show radiographs on tablets and

iPads as well as email them to clients or specialists.


of the procedure. For example, your first

picture would be of a veterinarian perform-

ing an oral exam and assessing the pet’s

grade of dental disease. Be sure that photos

are kid-friendly because children will want

to see the images you’re showing to their

parents. Take a photo of a smiling techni-

cian in your in-clinic lab to demonstrate

preanesthetic testing—don’t show a jugular

blood draw on a patient (scary!).

Professionally print your photo books.

Create dental photo books using websites

such as Shutterfly, Walgreens, or Costco.

Place photo books in each exam room and

your lobby. Use photos books when present-

ing dental treatment plans to clients. For a

digital option, create slideshows on digital

photo frames, tablets, or exam room com-

puters. When computers hibernate, your

slideshow becomes the screen saver.

The American Animal Hospital Associa-

tion (AAHA) off ers a book to use in exam

room conversations, Healthy Mouth, Healthy

Pet: Why Dental Care Matters (www.aahanet.

org). Dr. Jan Bellows, Diplomate AVDC, of

All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, Fla., has a

series of five smile books that can be viewed

on his website at www.dentalvet.com. Vet-

erinary Information Network members can

download his books at no charge at www.

vin.com.

DESCRIBE ANESTHESIA SAFETY PROTOCOLS

“Once an animal reaches age 10, more

clients are afraid of anesthesia,” says

Kathy Pershing, CVT, a dental technician at

Animal Hospital Specialty Center. “I explain

that three people are actively involved in the

pet’s dental procedure: two certified veteri-

nary technicians and Dr. Eisner. We also use

sevoflurane, monitoring equipment, and

warming blankets.”

PRESENT SERVICE FIRST, PRICE LAST

When recommending dental treatments,

avoid saying “estimate,” which centers on

price. “Treatment plan” emphasizes needed

medical care. Stand at the end of the exam

table, forming L-shaped body language,

or position yourself shoulder-to-shoulder

with the client. This is collaborative body

language, compared to a confrontational

posture of talking across the table with a

physical barrier between you and the client.

Because clients need to understand ser-

vice first, cover prices with an educational

brochure such as Virbac’s dental report card

(brochure #VP028) or preanesthetic testing

brochure. Explain each item, pointing to the

left column that lists medical services. After

you’ve shared photos and discussed medical

services, reveal the price. Educating clients

before showing prices helps them make

informed decisions. Clients may jump to

judgment if they see the price first without

understanding the comprehensiveness of

professional dental care.

SCHEDULE ADMISSION APPOINTMENTS

Avoid using the term “drop off ,” which

implies the admission process takes

seconds. Schedule a 15-minute admission

appointment with a technician or veterinar-

ian. In the privacy of an exam room, you can

have the client sign consent forms, collect

contact phone numbers, answer questions,

and explain when you will call following

the procedure. If technicians admit patients,

make sure a veterinarian is available in case

the client has additional questions.

When client care coordinators make

confirmation calls, they would explain fast-

ing instructions and then tell clients, “Your

dental admission appointment is scheduled

for 7:45 to 8:00 a.m. with a technician, who

will spend 15 minutes reviewing the consent

form, answering your questions and getting

phone numbers where we can reach you on

the day of the procedure. Please allow at

least 15 minutes for your pet’s admission to

the hospital. If you have questions, please

call us at (555) 555-5555.”

GIVE CLIENTS YOUR BUSINESS CARD

During the admission appointment, give cli-

ents business cards of the veterinarian and

technician who will perform the procedure.

This instills confidence and communicates

your professionalism. A technician would

say, “We will call you after 1 p.m. when we

have finished your pet’s dental procedure.

If you have questions before then, here’s my

business card and the doctor’s.” Clients also

may use the business card if they have ques-

tions about home-care instructions after the

patient is discharged. Watch my video on

using business cards at www.YouTube.com/

csvets.

USE A DENTAL CONSENT FORM

Once the pet is under anesthesia, a compre-

hensive oral exam and dental x-rays may

AVERAGE DENTAL CASE TOTAL

The average dental case is $427, accord-

ing to AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference,

8th edition.1 This includes a preanes-

thetic exam, CBC with diff erential,

chemistry panel with eight chemistries,

dental x-rays, 30 minutes of anesthesia,

IV catheter and placement, IV fluids,

dental scaling and polishing, subgingival

curettage, fluoride application, electronic

monitoring, post-procedure pain medica-

tion, post-procedure injectable antibiot-

ics, hospitalization, and one-week

supply of antibiotics.

Use Google Voice’s free service to text a client when

a patient wakes from dentistry. The text has a time

and date stamp and the client’s cell number for

documentation in medical records.


reveal additional care. In addition to the an-

esthesia consent form, have clients sign to

authorize additional dental services if neces-

sary. Always call to update the client on any

additional services and prices. If you can’t

reach the pet owner, this consent form tells

you whether to perform all necessary dental

procedures, add services up to a specific

dollar amount, or if the client declines any

unforeseen dental procedures.

TEXT CLIENTS AFTER DENTAL PATIENTS

ARE AWAKE

Add this statement to your anesthesia

consent form: “How would you like to hear

from us when your pet wakes from the pro-

cedure?” Then list text, email, or phone call.

If a complication occurs, always call the

client. Expect up to half of clients to choose

text notification.

Never use a practice cell phone to text

clients because you can’t print the text to

document it in medical records. Another

danger: Clients may expect you to answer

the practice’s cell phone 24/7. Google Voice

and Gmail Chat off er free texting services

that time and date stamp conversations,

which you could print for paper medical

records or save as PDFs in electronic medi-

cal records. Gmail Chat also allows you to

attach photos. Dental technicians would log

into Google Voice or Gmail Chat as patients

are recovered to update clients and remind

them about discharge appointments (see

photo).

TAKE BEFORE-AND-AFTER DENTAL PHOTOS

Few clients look at the back of their pets’

mouths. Photos often show dramatic

improvements and communicate value for

dental services. Incorporate photos and

x-ray images into discharge instructions.

PROVIDE A DENTAL REPORT CARD

“Write a pictorial case summary report

with photos and x-rays,” advises Dr. Eisner.

“Create a template in Word so it’s easy to

format and revise.” In addition to showing

value, a dental report card helps family

members who were not present understand

the procedure. See my book, The Veterinary

Practice Management Resource Book & CD,

for a dental report card (www.csvets.com/

books/).

