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Why veterinarians should say ‘no’ to declawing—and what to say instead

When cats are declawed, “we are creating pain, we are altering biomechanics, we are altering their activities of daily living … and we are interrupting natural behavior, because we know that scratching is a natural behavior,” says Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, owner of the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado, who lectured with certified animal behavior consultant and pet journalist Steve Dale at the Fetch dvm360 conference in San Diego last week. Both Dale and Dr. Downing openly oppose feline onychectomy. Dale's message to veterinarians is that there are effective solutions that can be presented to clients as alternatives to declawing. He offers several tips and tools to help stop inappropriate scratching behavior. More

TODAY ON DVM360.COM:

7 veterinary dentistry tips for general practitioners

Keep pet owners informed through the entire examination and extraction process, soothe fears about anesthesia, make jargon-free correlations and address cost concerns with these guidelines from Kendall Taney, DVM, DAVDC, FAVD. More

The top 10 veterinary gifts

For every vet professional on your holiday gift list this year, there exists the perfect gift. These are our favorites. More

Leaky anesthesia machine? How to check the pressure systems

To deliver oxygen efficiently, remove carbon dioxide and deliver appropriate concentrations of inhalant to the patient, it is paramount that the anesthesia machine be functioning properly. More

TOOLS YOU NEED NOW

	2 tests to check your stress You’re worn out. You fear your fellow veterinary team members and veterinarians are also worn out. It’s going to sound ridiculous, but you need stop and take a couple of tests. More
	Stop destructive veterinary team communication in its tracks Is your behavior hurting the rest of veterinary team? Sometimes, the only way to find out is for someone to have the courage to tell you. More
	A practical review of common veterinary renal toxins The key to managing any toxicity in pets is early identification and timely treatment. Keep these common renal toxins in mind when obtaining veterinary patient histories and examining dogs and cats. More
	4 ways to help clients pay for veterinary care Kicking off a recent Fetch dvm360 session on helping veterinary clients pay, Mark Olcott, DVM, creator of the VitusVet app, says that the issue is big—and it’s not just a matter of competing with other practices or care providers. It’s between care and no care. More

READ THIS NOW...

2019 Practice Manager of the Year: Jessica Molina

This veterinary hospital administrator impressed judges from dvm360 and the VHMA with her approach to team unity and change in the veterinary industry. More

Managing canine atopy: It’s all about strategy

Addressing atopic dermatitis in your patients requires a multifaceted approach. Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Darin Dell outlines diagnostic dilemmas, treatment tips and the importance (as always) of client communication when atopy itches along.More

News

>	Cat food recalled due to unspecified ingredient
>	What’s new, what’s tried-and-true: An update on small animal seizure management
>	Florida names new interim veterinary school dean

Medicine

>	When felines attack: 5 reasons cats go berserk
>	GI surgery: How to achieve better outcomes in veterinary patients
>	Pet quiz: Are these lucky dog and cat cases real or fake?

Business

>	Are some of your prices too high?
>	How to talk less and listen more
>	Why you should secure financing before signing a purchase agreement

Team

>	New manager? Do these three things on day one
>	Not one good leg to stand on … literally

Featured centers

CVC is now Fetch, a dvm360 conference
Fetch provides an innovative 360-degree educational engagement experience that focuses on every facet of a veterinary professional's life.

Low-stress veterinary visits
Lower pets' stress levels with these tips and tools to create calmer, more relaxed veterinary visits for every pet that visits your practice.

dvm360 toolkit
A special monthly package designed to help boost client compliance and make it easy for your team to educate pet owners about regular wellness care topics.

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