vettechblog

[vettechblog]

Just curious, but how would you approach a client that is being abusive to their own pet while waiting in the lobby- yanking on their collar aggressively, yelling at them, hitting them, etc. I have not experienced this personally, but in any event, how would you take control of the situation?

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I literally feel so fucking dumb.

There was a woman that sent us a video of her dog rolling around on the couch, and my first thought was vestibular. He was conscious, and did not eliminate on himself. She said that the dog would have a hard time walking after. But everyone that saw the video said it was a seizure and they were right.

I feel so incompetent. How fucking stupid am I that I cant even identify a fucking seizure when I’ve been in this field for 4 years.

As for my own cat, I didn’t even think of checking his T4 when he’s been having a decreased appetite since November. Instead I checked a CBC, Chem and an Ultrasound.

I dont know if I’m being too hard on myself, but damn do I feel so stupid. I try and learn, and everyone turns to me for advice and I’m always wrong no matter how much research I do or how long I’ve been doing things.

Feeling really discouraged. I don’t deserve to get my VTS. I don’t deserve to even have an educational blog.

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Since I got such great responses the last time, I thought I could ask some opinions again.

Some background: My clinic use to be 24 hour emergency hospital before the pandemic. During the pandemic we had 2 doctors quit, so we had become an urgent care. We stopped seeing critical cases and have been this urgent care that feels like an rDVM. We schedule appointments, have a wait list, and cannot see walk ins unless they’re about to die. And when there are cases that walk in, everyone in the ICU sighs and gets upset. Of course, the doctors also whine about not having true emergencies come in as “we can stabilize then then transfer.” But more than half the time, the doctors don’t even want the case if we have to potentially transfer. They say the process takes too long and at the end of it no one will take the case and we are stuck with them. Some of the doctors also shut down the night two hours prior to closing. I feel as though we are not an ER and I spend my days bored out of my mind. The main reason I bring this up, is because we had a case come in, where she had a FB, and was brought to surgery. We had to transfer her to a larger facility. Well that facility has a virtual patient log that uploads their SOAPs to keep other hospitals updated on their transferred case. I read it everyday, and the patient had developed VPC’s and was started on a Lidocaine CRI, was on a Methadone CRI, was on fluids with Bvits and KCL (hypokalemic), a NGT was placed, and a triple lumen was placed as well. Like holy shit doesn’t that sound awesome! Luckily the patient bounced back and went home.

The point: Now I did use to work at a speciality hospital when I was first starting out in veterinary medicine (5 years ago). They were sectioned in different departments and at the time I was very interested in being cross trained in the hospital. When I worked there I was only TX and discharge. I had asked for two months to be cross trained and everyone around me get trained except for me. At the speciality hospital it was the doctors that did literally everything- going over estimates, updating clients, and if the client had more questions the doctor was the only one that could answer them. Once I started working where I am now, I saw how they severely under utilized their technicians were at the speciality hospital. Now that I’ve gained more experience, I do want to be a VTS. The hospital that I work at now is small and does basic ER care, which means I would have to leave in order to achieve this goal. Since I didn’t have the best experience at the first speciality hospital, I am hesitant to go to a different one. I am nervous that I would be under utilized again, and not use the knowledge I’ve worked so hard to learn.

Here are my pro’s and con’s:

Pros:

Being more focused in ICU and ER- actually seeing emergent cases more frequently.

Have a better opportunity to become a VTS.

Have a better facility; updated ICU, updated technology, etc.

Possible sign on bonus; +/- pay raise from where I am now.

Cons:

Slightly farther away (45 minute drive).

Possible pay reduction from where I am now.

Being the new girl/risk if going to a toxic clinic.

Possibility of being under utilized.

Questions: Is there anyone here that works in speciality- if so how has your experience been? Do you feel utilized/educated by your team? Has anyone else been in this position- if so what did you do? Was your choice something you’re grateful for, or do you regret it? Do you have any advice?