SHARE DENTAL X-RAYS

The 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines

for Dogs and Cats recommend taking

radiographs of the entire mouth, which

are necessary for accurate evaluation and

diagnosis. Intraoral radiographs revealed

clinically important pathology in 28% of

dogs and 42% of cats when no abnormal

findings were noted during initial exams.2

When presenting the dental treatment plan, use collaborative body language. Stand at the end of the exam table to form L-shaped body language (left) or stand

shoulder-to-shoulder next to the client (right).


AAHA also off ers a dental radiology poster

to help educate clients about the importance

of dental x-rays (www.aahanet.org).

DISCHARGE FIRST, PAY LAST

Clients need to understand all of the

services that were performed before they see

the final bill. During discharge, explain the

procedure and potential complications such

as vocalization, bleeding, coughing or signs

of pain to watch for at home. Discuss any

prescribed antibiotics and medication for

inflammation and pain. Also demonstrate

home-care products.

When you off er a product in the exam

room, it’s medicine. When it’s sold at the

front desk, it’s retail. Because a dental diet

may be part of ongoing therapy, bring the

therapeutic diet into the exam room. Tell

the client, “Because your pet was treated

for dental disease today, he needs to eat this

therapeutic diet to maintain his oral health.

Let me explain how to transition to the new

food and also tell you how much to feed.”

Put a prescription label on the diet, which

has the pet’s name, how much to feed and

where to get refills.

“Release consults can be delegated to

well-trained staff , but clients are even more

impressed if the doctor takes time to explain

what was done,” Dr. Eisner advises.

CALL CLIENTS AFTER DENTAL PATIENTS

HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED

Depending upon the discharge time, call

the pet owner later that evening or the next

morning. Ask about the pet’s condition,

ability to give dispensed medications,

use of home-care products, and answer

questions.

In dental group codes in your practice-

management software, automatically turn

on a callback for one day later. Whenever

this service is invoiced, a callback will

be generated. Have the technician who

performed the procedure call the client.

The employee already has a face-to-face

relationship with the client, knows details

of the procedure, and can answer questions

the client may have. Just as you use doctor

ID codes to track production, create staff

ID codes so each employee who delivered

care for a specific patient is linked to that

medical record. This will keep callbacks

organized and give staff accountability.

SEND DENTAL REMINDERS

Whenever an invoice is generated, a

reminder for a follow-up oral assessment

will automatically follow. Link reminders to

dental group codes. Get dental reminders in

my book, The Veterinary Practice Manage-

ment Resource Book & CD (www.csvets.com/

books/).

Because optimal service doesn’t just hap-

pen, plan a staff meeting to develop a strat-

egy of how your team will deliver A+ dental

services and increase client understanding

and perception of value. “Don’t think ‘My

clients won’t pay more,’” advises Dr. Eisner.

“You need to show more value.”

DENTAL REMINDER INTERVALS

service reminder cycle

Grade 1 dental treatment . . . . . . . .12 months

Grade 2 dental treatment . . . . . . . . . 9 months

Grade 3 dental treatment . . . . . . . . . 6 months

Grade 4 dental treatment . . . . . . . . . .3 months

REFERENCES 1. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 8th edition, AAHA

Press 2013; p. 115.

2. Verstraete FJ, Kass PH, Terpak CH. Diagnostic value

of full-mouth radiography in cats. Am J Vet Res

1998; 59(6):692–5.

Wendy S. Myers owns

Communication Solutions for

Veterinarians and is a partner in

Animal Hospital Specialty Center,

a 10-doctor AAHA-accredited

referral practice in Highlands

Ranch, Colo. She helps teams

improve compliance and client

service through consulting,

seminars and webinars. You can reach her at wmyers@

csvets.com or www.csvets.com.

Because clients need to understand service before price, place a dental or preanesthetic testing brochure over

the total. After you share step-by-step photos of a dental treatment and describe services, reveal the price so

the client can make an informed decision.


Annual Controlled Substance Inventory

Board of Pharmacy Rules 338.3151 and 338.3152 and Michigan Stat-

ute MCL 333.7321 require veterinarians with a controlled substance

license issued by the Board of Pharmacy to conduct an annual

inventory of all controlled substances in Schedules 2–5 under their

control. The inventory must be submitted to the State between

April 1 and June 30. An inventory is required for each location where

controlled substances are kept, beginning on the day the licensee

first engages in the practice. The annual inventory must be signed

and dated by the licensee, with the licensee’s name, address, and

DEA number.

Schedule 2 drugs must be listed separately from all other drugs

and exact counts must be made. For substances listed in schedules

3, 4, and 5, the count or measure may be estimated, but if the

container holds more than 1,000 dosage units (pills, etc.), then an

accurate count is required.

Federal law requires a biannual inventory be taken and kept on

the premises. Saving a copy of the annual state inventory will

put the veterinarian in compliance with this requirement.

Send the state inventory to: State of Michigan,

Bureau of Health Professions, Health

Investigation Division, 6546 Mercantile

Way, Suite 2, PO Box 30454 ,

Lansing, MI 48909.

For questions or

additional information,

call (517) 373-1737 or email

[email protected].


Veterinary Parasitology, Michael Dryden, DVM, PhD Sponsored by Merial, Ltd.

Practice Management, Mary Ann Vande Linde, DVM Sponsored by IDEXX

Plus plenty of fun evening events!

You won’t want to miss this year’s Summer Conference!

Watch for the full brochure with complete details in April.

mvmamackinac islandveterinary conference

July 13–15, 2014 | Mackinac Island, MI

don’t miss it!

24 the michigan veterinarian • spring 201424 the michigan veterinarian • spring 2014

potential savings

— high end$10,000

$9,000

$8,000

$7,000

$6,000

$5,000

$4,000

$3,000

$2,000

$1,000

potential savings

— low end

annual dues—

just 74¢ per day!

POTENTIALSAVINGS

Dear MVMA Member,

MVMA is one of the most progressive, passionate, and

dedicated veterinary organizations with more than

2,200 veterinarian leaders. By continuing as a member

of MVMA, you are connected with great ideas and great

people. You will be inspired!

Did you know statistics show that a person who

joins an association makes an average of $10,000 more

per year than one who does not? MVMA has all the

answers—and if we don’t, we know how to get them. As a

member, you can call or email us anytime and we’ll help.

We can solve your problems so that you have more time

in your life!

Are you satisfied with your current veterinary posi-

tion? Did you know that 72% of people who belong to an

association are very satisfied with their jobs compared

with fewer than half of people who don’t belong to

one? We can help with all your career needs.

