 President's Message
 Greetings!
I hope everyone is having a great summer!
The AARV continues to make steady progress with our commitment to promoting research in the field of veterinary rehabilitation. Read below to learn the winners of the AARV Abstract Competition - these members have been invited to present the results of their research at NAVC 2016. Continue reading to also learn the 3 recipients of the Grant Competition. These 3 members have been awarded $2,500 each to be used towards research in the field of veterinary rehabilitation and pain management. These grants are only possible because of the generous donations from two of our top-tier sponsors: P&G/Mars and Aratana Therapeutics. A huge THANK YOU to them! The grant recipients have been invited to present their research at NAVC 2017.
You may remember seeing our call for nominations for the position of Public Liaison in previous newsletters? Well, we have an exciting announcement about this position below, and an opportunity for a motivated, social-media savvy individual to contribute their "posting" and communication skills to the AARV.
And of course, we have our monthly Technician Corner with this issue's guest contributor Deana Cappucci-Lorentz, BS, LVT, CCRA, CCMT, from Coral Springs Animal Hospital. Thank you, Deana!
Finally, you may be aware of the ongoing legislative battle in California regarding the issue of direct supervision of veterinary rehabilitation patients under the care of rehabilitation certified physical therapists. This is an important topic for our field and our organization. Dr. Kristyn Richardson provides the Legislative Liaison update below with the focus on California's Practice Act.
Are there specific topics or updates that you want to learn about in future newsletters? Let us know!
Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, PhD, CCRT
Diplomate ACVS & ACVSMR
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 AARV Announces Abstract Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the abstract selection that will present their work at NAVC 2016. Dr. Andrea Henderson will present the effect of a core conditioning program on lumbar paraspinal area, asymmetry and pain score in military working dogs with lumbosacral pain, and Dr. Leilani Alvarez will present a survey of referring veterinarians' perceptions and reasons for referral to rehabilitation facilities. We hope you attend AARV's track at NAVC on January 18, 2016! We thank Drs. Christina Fuoco and Juliette Hart for their abstract submissions. We will publish their abstracts on our website and newsletter (February 2016). Dr. Fuoco's work is on the management of suspected tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint ligament damage in a red-breasted goose using physical rehabilitation. Dr. Hart's work is on the evaluation of a canine stance analyzer for detection of lameness in dogs.
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AARV Names Research Grant Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the grant selection that will present their work at NAVC 2017. Dr. Constanza Gomez Alvarez will present her study on assessing postural sway parameters in dogs undergoing individually tailored physical rehabilitation for various musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (funded by AARV). Dr. Leilani Alvarez will present the reliability and validity of canine manual muscle test as a measure for hindlimb strength in dogs (funded by P&G/Mars). Mr. Kyle Martin will present the inertial measurement units as a method for objective outcome assessment in dogs undergoing surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease (funded by Aratana). We are looking forward to seeing the results and clinical relevance of their studies!
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 AARV Reveals Lecture Track for NAVC 2016 Plan to attend the AARV Lecture Track on Monday, January 18, 2016, at the North American Veterinary Community Conference in Orlando, Florida. We have planned a full day of presentations on leading-edge topics. All NAVC attendees are welcome to attend the AARV Track. To register, please visit the NAVC website.
The schedule for the day will be as follows:
Monday, January 18, 2016
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8:00-9:15
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Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVC, CCRT, and Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, CCRT
Preventive Medicine Through Injury Recovery to Keep Dogs Working and Playing
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9:55-10:45
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Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, CCRT
Preventing Dehydration: Lessons from Professional Canine Athletes
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10:55-11:45
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Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, CCRT
Health Hazards and Rehabilitation of Dogs that Play or Work Too Hard
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11:45-1:45
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 Lunch Meeting with John Sherman Award Presentation to Rosemary LoGiudice. All members and interested parties are welcome. There will be a drawing for an iPad!
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1:45-2:35
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Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVC, CCRT
Rehabilitation of Working Dogs: Modifying Physical Modalities for this Group
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2:45-3:35
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Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVC, CCRT
Rehabilitation of Working Dogs: Modifying Manual Therapies for this Group
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3:55-4:10
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Mary Ellen Goldberg, BS, LVT, CVT, SBA, CCRA
Defining the Veterinary Technician's Role in Physical Rehabilitation
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4:15-4:30
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Leilani Alvarez, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVCHM
AARV Winning Abstract Presentation
Survey of Referring Veterinarians' Perceptions and Reasons For Referral to Rehabilitation Facilities
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4:35-4:50
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Andrea Henderson, DVM, MS, CCRT, CCRP
AARV Winning Abstract Presentation
Effect of a Core Conditioning Program on Lumbar Paraspinal Area, Asymmetry and Pain Score in Military Working Dogs with Lumbosacral Pain
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Just the Opportunity You Were Looking For!
