 President's Message
 Greetings!
I don't have much time to read for pleasure, but over the past few months I have been slowly making my way through the book Zoobiquity, written by Barbara Natterson Horowitz, MD, and Kathyrn Bowers. Dr. Horowitz is a human cardiologist who, after an eye-opening experience working with a monkey at the Los Angeles zoo, recognized that animals get the same diseases that people get! In this book, she humbly throws MDs under the bus and acknowledges how most "real doctors" say shocking things like, "Dogs get lymphoma too?" Zoobiquity very eloquently describes the similarities that exist in human and veterinary medicine and illustrates the essential need for translational medicine and inter-disciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, physicians, and scientists. I would argue that no other discipline within veterinary medicine has as zoobiquitous a relationship as does veterinary rehabilitation.
Everyone who practices or is interested in veterinary rehabilitation recognizes that our field is very young, and we have much to learn from our human physical therapist (PT) counterparts. The recent legislative discussion in California has prompted a great and important dialogue among members of the veterinary rehabilitation community about how veterinarians, physical therapists and veterinary technicians can and should work together. There are a number of important points that have been raised by those on both sides of the aisle. The AARV is not currently in the position to take a stance "for" or "against" direct supervision of PTs because there is not a clear consensus among the membership. In 2014 less than 20% of the AARV membership responded to a survey that clearly asked whether they were in support of the proposed language in California. Given the attention that this issue has gained, I believe it is worth re-visiting the discussion at our business meeting at NAVC 2016.
One thing that everyone agrees upon is the importance of adequate training and certification in veterinary rehabilitation. The AARV wrote a letter to the California Veterinary Medical Board ( read letter below) and attached the Model Practice Standards ( click here to read the full document) and ultimately urged the CA VMB to consider adopting language that outlines the educational and training requirements for veterinarians and PTs practicing animal rehabilitation. Legislative debates will continue in California and in other states as the field of rehabilitation grows and gains acceptance. The role of the AARV will always be to advocate for the membership, the field of veterinary rehabilitation, and ultimately, our patients. We will continue to keep members updated on legislative issues and urge you to participate in discussions and legislative actions in your own state. And we will continue to act upon our mission to advance the art and science of veterinary rehabilitation through education, advocacy, and a commitment to research.
 Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, PhD, CCRT Diplomate ACVS & ACVSMR |
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 A Letter to the California Veterinary Medical Board
 August 31, 2015
Elizabeth Bynum
Veterinary Medical Board
1747 N. Market Boulevard
Suite 230
Sacramento, CA 95834
To the Members of the California Veterinary Medical Board,
The Board of Directors of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) are writing on behalf of the AARV membership in regard to the Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action Concerning Animal Rehabilitation, § 2038.5 of Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations, Division 20.Veterinary Medical Board, Article 4 of the California Code of Regulations.
Within the proposed addition to § 2038.5 is a provision in 2038.5(2)(B) requiring direct supervision of PTs/RVTs by a licensed veterinarian for any animal rehabilitation (AR) treatment. The AARV Board understands that the reasoning for this decision by the California Veterinary Medical Board is to increase safety for the consumer and their pets.
Rehabilitation veterinarians are fortunate to be a part of a skilled collaboration among many different professionals. The AARV supports animal rehabilitation teams composed of a referring veterinarian, certified rehabilitation veterinarian, physical therapist certified in veterinary rehabilitation, and credentialed veterinary technicians certified in veterinary rehabilitation. This team provides the most complete care within the veterinary rehabilitation field.
The AARV Model Standards for Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation Practice (enclosed), outline the composition of a veterinary rehabilitation team, recommended educational standards and continuing education requirements, as well as the role each person plays within that team. Also outlined is the communication necessary for an effective and successful team that prioritizes patient safety, maximizes successful outcomes, and ensures public confidence in rehabilitation practices.
The AARV Board of Directors proposes that § 2038.5 not be approved as currently written. Rather, the AARV Board recommends that the California Veterinary Medical Board consider implementing language that urges veterinarians to obtain rehabilitation certification and choose appropriately trained and certified PTs/RVTs for their animal rehabilitation team. The AARV Board believes that through this approach the appropriate safety and quality will be ensured for pets and the consumers seeking veterinary physical rehabilitation services. The AARV Board is willing to be of additional assistance.
Respectfully,
AARV Board of Directors
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Final Reminder!
Nominations for Communications Director Due September 30
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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Call for Nominations for AARV Treasurer and Technician Liaison
Do YOU want to be more active and involved in the AARV and in promoting rehabilitation veterinary medicine - or do you know someone who fits that description?
