Tech Times 2.0. Volume 2; Issue 7 July, 2013 CASE OF THE MONTH. By: Dana Hannan

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Volume 2; Issue 7 July, 2013 from The editor: dana hannan CASE OF THE MONTH By: Dana Hannan JULY IS HERE!

Pet s have allergies too, and Nicole Pittsley talks a little about this in her article AA CHOO!

This month, I have begun a case of the month that I hope you will enjoy! Dr.

support the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program.

! Happy Summer! 10 week old Dachshund female was stepped on by her owner. Radiographs showed a broken elbow.

Tim placed a clamp on the point, using multiple radiographs to get the exact placement.

1 Volume 2; Issue 7 July, 2013 from The editor: dana hannan CASE OF THE MONTH By: Dana Hannan JULY IS HERE! What a great month for bbq s and long summer nights. Pet s have allergies too, and Nicole Pittsley talks a little about this in her article AA CHOO!. Sara Knutson has written a great paper for us to read about epilepsy. This month, I have begun a case of the month that I hope you will enjoy! Dr. Jim is busy this summer setting up a GREAT series of webinars for us and also heading to the conferences to meet, greet and support the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program. Remember to set your graduation date and work towards those goals of being a Great Penn Foster Veterinary Technician!! Happy Summer! 10 week old Dachshund female was stepped on by her owner. Radiographs showed a broken elbow. Doctor recommended surgery and owner agreed. As opposed to cross-pinning the elbow, Dr. Tim placed a clamp on the point, using multiple radiographs to get the exact placement. Then he placed two 20 g needles laterally at the point he wanted to address. Without a major surgical incision to open and retract to the bone, he was able to drill specifically to his point and place a screw. Additional radiographs confirmed. The incision was approximately.25cm wide. Two stiches with 3-0 suture to close. Priceless for the pup Radiographs showing the break, pictures showing the radiographing procedure using a portable DR unit. Radiograph showing the placemnt of the clamps. Dana Hannan, Editor, Tech Times 2.0 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

From the Desk of: Dr. Jim Hurrell Director, Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program GREAT Veterinary Technician Webinar Series - Lori Renda-Francis the fi rst speaker!!! :-) WOW, Gang!

I want to bring the stories of GREAT credentialed veterinary technicians to our students! These Webinars will be once each month, and will be up to 2 hours long each.

2 From the Desk of: Dr. Jim Hurrell Director, Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Program GREAT Veterinary Technician Webinar Series - Lori Renda-Francis the fi rst speaker!!! :-) WOW, Gang! I am so excited to bring you this announcement! We are starting a monthly Webinar series called The GREAT Veterinary Technician Webinar Series! I want to bring the stories of GREAT credentialed veterinary technicians to our students! These Webinars will be once each month, and will be up to 2 hours long each. The technicians that will be speaking will be GREAT leaders nationally in the veterinary technician community, technicians that are doing unique things with their careers, or technicians that have amazzzzzzing stories of overcoming challenges to pursue their career dreams. I am excited and honored to bring our fi rst speaker to you Lori Renda-Francis! Lori and I worked together for many years in a veterinary technician program in Michigan, where she was fi rst one of my students, then an adjunct faculty, a fulltime faculty, and then program director for the program. She has done some awesome things in her career and her personal life! WOW! It will be an exciting evening for our students when she speaks! Below is more information on Lori and the Webinar on Sunday August 18th. You can register for the Webinar now, as it has been posted on the My Courses page for Webinar Regstrations! Hope to see you all there! And! On anther note check out this Anesthesia Article by David Liss! WOW, Gang! One of our wonderful Penn Foster Veterinary Technician graduates in the Class of 2012 is David Liss. Many of you saw the video of David on the Veterinary Technician Community homepage recently, talking about his story. David is a Program Director for a veterinary technician program in California, is a member of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians, one of the NAVTA Specialty groups for Veterinary technicians. And... David has been a national speaker at this years NAVC in Orlando, as well as an Award-Winning speaker at the 2012 WVC in Las Vegas. And... here is a link to an excellent article by David in Veterinary TEAM Brief about Anesthesia Tips... including some PDF fi les you can download! GREAT job, David! - Anesthesia Tips & Tricks for Veterinary Technicians Veterinary Team Brief - anesthesia-tips-tricks-veterinary-technicians

AA-CHOO!! By: Nicole Pittsley It s that time of the year again! Time for pretty colors, warmer weather, and the grass to start sprouting up! Along with the weather changes comes seasonal allergies.

? Well, your furry family member can experience allergies just as us people do; their reactions will just manifest themselves in different ways.