MVMA off ers educational programs that are worth

getting up at 5 a.m. and driving halfway across the state

to attend—and 95% of past attendees rate our confer-

ences as one of the most important moves in advancing

their career.

You have joined the Future of Veterinary Medicine.

We are here to make your life as an MVMA member

easier. Don’t forget to renew your membership!

Warmly,

Karlene Belyea, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

individual member benefits annual

educational discounts

Michigan Veterinary Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110

Small Animal Series Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–150

Summer Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100

MVMA Animal Welfare Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50

Other CE Off erings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–200+

The Michigan Veterinarian, official magazine of the MVMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75

Free E-Newsletter and Urgent Issues Broadcasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175

Free legal services (15-minute consultations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50+

Free fi nancial advice (15-minute consultatations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50+

MVMA online directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90

Free relief vet ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–200

Discounted x-ray badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25–500+

Discounts on classified ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30–120

Vetstreet Online Communications savings/discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500+

Discounted human resource/payroll service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–250+

Discounted office supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–500+

Discounted custom imprinting for cards, stationary, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25–100+

Discounted office equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–500+

Discounted dish network service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $195+

Discounted ADT security systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,070+

Discounted on-hold message systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–200

Discounted Hertz car rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–50+

Discounted credit card processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–500+

Discounted business consultation services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–250+

Discounted phone, Internet, and data services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–250+

Discounted Spectrum surgical instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–500+

Discounted Lands End business attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50–250+

Discounted practice management webinars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–120+

Discounted burial & cremation services (5% discount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50+

Discounted MSU Federal Credit Union products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50+

Discounted legal consents for veterinary practice (15% discount) . . . . . . . . . . $25+

Free client satisfaction surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500+

Free “Cost of Compassion” brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35–75

Free “Pet Health Insurance” brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35–75

Free “Learn Before You Leap” brochures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35–75

Free rabies protocol charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10

Discounted long-term care insurance (1 person) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .approx. $150

Discounted disability insurance (15% discount) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .approx. $175

Discounted auto and homeowners insurance (10% discount) . . . . . . . . . . $50–200

Veterinary Career Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25–200+

Model Animal Hospital Personnel Policies Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,200+

Michigan Law for Veterinary Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100

Legislative representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . priceless

Client referral services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . priceless

MVMA “Members Only” access on the website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . priceless

Complaint resolution before legal or licensure action is initiated . . . . . . . priceless

total savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,555–9,990

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .

ALL THESEBENEFITS & MOREFOR ONLY 74¢PER DAY!

be a member and save!


MVMA Helps You Explain Veterinary Costs to Clients

from time to time, media outlets will run

stories about the cost of veterinary care

like 20/20 did in November 2013. While

this may put you in a difficult position, it is

actually an opportunity for you to encourage

an open dialogue with your clients to better

communicate the value of the care you off er.

MVMA is dedicated to equipping you

with resources you need to refute inaccurate

assumptions and proactively promote a close

relationship with your clients. A quantity

of our “Cost of Compassion” brochures is

available to you each year at no charge and

additional copies can be ordered at our cost.

If 100% of your doctors are MVMA members,

we will send you as many as you like for free.

Here are some of the answers to the ques-

tions in our “Cost of Compassion” brochure.

You may also want to use these as talking

points when clients or the media ask ques-

tions about the cost of care.

WHY DOES VETERINARY CARE SEEM SO

EXPENSIVE?

Your veterinarian is not only your pet’s

general physician, but also its surgeon,

radiologist, cardiologist, neurologist, derma-

tologist, dentist, and pharmacist. The cost

of care includes equipment maintenance, as

well as continuing education and salaries for

qualified staff . These costs are necessary to

provide the level of care your pet deserves.

An investment in your pet’s veterinary

care is an investment in a relationship with

a veterinarian that will ensure quality care

throughout your pet’s lifetime. Every pet

owner has diff erent ideas on what is ac-

ceptable pet health care. Your veterinarian

can guide you through the health options

available for your pet.

HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY ON VETERINARY COSTS?n Avoiding the need for emergency care and

being pro-active in preventative care can

save money over the lifetitme of a pet.

n Preventative medicine helps to reduce

medical costs in both humans and pets.

n Regular physical examinations, current

vaccines, and regular parasite control

help to prevent disease.

n Avoiding dangerous situations through

obedience training, leash use, indoor

lifestyle, and keeping pets away from toxic

products can help owners avoid significant

costs associated with pet emergency.

WHY DO THE PRICES FOR THE SAME

PROCEDURES VARY SO MUCH AMONG

DIFFERENT VETERINARIANS?

Each practice has diff erent expenses that fees

must cover. These fees do not always reflect

the same set of services, though there may be

certain basic procedures in common. The cost

of pet health care reflects the full range of

quality pet care provided to your pet. Diff er-

ent drugs, anesthetics and antibiotics aff ect

the cost of services. Also, diff erent techniques

may be used, as well as diff erent products,

overhead and philosophies.

WHAT ABOUT LOW-COST ANIMAL CLINICS? HOW

CAN THEIR PRICES BE SO MUCH LOWER THAN

THOSE OF MY VETERINARIAN?

Some low-cost animal clinics are unable to

provide the full range of quality pet care of-

fered at other hospitals, such as emergency

care, treatment for major illnesses, or

complicated surgeries. It should be acknowl-

edged that donor-subsidized clinics provide

a valuable and often needed resource in the

community by off ering reduced-cost elective

procedures to families with limited incomes.

WHY SHOULDN’T I PURCHASE VACCINES AND

MEDICATIONS FROM CATALOGS AND OVER THE

INTERNET?

A pharmaceutical purchase from your vet-

erinarian is an investment in a business that

will provide long-term health care for your

pet. No Internet pharmacy cares as much

about your pet as your veterinarian. Some

online pharmacies and catalogs represent

legitimate, reputable pharmacies, but others

may be fronts for businesses operating in

violation of the law. Many drugs can be

dangerous to your pet if they are not properly

prescribed and monitored by your veterinar-

ian. Most online medications are within 3 to

5% of the cost charged by most veterinarians.

The savings are minimal. An additional con-

sideration is that many products purchased

through Internet pharmacies are not guaran-

teed by the pharmacy or the manufacturer.

I WANT TO HAVE MY PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED

BUT AM CONCERNED ABOUT COST. WHAT CAN

I DO?

