Treating Dog Eye Inflammation

A swollen eye on your dog might look frightening – however, there are many reasons why your dog might suffer from eye inflammation. It is treatable from injuries to allergies – no matter the actual cause of your dog’s eye inflammation. Here is everything you need to know about treating your pet’s eyes and how you can prevent future inflammation.

What Is Dog Eye Inflammation?

Also known as idiopathic blepharitis, Anterior uveitis or Eye inflammation in dogs is a painful condition in which the eye becomes reddened, swollen, and inflamed. The surrounding flesh and the eyelid can swell up and become warm to the touch. Inflammation of the eye can be a condition on its own, or it could be a sign of something more serious. Blepharitis is typically the result of allergies, an infection, an injury, various tumors, underlying disease, or a congenital abnormality. While inflammation might heal over time, it can be severe and should be assessed by a vet. If you suspect something is wrong with your dog’s eye, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as inflammation is often a sign that there could be a deeper underlying cause.

What Causes Dog Eye Inflammation

There are many reasons why your dog might be experiencing inflammation around the eyes. It is essential to have your pet assessed by a veterinarian to establish the cause of the inflammation – as it can be a symptom of something a little more serious, you should take any inflammation seriously.

Reasons Why is my dog’s Eye Inflamed?

  • Rapid formation of cataracts
  • Underlying health conditions – autoimmune disease, diabetes, parasitic disease, Bacterial, viral or fungal infection, Lyme disease, adenovirus, distemper, canine herpes
  • Allergies – Hay fever and a change of season are common causes of eye inflammation in dogs. Chemicals such as laundry detergent or cleaning products used around the house can also contribute to inflammation.
  • Corneal abrasion or corneal ulceration – abrasions of the cornea resulting from trauma, infection, or dirt trapped under the eyelid can cause eye swelling.
  • Cancer – Mast cell tumors and cancers can cause eye inflammation in dogs.
  • Adverse reactions to medical treatments or conditions such as bee stings can result in blepharitis in dogs.
  • Traumatic injuries – An injury such as blunt trauma or penetration of the eye causing an issue like lens damage
  • Congenital abnormalities – Your dog’s eye inflammation could result from congenital disabilities such as eyelid abnormalities. Hair and prominent facial folds, a lack of hair and eyelashes, sensitive skin, or abnormalities in how the eye functions can cause an increased risk of inflammation around the eyes.
  • Sunburn – some dog breeds are particularly susceptible to inflammation around the eye. Dogs with white fur or short coats can often experience sunburn around the eyes if not adequately protected.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Inflammation in Dogs

As blepharitis in dogs can be very irritating, you will likely notice it when it occurs. There are several different symptoms and signs of blepharitis. Look out for these signs.

What does eye inflammation look like in dogs?

  • Blinking – excessive blinking and squinting
  • Hypersensitivity to light – bright lights might irritate your dog’s eye
  • Reddening – any areas of white around the eye may become red and swollen
  • Eye Discharge -Tearing, watery eyes or a discharge that varies in texture might be seen dripping down at the corners of the eyes
  • Frequent touching and pawing at the eye
  • Blood – There may be bleeding within the eye or in the surrounding flesh
  • Flaky or scaly skin – This symptom might not be present in all cases; however, inflammation can cause the skin to break or become dried out and scaly. Flaky skin can result from an adverse reaction to the medication, highlighting a possible cause of the inflammation itself.
  • Shape and color of the eye – The eyeball and the iris may change color or shape
  • Swelling – The eyeball and surrounding flesh may swell up and become puffy
  • The appearance of the affected eye – Your dog’s eye may look cloudy, appear dull or even look milky or blue

Eye diseases, viral infections, and many other conditions may cause blepharitis in dogs. Each symptom and sign will be taken into consideration by a vet before a diagnosis is given. If you do notice something is wrong, take notes of the symptoms and offer your vet an in-depth description. This could help your veterinarian diagnose your pet accurately for a speedy treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Eye Inflammation in Dogs

