preventive healthcare

protector
merial rewards program publication
preventive
healthcare
why it’s more important in a down economy
coping with loss
stages of grief
and resources
plus…
• awareness
month
• personality test
• merialedu sm
|
volume 2 winter 2009
|
contents
healthy pets healthy lives
|
from the merial rewards program
|
winter 09
a dog or cat
getting a
wellness exam
once a year is
equivalent to a
person getting
a physical exam
every 5 to 7
years. page 5
featured articles
2
Pet Loss
Resources for your clients when they lose
their beloved pet.
4
Downturned Economy
How to communicate to clients the importance
of preventive healthcare during trying times.
8 | awareness
:
+
10 |
+
+
+
Lyme Disease
Personality Test Preview
talking about : pet spotlight
A Dog’s Life
14 |
+
+
education : stay informed
MerialEDU
13 |
+
spread the word
Heartworm Awareness Month
activities : fun & games
Word Search
Pet Treats
* Depending on the level of flea
infestation.
Receipt must be included
and dated on or before 12/31/09.
FRONTLINE TOP SPOT applied
Offer good only
on
in
a
veterinary
clinic.
or withdraw this offer at
Merial reserves the right FRONTLINE Plus and
any time without notice.Merial
to amend, substitute,
expenses charged for product
is not responsible for veterinary
fees or
veterinary practice account application. Merial will only provide credit
for this coupon to a Merial
from Merial, in accordance which has purchased FRONTLINE Plus or FRONTLINE
TOP SPOT directly
the continental US, Hawaii with the Merial Companion Animal Products
Sales Policy. Good only in
and Alaska. Void where
accompany request; reproductions
prohibited or restricted
could result in Federal prosecution or other copies will not be accepted. by law. This form must
Fraudulent
under mail fraud statutes
and 1342) and applicable
(Title 18, United States Code, submission
state laws. All federal, state
Section 1341
be combined with any other
offer for FRONTLINE Plusand local laws and regulations apply. May not
and/or FRONTLINE TOP SPOT.
To Protect
and Save
• Is great for households
with both dogs and cats
• Is approved for use on
puppies and kittens 8 weeks
of age and older
• Is approved for use on
breeding, pregnant, or lactating
dogs and cats
*
BUY 12 DOSE S
500
• Acts fast – killing
fleas
within
hours
• Provides long-lasting flea
control
(as long as 3 months in dogs
and 6 weeks in cats)*
Kills adult fleas, flea eggs
and larvae, ticks, chewing
lice
Aids in the control of sarcoptic
mange in dogs
Kills ticks, including those
that may carry Lyme disease
Remains waterproof for at
least
swimming, bathing or grooming1 30 days, even after
GET
GET
•
•
•
•
As a participant in the MERIAL coupon programs for
FRONTLINE® and HEARTGARD® Brand Products, you
should have received your 2009 FRONTLINE Buy 6
Get 1 Free coupons and 2009 HEARTGARD $5 Rebate
coupons (shown to the right).
$
*of the same product in the
Remember to stamp or fill out each coupon with
your and your clinic’s information to qualify for
MERIAL® Rewards Program points and free doses.
In order to receive the correct number of free
dose credits, always specify on the coupon which
FRONTLINE Brand Product was purchased and all
consumer information.
®
The expiration date on the new coupon is 12/31/09.
Please discard any unused coupons with an
expiration date of 12/31/08 or earlier.
BACK
same size at one time
Be sure to remind your client
s
that FRONTLINE Plus:
Consistent with Merial companion animal sales policy,
FRONTLINE and HEARTGARD coupons are only honored
for products purchased through the veterinary channel
and proof-of-purchase is required.
2009 is off to a great start!
®FRONTLINE and TOP SPOT are
registered trademarks of Merial
©2008 Merial Limited, Duluth,
GA. All rights reserved. FLE08PRVETBUY6
GET1.
2009 FRONTLINE® and
HEARTGARD® (ivermectin)
Coupons Now Available
FOR CLINIC STAFF:
Complete the bottom portion.
Then, tear off the top copy
of
the completed form and
place in the Coupon Return
Envelope.
Keep the bottom copy for
your records.
Cunningham J, Everett R and Ryan
WG. Assessment of FRONTLINE®
fleas on dogs shampooed pretreatment
TOP SPOT®
®
or water immersed after treatment, and ADVANTAGE in controlling
Congress, 1999, Lyon, France.
in Proceedings. World Veterinary
news
each 2-page set of coupons
.