3 AA-CHOO!! By: Nicole Pittsley It s that time of the year again! Time for pretty colors, warmer weather, and the grass to start sprouting up! Along with the weather changes comes seasonal allergies. For those of us who experience them know how frustrating and annoying the symptoms are. Who likes itchy and water eyes, runny noses, sinus headaches and sneezing!? Well, your furry family member can experience allergies just as us people do; their reactions will just manifest themselves in different ways. While cats and dogs can have bouts of sneezing, watery eyes and noses- their allergic responses are most likely in the form of skin issues. If your pet is displaying a lot of itching, biting or chewing at certain areas of their bodies, resulting in scabs, hair loss and hot spots, he could be experiencing allergies. Hot spots are severely red, inflamed and irritated areas of skin and a common thing to see in animals with allergies. Your critter might even rub their backs and sides against the carpet or furniture to relieve skin irritation. Dogs can present with ear problems, resulting in an odor or discharge. Regardless of age, sex and breed, allergies can strike; and although some say they usually will develop in dogs between the ages of 1-3 years, all animals are equally capable of developing them. If you think your furry family member may have allergies, there are things that can be done. Since an allergy is a reaction to an allergen (an allergen is a substance that induces a hyposensitivity) a vet can perform skin or blood tests to see what the problem allergen is. Pollens usually trigger these allergens. Earliest spring allergies are most likely caused by tree pollen- while grass pollen occurs later spring into the summertime. There are numerous types of treatments available, from long term to short term. One long term treatment is hyposensitization, more commonly known as allergy shots. A vet will inject small amounts of the problem allergen into the animal, until the body no longer sees it as threat; therefore seizing any reactions. Short term treatments are simpler, such as antihistamines, steroids or even topical medication. Never give an animal an antihistamine, or any type of medication for that matter, unless you have checked with your vet beforehand. Just because it is safe for you does not mean it is safe for your pet. Basic things around the house can be done to prevent flair ups of allergies as well. Make sure to keep the house, especially your critters favorite sleeping spot, free of dust build up by dusting and vacuuming often. Wipe your dog s paws after coming in from outside; this will reduce the amount of pollen brought inside. Also make sure no shoes are worn in the house. On days with a high pollen count, keep the windows closed. Ensuring your pet s immune system is good and resilient while also help prevent extreme cases of allergic reactions So during these spring/summer months keep a watchful eye on your pet. Because if you are having an allergy problems, chances are your furry family member is too!

4 . Epilepsy in Dogs Photo from ww.thelabradorsite.com By: Sara Knutson Epilepsy in Dogs: Learn about Epilepsy, including how it can affect your dog, and what options are available to manage this type of neurological condition. Definition of Epilepsy Epilepsy refers to a constellation of signs caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The hallmarks of epilepsy are recurrent seizure episodes, which may or may not be associated with an identifiable brain defect. What over-stimulates the brain and triggers seizures is poorly understood. Many cases of epilepsy have a genetic component. Certainly brain tumors, head injuries and endocrine disorders can cause seizures, as can chemical imbalances. During a seizure, most dogs lose their balance, collapse, lose consciousness, stiffen, chomp or chew, froth from the mouth, urinate, defecate, vocalize and paddle the air with their feet. They may act dazed and disoriented shortly before and up to a day after having a seizure. The episodes usually last less than 2 minutes but can be longer. While most seizures aren t life-threatening, they greatly disturb owners and tend to worsen over time if not treated. Fortunately, most cases of epilepsy can be controlled. Causes of Canine Epilepsy Dog Epilepsy can be caused by a number of things, each of which ultimately lead to abnormal electrical activity of the brain. The exact mechanism that triggers seizures is not known. Typically, epilepsy is classified as being either idiopathic (of unknown origin and presumed to be genetic) or symptomatic. Idiopathic epilepsy, which is also referred to as true epilepsy, has no diagnosable cause during life or upon autopsy after death and is more common in certain breeds, although it can occur in any breed and in mixed breeds. Symptomatic or acquired epilepsy does have an identifiable physical cause, such as a brain tumor, head trauma or a disorder of the endocrine system. Prevention of Epilepsy Dogs suffering from seizures of unknown origin should not be bred because of the potential genetic component of idiopathic epilepsy. This is especially true in predisposed breeds. Intact females with epilepsy should be spayed, since estrus is thought to increase seizure activity, strength and/or frequency. Dogs diagnosed with epilepsy should not be allowed to swim, as a seizure during swimming can lead to drowning and death. Abrupt withdrawal (or a skipped dose) of oral epilepsy medications can cause the onset of additional seizures. Research is ongoing to try and identify a gene or genes responsible for epilepsy, so that carriers of the condition can be screened before they are bred. Special Notes While seizures are of course disturbing for dog owners, they usually are not life-threatening, although seizures that last a long time or recur in a short period of time do require immediate treatment. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy usually behave normally between seizures (this is called the interictal period). If the epileptic episodes can be controlled, which they normally can be, most dogs will enjoy a relatively normal length and quality of life. Symptoms of Epilepsy in Dogs Identifying the symptoms and signs of Epilepsy in dogs is the first step to knowing if your dog requires medical attention. Diseases and symptoms can vary, so it s always best to consult your