Pet owners can prepare for the cost of

spaying or neutering their pet by getting an

estimate from their veterinarian at the time

they adopt their pet and setting aside an

appropriate amount each week until they

elect to have the procedure performed. Also,

a routine spay or neuter is not an emergency

procedure and can be performed at any time

that is convenient. Spay and neuter proce-

dures are major surgery for your pet.

WHY CAN’T MY VETERINARIAN PROVIDE A

REFUND IF TREATMENT DOESN’T ELIMINATE MY

PET’S HEALTH PROBLEM?

Your veterinarian is committed to providing

the best care for you and your pet. You are

paying for an honest eff ort to diagnose and

treat a problem. In veterinary medicine, as

in human medicine, there are no guaran-

tees. Some problems can be long-term or

involve multiple or changing causes and

treatment may be ongoing. Unfortunately, a

veterinary patient can’t tell us what is wrong

or help us monitor the success of some of

our treatments.

WHY CAN’T VETERINARIANS ADVISE, DIAGNOSE,

AND/OR PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS OVER THE

PHONE AND SAVE ME MONEY AND TIME?

For legal reasons, veterinarians cannot

prescribe medications for pets they have not

examined. To provide the highest level of

care, provide an accurate diagnosis, and plan

a successful course of treatment, your veteri-

narian needs to physically examine your pet.


classifi ed ads veterinarians wanted

Two positions available for privately owned, busy,

6-hospital group with a 12,000 SF central hospital and

24-hour emergency services. These AAHA-certified

hospitals are located in the northern Macomb area.

Facilities are award-winning, receiving two Veterinary

Economics awards, and fully equipped. The technical

and veterinary staff is experienced and dedicated with

a board certified (ABVP) owner, and several internship

trained veterinarians. The first opening is an overnight

veterinarian. Duties include emergency out-patient, tri-

age of animals transferred from other hospitals, moni-

toring of in-house critical care patients, and emergency

surgery. We provide flexible scheduling and competitive

salaries. The second opening is a general practitioner

in a rural satellite hospital. Duties include general out-

patient care, in-hospital patient evaluation, and surgery.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced practitio-

ner that provides independence, but also support from

the central hospital. Schedules are flexible and salary

competitive. Contact John Wilson or Heidi Dortenzio at

586/752-6217 or email to [email protected].

Hoover Road Animal Hospital (HRAH) is a full-service

veterinary hospital located in Warren, MI. We have been

operating for 4 years into a new 3,500 SF building where

we have grooming and kennel services, in addition to

veterinary services. Our mission at HRAH is to provide

and maintain excellent veterinary medical care to our

clients and their pets. Our hospital has 2 full-time, ex-

perienced veterinarians and 4 full-time technicians who

provide the best possible medical, surgical, and dental

care for their highly valued patients. Our dedicated staff

is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership,

preventative health care, and health-related education

for our clients. Our full-service (x-ray, surgical, ultra-

sound, dentistry) clinic seeks motivated, hard-working

and team-oriented DVM for our busy multi-doctor prac-

tice. This position is part-time to start, with full-time po-

tential. New graduates are welcomed and encouraged to

apply as we love to mentor! Please call us or email/fax

your résumé today to set up an interview. Position avail-

able immediately. Attention Dr. Alexeev or Jenn Rainey,

tel 586/795-3500, fax 586/795-3526, email vets@

hooverroadanimalhospital.com, web www.hooverroad-

animalhospital.com.

Looking for FT veterinarians for Lake Huron Veterinary

Clinic in Port Huron, MI. We off er competitive salary and

benefits including health insurance, liability insurance,

vacation pay, 401K and paid dues. Please send résumé

to Dr. Dhillon at [email protected].

Currently recruiting DVMs interested in working PT/relief

work on our weekend vaccine clinics throughout MI. We

off er vaccines, parasitic testing, and prevention. Flex-

ible scheduling and excellent compensation! Clinic work

available in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and the

Detroit areas, with more to come! Lean more and apply

online at www.pawsplus.com or email résumé to barry@

pawsplus.com.

F/T or P/T DVM to join dedicated, compassionate, client

service-oriented team at our location in Redford, MI. Re-

ply to Lisa at [email protected].

Small-animal AAHA-accredited hospital in Genesee

County seeking a dependable, energetic, full-time vet-

erinarian to join our team. Our well-established, newly

remodeled hospital is well-equipped with state-of-the-

art technologies, including digital radiography, in-house

laboratories, ultrasonic dental equipment, endoscopy,

and many more. Excellent benefits and competitive sal-

ary; the position is open immediately. Please submit

résumé to [email protected].

Full-time veterinarian needed for well-established small-

animal house-call practice in Genesee County. 32-hour

work week, no emergency or weekend hours. Option

available for purchase of practice. Excellent financial

opportunity. Email [email protected].

BluePearl Veterinary Partners Michigan (Michigan Veteri-

nary Specialists) is actively seeking an emergency clini-

cian to join our growing team! Our Michigan locations

currently include hospitals in Southfield, Ann Arbor, Au-

burn Hills, Macomb, and Grand Rapids. Current services

available to support the emergency service as needed

include internal medicine, critical care, ophthalmology,

surgery, neurology, oncology (including radiation oncol-

ogy) and dermatology. If you are interested in discussing

the position further, please contact Mairim Gersholowitz

at [email protected] or 813/549-

6961 or 813/928-9619.

Grow with us in one of our small-animal hospitals in

southeastern MI. We are a small group of high-end

practices devoted to practicing the highest quality of

medicine. Staff is fully utilized so you will focus on di-

agnosing, prescribing medications, and surgery only.

End result, these are well-managed practices focused

on providing the best medical and client care in a fun

and profitable environment. We currently have part-/

full-time openings in the greater metropolitan Detroit

area, including our Banfield, The Pet Hospital location

in Woodhaven, MI. Contact Jeff Rothstein, DVM, MBA, at

734/645-0267; email [email protected]; fax 734/372-

6318.

Experienced part- to full-time veterinarian needed for

busy, progressive, small-animal practice in southwest

metro Detroit area. Send résumé to [email protected].

Seeking a full-time, skilled, confident, and compassion-

ate associate veterinarian to join our health care team at

Northville Animal Hospital in Northville, MI. Strong inter-

personal and communication skills, excellent customer

service, and general practice capabilities are required.

Looking for a self-starter who is dependable, energetic,

and willing to learn, teach, and excel. Competitive sal-

ary and benefits. Send résumés to Dr. Ajaib Dhaliwal at

[email protected].

