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January/February 2013 Edition
Table of Contents
Welcome to 2013 from VNoC and VIoC!
In this issue, we want to provide some insights into the "economic picture" of diagnostic workups and consultations, as well as give you a look at one of our more unusual and fascinating consults: an Australian snake-necked turtle.
Dr. Krimins has also contributed an article on injectable opioids that we think you'll find helpful.
In addition, we want to make you aware of some important legislation that will enable many Maryland pets to be saved. We hope you will join us in signing the petition in support of this legislation.
As always, we'd like to thank all the pet owners and referring vets. We continue to be honored that you trust and value our services.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jay McDonnell, Dr. Rebecca Krimins
and Staffs of VNoC & VIoC
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 The Economic Picture |
At VNOC and VIOC, we're sensitive to keeping the costs for diagnostic workups and consults within reach for our referring veterinarians' clients.
Our consultation fees haven't changed in more than four years; and, after reviewing our records for the last quarter of 2012, we found that since the addition of the VIOC MRI on-site, the overall cost of back surgery has not
gone up.
There are several reasons why costs for back and neck surgery have not increased with the addition of MRI. First, charges for the initial anesthesia, IV catheter and point-of-care blood work is included in the price of the MRI. Secondly, the anesthesia time can be shorter with MRI compared to myelography (you may remember those myelo-marathons in vet school). Finally, no overnight stay is required for seizure watch. MORE>>
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Diagnostic CT vs MRI of an Australian
Snake-Necked Turtle
|  Recently, Veterinary Imaging of the Chesapeake had the great privilege of working with a team from the National Aquarium in Baltimore to perform a diagnostic MRI on one of their residents.The following history was provided by Katie Seeley, DVM Veterinary Intern, and Leigh Clayton, DVM, DABVP (Avian and Reptile/ Amphibian), Director of Animal Health from the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
A 17-year-old female Australian snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) presented in early July of 2012 when her keepers noted that she had been basking more frequently within her enclosure. Environmental hyperthermia (increased basking) can be an indicator of disease but can also be seen with normal conditions such reproductive activity (egg laying). Radiographs didn't show any eggs but the lung margins were irregular and compressed, and bloodwork revealed a mild leukocytosis (16775 /ul). To further investigate for possible pulmonary disease, a CT scan was done. MORE>> |
| Injectable Opioids:Which One(s) Should
I Use? By Rebecca A. Krimins, DVM, MS
|  Opioids are used by practitioners daily when performing sedation or anesthesia. Understanding the property of opioids will optimize the efficacy of their usage.
This short summary provides a brief review of the most common opioids used in today's practice.
Opioids can be classified based on their receptor activation into three categories, namely pure agonist (morphine, hydromorphone and fentanyl), partial agonist (buprenorphine), and mixed agonist-antagonist (butorphanol). MORE>> |
Important Legislation Needs Your Support: Maryland Spay/Neuter Program
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Within the next few weeks, legislation is expected to be introduced into both chambers of Maryland's General Assembly to create a statewide spay-neuter program.
96,000 cats and dogs enter Maryland shelters yearly. 45,000 are these animals are destroyed at an annual cost of $8 to $9 million.
A statewide spay neuter program will save lives and money.
We encourage you to support this legislation by signing the Petition to Save Maryland Pets and by making your clients and colleagues aware of this important issue.
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| Save the Date! |
The Annual day-long CVRC Spring Conference will be held Sunday,
April 21st at the Chesapeake Bay
Beach Club, 500 Marina Club Road in Stevensville, MD. Stay tuned for details!
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| Local Events & CE Opportunities | |
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
March 13:
Dr. Rebecca Krimins
of Veterinary Imaging
of the Chesapeake
All AACVMA meetings are held at Yellowfin Steak and Fish House located at 2840 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. 6:30pm Happy Hour. 7pm meeting. The meeting will be sponsored in part by Hallowell EMC.
CHESAPEAKE VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER
April 21: CVRC Annual Spring Conference
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, 500 Marina Clube Road,
Stevensville, MD. Details to follow.
February 7: Internal Medicine/Endocrinology.
Rebecka S. Hess, DVM, DACVIM: University of Pennsylvania
All DCAVM meetings are held at The Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd. (Rte. 50), Fairfax, Virginia. Each seminar provides a maximum of 6 hours of continuing education credits: 3 hours in the morning session and 3 hours in the afternoon session.
THE GREATER BALTIMORE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Feb. 21: Orthopedics: Ursula Krotscheck, DVM
All GBVMA meetings are held at the Hilton Pikesville located just inside the Baltimore Beltway (695) at exit 20 S., Resiterstown Rd., on the right-hand side.
MARYLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
May 16, 2013: Mid-Atlantic States Veterinary Clinic
Howard County Fairgrounds - Exhibit Hall. West Friendship, Maryland. 8 CE Credits
June 23-25, 2013: 128th Annual Summer Conference Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel, Ocean City, MD. 12 CE credits. |
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| Schedule | Veterinary Neurology of the Chesapeake
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 808 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD Wednesday: 1209 Cromwell Bridge Road, Towson, MD
For an appointment at either office, call
Saturday & Sunday Emergency Consults: Call 9am and noon, and leave a message. The neurologist will get back to you to discuss your case. Please make sure to leave the best number to contact you that day or the following day. to discuss your case.
For critical care and after hours, our 24-hour ER clinic will coordinate with our neurologist on call to ensure your patient is seen within 24 hours. Additional ER fees will apply.
Veterinary Imaging of the Chesapeake Monday-Friday: 808 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD
For an appointment,
then press 5
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