1
protector
Use this divider between
FOR CONSUMERS:
Fill out the top of the form
(clinic staff will complete
the bottom portion and submit).
REBATE
| RECEIPT REQUIRED FOR MAIL-IN CLINIC
MANUFACTURER’S COUPON
BOUGHT AT YOUR VETERINARY
REDEEMABLE ONLY ON PRODUCT
EXPIRES 12/31/2009
BUY 6, Get
1FREE
Receive a complimentary
month of flea
you buy 6 doses* of FRONTLIN ® and tick control when
E Plus or Top Spot ®.
This year’s first issue of the Protector
magazine continues to provide our valued
MERIAL Rewards Program members with tips,
information and resources to help deliver
enhanced health and well-being to your
clients and their pets.
Take advantage of the access you have to
MerialEDUSM, an online learning resource
that is available whenever you are. Be sure to
read the article on page 10 to learn
more. And, as you know, preventive pet
healthcare is more important than ever in a
down economy. The article on page 4 explains
how you can encourage client compliance.
Also included is a client handout (see page 3)
that will help your clients cope when
they lose their beloved pet.
If you have topics that you’d like to see in
Protector, please send your suggestions to
[email protected].
UP T
O
MANUFACTURER’S COUPON-RED
EEM ONLY
AT YOUR VETERINARY CLINIC.
EXPIRES 12/31/09
*of the same product in the
same size at one time.
$15
VA L
A
UE
The best to you,
If you have any questions or need additional coupons,
please contact your MERIAL Sales Representative or
call 1-800-307-7000.
Jeannine M. Courser
Also Note
Senior Manager, Customer Marketing Programs
Merial Limited
EXPIRATION EXTENDED ON PUPPY AND KITTEN KIT COUPONS
The FRONTLINE and HEARTGARD First Dose Free coupons, included in Puppy and
Kitten Kits, with an expiration date of 12/31/08 will be honored through 6/30/09.
HEARTGARD is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection
before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD,
digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more
information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com.
winter 2009 | protector | 1
f e at u r e d a r t i c l e
Helping Pet Owners
Cope With Loss
Being there for pet owners after the death of their pet can be one of the more
challenging aspects of your job. To assist you in comforting them, here’s some
information you can share as they begin to work through their grief. Simply
make copies of the facing page and distribute to clients as needed, or visit
www.merialrewardsprogram.com to download professional copies.
2 | protector | winter 2009
overcoming
your grief
Losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing a family member, because
in many cases that’s what they are. It’s natural to have feelings of
sadness and it takes time to overcome them. So don’t feel embarrassed
or ashamed by what you’re experiencing. It’s all part of the
grieving process everyone goes through.
what to expect from the 4 stages of grief1
1
2
3
4
shock & denial
searching & yearning
disorganization
reorganization
Defined by a feeling of
numbness, which can
last for a few hours to
several weeks.
Where pet owners
acutely miss their pet.
Associated feelings
include longing,
sadness, anger, relief,
guilt and irritability.
Pet owners begin to
live life without their
pet and may appear
scattered and
distracted.
Regular eating and
sleeping habits return
and relationships
with a new pet can
be formed.
pet loss resources
While dealing with grief is a very personal process—one that everyone handles differently—that doesn’t mean you have to mourn alone.
Use these resources while coping with the passing of your pet. They’ll help you find support, share stories and more.
support hotlines
websites
books
pet cemeteries
University of California-Davis
*Center
for Companion
University of California*Davis
Center for Companion
Coping With The Loss of A Pet,
by Christina M. Lemieux, Ph.D.
*
Animal Health
800-565-1526
Animal Health
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/
petloss.cfm
When Only Love Remains:
The Pain Of Pet Loss, by Emily
Margaret Stuparyk
International Association Of
Pet Cemeteries & Crematories
www.iaopc.com
Washington State College
*of Veterinary
Medicine
Living Through Personal
Crisis, by Ann Kaiser Stearns
*
Washington State College
of Veterinary Medicine
866-266-8635
University of Illinois College
*of Veterinary
Medicine
877-394-2273
* Cummings School of Veterinary
Medicine at Tufts University
508-839-7966
College of Veterinary
*Medicine
at Cornell University
607-253-3932
1
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHL/
University of Illinois College
*of Veterinary
Medicine
www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE
*
Cummings School of Veterinary
Medicine at Tufts University
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss
*
Cornell University College
of Veterinary Medicine
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/
PetLoss/Resources
*
*
*
Oh, Where Has My Pet Gone?,
by Sally Sibbett
*
A Final Act Of Caring: Ending
The Life Of An Animal Friend, by
Mary and Herb Montgomery
*
Good-Bye My Friend, by Mary
and Herb Montgomery
*
The Virtual Pet Cemetery
*www.virtualpetcemetery.org
organizations
*
Association for Pet
Loss & Bereavement
www.aplb.org
*
Humane Society Of The U.S.