Diagnosing eye inflammation in dogs is often a simple process for a vet. Your pet’s eye is a vital organ, and it needs to be protected and cared for – which makes it even more important to have it assessed as soon as possible. Your vet can diagnose the cause of your dog’s eye inflammation and the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests can vary in type and depth –

  • Physical examination – diagnosis often starts with a physical inspection of the eye and the surrounding tissues as inflammation can result from many different reasons; your vet may do a complete body examination and the initial eye exam.
  • Review of the complete medical history – Recurrent inflammatory disorders can cause inflammation in the eye – a review of your pet’s previous history may pinpoint the cause of the inflammation.
  • Schirmer Tear Test – If your dog suffers from hereditary or genetic conditions, your vet may suggest a Schirmer tear test to see if your dog’s eyes have adequate tear production and produce enough moisture. Tear duct problems can contribute to acute swelling of the eye.
  • Dye testing – Testing such as fluorescein staining can help pinpoint corneal injuries that could cause your dog blepharitis. This will also determine whether your pet’s cornea is not damaged.
  • Ocular pressure testing will help your vet determine whether your pet is suffering from glaucoma or uveitis.
  • Complete blood count panels – inflammation can be caused by bacterial infections or underlying parasites; if your vet suspects a different cause, they might recommend a full blood panel.

As inflammation is often a symptom of something more profound, your vet needs to rule out as many conditions as possible. Further testing, such as allergy testing, and Further testing, may be needed if an infection occurs, or to form an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment of Eye Inflammation in Dogs

A variety of conditions can cause blepharitis, and each of these conditions is treated differently. Since this condition can be challenging to treat, other symptoms will play a significant role in how your veterinarian treats the inflammation. Your vet may treat the eye with topical ointments containing antibiotics or simply recommend cleaning the look with a cotton ball and medicinal solutions. If developing blepharitis results from an infection or an allergy, your vet may recommend a specific treatment protocol for that condition before treating the inflammation.

In severe cases such as insect bites of the eye or in situations where your dog’s eyes have been injured – discuss using a regenerative medication such as Vetrix EyeQ eye drops or, in cases of severe injury to the cornea – EyeQ Ocular discs. Regenerative medicine helps the eye heal faster and more effectively by using innate amniotic technology to stimulate the body’s natural healing responses while providing the perfect environment for the eye to heal.

 

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In most cases of inflammatory eye conditions, it is essential to treat the eye immediately to prevent further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a pet owner, it might be vital to know all you can about treating inflamed eyes in dogs. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Can a dog eye infection heal on its own?

Yes, eye infections can heal on their own. However, they do need to be assessed by a vet to ensure that there are no deeper causes that require medical treatment. Leaving the eye undiagnosed or untreated could prolong your dog’s suffering and cause additional pain.

Can dogs recover from eye inflammation?

Dogs often recover well from this condition when treated appropriately. It is important to follow treatment plans set out by your veterinarian to ensure proper healing.

Can dog eye inflammation cause blindness?

If the condition is as a result of an underlying cause, severe cases can result in damage to your dog’s vision. This is particularly true if a foreign object is left in the eye untreated.

Can you prevent dog eye inflammation?

If your dog routinely suffers from blepharitis – you might want to consider speaking to your vet about how to prevent it. If it is a once-off occurrence, your vet might not have a prevention plan; some dogs suffer from it regularly in the event of fighting and aggression – it is essential to seek guidance from a trained vet or professional.

Breeds commonly impacted

Due to their physical appearance and genetics, certain dog breeds are predisposed to inflamed eyes. From issues with their eyelids to narrow muzzles and prominent facial folds – these breeds might suffer from chronic inflammation that can be managed with treatment plans, regular check-ups, and medicated eye drops where needed. Some species are predisposed to allergies, such as dry skin, dry eye, and other conditions. These breeds regularly suffer from inflamed eyes.

  • Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Chow Chow
  • English Bulldog
  • Pug
  • Poodles
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Rottweiler
  • Bull Terriers

Speak to your veterinarian today about Vetrix EyeQ Ocular Discs if your dog is experiencing recurring eye infections accompanied by inflammation. If your dog is suffering from a nonhealing eye wound, it is vital to consider regenerative medicine for your pet to kickstart healing from within.

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How to Treat A Corneal Ulcer in Cat

Anyone can tell you that a cat’s eyes are often what catches their attention first. They are resilient and striking; however, they do sustain injuries or corneal ulcers on the odd occasion. Corneal ulcers in cats are a common complaint within the confines of veterinarian offices – with a bit of care and treatment, you can protect your cat’s eyes from permanent damage. Let’s look at what corneal ulcers in cats are and how you can treat your beloved pets.

What Is the Cornea of a Cat’s Eye?

Simply put, the cornea is the thin membrane that covers the forward-facing portion of the eyeball. The membrane is completely transparent, almost like a window, and protects the eye’s inner structures. The entire cornea is about half the thickness of a dime. It is much the same as the cornea found in the human eye. The cat’s cornea, like the human’s, is composed of three layers: the epithelium on the outside, the stroma on the inside, and the Descemet membrane at the deepest point. Because all three layers of the cornea are transparent, it is impossible to tell them apart with the naked eye. Vets examine the cornea using special pigmented eye drops containing a green dye that highlights cells in specific layers of the cornea.

What Are Cat Corneal Ulcers?

As a pet owner, you might wonder what a corneal ulcer is and what it means for your cat. A cat corneal ulcer – also known as a cat-eye ulcer – is a wound found on the surface of a cat’s eye. It is caused by trauma to the eye, such as corneal abrasion, or by something getting lodged in your pet’s eyes. Cat-eye ulcers can be challenging to detect by simply looking at your cat’s eye. This is why your vet may use a fluorescein stain to detect, diagnose, and monitor corneal ulcers in your cat. The orange-colored dye will help highlight any damage to the sensitive tissues in the cornea. Tissues that have been ulcerated or damaged will absorb the orange dye and turn green. While large ulcers in the eye can be easily spotted – specific lights, filters, and magnification might be required for a mild corneal ulcer or more minor superficial ulcers.

What Causes Corneal Ulcers in Cats?

There are many reasons a cat might have a corneal ulcer—from hereditary conditions to sustained injuries from fighting with other cats to accidental tears. The most common causes of cat corneal ulcers include:

  • Blunt trauma – Cats that are active and enjoy being outdoors might obtain blunt trauma to the eye as they play and walk outside.
  • Fighting – scratches from fighting with other cats or animals in a fight can leave the eye’s surface damaged or introduce bacteria.
  • Dirt – a piece of dirt that becomes trapped beneath the eyelid or becomes lodged in the eye
  • Caustic chemical exposure – caustic chemicals can erode at the eye’s surface.
  • Viral or bacterial infection – viral infections such as feline herpesvirus can result in corneal ulceration in cats
  • Genetic or medical conditions – conditions that reduce the eye’s ability to make tears or susceptibility to viral infection can result in chronic or recurrent infections.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cat Corneal Ulcer

Corneal ulcerations are incredibly painful. Your cat may rub and attempt to groom the affected eye with a paw or by scratching its head on the ground, such as on the carpet or a rug. You might notice that your cat is displaying symptoms of an ulcer by a change in behavior and temperament. Be on the lookout for these symptoms:

  • A red, inflamed eye – The eye itself might be inflamed with the surrounding flesh swollen and red with a slight warmth to touch.
  • A weepy eye – Liquid or puss weeping from the eye. Congealed and sealed look with a crust that forms
  • A painful eye (closed/squinting) – bright light hypersensitivity and avoiding being touched.
  • A cloudy eye – slight cloudiness and milky white/blue filmy appearance to the eyeball.
  • An obvious crater, hole, rip or dip on the eye’s surface.

How is a Corneal Ulcer Diagnosed?