We are looking for a full- or part-time veterinarian, pref-

classifi ed ads& relief vets

erably experienced, for our busy practice in Dowagiac,

MI. We have most of the toys, but what makes this prac-

tice interesting is the number of cases we see and the

diversity of medical problems—you won’t be bored! The

clients are very receptive to our recommendations. We

have a terrific, helpful, and cheerful staff who enjoy

working here. We are also happy to mentor you to the

degree you desire. Dowagiac is a small town surrounded

by a large resort community. We have many lakes and

recreational opportunities as well as being close to Ka-

lamazoo and South Bend; Chicago is a convenient train

ride away. Please email cover letter and résumé to eug-

[email protected].

Harbor Humane Society has an immediate need for a

part-time veterinarian at our West Olive (Holland) ani-

mal shelter. This is a permanent position with flexible

hours, 2 to 4 days/week. Responsibilities include per-

forming sterilizations and surgeries, diagnosing and

treating animals, stabilizing ill and injured animals, and

working with shelter staff to refine and improve SOPs.

We are a rural nonprofit animal shelter located just 30

minutes west of Grand Rapids and contracting with Ot-

tawa County to receive 2,500+ animals annually. Must

hold Michigan DVM license. Pay is commensurate with

experience. Please email résumé, availability, and sal-

ary requirements to Jeff Stiegman, operations@har-

borhumane.org.

Animal ER Center, co-located with Animal Neurology &

MRI Center and Animal Rehab Center in Commerce, MI,

is seeking emergency clinicians to join our team. We are

3 centers, one place, bringing together advanced medi-

cine, patient health and well-being, and compassionate

care. We believe in a collaborative approach to patient

care. Our doctors work closely with referring veterinar-

ians and other specialists in the area, all to the benefit

of our patients. Candidates must be compassionate,

have great surgical and medical skills, and have the

ability to communicate well with clients and the referring

community. Our center has a reputation for excellence

in case management and communication with our refer-

ring veterinarians and clients. It is our people who make

the diff erence. Our doctors, technicians, receptionists,

and administrators work together to provide world-

class veterinary care in a positive working environment.

Commerce is a beautiful area where sporting events,

cultural, educational, and outdoor recreational opportu-

nities are plentiful. This is a great place to raise young

families. Benefits include health/dental/life insurance,

401(k), competitive wages, pet care discounts, flexible

spending, CE, and vacation. For more information on our

center, we invite you to visit us at www.animalercenter.

com or contact Angie Heighton at angie@animalneurol-

ogy.com; 248/960-7200.

Part-time outpatient veterinarian wanted for Michigan

Anti-Cruelty Society Veterinary Clinic located in Detroit.

Hours are 8–4 Wed. and Fri.; potential for more hours in

future. Email [email protected].

The Allegan Veterinary Clinic located in Allegan, MI, is

seeking to hire an associate veterinarian who can work

with both large and small animals. New graduates are

welcome to apply. Please send résumés to dmartin@

nvanet.com or contact us at 269/673-6981.

We are seeking a full-time veterinarian who is a com-

passionate team player with excellent communication

skills. Our hospital is a progressive practice located in

southwest MI. We utilize in-house blood work, digital

radiography, laser surgery, ultrasonography, and high-

technology dentistry. Please contact us for more infor-

mation at [email protected].

Ann Arbor Animal Hospital is recruiting an emergency

veterinarian. Join our growing emergency/critical care


clinical knowledge. We off er state-of-the-art services

including ultrasound, anesthesia, digital dental radio-

graphs, in-house IDEXX Catalyst, Snap Shot and Laser

Cyte, eastern and western medicine, and acupuncture.

Must be willing to work nights and weekends. Benefits,

including health insurance allowance, paid vacation,

sick and personal days, and employee pet discounts are

available for full-time employees. Please email résumé

to Amber at [email protected].

Cat Care PC of Rochester Hills is seeking a dynamic, li-

censed veterinary technician to join our team. The suc-

cessful candidate will possess strong communication

skills, be a self-starter, and will be able to work well in a

team environment. Please email résumé and cover letter

to [email protected].

Sprinkle Road Veterinary in Kalamazoo is looking for a

full-time LVT to join our multi-doctor, full-service animal

hospital. The successful candidate will possess experi-

ence in surgical assistance, pharmacy duties, lab work,

radiology, monitoring of patients, maintaining anesthe-

tized patients, and handling medical records. Please

contact Nancy at [email protected].

Our friendly, progressive, small-animal clinic is seeking

an experienced licensed veterinary technician. This ap-

plicant must be a self-starter with an interest in holistic

medicine, client education, team building, and business

development. Other required skills include surgical,

dental, lab, and nursing care. If you are looking to fully

utilize your technical ability and be a part of a growing

practice, contact us at animalclinicofpickney@gmail.

com.

Part-time LVT needed for AAHA small-animal practice

in Okemos. Emphasis on client education, dentistry,

and providing great customer service. Training avail-

able for therapy laser. Please submit résumé to mail@

redcedarvet.com or in person.

Veterinary hospitals in Dearborn Heights and Dearborn

area seeking skilled, experienced, licensed veterinary

technician for part-time position. Send résumé to Dan

Monforton, 3225 S. Telegraph, Dearborn, MI 48124, or

email to [email protected].

office staff wanted

office manager: We are looking for an LVT to take re-

sponsibility for the efficient running of our busy 6-doc-

tor veterinary hospital. Professionalism, initiative, and

office skills are needed. The possibility of practice man-

ager may be available with experience. Your role will

include day-to-day running the office, accounts manage-

ment, some marketing duties, website and social media

site management, and client communication. You will

need to be comfortable being independent and with

making decisions. Applicants must have veterinary com-

puter program knowledge, Microsoft and Excel knowl-

edge, excellent interpersonal, oral, and communication

skills, and a positive disposition. Please submit your

résumé and cover letter by email to [email protected]

or fax 517/787-0399.

Practice manager for 24-hour emergency hospital need-

ed. Prerequisites include 2 years’ experience in veteri-

nary or human hospital management. Preference will be

given to candidates with certification in veterinary prac-

tice management. Practice manager will be responsible

for overseeing operations related to client satisfaction,

employee relations, protocol implementation, as well

as create and manage hospital production goals. Sal-

ary based on experience; generous benefits. Located

in beautiful Traverse City, MI, our compassionate, well-

trained staff looks forward to meeting you! Send résumé

to [email protected].

practices & equipment for sale

Small-animal practice for sale in the northern Lower Pen-

insula area. Annual revenue $620K. Great opportunity

for growth. Purchase practice and real estate for $525K.