www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/
coping_with_the_death_of_
your_pet
A Special Place for Charlie: A
*Child’s
Companion Through Pet
Loss, by Debby Morehead
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/PetLoss/Resources/Stages.htm. Accessed February 2009.
winter 2009 | protector | 3
f e at u r e d a r t i c l e
it’s just heartbreaking
to read those toofrequent news stories
about people who have
relinquished their
beloved pets because
they no longer feel
like they can afford
to pay for their care.
4 | protector | winter 2009
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| 5| 5
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations and Preventives
It is important to convey to clients that a wellness exam is
not done simply for the purpose of giving vaccines. As more
veterinary practices adopt 3-year protocols for some vaccines,
the wellness exam needs to be a stand-alone opportunity to
assess patients between visits when vaccines are administered.
Routine wellness exams are an important part of helping pets
live longer, healthier lives.1 To help keep clients coming back
for routine exams, try these tips:
Ideally, pets should stay current on their vaccines, especially
those that are considered “core” (e.g., rabies, distemper,
parvovirus, calicivirus)—and for good reason. Core vaccines are
designed to prevent diseases that are potentially fatal, highly
contagious, or zoonotic. Depending on an individual animal’s risk
of acquiring certain diseases, non-core vaccines (e.g., FeLV, Lyme
disease, kennel cough) may also be needed.
➜ Remind clients that dogs
and cats age much quicker
than people. According to the
American Animal Hospital
Association, a dog or cat
getting a wellness exam once a
year is equivalent to a person
getting a physical exam every
5 to 7 years.2 A lot can happen
in a year, particularly to older
dogs and cats. This is why
healthy pets should visit their
veterinary hospital for routine
exams at least once a year. Pets
that are sick or have a chronic
medical problem will likely
need to be seen more often.
➜ Explain the purpose of
wellness exams. These visits
are invaluable for establishing
baseline parameters in pets,
monitoring for weight loss
or gain, and reassessing any
ongoing medical problems. This
information can be very helpful
if pets return when they are ill,
making it easier to decide what
is normal or abnormal for a
particular patient. It can also
help catch medical conditions
early, when they are easier (and
less expensive) to treat.
➜ Let clients know what you
find. For instance, after you
weigh a pet, you could say
“Buddy weighs 35 pounds,
which is about what he
weighed at his last visit. That’s
good.” Veterinarians can also
try this technique, explaining
6 | protector | winter 2009
what they are finding as they
perform the exam: “Buddy’s
lymph nodes aren’t swollen,
and I don’t feel any unusual
lumps on his body.”
➜ Show abnormalities, if
possible. When something
isn’t right, illustrate what’s
wrong. For instance, you can
show clients a resorptive lesion
on a cat’s tooth, but they may
not know what they’re looking
at. However, if you touch
it with a dental probe, the
cat’s teeth will likely chatter
because the lesion is painful.
Or, if you have a dog with
chronic anal gland problems,
you can show an illustration
of where the glands are. This
method will help clients
understand the importance
of such findings.
➜ Listen to client concerns,
and make sure they are
addressed during the exam.
Because pet owners observe
their pets every day, they
might notice subtle signs
that may not be picked up
during an exam. If clients
mention concerns when you
check in their pets, be sure to
convey that information to the
veterinarian.
➜ Send clients home with
an “exam report card.” It’s
a small gesture, and it gives
clients tangible evidence of
what they paid for.
When reminding clients to keep their pets current on vaccines—
as well as heartworm, flea and tick preventives—make sure
they understand why the particular products are important.
Explain that:
➜ Vaccines and preventives
help keep pets from suffering
needlessly from diseases.
➜ Some of the diseases that
vaccines and preventives
protect against can be fatal.
➜ Treatment is often far more
expensive than the vaccine or
preventive.
Easing the Burden
If your practice is in a position to help
clients who are experiencing financial
difficulties, consider these options:
• Offer discounts on wellness
services. To encourage clients to
continue bringing in their pets for
routine examinations and vaccinations, consider giving a discount.