Call for Nominations - Communications Director
Do you enjoy communicating your enjoyment of rehabilitation veterinary medicine with your colleagues and clients and potential clients? Do you enjoy creating and providing social media updates?
The AARV needs an enthusiastic volunteer to serve in the board position as Communications Director. The former position of Public Liaison has been revised and updated to an exciting position dealing with AARV communications.
A Communications Director will be elected by the AARV membership this fall. Specific Communications Director position opportunities are: - Provide guidance and direction to the AARV Communication Consultant (outsourced professional) on content and updates of AARV website.
- Assist the AARV Communication Consultant (outsourced professional) with providing, coordinating, updating, and approving information for the regularly scheduled electronic AARV newsletters for the general public and membership
- Provide regular updates to and maintain social media sites such as Facebook.
- At such time that the AARV Board of Directors creates a Public Relations Committee, to oversee committee activities and coordinate appointment of a chair. The PR Committee chair would report to the Communications Director.
- Participate in the monthly AARV Board of Directors Conference Call meeting
- Perform all other duties that may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
- Attend the Annual Meeting of the AARV.
Submit your nomination before September 30, 2015 - please include your name, a brief biography, and a short paragraph explaining your desire to be elected and serve - to Rosemary LoGiudice, AARV Immediate Past President, at drcomanche@sbcglobal.net.
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Our Next Membership Survey Drawing Is Coming Up on September 15!
AARV members: have you taken the AARV 2015 membership survey yet? You will not only be registered to win a $25 Amazon or Starbucks gift card, but you will also help ensure that the AARV Board of Directors understands who the AARV members are and how the organization can best support you. You only need to take the survey once to be entered in the drawings all year.
We will continue to randomly select three winners each quarter from survey respondents for a total of 12 winners this year. If you didn't win in a past drawing, you are still eligible to win during our next two drawings.
If you haven't taken the survey yet, you can find the link by visiting the Membership Survey page in the Members Area on the AARV website (log-in required).
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Veterinary Practice Acts: California
by Kristyn Richardson, DVM, CCRT, CVSMTLegislative Liaison  Hello again! Well, California has the spotlight this month. Over the past years, there has been an ongoing discussion about animal rehabilitation (wording used) in the state of California and direct vs. indirect supervision for physical therapists and veterinary technicians performing animal rehabilitation in the state. At this time, the wording in the California Veterinary Practice Act has been finalized and a notice of public hearing has been scheduled for September 10, 2015. Below is the section of the practice act on animal rehabilitation that is going to be discussed at the public hearing:Veterinary Medical Board Proposed Language New text is shown in underline.
ADOPT SECTION 2038.5 OF ARTICLE 4 OF DIVISION 20 OF TITLE 16 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
§ 2038.5. Animal Rehabilitation. (a) The term "animal rehabilitation" (AR) is the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of thermal, magnetic, biofeedback technology, hydrotherapy (such as underwater treadmills), electricity, sound, therapeutic massage, manual therapy, and active, passive, and resistive exercise for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals. AR includes evaluation, treatment, instruction, and consultative services. (b) AR may be performed only by the following persons: - A veterinarian who has examined the animal patient and has sufficient knowledge to make a diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal, has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, including a determination that AR will not be harmful to the animal patient, discussed with the owner of the animal or the owner's authorized representative a course of treatment, and is readily available or has made arrangements for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen. The veterinarian shall ensure that accurate and complete records of AR treatments are maintained in the patient's veterinary medical record.
- A California licensed physical therapist (PT) or registered veterinary technician (RVT) working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. A PT or a RVT shall be deemed to be working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian where the following protocol has been followed:
- The supervising veterinarian shall comply with the provisions of subsection (b)(1) prior to authorizing a PT or RVT to complete an initial evaluation of and/or perform treatment upon an animal patient.
- The supervising veterinarian shall be physically present wherever the AR is being performed.
- A veterinarian shall conform to the provisions of this section when supervising a PT or RVT who is performing AR treatments upon an animal. Failure to conform to these provisions shall be deemed unprofessional conduct or aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine pursuant to section 4826 of the Code.