5 veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs. How Epilepsy Affects Dogs Whether genetic or caused by some identifiable physical condition or disorder, the symptoms of epilepsy are typically the same. An affected dog usually loses its sense of balance and collapses, loses consciousness, stiffens, chomps or chews, froths profusely from its mouth, pees and poops (urinates and defecates), makes unusual vocal sounds and paddles the air rhythmically with stiff limbs. The actual seizured usually last less than 2 minutes, although they can last longer. Epilepsy Symptoms Owners of epileptic dogs normally notice one or more of the following: Intermittent or episodic loss of consciousness Intermittent or episodic mental or physical impairment (confusion, stiffness, twitching) Abnormal musculoskeletal (motor) activity or movements that are uniformly bilateral and symmetrical (about the same on both sides); often referred to as paddling or running in the air with rigid legs Convulsions Excess drooling/salivation (profuse frothing at the mouth) Inappropriate urination (during the episode) Inappropriate defecation (during the episode) Abnormal vocalization (barking, whining, yelping, howling; often frenzied) Chewing, chomping, licking, facial twitching, snapping at air or invisible objects Sensory disturbances; disorientation Seizures (also called clonic-tonic convulsions, which have phases of jerking and flexing of the muscles alternating with phases of relaxation) Presence of an aura of altered behavior before the onset of seizure activity. During this relatively short period (called the pre-ictal period), the dog may act dazed, disoriented, glassyeyed, anxious, restless, scared or uncertain. It may stare into space and hide or may become attentionseeking and clingy. Seizures are more common during periods of sleep or rest. As a result, they tend to occur more frequently at night or first thing in the morning and can often be missed by owners due to their timing. Epileptic seizures also tend to increase in frequency if they are untreated for prolonged periods of time. After a seizure, the dog usually has a fairly recognizable syndrome referred to as post-ictal behavior. This phase can last from less than an hour to 24 hours or more and may include: Confusion Disorientation Pacing (aimless, compulsive, seemingly without purpose) Temporary blindness or impaired vision (bumping into furniture or walls, stumbling over obvious objects, reluctance to navigate stairs, etc.) Increased thirst and water consumption (polydipsia) Increased appetite and food consumption (polyphagia) Dogs at Increased Risk Epilepsy seems to be more common in large-breed dogs and slightly more common in males, although any breed or gender can be affected. Idiopathic epilepsy (that with no discernable cause) is seen most frequently in certain dog breeds, including the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Keeshond, Dachshund, Alsatian, Vizsla, Shetland Sheep-

6 dog, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky, Welsh Corgi, Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Collie, Border Collie, Belgian Tervuren and Beagle. Epilepsy is considered to be hereditary in these breeds and typically is first seen in young dogs between one and five years of age that present with generalized seizure episodes but otherwise have normal mental and physical function. Dogs with an epileptic parent are at a greatly increased risk of developing epilepsy. Diagnosing Eplilepsy in Dogs How Epilepsy in dogs is diagnosed: Underlying conditions associated with Epilepsy may create complications, so your veterinarian is always the best resource to successfully diagnose this neurological condition. Diagnostic Procedures Idiopathic epilepsy (that with no ascertainable cause during life or even after death) is identified by a process called diagnosis of exclusion. It involves ruling out all other potential intracranial (inside the skull) and extracranial (outside the skull) disorders that could cause the observed epileptic symptoms. These can include toxins, metabolic disorders, abnormal brain conformation, heat stroke, encephalitis, brain tumor, stroke, kidney failure, liver failure, genetic degenerative diseases, canine distemper, cancer, cardiovascular disease, head trauma and narcolepsy, among others. The initial database usually includes blood sampling and analysis for a complete blood count and a serum chemistry panel, together with a urinalysis. These can be quite useful in identifying causes of the dog s condition if the results are abnormal. Serum bile acid evaluation, both before and after a meal, can also be useful to exclude certain possible contributing causes. Of course, a complete history and thorough physical and neurological examinations are essential to the diagnostic process. A number of more advanced techniques are available to help diagnose or rule out epilepsy as well. These include skull radiographs (x-rays), electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT/CAT scan) and a spinal tap with subsequent evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Special Notes Intoxication and poisoning can cause signs virtually identical to those seen in epileptic dogs. Common canine toxins include lead, antifreeze/ethylene glycol, carbamate, metaldehyde, animal baits/strychnine, insecticides/ organophosphates, chocolate and other toxins. These must be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis of epilepsy can be made. Insect bites or stings and cardiac abnormalities can also cause symptoms that mimic those of epilepsy. Treatment and Prognosis of Epilepsy in Dogs Treating Epilepsy in Dogs: Veterinarian reviewed information on the treatment options for dog Epilepsy. Treatment options may vary, so a veterinarian is always the best resource to decide how to manage this condition. Goals of Treating Epilepsy Epileptic seizures especially status epilepticus and serial cluster seizures - can be lifethreatening and become a true medical emergency. They should be treated quickly and aggressively. The primary therapeutic goals for any epileptic dog are to reduce the frequency and severity of seizure activity and increase the seizure-free interval to a point that the dog and its owners can maintain and enjoy an acceptable quality of life. Depending on the particular animal, daily medication may or may not be necessary to effectively control the disorder. Treatment Options When a dog presents with an acute, active seizure, the usual initial treatment is intravenous administration of diazepam (Valium) or another drug to effect.