One way to do this is to include a
$10 coupon on reminder cards.
• Set up a payment plan. Spreading out payments for your regular
clients may allow them to move
ahead with your treatment recommendations.
• Open a line of credit for clients.
Some lenders offer veterinary credit
lines that you can pass along to pet
owners. The practice subscribes
to the financial service and usually
pays a percentage of the credit line.
Some of these lines are interest free
for clients for a set time (usually
3 to 18 months). Not only do you
receive payment up front, but
clients may be more likely to opt
for additional care.
You can also make suggestions to
help pet owners plan for future pet
care, such as:
•S
uggesting a pet health savings
account. Similar to a college fund
(although without the tax benefits),
clients can put aside money each
month for their pet’s healthcare.
This account can also be used to pay
for regular expenses such as food,
treats, and toys.
•R
ecommending pet insurance.
These plans can help clients pay
for routine services as well as
many unexpected and emergency
procedures.
During an exam, the veterinarian may determine that certain
follow-up tests or blood work is needed. To help clients
recognize that the tests aren’t just a way for the practice to
make more money, consider these suggestions:
➜ Prioritize tests. When tests
are recommended, starting
with the most crucial ones
can help prevent clients from
being overwhelmed by the
expense.
➜ Explain the purpose of
the tests. Ideally, offer clients
handouts that describe
why the specific tests are
important (for instance, most
clients don’t know what a CBC
or chem panel is).
➜ Avoid scare tactics or guilt.
Don’t say things like “If you
don’t do this, Buddy will…”
➜ Always show clients that
you have their pet’s best
interest at heart. Emphasize
how the procedure or product
will benefit the pet. Say
something like: “Doing this
blood test on Buddy will help
to determine if…”
➜ Follow up. Calling clients
with test results is always a
good idea. Even if the results
are normal, clients will
appreciate hearing from you
(and will be reassured that a
medical professional actually
reviewed the results). If a
medication was dispensed,
ask whether the pet is
accepting the medication
without side effects and the
client isn’t having trouble
administering it. Following up
helps clients feel like they got
their money’s worth.
09
D
A
Giving Value to Tests and Blood Work
Speaking of Money
For all of us in the veterinary community, it’s just heartbreaking
to read those too-frequent news stories about people who have
relinquished their beloved pets because they no longer feel like
they can afford to pay for their care. To help prevent this from
happening to your patients, it’s important to know how to talk
to your clients about it. Here are some ideas for how to detect
which clients may have money concerns and how to help them
provide the care their pets need:
➜ Pay attention to body
language. During your
discussion, clients who seem
defensive (e.g., tense up, clench
their mouth) or withdraw
physically (back away, cross
their arms in front of them)
may be concerned about
payment.
➜ Trust your instincts. If you
think money may be an issue,
this is an ideal time to find out.
➜ Be sensitive to your clients’
feelings. People who have lost
their jobs or have less money
than they used to may be
embarrassed or ashamed that
they can’t afford to pay for
their pets’ care.
➜ Be up front about costs.
Especially for more expensive
treatments such as surgery,
talk with clients before the
procedure about how much it
will cost. Be sure to include
the price of any follow-up
care (e.g., return visits,
medications).
➜ Ask if they have any
concerns. Although the answer
you get might be related to
their pet’s health or safety,
the question might encourage
reluctant clients to speak up.
➜ Be sympathetic. If clients
admit they can’t pay some of
or the entire amount, thank
them for being honest and
assure them that their pet’s
health is your primary concern.
If you learn this before a
procedure is performed, you
might be able to refer them to
a low-cost clinic.
➜ Work with clients to come
up with a solution. If you
have the authority to make
payment suggestions, discuss
them with the client. If not, ask
the practice manager or lead
veterinarian to discuss options.
See the inset, entitled Easing
the Burden on page 6, for ideas
on how to help financially
strapped clients pay their
bills.
1
merican Animal Hospital Association. Wellness exams. Available at:
A
http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=148. Accessed March 2009.
2
merican Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Vaccinating your dog. Available at:
A
www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=196. Accessed February 2009.
Consider letting clients’ children listen to their pet’s
heartbeat. Both parents and kids get a big kick out of
this, and it gives them a way to participate in the exam.
winter 2009 | protector | 7
protector
awareness
spread the word
April is Heartworm Awareness Month
help stop the spread of this potentially deadly disease. Informing an owner
that a beloved pet has become infected with heartworms is one of the saddest duties a
veterinary professional may be called upon to perform, especially since this potentially
deadly disease is so easily preventable. Don’t let this happen to you.