- After the PT or RVT has completed an initial evaluation of and/or treatment upon the animal patient, the PT or RVT shall consult with the supervising veterinarian to confirm that the AR care is appropriate, and to coordinate complementary treatment, to assure proper patient care.
- A PT or RVT shall conform to the provisions of this section when performing AR upon an animal. Failure to conform to these provisions shall be deemed the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine pursuant to section 4826 of the Code.
(c) If at any time either the supervising veterinarian or the PT or RVT terminates the supervisory relationship as defined above, the PT or RVT shall immediately cease AR treatment.
Note: Authority Cited: Sections 4808 and 4836 of the Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 4825, 4826, and 4883 of the Business and Professions
This proposed wording is very similar to that present in the section of the practice act for veterinary chiropractic/spinal manipulation. There is no mention of advanced training of the physical therapist, veterinary technician, or veterinarian in animal rehabilitation or any guidelines as to how much training or continuing education is needed above and beyond their certification maintenance requirements. What do you think? Here are some questions that appear relevant to the situation: - Is direct supervision of physical therapists and veterinary technicians the safest way to protect patients and the consumer?
- How will this impact large animal and small animal clients/consumers receiving animal rehabilitation for their companion animal?
- How will this impact the cost to the consumer for these treatments?
- How does this impact time management as a veterinarian with patients in animal rehabilitation if they have to be on premises for all treatments?
- Why isn't specific training in animal rehabilitation mentioned/recommended for PTs, RVTs, and veterinarians?
- Does the Supreme Court ruling on FTC V. North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners have any impact on this potential change to the veterinary practice act?
I would love to hear what you think. Write to me at rehabvetdoc@gmail.com. Also, I would encourage those of you practicing in California (and even in other states - this impacts you as well!) to write to your veterinary medical board and also attend the hearing. This has wide-reaching impacts for your practice and your patients. To learn more, click on the links to the Hearing Notice as well as the Initial Statement of Reasons for the proposed changes. At the bottom of the notice there are persons to whom you may write and call to express your opinion on the changes.
Just a reminder - over the next few months, we will continue to add links to the State Practice Acts page on the AARV website for additional states.
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UNIVERSITY UPDATE
University Committee Plans Strategies to Evaluate Curriculum and Support Students
by Jamie Peyton, DVM, DACVECC, CCRTUniversity Liaison As part of AARV's mission for rehabilitation education, a University Committee is being formed to evaluate the current state of rehabilitation in the veterinary curriculum. We are in the process of developing a survey for U.S. veterinary schools to collect information on both the clinical and didactic education being offered for physical rehabilitation and sports medicine. Once this data is organized, we will be evaluating ways to help encourage schools to educate students in this area. An additional avenue for student support is by actively sponsoring student-run clubs. At this time, we are gathering ideas for ways to help develop, maintain, and foster clubs that will further expose and educate students to the benefits of incorporating rehabilitation for a patient's overall medical / surgical care plan and quality of life. We look forward to giving members of the AARV further updates on our findings and stay committed to helping support not only the current but also the future generations of rehabilitation veterinarians. If you would like to get involved with the University Committee, please email Dr. Jamie Peyton.
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TECHNICIAN CORNER
Find Your Center
by Kristen L. Hagler, BS (An.Phys), RVT, CCRP, CVPP, OACM, CBWAARV Technician LiaisonAs a credentialed veterinary technician, and possibly everyone in this profession, we often take work home with us both mentally and physically. Our field of work is stressful, physically and psychologically demanding but yet extremely rewarding and full of new possibilities. The excitement of helping an animal learn to take its first steps or return to high-level performance events after an injury can make your heart swell with pride, as long as you learn to balance your successes (and failures) regularly. This month, Deana Cappucci-Lorentz, BS, LVT, CCRA, CCMT, of Coral Springs Animal Hospital in Coral Springs, Florida, writes about finding your center :
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Deana is shown with Billie, a 5-year-old Cockapoo receiving rehabilitation therapy at Coral Springs Animal Hospital in Florida after he lost deep pain perception following a hemilaminectomy for acute non-ambulatory paresis in the hind limbs in late May. Billie's owners ordered a custom cart to help him get around better and enrolled him in an aggressive rehabilitation program. In this picture, Deana is encouraging Billie to engage his core with the assistance of the cart by gently rocking back and forth while placing his hind legs in proper placement for proprioception. Billie has shown great improvement since starting the rehabilitation program.