Here is an AWESOME opportunity! AARV is accepting nominations for two board positions, each 3-year terms: - Treasurer - Qualification: veterinarian member of AARV for at least 1 year
- Technician Liaison - Qualification: veterinary technician member of AARV
Nominations are due October 20, 2015.
Elections will be held electronically, and completed by early to mid-November. The new board members will be invited to participate in the December monthly AARV Board of Directors' conference call, and we hope they can attend the annual AARV membership meeting that is held at NAVC in January 2016.
Treasurer - The duties of the Treasurer shall be as follows:
- Has been an Association member in good standing for at least one year preceding nomination.
- Supervise the keeping of accurate accounts in a permanent ledger of all receipts and disbursements and make available such ledgers, books of account and check books to be examined by a certified public accountant for inspection and audit or review annually or more often when requested by a majority of the members of the Board of the Directors.
- Give an annual statement of the Association's receipts and disbursements, and at such times as the Board of Directors may require.
- Serve as liaison officer between the Board and staff in financial matters.
- Appropriately disburse Association funds.
- Perform all other duties that may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
- Attend the Annual Meeting of the AARV.
Technician Liaison - The duties and term of service of the Technician Liaison shall be as follows:
- Represent the veterinary technician membership of the AARV.
- Bring technician-specific input/needs/concerns to the Board and participate in discussions.
- Encourage and increase technician membership and participation in the AARV.
- Report the activities (continuing education, etc.) of rehabilitation technicians to the Board.
- Make continuing education recommendations applicable to technicians to the Board.
Submit your nomination for Treasurer and Technician Liaison before October 20, 2015. Please send, by October 20, 2015, your CV and a brief statement (1-2 paragraphs) of your desire and willingness to serve. This statement will be published on the AARV website and will accompany the electronic ballot that is sent to AARV members. Send your nomination to Rosemary LoGiudice, AARV Immediate Past President, at drcomanche@sbcglobal.net.
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Congratulations to Our Survey Winners!
Congratulations to the three winners from our September 15 quarterly member survey drawing! Maria Maddox, LVT, CVT, CCRP
Kim Nickolas, LVT, CCRP, CSAMT
Michelle V. Rose, DVM, CCRPEach winner will receive a $25 gift card to Starbucks or Amazon. 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 this time, you are still eligible to win during our final drawing in December. We will send an email with a link to the member survey to all AARV members in mid-November for our drawing on December 15. If you have already completed the survey, there is no need to retake it unless your information has changed. You will continue to be eligible for our drawings for the rest of the year. AARV members: 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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 Attend the AARV Lecture Track at 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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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Veterinary Practice Acts: Follow-up on California
by Kristyn Richardson, DVM, CCRT, CVSMTLegislative Liaison The meeting of the California Veterinary Medical Board was held on September 10, 2015. Here is some notable information from that meeting:
Present were 4 supporters of the current wording, approximately 40 people opposed to the current wording. Those groups represented were small animal (canine), large animal (clients present), wildlife supporters, physical therapists, registered veterinary technicians, massage therapists, chiropractors (I am unsure if they were human or veterinary), pet owners, the California Veterinary Technicians Association, and the California Board of Physical Therapy (Executive Director present).
Points discussed about the current proposed wording of Section 2038.5:
- Accessibility for pet owners, large animals, small animal mobile practices, and wildlife.
- Fiscal impact for businesses and the public (consumers)
- Pet safety
- Limitation of registered veterinary technician job tasks
- Restriction of fair trade
- The need for clarification and literal interpretation of direct supervision for the registered veterinary technician
- Guidelines for training for all professionals involved in animal rehabilitation
There were multiple suggestions for proposed changes to Section 2038.5 from multiple individuals.
According to procedure, the California Veterinary Medical Board of Directors has 15 days from September 10, 2015 to review, categorize and respond to the meeting with the decisions of: approve Section 2038.5 as is, approve Section 2038.5 with changes, or reject the current proposed wording and Section 2038.5 and start over.
We will be monitoring the California Veterinary Medical Board closely and will let you know as soon as a decision is made. Stay tuned.
Note: Special thanks to AARV Technician Liaison Kristen Hagler for providing the information about the board meeting held on September 10, 2015.
Coming up in the next newsletter: We are finishing the C's (Colorado and Connecticut) and are onto the D's (only one, Delaware).