SURVE Y
what dog owners think
3
do you regularly give your dog
heartworm prevention ?
65%
no
11%
yes
24%
if your dog isn ’ t on
heartworm prevention , what
is the likelihood your dog will
contract heartworm disease ?
53%
19%
very likely
28%
very unlikely
how treatable is
heartworm disease ?
somewhat
treatable
| Prevention is our goal;
education is the key. That’s why the
American Heartworm Society has designated
April as Heartworm Awareness Month and
why you are invited to play an integral role
in this critical outreach program.
As you know, mosquitoes spread
heartworm disease, and heartworms spread
misery to infected pets and their owners.
You can help – by spreading information. In
fact, you are likely to be the member of the
veterinary team best positioned to reinforce
the veterinarian’s recommendations
about protection, to ensure that owners
understand the importance of these
recommendations, and to support monthly
compliance by dispensing preventives.
here ’ s what
not anymore
50/50 chance
here ’ s why
37%
very treatable
44%
19%
not very
treatable
| Heartworm disease continues
to be a major threat to pet health in the
US. Despite the recommendation of most
veterinarians for protection against this
infection – as well as the accessibility
of effective, convenient preventives –
heartworm disease is found in all 50 states.1
Nearly half the dogs seen regularly by
veterinarians do not receive heartworm
preventives.2 This startling statistic may be
due to their owners’ misperceptions about
the disease: more than a third believe that
it is highly treatable, possibly because they
assume that a condition so easy to prevent
would be equally easy to treat. What’s more,
almost two-thirds of dog owners are not
aware that it is carried by mosquitoes.3 We
have to change all that. Correcting these
misperceptions can make a big difference in
the fight against heartworm disease – and it
may prove to be the difference between
life and death.
www.Heartwormsociety.org/article_1141.html. Accessed February 2009.
The Path to High Quality Care, Practical Tips for Improving Compliance, AAHA
and Hills 2003 Study. https://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?site=
aahastore&webcode=ProductDetail&prd_key=98fe4cb6-92bd-44569ab7-569fa93f6d9b&category=. Accessed February 2009.
3
Excerpts from the Omnibus Survey Summary conducted September-October
2008 (Data on file at Merial).
1
2
8 | protector | winter 2009
here ’ s how
| Advise your clients of
the danger heartworms pose to dogs and
cats. Describe how heartworm disease
is transmitted, how it develops, and how
serious an infection can be to their pets’
health and well-being. Inform them of
the importance of annual testing. Let
them know how difficult, expensive,
traumatic – and unpredictable – treatment
can be, and how easy prevention is.
Emphasize the tragic consequences of
allowing pets to go unprotected. Finally,
be sure to dispense heartworm disease
preventives as recommended by the
veterinarian and sign them up for your
clinic’s monthly reminder program.
here ’ s help | You’ll want to reach out
to pet owners. Display in-clinic materials
such as posters, counter cards and window
clings as “conversation-starters.” Use clientinformation tools to illustrate important
points in your discussions with them.
Offer them consumer brochures and
reminder aids.
Now you can take advantage of the
many awareness aids sponsored by
MERIAL and endorsed by the American
Heartworm Society. Ask your MERIAL
Sales Representative how you can enroll
in this initiative, and receive a Heartworm
Awareness Kit, compliments of the Society.
This FREE kit is purely informative and nonbrand-specific. Along with client-education
materials, it includes merchandising and
marketing resources to promote Heartworm
Awareness Month in your area, and tools to
launch a Heartworm Disease Testing Day
event at your clinic.
here ’ s when | Don’t wait until April to
start educating clients. Mosquitoes and
the heartworms they carry do not consult
calendars. Start now.
,
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©2009 Merierved. HGD08PBHWTEASE.
All rights res
winter 2009 | protector | 9
protector
education
stay informed . stay ahead .
RACE* Approvals
Time to Advance
When appropriate, courses are submitted
to RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing
Education) for veterinarian and/or
technician approval. Approved courses
meet the requirements for indicated
hours of continuing education credit
in jurisdictions which recognize the
American Association of Veterinary State
Board’s (AAVSB) RACE approval; however,
participants should be aware that some
boards have limitations on the number
of hours accepted in certain categories
and/or restrictions on certain methods of
delivery of continuing education.