Note: I do not need to make this decision ASAP. I am registered in a state that I do not practice in. In order to be a VTS, I need to have been registered in the state that I’m practicing in for at least 5 years. Also, the current hospital that I work at is trying to sell, so there is the potential that they will be bought out within the next 5 years (though no guarantee they would be a specialty hospital).

[vettechblog]

Hey guys! I know I barley post, but I really need advice on how to professionally communicate when a client is upset with our practice. I’m going to give a list of prompts that I have no idea how to respond to. Any advice is great!

“Your prices are ridiculous! Just because I don’t have the finances, you are going to let my pet die?”

“What do you mean you can’t see me tonight? I’ve tried calling 8 other hospitals and this is an emergency. How can you turn my pet away knowing that he is suffering?”

“I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on my pet and he is no better! I’m out of money for continued treatment. This is highway robbery and you’re letting my pet suffer! You don’t care about animals.”

“My pet needs another procedure because you didn’t do it right the first time. I demand to be seen/ have the procedure for no charge because this is your fault.” (Mainly the part about being blamed for something)

“If you didn’t care about the money my pet would be alive or if you didn’t care about the money my pet wouldn’t have to die at home suffering!”

[vettechblog]

As a person, I'm not generally superstitious.

As a vet tech? You better believe it. Do not say the words 'slow', 'quiet' or 'easy' in a clinic. Never talk about how good the vein looks. And if you so much as think 'oh its been a while since we've had one of those cases' that will be the next phone call.

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[vettechblog]

my love for animals is so fucking strong, they’re all just little guys living their own lives and you get to be a part of theirs!! when they cuddle you or simply walk past you, gracing you with their presence it’s like hello that’s my friend! they love company and they have an understanding that you will provide and care for them. whether it’s dogs or cats or birds or bunnies or reptiles or even fish or whatever!! animal companionship is a beautiful and blessed thing to be cherished. i fucking. love animals so much!! 🐾

[vettechblog]

[vettechblog]

"Brushing Mico is my job. Just ask him. He'll tell you."

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half the people I went to vet tech school with aren't even techs anymore if you were curious on like how this job field is going lmao

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I’ve made short notes on Acute Renal Disease so I’m able to refresh my memory on the topic🐾

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Meme dump 🙀

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“Vet medicine is a money grab!”

“You better do this for me or else I’ll leave a bad review and tear your clinic apart!”

“You’re going to let my pet suffer because I cannot afford treatment?”

“I have an emergency, my dog has been vomiting for 2 weeks, and it needs to be seen TODAY!”

“My pet is not getting better...(didn’t listen to advice that was given in the first place).”

“Why can’t I get antibiotics for my pet (we’ve never seen this patient before)?”

“What do you mean you won’t refill that medication from 3 years ago?!”

“Are you kidding me...you’re charging an emergency fee for a 3am appointment (when we have already put in a full work week)?!”

“Can you kill my healthy 2 year old cat because I don’t want it anymore.”

“You don’t understand...you’re pissing me off...can I speak to the actual vet...”

THESE ARE REAL AND FREQUENT STATEMENTS that frontline veterinary staff deal with. Bullying is NEVER a way to get what you want. I wish I was exaggerating on this.

These cruel encounters...when all we want to do is help their pet...is a top reason I have left the industry.

Animal Health Care workers are unsung heroes. They are under appreciated, looked over, and to many people’s surprise- under paid. They work their butts off, and in most cases the support staff live pay to pay.

Respect them. Don’t be part of the reason another person who is passionate about animals either leaves, or gives up on their life all together.

I’ve had to walk away from the negativity and misunderstood profession, but I will never stop pushing for appropriate treatment for those who have devoted their lives to saving animals.

To all veterinarians, vet techs, vet assistants, receptionists, kennel staff, managers, clinic owners, students looking to begin this journey....I see you and I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do. ❤️

Copied and Pasted from Facebook: Miranda Wallace

[vettechblog]

Meme dump 👀

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I’ve made short notes on Hemoabdomens so I’m able to refresh my memory on the topic🐾

[vettechblog]

I’ve made short notes on Lyme Disease so I’m able to refresh my memory on the topic🐾