Contact Total Practice Solutions Group, Dr. Kurt Liljeberg,

800/380-6872, or [email protected].

When buying or selling a veterinary practice, rely on

the expertise of the Total Practice Solutions Group. See

our display ad this issue. Even if you plan to sell your

practice yourself, contact Dr. Kurt Liljeberg for a free con-

sultation. We would be happy to help: 800/380-6872 or

[email protected].

Bay County, MI: New listing! Solo, small-animal, 2,500

SF facility on approximately 1/3 acre real estate, 2 exam

rooms with room to grow! Other practices available:

AL, FL, ME, NV, NY, NC, OK, TX, and WV. PS Broker, Inc.

800/636-4740, psbroker.com.

Long-established (1967) companion animal practice for

sale in northern lower MI. Single DVM practice working

4 days/week. Gross in 2013, $1M. Sale with or without

3600 SF clinic, residence, and 60+ acre farm. Full lab,

ultrasound, 7-station computer system, etc. Separate

building for storage and boarding. Owner financing and

help with transition available. Serious inquiries only,

[email protected].

looking to purchase: Experienced companion animal

practitioner with ready financing seeks to purchase an

established practice in the Lower Peninsula. Profes-

sional discretion and privacy assured. Contact sellvet-

[email protected].

practice for sale: 60 north of Grand Rapids. Solo

small-animal medicine/surgery in a leased facility.

Practice in existence for 17 years, gross $230K in 2013;

asking $175K. Please contact Jennie at 616/835-1929 or

[email protected].

service. Excellent compensation package includes

a host of benefits. Submit résumé to dcaddell@

annarboranimalhospital.com for information about us.

We are looking to add a veterinarian to our small-animal

practice in west MI. We are a well-established practice

with an excellent support staff . We will be opening a sat-

ellite clinic in February 2014. We are looking for some-

one, full- or part-time, with 2 or more years’ experience

and the ability to work as a sole practitioner at the satel-

lite clinic. Future practice ownership is a possibility for

the right individual. Fax résumé to 616/456-1071.

Associate veterinarian needed for busy, 4-doctor Ann Ar-

bor practice. Two years’ experience preferred. Competi-

tive salary, paid vacation, professional license costs, in-

surance, CE allowance, and VIN membership included.

Please send résumé to Kelly@aff ordablevetservices.

com.

Associate veterinarian wanted; PT, may lead to FT, for

small-animal hospital in Northville, MI. Busy 2½-doctor

hospital. Must have strong communication skills and

able to provide compassionate patient and client care.

Open 7 days/wk; no after hour emergency calls. Expe-

rience preferred. Email résumé to Kirsten.Isaacson@

Banfield.net, or fax 248/449-6632.

We are looking for an associate veterinarian with at least

5 years’ experience to join our team. Applicant should

have a good blend of medical, surgical, and people

skills. Our well-established practice has 2 locations in

a very desirable area of metropolitan Detroit. We see a

diverse caseload and focus on preventative health care

and long-lasting relationships with our clients and their

pets. We off er extended hours to fulfill the needs of our

client’s busy schedules. Our practice is fully integrated

with IDEXX (Cornerstone practice software in-house

chemistry and blood count analyzers, and CR digital

radiography, EKG and tonopen, to name a few). We will

off er a competitive salary (based on experience) with an

opportunity to make a bonus. We also off er health insur-

ance, dental insurance, simple IRA, professional dues,

liability insurance, uniform allowance, paid vacation,

and more. There is a very good opportunity to buy into

our practice for the right individual. Please email your

résumé and 3 references to [email protected].

Full-time veterinarian needed for busy 2-doctor, small-

animal practice in Bay City, MI. Experienced doctors and

new graduates will be considered. Bay City has a “big

town” feel for a small city, including theaters, festivals,

an expanding riverfront/downtown area, as well as ac-

cess to many outdoor and water activities. The practice

off ers a dedicated, family-friendly staff , 4 exam rooms,

isoflorane and sevoflorane anesthesia, in-house Laser-

Cyte CBC and Catalyst Chemistry machines, tonopen,

and a local emergency facility that handles our after-

hours calls. Come join our practice team where you’re

not just an employee but part of a family! Please email

cover letter and résumé to [email protected].

Part-time veterinarian for work on Saturdays or evenings

at our Wellness Clinic in Auburn Hills or Warren. Must be

compassionate with a focus on helping pets. Contact

Cheryl, All About Animals, Warren at 248/892-1152, or

fax 586/933-2565. PT available.

LVTs wanted

Are you an LVT and absolutely love working with cats?

Are you looking for that purr-fectly suitable job? The

Country Cat Clinic, a feline-exclusive veterinary hospital,

is looking for a full-time LVT. Must be self-motivated,

compassionate about cats, licensed in the state of Mich-

igan, and be a great team player. Excellent opportunity

for someone wishing to utilize their technical skills and


relief veterinariansDouglas Bandkau, DVM, 989/666-2862. MSU 79. SA

relief and part-time, SW Michigan. Medicine, surgery,

dentistry; I enjoy working in a team atmosphere.

Deborah Baron (Allen), DVM, 313/595-7490. MSU 98.

SA relief, SE Michigan. Emergency/critical care, general

medicine, soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, exotics. Excel-

lent patient care, client communication, and records.

Will follow practice guidelines. [email protected].

Norman Bayne, DVM, MS, 248/506-1104. MSU 81. SA re-

lief work in southeast MI. Will travel. Friendly, excellent

client communications skills. [email protected].

Kirsten Begin, DVM, 616/446-3154. MSU 09. SA relief in

Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Will travel. Friend-

ly, excellent client communication. References. Completed

rotating and surgical internships. [email protected].

Sharisse Berk, DVM, 248/851-0739. MSU 95. Available

for SA relief or part-time work in southeast MI.

Rhonda Bierl, DVM, 248/467-1987. MSU 00. SA/

emergency relief within 1 hour of Pontiac. General

medicine, soft-tissue surgery, ultrasound experience.

houserrh \@yahoo.com.

Archie Black, DVM, 248/417-2667. MSU 83. SA relief,

entire state. Practice owner for 20 years. Excellent com-

municator. [email protected].

Laurie Brush, DVM, 616/498-1316. MSU 98. Experienced,

SA relief in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Excel-

lent client communication, record keeping. lauriebrush

@hotmail.com.