Interested in advancing your veterinary healthcare education? Want to sharpen your
skills at delivering outstanding medical care to your patients? Need more in-depth
knowledge about specific healthcare categories? You can with MerialEDU.
www . vetmedteam . com
Created exclusively for all practice team
members, MerialEDU is a fun and easy way
for you to take your education to a higher
level. By participating, you will receive quality
training including RACE*-approved CE credits,
sharpen your skill set, and choose specific
courses like:
• Canine Heartworm Disease
• Disease Prevention through Immunization
• Fleas from A to Z
• Ticks from A to Z
To learn more, visit http://www.aavsb.
org/RACE/RACEHome.aspx.
Relevant to Your Needs
MerialEDU is a valuable educational resource
that supports your need for convenience,
timeliness and relevance. Having access
to continuing education on the topics that
matter most will help you feel more capable
and confident in your professional life. And,
by strengthening your education, you will
make an even greater impact to the success of
your clinic. Visit www.VetMedTeam.com for a
complete course list and enrollment dates.
Available When You Are
The online MerialEDU website is available
on your schedule – whenever you can,
wherever you are. Simply sign up at
www.VetMedTeam.com. Then, register for
courses offered on the dates that are most
convenient for you.
Going to a Conference?
So Are We.
Attending any of these conferences in
the next few months? If so, stop by the
MERIAL booth to learn what’s new!
10 | protector | winter 2009
Free Education
Whether you are a Veterinary Technician,
Veterinary Assistant or Front Office staff
member, MerialEDU courses are offered at
no cost! Why? Because MERIAL wants to help
you deliver the best care possible to your
clients.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a
returning user, go to www.VetMedTeam.com.
You’ll be glad that you did.
April 15–18
American Association of Veterinary Dermatology
Savannah, GA
www.navdf.org
April 16–19
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
Austin, TX
www.abvp.com
April 24–27
CVC East
Baltimore, MD
www.thecvc.com
June 3–6
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Montreal, Quebec
www.acvimforum.org
June 17–21
Southeast Veterinary Conference
Myrtle Beach, SC
www.vetmeetings.com
June 18–21
Pacific Vet Conference
Anaheim, CA
www.pacvet.net
E
Extravert
or
I
t
introvert
thinking
energy is directed
outward and
stimulates action
energy is directed
inward and
stimulates reflection
responsiveness to
what is going on in
the environment
stability from
attending to
enduring ideas
a natural inclination to converse and
to network
a natural tendency
to think and work
alone
s
n
sensing
or
a mastery of facts
knowledge of
what materials
and resources are
available
appreciation of
knowing and doing
what works
intuition
insight and
attention to
meanings
a grasp of what is
possible and what
the trends are
appreciation of
doing what hasn’t
been tried before
COMING SOON
a personality test
Which one are you?
Beginning in May, 2009, MERIAL will
team up with NAVC’s Clinician’s
Brief to provide you with a thoughtprovoking and useful tool – the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
personality assessment.
➜
lyme disease is a bacterial infection that infects
both people and dogs ?
Lyme disease is caused by
Borrelia burgdorferi, corkscrew-shaped bacteria that
live in the gut of deer ticks and western black-legged
ticks.1 When an infected tick feeds on a dog, person
or other mammal, the bacteria are transmitted and
can cause an infection. Dogs are 50 to 100 times
more likely than humans to come in contact with
disease-carrying ticks.2
➜ lyme disease has been detected in all 50 states
of the u . s .? Lyme disease has been detected in all
50 states and each year cases are reported in more
areas of the country. While the Northeast and upper Midwest typically have the largest per capita
populations of deer ticks, the Pacific Northwest has
isolated clusters of western black-legged tick populations, and no region is completely without risk.3
http://dogsandticks.com/faqs-lyme-disease-dogs-tick-diseases/index.html#faq. Accessed February 2009.
http://www.dogsandticks.com Accessed March 2009.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/ld_rptdLymeCasesbyState.htm
knowledge of what is
important to people
and adhere to that in
the face of opposition
an ability to analyze
and solve problems
the ability to build
relationships and to be
persuasive
desire to uncover the
greatest good in a
situation and notice when
people may be harmed
j
p
or
perceiving
organization,
planning, and
follow through on
projects
quickly and flexibly
responding to the
needs of the moment
push to get things
settled and decided
strive to keep
things open so new
information may be
gathered
appreciation of
well-organized
efficiency
➜
feeling
analysis of the
pros and cons of
situation, even when
they have a
personal stake
judging
Watch for more information in the
next issue of the Protector magazine.
did you know that …
or
want to discover
the “truth”
and naturally
notice logical
inconsistencies
By taking this assessment, you
will learn more about your specific
personality type (see dichotomies
charted at left and right) and how
you prefer to process decisions, solve
problems and organize your work
and life. And, by understanding your
personality and those of coworkers,
you’ll be able to better work through
situations in every aspect of your life –
both professionally and personally.