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The field of veterinary physical rehabilitation to me has become the "zen" of my work experience, contrasting greatly to my previous careers in emergency / critical care and specialty surgery.
The majority of patients seen in our veterinary rehabilitation facility receive bodywork (e.g. stretching and massage therapy), hydrotherapy and other modalities such as electrical stimulation or laser therapy to help promote circulation, decrease pain and improve overall wellness. Sometimes the use of aromatherapy and healing energy techniques like Reiki are used to calm patients and provide them with a great experience. With the right combination or "recipe" of therapies and energy, creating the perfect Zen is easily achieved.
However sometimes, there are those patients who require a little more time, effort, and patience which can drain our own energy. I'm talking about those "down dogs" that "will never walk again" or those that have had "everything" done to keep them going. These are the patients that continue to keep us doing what we are doing and make us proud to call ourselves Rehabilitation Technicians. The long, back-breaking hours of rehabilitating a dog who weighs more then ourselves, or the small dog we have to hover over (despite good body mechanics), leaving us with a sore back, are all worth it in the long run when we see that first sign of movement in a deemed non-functional limb.
The work that we do is not always easy, but it is very rewarding. When I struggle with frustration and begin searching my knowledge index about what to do next, I take a breath, turn to my inner peace, find my center, and say, "This patient smiles every time he sees me, and he is depending on me to help him through this. I will never give up, I will always continue to do my best to keep him going, no matter how hard it may be at times."
I have found my calling. Have you found yours? Never stop learning and growing. There is so much to experience out there and you will be inspired everyday at what your patients will teach you.
About Deana Born and raised in Long Island, N.Y., I grew up as a dancer preparing to be a professional and received an Associate in the Arts for Dance back in 2003. I started my career as a veterinary technician working as a veterinary assistant in the kennel shortly after I graduated from the Arts, not knowing then where that path would take me. I studied Veterinary Technology at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where I earned my Bachelor's of Science in 2007, and took my VTNE to become a LVT. I originally wanted to specialize in emergency and critical care, but after a few years working in that high-pace stressful environment, I wanted a change and fell into canine rehabilitation. I relocated to Florida where I attended the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2008. After completion of my Internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, I became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant in 2010. I was so intrigued with the specialization of this field that I wanted to continue to learn as much as I could. I then attended the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, offered in Cape Coral, Florida, in 2011. I studied all three levels to become a Certified Canine Massage Therapist. In early 2012, I attended the Chi Institute for training in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for Veterinary Technicians. In late 2012, I relocated back to New York where I had the opportunity to work at the Animal Medical Center under my mentor Dr. Leilani Alvarez, who later appointed me be the Team Leader of the Rehabilitation Department. Dr. Alvarez has taught me so much in this field, that I owe much to her for inspiring me to grow to be the professional I am today. In November 2014, my husband and I relocated back to Florida. I am currently working in the Rehabilitation Department at Coral Springs Animal Hospital in Coral Springs, Florida. I am planning on joining the IVAPM to eventually become a Certified Canine Pain Practitioner. There is still so much more that I want to experience, and even though I have been specializing in this field for some time now, I will never stop learning, and I will never stop growing.
Do you have an article in mind for the Technician Corner? Contact Kristen Hagler to submit an article (suggested length of 200-300 words) or suggest a topic.
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AARV Member Presentations
Dr. Cindy Otto, director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, will be speaking at the following upcoming events:
- September 20-21 - International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium in Washington, DC - "Treating Working Dogs: Insight From the Penn Vet Working Dog Center" and "Bite Work is For Criminal Apprehension, Not Vet Visits: Low Stress Dog Handling"
- October 14-17 - Association of Pet Dog Trainers in Dallas, Texas - "Tricked into Fitness" and "It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Gets Hurt"
Dr. Otto also will be giving several talks during the AARV Lecture Track at NAVC on January 18, 2016 in Orlando. Dr. Evelyn Orenbuch, the founder of GA Veterinary Rehabilitation, Fitness & Pain Management, spoke August 16 at University of Georgia as part of a day of lectures about laser therapy. Dr. Orenbuch spoke about the use of lasers in rehabilitation medicine. |
 Are You Speaking at an Upcoming Meeting?