If you suspect your cat has an issue with its eye, it is best to take your pet to a vet where diagnostics can be done. Leaving your cat undiagnosed and untreated can prolong the pain and lead to long-lasting damage or possible infection. Your veterinarian will need to examine the affected eye using several methods or diagnostics. As the naked eye does not always see corneal abrasions in cats, your vet may want to use a fluorescein stain test to diagnose the ulcer accurately. Once the eye has been examined, your vet will discuss the best possible treatment plan with you and a possible prevention plan for future ulcers, especially if your cat suffers from recurrent corneal ulcers.

Bacterial and Recurrent Corneal Ulcer Diagnosis

If your cat has been diagnosed with a recurrent or more severe ulcer, your veterinarian might want to take additional tests such as culture and cell study. These tests will check to see whether there is a fungal or bacterial infection causing the recurrent ulcer. Getting to the root cause of the ulcer is vital for the treatment to heal the ulcer effectively. Untreated corneal ulceration in cats can result in bacterial infections. This is why it is crucial to assess your cat to prevent bacterial infections or complete damage to the cornea.

Treating Cat Corneal Ulcers

Treating feline corneal ulcers properly from the beginning is key to ensuring not only your feline friend’s comfort but to ensure that it heals appropriately without further complications and damage to the vision centers of the eye. While mild or minor corneal abrasions generally heal well, your vet might recommend a treatment plan to prevent further damage or recurrent infection of the corneal surface. Here are the most common treatments used to treat corneal ulcers:

    • Antibiotic ophthalmic drops – Once a cat’s eye has been injured, the next step is ensuring that infection is prevented. As infection can prevent proper healing and prolong the process, treating the area with an antibiotic ointment or drops is imperative. Here are the most common treatments used to treat corneal ulcers:
    • Regenerative drops – Regenerative medicine uses the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. It offers your cat’s eye a chance to recover from within. Drops such as Vetrix EyeQ Eye Drops are a simple way to provide regenerative care to your cat’s eye.
    • Pain relief – If your cat is in pain and the area surrounding the eye is inflamed, your vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication.
    • Care – Keeping the affected eye clean and safe from further damage is essential; your vet may recommend a cone or that your cat needs to wear eye patches until it is completely healed.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a corneal ulcer take to heal in cats?

Each ulcer heals at a different rate depending on its cause and the severity of the ulceration. A deep ulcer might require several treatments over a few weeks, while tiny ulcers might heal within a week with proper treatment. If you are concerned that your cat’s ulcer is not healing fast enough, speak to your vet.

Will a corneal ulcer heal on its own?

Some ulcers might be able to heal on their own. Its ability to heal on its own depends on the severity of the wound and what caused the ulcer in your cat’s eye. It is best to consult your veterinarian.

Is cat-eye ulcer painful?

Corneal ulcers in cats can be painful depending on how deep the abrasions are or the root cause of the ulcer.

Can a cat live with an eye ulcer?

Cats can live with minor corneal ulcers. It might be uncomfortable and cause mild to moderate pain for your cat – however, with a precise treatment plan from your veterinarian and monitoring, you can ensure that your pet is as comfortable as possible.

Can corneal ulcers cause blindness?

Yes, in short, an untreated corneal ulcer in a cat can lead to permanent damage and vision loss. It depends on the severity of the corneal injury and whether your cat allows it to heal by not touching it and further damaging the tissues.

Types of Cat Corneal Ulcer

There are a few different types of corneal ulcers in cats. The type of ulcer is essential as it can help you understand how to assist in its healing.

  • Corneal Abrasion or Erosion occurs when one or more of the layers in a normal cornea are structurally damaged due to trauma. Recurrent Corneal ulceration can occur as a result of repeated trauma or infection in the eye.
  • Superficial corneal abrasions – light or minor scratches to the eye’s surface can be considered superficial ulcers. They are a little easier to treat.
  • Corneal Edema – Caused by the cornea drying as a result of dysfunctional tear ducts – this type of corneal injury can cause repeated ulcers in your cat’s eye. It is often treated with daily eye drop tinctures or synthetic tears to prevent ulcers from forming. However, once an ulcer has formed, it will need to be treated accordingly to avoid further damage.

