Like doctors who work on the human species, veterinarians need to continually update their skills. For Dr. Karnia to renew her license, she must regularly attend seminars, conferences and workshops, demonstrating that she is keeping current with developments in technology, diagnostics and industry standards. That’s why we occasionally block out a day or two to allow the doctor to attend these functions.
On October 17th and 18th, Dr. Karnia attended a two-day conference at Scottsdale’s Valley Ho resort. “Feline Fine: A Marriage of Medicine and Well-Being” was organized by the North American Veterinary Conference and Dr. Margie Scherk, a board-certified* feline practitioner who lectures around the world. The complete life span of cats was addressed from neonates to end-of-life issues. In-depth coverage was given to a few medical topics, including diabetes, renal insufficiency, and lower urinary tract disease. Dr. Scherk also discussed various practice tips for handling cats and providing a less stressful visit to the clinic.
It’s just as important to us as it is to you that we are giving your cat the very best that the veterinarian community offers. And it’s not just Dr. Karnia that participates in continuing education. We make sure our staff are continually updating their skills. We regularly have meetings where we invite product representatives to let us know about new developments in their area. Representatives from Royal Canin, Purina and Hills recently visited the clinic to talk about the various diets we recommend. Merial, who provides us with most of our vaccines as well as Heartgard and Frontline products, talked to us about the extensive research they conduct for their vaccines.
For more intensive training, we send our technicians to seminars and workshops specifically focused on their role in the hospital. Even the front office gets into the act. We want to make sure we are running an efficient and enthusiastic business, so we study up on client relations, streamlining costs, and marketing (writing blog posts, for instance, to keep clients informed). This spring, nearly the entire clinic staff will attend the American Animal Hospital Association conference in downtown Phoenix. We’re fortunate to have the conference in central Arizona, and all of us will take advantage of the four days of lectures, exhibits and workshops.
We do this because we want you to be secure in the knowledge that your cat is receiving the best care possible at the Scottsdale Cat Clinic, and that you as our client are treated with the utmost respect.
*Board-certified means really smart and really knowledgeable. Basically, Dr. Scherk had to pass a horrifically difficult test and present a number of case studies in feline medicine to a bunch of strict, sober and decidedly unfrivolous ladies and gentlemen just looking to deny her accreditation. She now specializes in feline medicine—a top gun of the cat vet set.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Pet Food Politics
Marion Nestle has written what sounds like a fascinating book about last year's pet food contamination. The book, Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine, reveals how the crisis that caused so much illness in pets should be a warning siren for the global food supply. The complex interconnections of our food supply means that we are in no way isolated, and the problems that seemed like just a cat and dog issue could easily effect us. In fact, Nestle mentions that some of the tainted pet food from last year did make its way into the human food supply, being fed to farm animals destined for human consumption.
This could be the 21st Century's version of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Even now we read stories about baby formula contaminated with the same substance, melamine, tainting that product. Here at the clinic, one of our suppliers has discontinued a diet based on rabbit because the only consistent supplier with enough quantities is China, and they cannot verify the quality of the meat. We'll be reading it here at the clinic, just to find out more about how globalization changes everything, even your cat.
You can hear Marion Nestle interviewed on the radio program Here and Now at this link:
http://www.here-now.org/shows/2008/09/20080922.asp
This could be the 21st Century's version of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Even now we read stories about baby formula contaminated with the same substance, melamine, tainting that product. Here at the clinic, one of our suppliers has discontinued a diet based on rabbit because the only consistent supplier with enough quantities is China, and they cannot verify the quality of the meat. We'll be reading it here at the clinic, just to find out more about how globalization changes everything, even your cat.
You can hear Marion Nestle interviewed on the radio program Here and Now at this link:
http://www.here-now.org/shows/2008/09/20080922.asp
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pet Food Recall
Mars Petcare has issued a recall for its brands listed below.
Pedigree
Paws & Claws
Natural Cat Food
Members Mark
Red Flannel
Country Acres
Special Kitty
Buju & Ziggie
Bruiser
Pet Pride
PMI Nutrition
Doggy Bag
The food is being voluntarily recalled for possible contamination with salmonella. Not all products are being recalled. If you have any food, please go to the Mars Petcare website:
http://www.petcare.mars.com/
There you will find information about lot numbers and specific products that are covered.