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TECHNICIAN CORNER
Physical Rehabilitation as Part of Multimodal Pain Management for the Veterinary Technician
by Kristen L. Hagler, BS (An.Phys), RVT, CCRP, CVPP, OACM, CBWAARV Technician LiaisonWith the recent recognition of Animal Pain Awareness Month in September I felt it was important for us to have one last reminder of how important it is, especially for the credentialed veterinary technician working in veterinary physical rehabilitation. We are familiar with recognizing the common signs of pain in companion animals and have likely come up with some very creative or constructive ways to help pet owners recognize pain in their animals. I would love to hear your strategies or favorite story to share with other AARV technician associate members! Please take the time to read Mary Ellen Goldberg's article, written just for you, the credentialed veterinary technician, to share with your colleagues and favorite pet owners. This month, Mary Ellen Goldberg, BS, LVT, CVT, SRA, CCRA, writes about rehabilitation and multimodal pain management :
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Photo courtesy of Kristen Hagler.
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Multimodal pain management of the physical rehabilitation patient, whether postoperative, post injury, because of a disease state or because of the aging process is necessary to ensure a comfortable and cooperative patient. Several veterinary specialty groups have pain management as a primary focus. They include:
- International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management
- American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
- American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians
- Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists
- Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians (currently in the formation process)
What are the benefits of physical rehabilitation?1,2:
- Reduce pain
- Increase and maintain muscle strength and flexibility
- Joint mobility
- Promote and restore normal movement patterns
- Increase cardiovascular fitness
- Combat acute and chronic inflammatory processes
- Improve blood perfusion and consequently tissue growth
- Prevent adhesions, fibrosis and tissue retraction
- Stimulate the nervous system and prevent neurapraxia (temporary loss of motor and sensory function due to blockage of nerve conduction)
- Promote the healing process
Topping off the list of benefits of physical rehabilitation is "reduce pain." Reviewing some of the human literature in evidence-based medicine for pain reduction and physical (rehabilitation) therapy:
- "There is platinum level evidence that land-based therapeutic exercise has at least short term benefit in terms of reduced knee pain and improved physical function for people with knee Osteoarthritis"3.
- "Extended exercises in water and swimming have been shown to reduce edema, inflammation, and peripheral neuropathic pain in a research model"4.
- "The most effective and strongly supported treatment modality for patients with PFPS (Patellofemoral pain syndrome) is a combined physiotherapy program, including strength training of the quadriceps and hip abductors and stretching of the quadriceps muscle group".5
Continue reading this article ...
About Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Goldberg graduated from Harcum College and the University of Pennsylvania in 1976. She took the Virginia state boards in June 1976 and is also licensed in the state of Florida since 2005. Mary Ellen is a Surgical Research Anesthetist certified through the Academy of Surgical Research. She is a consultant for Virginia Commonwealth University in the Division of Animal Resources. She began working at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996. She was on their IACUC for over 8 years advising Investigators about their anesthesia and analgesia research protocols. She is the Executive Secretary for the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management since 2008. She is on the Proposed Organizing Committee for the Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians. Mary Ellen has worked in various aspects of veterinary medicine from small animal and equine to mixed practice, coccidiosis research for a pharmaceutical company, laboratory animal medicine and zoo animal medicine. She teaches, lectures, gives In Clinic CE, and speaks at Veterinary National Meetings. She is an author of many publications and book chapters. She has one book Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, 2015 and one book in press Physical Rehabilitation for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, 2016; both by Wiley/Blackwell.
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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Upcoming AARV Member Presentations
AARV members will be speaking at the following upcoming events:
- Dr. Patsy Mich - September 26-28 - Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Broomfield, Colorado - Continuing education course on Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics, 2.5-day seminar and laboratory
- Dr. Cindy Otto - 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. Patsy Mich - October 21 - American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit in Nashville, Tennessee - "Veterinary Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices in Surgical Practice," 4-hour laboratory and lecture. Co-instructors are Dr. Cara Blake, Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw, and Dr. Janet Van Dyke, all members of the AARV board of directors.
- Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw - October 22 and 24 - American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit in Nashville, Tennessee - Lecture on "Rehabilitation for medial coronoid process disease of the canine elbow" and leading a round table discussion with AARV members Dr. Julia Tomlinson and Dr. Felix Duerr on "The role of rehabilitation in cranial cruciate ligament disease"
- Dr. Cindy Otto - January 18, 2016 - NAVC in Orlando, Florida - Dr. Otto will be giving several talks during the AARV Lecture Track.
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 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 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 September 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 September 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 August 2015 issue included: - President's Message from Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
- AARV Announces Abstract Winners
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AARV Names Research Grant Winners
- AARV Reveals Lecture Track for NAVC 2016
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Call for Nominations - Communications Director
- Legislative Update: Veterinary Practice Acts - California
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Technician Corner: Find Your Center
If you missed this issue, you can read the August newsletter online or from the e-Newsletter page on the AARV website.
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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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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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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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