If you will be lecturing at a meeting in the next three to four months, please let AARV know! We will be adding a list of our members' upcoming speaking engagements to this newsletter. Please send your name and the topic of your talk along with the meeting name, dates, and location to AARV's public liaison at info@rehabvets.org. |
 Join Our Speaker Registry!
We are continuing to look for members who are interested in speaking at their local VMA meetings and also national meetings as part of our goal of increasing awareness of the field of veterinary rehabilitation and the AARV. If YOU are interested in being considered as a speaker, please send your name, your CV, and the state/s in which you would speak, as well as potential rehabilitation topics to Dr. Janet Van Dyke, AARV past president/programming committee chair ( janetvandyke@me.com). |
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UPDATED BROCHURE!
AARV Members: Download Our Updated Free Brochure for Your Clients and Colleagues
AARV has updated its brochure "Why Should You Choose a Rehabilitation Veterinarian?" and made it available as a free download for members from the website. The brochure is a high-resolution PDF that may be printed and distributed to clients and colleagues to help explain the benefits of working with a rehabilitation veterinarian. The brochure also may be customized with your practice's contact information on the back panel. To download the PDF, go to the Resources page in the Members Area (log-in required).
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Have You Read the Latest Articles of Interest?
The August Articles of Interest are posted in the Members Only area of the website. Our Articles of Interest documents containing journal abstracts and citations are posted online to help you stay up to date on the latest research and publications. We also keep links to past Articles of Interest so you can easily catch up if you miss a month. Click here to read the August Articles of Interest and past Articles of Interest. Enter your username and password to log in, then go to the Articles of Interest page. You must have a current membership recorded in our database for access to the Members Only area. |
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 Send Us Your News!
AARV members, we're looking for your news! Have you hired more staff, had a peer-reviewed article published, or accepted a leadership position with an organization? We'd like to get updates on your rehabilitation activities and share your news in our email newsletters. To see your news in print, email a brief description - and a photo if possible - to AARV at info@rehabvets.org. |
Did You Miss Our Last Newsletter?
Our July 2015 issue included: - President's Message from Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
- Legislative Update: Veterinary Practice Acts - Alabama, Alaska, Arizona and Arkansas
- 2015 Graduates, Have You Claimed Your Free Year of Membership?
- Technician Corner: Helping the Pet Owner Select and Use an Appropriate Land Treadmill for Their Pet
- Are You Speaking at an Upcoming Meeting?
- AARV Members: Download Our Free Brochure for Your Patients and Colleagues
If you missed this issue, you can read the July newsletter online or from the e-Newsletter page on the AARV website.
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CCRT/CCRP - The Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle
The Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle is seeking a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist to join our collaborative and progressive team! We are searching for a highly motivated individual to lead and grow our full service rehabilitation, sports medicine, and pain management services. Candidates must share our commitment to delivering extraordinary patient care and outstanding client communication. Equipment and facilities include: dedicated rehabilitation exam room, outdoor area for lameness evaluation and therapeutic exercise, underwater and land treadmills, therapeutic laser, ESWT, NMES, and therapeutic exercise equipment. For more information and to learn how to apply, click here.
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CCRA/CCRP - The Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle
The Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle is seeking a Certified Rehabilitation Technician (LVT, CCRA/CCRP) to join our collaborative and progressive team! We are searching for a highly motivated individual to work along side a full time rehabilitation therapist in our rehabilitation, sports medicine, and pain management service. Candidates must share our commitment to delivering extraordinary patient care and outstanding client communication. Equipment and facilities include: dedicated rehabilitation exam room, outdoor area for lameness evaluation and therapeutic exercise, underwater and land treadmills, therapeutic laser, ESWT, NMES, and therapeutic exercise equipment. For more information and to learn how to apply, click here.
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Rehab Assistant - The Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware
Seeking entry level rehab assistant (full or part time) to work with two CCRP veterinarians at The Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware, vscdel.com. Our stand alone building supports outpatients, post surgical patients from our three board certified surgeons, as well as ICU and emergency cases from our main hospital next door. We are fully equipped with an Oasis UWTM, therapy pool, overhead lift system, class IV laser, and e-stim/ultrasound unit. More than the equipment, we all love our work, thoroughly enjoy interacting with the clients and the patients, and continuing to learn about the field of rehabilitation. Please email for more information or to schedule an interview at rehab@vscdel.com.
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Tier 1: Education and Research Sponsors
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Tier 2: Sponsors Providing Member Discounts
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Tier 3: Additional Sponsors
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