Aimee Cochell, DVM, 616/558-4905. Ross 01. Available

for SA relief in Grand Rapids area. Willing to travel. Good

client communication skills. References. abcochell@

comcast.net.

Kenneth Corino, DVM, 248/217-5235. MSU 94. SA relief

work. SE MI, medicine and surgery. corinodvm@aol.

com.

Nichole Corner, DVM, 616/634-9777. MSU 99. SA

relief work in Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area. Excel-

lent client communication skills. References avail-

able. [email protected].

Jennifer M. Dec, DVM, 248/224-1990. MSU 04. Small-

animal general practice and emergency relief. Sur-

gery, ultrasound, and excellent communication skills,

[email protected].

Daniel Deciechi, 810/394-7412. MSU 03. 10-year ER prac-

tice owner available for relief/part-time. Willing to trav-

el. Enjoy the practice variety of relief work. drdeciechi

@gmail.com

Susan Drapek, DVM, CVA, 517/663-0428. MSU 90. Avail-

able within two hours of Lansing. Relief experience since

1997. Small-animal medicine, surgery, and acupuncture.

[email protected].

Theresa Driscoll, DVM, 517/927-3831. MSU 00. Avail-

able for SA relief or short term. Experienced and depend-

able. Reference. [email protected].

Ronan Eustace, DVM, 502/409-3245. WCVM 10. SA/

emergency, available within 2 hours of Lansing. Friendly,

excellent client-communication. References. Completed

rotating internship, worked ER/shelter medicine last two

years. [email protected].

Marj Field, DVM, 734/658-4774. MSU 90. SA/exotic/

emergency relief work in southeastern MI. Excellent cli-

ent service, comfortable surgeon, high ACT, and able

to multi task. Extended travel can be negotiated. marj.

[email protected].

Edward Greene, DVM, 517/812-1540. MSU 59. SA relief.

Competent medical/surgical skills. Cheerful interactions

with your clients and staff . Your practice procedures

adhered to. [email protected].

Lisa Harris, DVM, 616/261-4743. MSU 89. Available for

relief in Grand Rapids/Lakeshore area. Experienced SA

medicine and surgery, avian, exotics. Friendly, good

communicator. [email protected].

Sean D. Hughes, DVM, 517/552-0993; 734/674-7061.

MSU 76. SE Michigan SA relief since 1999. Part-

time. Prefer SE; will travel for right circumstances.

[email protected].

Jill Haver-Crissman, DVM, 989/631-2790 or 989/297-

8594. Ontario 80. SA relief or part-time. Medicine, soft

tissue surgery, ultrasound. Works well with others. Not

available Wednesdays. [email protected].

Cindy Kalicki, DVM, 313/291-2466. MSU 94. Eight years

full-time, two years relief in SA general medicine/soft tis-

sue surgery. SE MI, part-time or relief.

Charlotte Kim, DVM, 517/643-4069. MSU 08. SA relief

work in SE Michigan. Soft tissue surgery and medicine.

Friendly and dependable. [email protected]

Joan Koelzer, DVM, 616/437-6415. MSU 85. SA medicine

and surgery, single-day relief, Grand Rapids/west MI.

Skilled in diffi cult spay and neuters. jekoelzer@yahoo.

com.

Delta Leeper, DVM, 248/396-7525. MSU 03. Part-time

or relief, SE Michigan. Cats and dogs only; medicine,

dentistry, routine surgeries. Internship trained, good

communicator, team player. [email protected].

Mike Lin, DVM, 269/743-7770 or 269/348-1145. MSU

97. SA part-time or relief work in Kalamazoo/Grand Rap-

ids and surrounding areas. Surgery, general medicine,

and emergency experience. Excellent client communica-

tion skills. [email protected].

Valerie Mahoney, DVM, 217/766-6155. Illinois 03. SA

relief in SE Michigan, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Strong surgical skills, high medical standards. Enjoy

working with clients. References available. Petdoc03@

gmail.com.

Richard M. Mieczkowski, DVM, 734/735-2279. MSU

71. Relief, experience, competent, dependable, small-

animal, references, north Oakland County and vicinity.

[email protected].

Denise Jorgensen Montagna, DVM, 231/557-1536.

CSU 90. SA relief or part-time in western MI. Excellent

client relations. References available. djmontagnadvm@

charter.net.

Peggy Newman, DVM, 616/570-1101. MSU 75. 32-year

mid-Michigan practice owner. SA medicine and surgery.

Seeking relief work in mid- and west MI. docpeghoort@

hotmail.com.

Kris Parnell, DVM, 517/881-2845. MSU 91. Available for

SA relief or part-time. Will travel 1 hour of Lansing area.

References upon request. [email protected].

Christine Parker, DVM, 616/866-1965. MSU 88.

Available for SA relief or short-term. Experienced and

dependable. References available. Will travel. cparker@

wmis.net.

Patricia Partridge, DVM, 231/938-9338. MSU 70. SA re-

lief, PT or FT. Former practice owner. Based in Traverse

City and Big Rapids, willing to travel. petvet2@torchlake.

com.

Amy Peck, DVM, 231/557-4423. MSU 97. Available for re-

lief in west MI/Grand Rapids/Lakeshore area. SA general

medicine. Excellent communication skills, experienced

and reliable. [email protected]

Jeff rey F. Powers, DVM, 231/881-4408. MSU 80. Avail-

able to provide SA/MX relief work in MI, practice owner

for 29 years. [email protected].

Bob Schleiff arth, DVM, 269/921-0570. SA relief. Over 30

years’ ownership experience. Coverage for western MI,

based in Onekama. [email protected].

Ann-Marie Sekerak, DVM, 505/563/0944. ILL 05. SA

relief or PT, within 1 hour of Ann Arbor. Positive atti-

tude, excellent patient care and client communication.

[email protected].

Teri Sexton, DVM, 517/231-1256 cell; 517/371-2930

home. MSU 92. SA/PT work w/in 1 hour of Lansing. Can

make your clients and staff feel at ease. Strengths: der-

matology, soft tissue surgery. TeriLSexton@earthlink.

net.

Jennifer Sherrill, DVM, 231/215-0924. UICVM 01. SA re-

lief PT. 9 years’ experience. General medicine/surgery.

Excellent client care. West MI/Grand Rapids. Willing to

travel. References. [email protected].

Alan Sibinic, DVM, 734/922-3713, 231/547-6212. MSU

75. Relief or part-time anywhere in MI. Flexible, wide-

variety practice experience. 5+ years relief work. Refer-

ences. SA/EQ/FA.

