Calendar of Events

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By: Dr Sheilah A Robertson BVMS (Hons), PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (WSEL), CVA, MRCVS

Description:
In this session tips on how to start the difficult conversation about euthanasia will be discussed; this includes verbal priming, supporting the owner / family, understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy, focusing on the pet’s needs and being non-judgmental. Owners have four main budgets when making euthanasia decisions (financial, emotional, physical and time) and all must be considered. Setting the scene for success includes small but powerful ‘little things’ such as never separating the patient from the owner once the decision has been made, quickly creating a less clinical setting (blankets, cushions, dimming lights). How and when to ask for payment will be discussed.

Course Objectives:

1. Attendees will feel confident initiating difficult conversations about euthanasia by learning key words and phrases that are patient centric.
2. Attendees will understand why pre-euthanasia sedation is important for the whole veterinary team, patient and owner.
3. If intravenous access is not possible attendees will be confident with using alternate routes for administration of euthanasia solutions.
4. Attendees will perform their next euthanasia with confidence, calmness and a feeling of control form start to finish.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Sheilah Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Following time in private practice and a surgery internship she undertook specialized training in anesthesia and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. She is board certified in anesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. In 2019 she received her certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She has published widely on the recognition and alleviation of acute pain. Currently she is the senior medical director of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a large network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care and in-home euthanasia throughout the USA. Dr Robertson is also a courtesy Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

You’ve studied, worked through your clinicals and you have passion and drive! That is all you need, right? Well that is the majority of it… but the transition into the professional world always includes questions and a little guidance and advice can go a long way!

Join us for this Monthly Mingle, where VECCS CEO Dr. Chris Gray will moderate and guide the conversation. He can share both his personal experience on his transition after school as well as his most recent experiences at Michigan State as he helped students with this transition!

By: Dr Sheilah A Robertson BVMS (Hons), PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (WSEL), CVA, MRCVS

Description:
In this session the value of pre-euthanasia sedation or anesthesia and which drugs to choose will be discussed. Tips for intravenous access (have you tried dorsal pedal vein?) will be covered along with what to do if IV access is not possible. Non-intravenous techniques for dogs and cats will be covered. If things do not go as planned, we will discuss how to explain this to owners and how to deal with unexpected adverse effects. What we do after the euthanasia has an impact on the owner. This includes a discussion on body care, providing mementos, giving them time alone, and follow up within a few days.

Course Objectives:

1. Attendees will feel confident initiating difficult conversations about euthanasia by learning key words and phrases that are patient centric.
2. Attendees will understand why pre-euthanasia sedation is important for the whole veterinary team, patient and owner.
3. If intravenous access is not possible attendees will be confident with using alternate routes for administration of euthanasia solutions.
4. Attendees will perform their next euthanasia with confidence, calmness and a feeling of control form start to finish.

Speaker Info:
Dr. Sheilah Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Following time in private practice and a surgery internship she undertook specialized training in anesthesia and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. She is board certified in anesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. In 2019 she received her certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She has published widely on the recognition and alleviation of acute pain. Currently she is the senior medical director of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a large network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care and in-home euthanasia throughout the USA. Dr Robertson is also a courtesy Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

This new Leadership Connection Series, of virtual meetups, welcomes members in ANY type of leadership role within their clinic/hospital, to collaborate in a friendly space! Your link to join will be sent to you as the event gets closer!

August Topic: Collaborative (TEAL) Management; Moderator: Bo Compton

Join fellow VECCS members and have BOD President, Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro to moderate, share tips and discuss experiences and ideas in treating Gastric Dilation-Volvulus.

By: Kate Hopper BVSc, PhD, DACVECC

Description:
Envenomation by a poisonous animal can be a challenging emergency case to manage and the severity of potential injury varies between regions. This presentation will review key diagnostic and management aspects of snake and spider envenomation with guidelines for rational clinical decision making.

Course Objectives:

1. Review the main venomous snakes and spiders in North America
2. Understand the common presenting signs of pit viper envenomation
3. Review the key aspects to management of snake envenomation
4. Outline how venomous spider bites could present and the management approach to these cases

Speaker Info:
Dr. Sheilah Robertson graduated from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Following time in private practice and a surgery internship she undertook specialized training in anesthesia and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. She is board certified in anesthesia and in animal welfare by the respective American and European Colleges and holds a certificate in small animal acupuncture. In 2019 she received her certification as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Palliative and End-of-Life practitioner by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She has published widely on the recognition and alleviation of acute pain. Currently she is the senior medical director of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a large network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care and in-home euthanasia throughout the USA. Dr Robertson is also a courtesy Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

This new Leadership Connection Series, of virtual meetups, welcomes members in ANY type of leadership role within their clinic/hospital, to collaborate in a friendly space! Your link to join will be sent to you as the event gets closer!

August Topic: Compassion Fatigue & Burnout; Moderator: Joe DeFulio

It’s that time of year, time to celebrate the year past, the holiday season and the hope the new year brings!! Let’s get together with other VECCS members and have some fun!! More details to come, but save the date, you won’t want to miss this!!

This new Leadership Connection Series, of virtual meetups, welcomes members in ANY type of leadership role within their clinic/hospital, to collaborate in a friendly space! Your link to join will be sent to you as the event gets closer!

August Topic: The Greatest Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned; Moderator: Alyce D’Amato