April is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
f
appreciation of the
need for spontaneity
and exploration
the symptoms of lyme disease in dogs include
swollen lymph nodes?
While many dogs exhibit
no outward evidence of Lyme disease infection,
the most common visible signs are arthritis
and lameness, often accompanied by loss of
appetite and depression. Additional signs of
Lyme disease include:
• Reluctance to move or a stiff, painful gait
• Swollen joints that are warm to the touch
• Pain in the legs or throughout the body
• Fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms of Lyme disease may come and go,
vary from mild to severe and mimic other
conditions. In many dogs, the signs may not appear for several months after infection. In severe
cases, dogs may also develop heart disease, central
nervous system disorders or fatal kidney disease.
Visit www.dogsandticks.com to learn more and
view maps that show how many reported cases of
Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases have
been detected in your local area.
1
2
3
winter 2009 | protector | 11
protector
talk about
pet spotlight
This Dog’s Life Filled with Friends, Love
Rescued by a passing motorist, “Little Boo” now enjoys the comforts of home at Chowan Animal Hospital.
Chowan Animal Hospital receptionist Angel Broome
cuddles “Little Boo,” the new office mascot.
FROM YOU
HEAR
L OV E TO
Submitted by Angel Broome, Chowan
Animal Hospital, Edenton, NC.
Reprinted with the permission of the Chowan Herald,
February 6, 2008. Story and photo by Rebecca Bunch,
staff writer of the Chowan Herald.
Little Boo may be losing the sight in both
eyes, but the little beagle still manages to find
her way around the office at Chowan Animal
Hospital in Edenton, North Carolina.
She wanders among the canines and owners
waiting to see one of her favorite humans, Dr.
Chris Ford. There are several saviors in the
story of her life, and he is most definitely one.
Of her early life, not much is known. Staff
at the hospital believe she was once used as a
hunting dog then abandoned when her health
began to deteriorate.
Suffering from untreated conjunctivitis that
is causing her vision to fail, and heartworms
that a monthly pill would have prevented,
she was found and rescued on Hwy. 17 by
a kind-hearted motorist from Dare County
who unfortunately suffers from allergies that
prevented her from taking the dog home.
According to office receptionist Angel
Broome, when the small beagle arrived at their
office, she weighed around eight pounds and,
as x-rays would confirm, had stayed alive by
eating mice and whatever else she could find
as she struggled to survive.
Share a story about your pet or about a pet in
your clinic or community who provides a service
in a future issue of the MERIAL Protector.
“When she first came in, she was scared to
death,” Broome said. “She would come when
called but would cower down.
“She was still wearing the orange collar that
identified her as a hunting dog, but of course
the owner had removed the ID tag from the
collar. It’s hard to believe that someone would
just take her out there and leave her because
she could not hunt anymore but someone did.”
The hospital staff fell in love with the little dog
with the gentle manner and the quiet strength of
a survivor. Among her champions was Dr. Ford,
who kept delaying putting her to sleep.
“At first, we thought we would let her have
one good meal and one good night’s sleep
because she had been through so much, and
then put her down,” Broome said.
But as every day went by, the little dog – who
also has a serious heart murmur – endeared
herself to those around her. And so they
resolved to try and find her a loving home with
a very special owner willing to care for her and
deal with her many health challenges.
And if they don’t?
“She’s always got a home here with us,”
said Broome.
name
daytime phone number
clinic name
If your story is published, you’ll get more than the
satisfaction of having your story in print. You’ll also
clinic address
receive 250 points on your MERIAL Rewards Card
as our thanks for your sharing and caring. Read the
clinic phone number
important guidelines below for details.