Margaret Sudekum, DVM, 616/676-2720 MSU 89. Avail-

able for part-time SA relief work in Grand Rapids and the

surrounding areas. Good client communication skills.

[email protected].

Alan Supp, DVM, 616/732-1263 days; 616/874-4171

evenings. MSU 90. Companion animal practitioner

available Saturdays only, as-needed basis in the greater

Grand Rapids area.

Connie R. Sveller, DVM, 517/388-3434. MSU 85. SA

relief work within 1 hour of East Lansing. Experienced/

reliable/former practice owner (16 years). docconnie1@

aol.com.

Andrea Switch, DVM, 248/302-2255. MSU 84. Available

for part-time or relief work. SA general medicine/soft tis-

sue surgery in SE MI. [email protected].

Kirsten Ura-Barton, DVM, 774/230-6878. MSU 97. Avail-

able for SA relief in SE Michigan within 1 hour of Pontiac.

Experienced in both general and emergency practice

with excellent communication skills. Résumé available

upon request. [email protected].

Nicholas Urbanek, DVM, 412/606-1716. Glasgow 09.

SA/Emergency relief and part-time work within 2 hours

of Lansing. Internship trained, great client communica-

tion and records, compassionate. [email protected].

Jacqueline Walsh, DVM, 248/680-2461. MSU 89. Avail-

able for SA relief work in the greater Detroit area.

Amy Wildrose, DVM, 517/420-5891. MSU 00. Experi-

enced, proficient, dependable, and convivial. Available

for SA relief or part-time. Based in Lansing. Willing to

travel. [email protected].

Georgia A. Wilson, DVM, 248/830-5325. 22 years’ expe-

rience, SA, pet exotics and emergencies, licensed. Avail-

able immediately for Oakland County and southeast MI.

[email protected].

Jennifer Zablotny, DVM, 517/896-9146. MSU 97. Expe-

rienced SA relief for southeast and mid-MI. References

available. [email protected].



mackinac island veterinary conference

▸ July 13–15, 2014

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Veterinary Parasitology (Dr. Michael Dryden)

Practice Management (Mary Ann Vande Linde, DVM)

michigan veterinary conference

▸ January 30–February 1, 2015

Lansing Center & Radisson Hotel, Lansing, MI

mvma small animal seminars

▸ Diagnostic Imaging (Dr. Michael Broome)

March 12, 2014

▸ Infectious Diseases (Dr. Michael Lappin)

October 8, 2014

▸ Behavior (Dr. Katherine Houpt)

November 5, 2014

▸ GI Diseases (Dr. David Twedt)

December 3, 2014

▸ Oncology (Dr. Guillermo Couto)

March 4, 2015

Seminars 10:00 am–5:30 pm at the East Lansing Marriott. Contact

MVMA at (517) 347-4710 or register online at www.michvma.org.

mvma committees

▸ Animal Welfare (Dr. Marcie Barber, Chair)

April 10, 2014 @ 10:00 am

June 12, 2014 @ 10:00 am

October 9, 2014 @ 10:00 am

▸ Executive (Dr. Ralph Huff , Chair)

March 6, 2014 @ noon

June 19, 2014 @ noon

September 4, 2014 @ noon

November 20, 2014 @ noon

▸ Legislative Advisory (Dr. Cathy Anderson, Chair)

March 26, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

June 11, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

September 10, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

November 12, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

▸ Public Health (Dr. Joe Klein, Chair)

April 2, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

June 18, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

September 3, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

December 17, 2014 @ 1:30 pm

Meetings held in the MVMA office unless noted.

canine ultrasound lecture & wet lab

▸ Saturday, June 21, 2014

MSU Veterinary Medical Center, East Lansing, MI

people, pets & vets

▸ Saturday, November 8, 2014 @ 11 am–3 pm

Macomb Community College

mvma animal welfare conference

▸ Monday, November 24, 2014 @ 8 am–5 pm

MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

mvma board of directors

▸ March 19, 2014

University Club, Lansing

▸ July 13, 2014

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

▸ September 17, 2014


▸ December 10, 2014


mid-state vma

▸ Practice Management Seminar (Jim Thompson)

March 4, 2014 @ 7:00 pm

Crowne Plaze Hotel, Lansing

▸ Roundtable Discussion (Jim Thompson)

April 16, 2014 @ 1:00 pm

Grand Traverse Pie Company, East Lansing

▸ Neurology Seminar (Dr. Moser & Dr. Michael Wolf)

May 7, 2014 @ 7:00 pm

Location TBD

semvma small animal dvm & technician seminars

▸ Abdominal Ultrasound Lecture & Wet Lab: Beginner

to Intermediate Level (Dr. Anthony Pease)

March 22, 2014 @ 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Wayne State University Campus, Detroit

Contact Barb Locricchio at the SEMVMA offi ce at (888) 736-8625

or visit www.semvma.com to register.

southern michigan vma

▸ March 12, 2014 (Topic TBD)

▸ April 9, 2014 (Topic TBD)

▸ May 14, 2014 (Topic TBD)

western michigan vma

▸ Veterinarian CE Seminars

3rd Tuesday of each month, January–May &

September–November @ 7:00 pm / Grand Rapids

Contact Jeff Johnson, DVM, (616) 837-8151, or jdandcj2008@

dishmail.net.

due to the number of requests for ce announcements, the michigan veterinarian limits listings to ce programs in michigan.


michigan veterinary medical association 2144 Commons Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864-3986 Presort Standard

U.S. Postage

PAIDLansing, MI

Permit #713Professional excellence.

Compassionate care.

join mvma on our social media sites!You’ve seen us on Facebook with our 3,000+ fans, Twit-

ter with our 2,200+ followers and YouTube with more

than 10,000+ views. But have you seen us on Pinterest?

You can check us out at http://pinterest.com/michvma/.

important phone numbersMI Board of Veterinary Medicine . . .(517) 335-0918

MI Board of Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . .(517) 373-1737

DEA—Detroit offi ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(313) 234-4000

DEA—toll-free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 230-6844

MDARD State Veterinarian . . . . . . . .(517) 373-1077

MI Dept. of Community Health . . . . .(517) 335-8165

USDA, APHIS, VS–Accreditation . . .(517) 337-4700

Documents

Meet MVMA’s New President b Vet/Spring_2014.pdf · SALES & USE TAX FOR VETERINARIANS MVMA continues to be very concerned about sales and use tax audits occurring in Michi-gan. The