From the looks of things, it appears to be a precautionary measure, with the company saying that as of now, there has been no direct link to any illness. Everyone's just trying to be on the safe side.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact us or another veterinarian.
Pedigree
Paws & Claws
Natural Cat Food
Members Mark
Red Flannel
Country Acres
Special Kitty
Buju & Ziggie
Bruiser
Pet Pride
PMI Nutrition
Doggy Bag
The food is being voluntarily recalled for possible contamination with salmonella. Not all products are being recalled. If you have any food, please go to the Mars Petcare website:
http://www.petcare.mars.com/
There you will find information about lot numbers and specific products that are covered.
From the looks of things, it appears to be a precautionary measure, with the company saying that as of now, there has been no direct link to any illness. Everyone's just trying to be on the safe side.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact us or another veterinarian.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Help Wanted, August '08
Veterinary Technician
The Scottsdale Cat Clinic is looking for a full-time experienced veterinary technician to join our practice. Our technicians work closely with clients, developing and nurturing relationships with both people and pets. We expect our technicians to have the same connections with our clients as our doctor does. Our practice has a strong focus on client education, including nutrition, dental health, and behavioral well-being.
Our practice is committed to developing technicians to their maximum potential. Our goal is to have our technicians perform all technical and animal care duties to free our doctor to concentrate on the medical and surgical needs of the cat. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable, skilled, efficient, and willing to supervise and train other technicians and staff. Experience with blood drawing, catheter placement, taking radiographs, performing lab tests, surgery preparation, monitoring anesthesia, and dental procedures is required. You must possess a good rapport with cats and the ability to calmly handle and restrain our more excitable patients.
As an exclusively feline practice, you gain the opportunity to specialize in one species, to become an expert in cat care. We are dedicated to furthering the education of our employees and will encourage and aid you in developing your skills.
Our clinic is still very young. This is your chance to help shape our practice and our culture. You can grow with us.
We offer paid vacation and sick days, health insurance, continuing education, and discounts on pet care.
We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage bilingual candidates to apply.
Requirements for the job include:
• An enthusiastic, warm, and compassionate personality
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment
• Good computer skills
• Ability to do some heavy lifting
What we need from you:
A cover letter and a resume sent to:
Scottsdale Cat Clinic
Attn Human Resources
4002 N. Miller Rd, suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Update:
Thanks to all of you that applied. We had a lot of fabulous applicants, and we believe we hired a great person.
The Scottsdale Cat Clinic is looking for a full-time experienced veterinary technician to join our practice. Our technicians work closely with clients, developing and nurturing relationships with both people and pets. We expect our technicians to have the same connections with our clients as our doctor does. Our practice has a strong focus on client education, including nutrition, dental health, and behavioral well-being.
Our practice is committed to developing technicians to their maximum potential. Our goal is to have our technicians perform all technical and animal care duties to free our doctor to concentrate on the medical and surgical needs of the cat. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable, skilled, efficient, and willing to supervise and train other technicians and staff. Experience with blood drawing, catheter placement, taking radiographs, performing lab tests, surgery preparation, monitoring anesthesia, and dental procedures is required. You must possess a good rapport with cats and the ability to calmly handle and restrain our more excitable patients.
As an exclusively feline practice, you gain the opportunity to specialize in one species, to become an expert in cat care. We are dedicated to furthering the education of our employees and will encourage and aid you in developing your skills.
Our clinic is still very young. This is your chance to help shape our practice and our culture. You can grow with us.
We offer paid vacation and sick days, health insurance, continuing education, and discounts on pet care.
We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage bilingual candidates to apply.
Requirements for the job include:
• An enthusiastic, warm, and compassionate personality
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment
• Good computer skills
• Ability to do some heavy lifting
What we need from you:
A cover letter and a resume sent to:
Scottsdale Cat Clinic
Attn Human Resources
4002 N. Miller Rd, suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Update:
Thanks to all of you that applied. We had a lot of fabulous applicants, and we believe we hired a great person.
Microchip Your Cat
If you haven't done so already, now is a good time to microchip your cat.