PET STORIES GUIDELINES • You must be an active MERIAL Rewards Member and be employed by a MERIAL Rewards Member Clinic or a Merial employee at the time of the award • Submit your story by filling out the above form (and include a picture, if
possible) and send it with your story to MERIAL Rewards Headquarters, ATTN: “Pet Stories,” P.O. Box 1753, Minneapolis, MN 55440; or e-mail it to [email protected] (please make sure to include all the information on the form if you are
submitting it via e-mail) • Stories should be a maximum of 600 words and 4” x 6” or larger color prints should be of good quality • All stories and pictures will become the property of Merial and cannot be returned • Our editor will help edit and finalize your story
before it is published • Please include your daytime phone number in case we have questions • Not all stories will be published • Except where prohibited by law, selected author grants (and agrees to confirm that in writing) Merial the right to use the selected
author’s name, address (city, state), photograph, picture, portrait, videotape, likeness, voice and biographical information for advertising, publicity, promotional and commercial purposes and to use the statements made by or attributed to author relating to
Merial and grants to Merial any and all rights to said use without limitation, further compensation or notice, without review in any and all media now known or hereafter devised including, but not limited to, the Internet and the Worldwide Web.
12 | protector | winter 2009
protector
activities
do-it-yourself treats
Word Search
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Homemade pet treats make pets happy
and clients smile! Consider making the
following recipes for either.
Savory Cheese Cat Treats1
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup white flour
•1
/4 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
or sour cream
• 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese • 1/4 cup corn meal
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and
cornmeal. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into
1-inch pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for
25 minutes. Yields two dozen treats.
microchip
parasite
protector
rewards
stitches
stethoscope
syringe
technician
tourniquet
treatments
wellness
winter
wound
vaccine
Sheryl’s Dog Bone Treats
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup wheat germ
• 3/4 cup dry powder milk
• 1 egg
• regular sized jar of
baby food meat
Mix the above ingredients together and add a little water. Drop by
teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350º until
slightly browned.
Recipe submitted by Sheryl Moore, Clyde’s Animal Clinic in Mattoon, IL
Share Recipes, Earn Points
Share a healthy pet recipe with other MERIAL
Rewards members and receive 25 MERIAL
Rewards Program Points if it’s featured in the
MERIAL Protector. Email your submission to
[email protected]
1
13 | protector | fall 2008
http://www.petplace.com/cats/homemade-treats-for-your-cat/page1.aspx. Accessed February 2009.
winter 2009 | protector | 13
FRONTLINE® Plus
How it works is
why it works so well.
The science behind Acts Fast and Lasts
With two powerful active ingredients,
FRONTLINE®Plus controls fleas and ticks
in multiple ways for at least one month.
1.
2.
Skin
4.
Sebaceous Gland
3.
Hair Follicle
3. Stored in the sebaceous glands, FRONTLINE Plus is wicked out
of the hair follicles and continuously re-applied to the coat to provide
long-lasting, waterproof protection.
1. Contains a highly effective combination
of fipronil and (S)-methoprene.
2. Starts working on contact.
*
LASTS2
*
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
* *
*
*
*
*
*
*
Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28
Days after treatment *P<0.05
6 hrs. 12 hrs. 18 hrs. 24 hrs.
Hours after application *P<0.05
FRONTLINE® Plus
Keeps working on flea eggs3
% (percentage)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
*
% fleas killed
% flea efficacy
FAST 1
4. (S)-methoprene prevents flea re-infestations by killing eggs and
larvae, which breaks the flea life cycle.
FRONTLINE® Plus
ADVANTAGE®
K9 ADVANTIX®
*
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
*
*
*
Day 1 Day 21 Day 49 Day 76
Days after treatment
*P<0.05
% REDUCTION ADULT
FLEA DEVELOPMENT
http://frontline.us.merial.com/products/products_comparison.asp# Accessed August 26, 2008.
www.FRONTLINE.com
For fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick control be sure to recommend FRONTLINE Plus.
®FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of Merial.
®ADVANTAGE is a registered trademark of Bayer Healthcare.
®K9 ADVANTIX is a registered trademark of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.
©2009 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. FLE08PBTRADE1.
Data on file at Merial TS-USA-28701.
McCall JW, Alva R, Irwin JP et al. Comparative efficacy of a combination of fipronil/(S)-methoprene, a combination of imidacloprid/permethrin,
and imidacloprid against fleas and ticks when administered topically to dogs. J Appl Res Vet Med 2004;2(1):74-77.
3
Franc M, Beugnet, Vermots. Efficacy of fipronil - (S)-methoprene on fleas, flea egg collection, and flea egg development following transplantation of gravid fleas onto treated cats. Vet Ther 2007;285-292.
1
2
®MERIAL, FRONTLINE, HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks and
SM
MerialEDU is a service mark of MERIAL.
©2009 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA.
All rights reserved. MKT09WINPROTECT