7 Diazepam is a tranquilizer used as an antianxiety medication, a skeletal muscle relaxant, an anticonvulsant and an appetite stimulant. If this does not stop the seizure, most veterinarians turn next to intravenous administration of either propofol or pentobarbital. Propofol is a quick-acting anesthetic agent that lasts a very short period of time. Pentobarbital is a short to medium-acting barbiturate that acts as a hypnotic sedative. Phenobarbital may be used along with fluids to manage recurring or acute seizures as well; it is a hypnotic, sedative and anticonvulsant agent. Obviously, both the condition and its treatment must be managed extremely carefully by a skilled medical team in-hospital, and the attending veterinarian is the only person who can best determine the appropriate treatment regimen. Chronic treatment may include administration of phenobarbital or potassium bromide. If these do not successfully manage the seizure activity, a second drug or drugs can be added to the treatment protocol depending on the treating veterinarian s preference and recommendation. In refractory cases where a dog has intermittent cluster seizures, it may be possible for the owner to administer diazepam per rectum at home under a veterinarian s supervision. Any drug can have potentially adverse consequences and/or adverse interactions with other drugs in a given patient. Owners should discuss the potential side effects of any drugs prescribed for use in their epileptic dog. Periodic blood draws to assess serum concentrations of prescription drugs and to make any necessary dosage or drug adjustments are essential to ensure that the medications are reaching but not exceeding their target range. Many dogs on medication for chronic epilepsy tend to put on weight; their diets should be carefully managed. Non-traditional adjuncts to medical treatment of epilepsy may include acupuncture, dietary changes, massage therapy, homeopathic or herbal remedies or other alternative methods that may or may not be helpful for epileptic dogs. Again, a veterinarian is the best one to address all potential treatment and management options, including those that may provide temporary relaxation or comfort rather than effective management or cure. Prognosis Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy can be well-managed medically with phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide and can live a long, essentially normal life. It is quite helpful to veterinarians if owners keep track of the date, time, length and severity of their dogs epileptic episodes. Life-long treatment usually is necessary. Unfortunately, dogs with recurrent status epilepticus seizures that last more than 5 minutes have a poor prognosis. ATTENTION VET TECH STUDENTS Chicago: Find out more about Penn Foster s awesome AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician Program! We d like to celebrate the 150 th AVMA Conference with you! Meet our Veterinary Academy Director, Dr. Jim Hurrell. We look forward to meeting local Penn Foster students, and other veterinary businesses and hospitals from around the country. When: Saturday, July 20, 3:00-4:30pm Where: Shor Restaurant at The Hyatt Regency (connected to McCormick Place Convention Center where the Convention will be held!) 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive Chicago, IL 60616, USA RSVP: Please send an to Caitlin McDonnell (caitlin.mcdonnell@pennfoster.edu) with your name and where you re from if you d like to join us. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to meeting you and expanding our Veterinary Technician community in the Chicago area! Denver: Association of Veterinary Technician Educators [AVTE] Symposium July I am staying at the Westin Denver Downtown, 1672 Lawrence Street, Denver (303) Student meet-up time/date 12 noon on Sunday July 28 in the lobby of the Westin Denver Downtown.

8 Case of the week (Continued from page 1) By: Dana Hannan Radiograph of planned screw placement and Doctor drilling hole for screw. Screw was drilled into the hole. 0.25cm incision site to accomadate drill. One suture used to close.

Seizures in Dogs & Cats What You Need to Know!

Seizures in Dogs & Cats What You Need to Know! One of the scariest events in pet parents lives is seeing their fur baby have a seizure. They re downright frightening even when you know what seizures look