Treating Cats Corneal Ulcers with Vetrix

Treating cat corneal injuries is difficult because so many factors can prevent the healing process from leading to long-term vision damage or complete blindness. Treatment should ideally aid in the regeneration and repair of corneal tissue while causing as little disruption to the cat’s vision as possible. As a result, regenerative solutions are being used in treating corneal ulcers as a more modern inclusion strategy. Vetrix EyeQ Eye Drops are an easy way to give your cat’s eye regenerative care. These amniotic eye drops use intrinsic growth factors and other components to modulate inflammation, provide just enough lubrication for protection, and promote healing by encouraging cellular growth. Regenerative medicine promotes a faster healing process with higher success rates.

Preventing Corneal Ulcer in Cats

Prevention is better than cure. If your feline has a habit of getting into fights with other cats resulting in corneal injuries – consider building your cat a catio, where they can experience the outside world while remaining safe indoors away from other cats that might want to fight with it. Speak to your vet about fighting and aggressive behavior. If your cat suffers from corneal ulcers from bacterial infections, it is vital to speak to your vet about a preventative program. Speak to your vet about Vetrix EyeQ drops for a regenerative healing solution.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cybersecurity For Your Veterinary Practice

The digital age has raised many questions about the internet and cyber security. Eager hackers target business computers intending to extract critical and sensitive information. A veterinary practice is not immune to attack and can stand to lose a lot of valuable data. Here is a quick guide to everything you need to know to keep your veterinary practice safe from cyber attacks. 

Veterinary Cyber Security Risks 

Veterinary practices often store sensitive client data that is valuable to the wrong people. Data such as home addresses, credit card information, and other personally identifiable information. Targeted data is often used to verify payments, and access banking is usually stored on business computers. This information in the wrong hands can be used to steal money from bank accounts or access other reports. 

Hackers can also use private data such as pet names to crack passwords and secret questions linked to accounts. Most security risks are caused by malware, and out-of-date software or a lack of digital security can open doorways for hackers to attack your business. 

Securing Your Data 

Keeping your data secure is vital for obvious reasons. There are many ways you can ensure that your information is left untouched and your veterinary practice clients are protected. Here are the best ways you can ensure that your practice is on top of its cyber security: 

  • Offsite data storage – Always keep a secondary offsite backup of data. Cloud or harddrive-based backups can help in cases where cyberattacks erase vital information. 
  • Secure firewalls – Don’t skimp on your firewalls and digital security. Opting for trustworthy software can secure your data and alert you to possible threats. 
  • A robust security plan – Setting out a robust plan to manage any data breaches is vital for any veterinary practice with any digital data. By ensuring that you have fail-safes and that your staff understands what is expected of them, you can circumvent most attacks. A shutdown plan in a breach can help save the business and vital information that you cannot operate without, lowering the risk of downtime. 
  • Regular auditing – Routine security audits and anti-malware scans can help you reduce the risk of sneaky ransomware hanging out on your servers or computers. Speak to a reputable computer company that can allow you to audit your data and offer you solutions to suit your business needs. A qualified technician can help you understand your weakest points and where you need to make changes. 
  • Use vetted vendors – Using vetted vendors and suppliers can help minimize your risk. Companies that have secure systems are less likely to act as a backdoor to your data. Always check your vendor’s cyber security policies and how they prevent attacks from happening. 

Prevention is better than managing an active cyber threat. By securing your data firsthand before it falls into the wrong hands, you can prevent a costly clean-up process that can take your systems offline for a considerable amount of time. 

Securing Your Veterinary Practice

If your veterinary practice falls victim to a cyber-attack, it is vital that you speak to your suppliers, operators, and clients. Acting fast can help your clients and operators reduce their own risk of financial and cyber attacks. Change all your passwords and get in touch with a computer security company to help you with the next steps.

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The Latest Veterinary Technology in 2021

Veterinarian examining cat ear infection with an otoscope in a vet clinic.