HomeAgain will donate $1 to the Winn Feline Foundation for every cat that is microchipped and enrolled as a HomeAgain full service member during the months of June, July and August.
“HomeAgain knows that, in our database, cats are underrepresented in comparison to the number of lost and found cat reports we receive,” says Steve Shell, vice-president and general manager of HomeAgain. “Twenty-two percent of pets in the HomeAgain database are cats, but we actually keep more cats than dogs as companion pets in the US. Cats are not as well identified as dogs, with collars and tags, or with microchips and registration, putting them at great risk of never getting reunited with their owners if ever lost."
The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established 40 years ago by the Cat Fanciers’ Assoc. to promote the health and welfare of cats through education and research. Veterinarians and cat owners benefit every day from research funded by Winn. For more on cat health, visit Winn Feline Foundation.
HomeAgain will donate $1 to the Winn Feline Foundation for every cat that is microchipped and enrolled as a HomeAgain full service member during the months of June, July and August.
“HomeAgain knows that, in our database, cats are underrepresented in comparison to the number of lost and found cat reports we receive,” says Steve Shell, vice-president and general manager of HomeAgain. “Twenty-two percent of pets in the HomeAgain database are cats, but we actually keep more cats than dogs as companion pets in the US. Cats are not as well identified as dogs, with collars and tags, or with microchips and registration, putting them at great risk of never getting reunited with their owners if ever lost."
The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit organization established 40 years ago by the Cat Fanciers’ Assoc. to promote the health and welfare of cats through education and research. Veterinarians and cat owners benefit every day from research funded by Winn. For more on cat health, visit Winn Feline Foundation.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Pet Insurance in the News
In our most recent newsletter, we had a long article about pet insurance. In that article, we laid out the benefits of having pet insurance and what to consider when buying a plan.
This week, the East Valley Tribune has a couple of articles on the same subject.
In the first, "What's a pet worth?", writer Mandy Zajac discusses the cost of treating her golden retriever at a cardiologist and an internist. The costs can quickly add up for diagnosis and treatment.
In the second, "Is pet insurance a good thing?", Zajac lays out a lot of the same issues we discussed in our newsletter. She even talks to a representative from Embrace Pet Insurance, one of the companies we recommend.
The upshot of both articles is that medical care for your pet can be costly. Pet insurance may not be for everyone, but it does eliminate the awful moment of deciding that necessary medical care cost more than you can afford. With pet insurance, that decision goes away, and you know that your cat is getting the best care possible.
If you have any questions about pet insurance, read the article in our newsletter and follow the helpful links to some companies we recommend. Also feel free to call our clinic, and we can point you to some resources as well. We can't make financial decisions for you, unfortunately, but we can help you understand how pet insurance works.
This week, the East Valley Tribune has a couple of articles on the same subject.
In the first, "What's a pet worth?", writer Mandy Zajac discusses the cost of treating her golden retriever at a cardiologist and an internist. The costs can quickly add up for diagnosis and treatment.
In the second, "Is pet insurance a good thing?", Zajac lays out a lot of the same issues we discussed in our newsletter. She even talks to a representative from Embrace Pet Insurance, one of the companies we recommend.
The upshot of both articles is that medical care for your pet can be costly. Pet insurance may not be for everyone, but it does eliminate the awful moment of deciding that necessary medical care cost more than you can afford. With pet insurance, that decision goes away, and you know that your cat is getting the best care possible.
If you have any questions about pet insurance, read the article in our newsletter and follow the helpful links to some companies we recommend. Also feel free to call our clinic, and we can point you to some resources as well. We can't make financial decisions for you, unfortunately, but we can help you understand how pet insurance works.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Happy Birthday
Today is Dr. Karnia's birthday!
And she's working. That's how much she loves the cats.
Stop by, type an email, pick up the phone, send her those cool birthday envelopes made just the right size for $20 bills.
Happy Birthday Dr. Karnia...14 professional years (and many more as an amateur) healing the animal kingdom.
And she's working. That's how much she loves the cats.
Stop by, type an email, pick up the phone, send her those cool birthday envelopes made just the right size for $20 bills.
Happy Birthday Dr. Karnia...14 professional years (and many more as an amateur) healing the animal kingdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