Rethinking the use of new technology to help heal animals has changed the way that veterinarians practice entirely. Ground-breaking advances in veterinary care technology allow vets to use applied scientific approaches to improve and fast track their diagnoses and treatments. Here are the latest technologies to look out for in 2021 and how they have helped shape the veterinary world.

Advances in Technology

Tech has ensured that every facet of life has gone digital, from scheduling appointments to storing data. The shift from physical data to digital data has made it easier to catalog and analyze data. The big data trend has allowed veterinarians across the globe to tap into epidemiological trends. Vetrix has used this data and regenerative medicine to improve and offer the world of animal healthcare new and enhanced healing solutions.

These advances make it a lot easier to diagnose and treat patients. Using current and historical patient data allows vet practices to learn and adapt their approaches to animal healthcare. Faster treatments lead to more cost-effective approaches for pet owners and veterinarians alike. The latest advances in vet technology have allowed for more than just data advances; it has impacted the way vets look at and manage wound care, ophthalmology, neurology, and preventative animal medicine.

Application of Data

Data application has improved diagnosis and reinvented how veterinarians and vet techs look at the healing process. The data has made it easier to understand the life cycles of diseases, recovery, and post-operative care. Advances in data collection have vastly improved preventative care, meaning it’s a lot easier to avoid long-term health complications associated with poor healing.

Top Veterinary Technologies to Watch

The use of technology has helped Vetrix develop several innovative solutions to help patients recover faster and easier. The latest in veterinary technology is more than just surface wound care; Vetrix offers innovations that aid in the recovery of ophthalmological care and neurological surgery recovery. Recovery is one of the most critical processes in vet care, allowing patients to heal and stay healed is the ultimate goal.

These leading technologies to keep an eye out for in 2021 are helping vets understand and treat their patients in ways that lead to better results:

Would Care and Management

Veterinary technology has improved the ways that vets look at wound care. Technologies such as BioSIS ECM are structural matrices that can help kickstart natural healing processes. The matrix repairs and replaces damaged tissue in wounds. It acts as a naturally occurring scaffold for cells to regenerate and grow into healthy and organized tissue. As the animal’s body begins to stimulate a natural healing process in response to the ECM, the tissue that regenerates will be site-functional and specific to that area. This innovative method of treating an injury can lead to faster recovery with fewer complications.

Area Sensitive Recovery

It is well known that neurological surgery, whether in an animal or a human, is very serious; repair and healing issues can lead to lasting health complications. BioSIS ECM can be used as a scaffold for native tissue regeneration. The material can hold sutures and support tissue that has been weakened by injury or surgery. Neurological surgery can carry risks of infection and harm an animal’s immune system, so it’s essential to kickstart the natural healing processes; using BioSIS ECM technology can kickstart healing and help prevent scar tissue formation and lower the requirements for rehabilitation.

Preventative Care is the Future

Most veterinarians or doctors will tell you that preventative care is the future of medical treatment. Technological advances in veterinary care have helped prevent repeat rehabilitative surgeries and provided the most stable environment for cellular regeneration. The advances allow wounds to heal functionally, meaning a lowered need for rehabilitation and long-term physical therapy. Interested in learning more about our products? Reach out to us! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.

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What is Vetrix BioSIS Technology and What Are Its Benefits?

At Vetrix, one of our most innovative and revolutionary products is our BioSIS matrix. Many veterinarians and clients are intrigued by this technology and often get confused as to what exactly BioSIS is and how it helps their pets. In order to make our technology more easy to understand for the average person, we decided to write this blog! 

So…What Exactly is BioSIS?

BioSIS is essentially a scaffold for tissue remodelling in animals. BioSIS provides a natural extracellular matrix with a 3D structure. 

Now you might be wondering, “what is an extracellular matrix?” Well, an extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional network consisting of extracellular molecules and minerals, such as collagen and enzymes that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

After BioSIS is implanted, the tissues adjacent to the SIS matrix deliver cells that, in turn, produce a native extracellular matrix. BioSIS is gradually remodelled while the host system rebuilds the damaged site with host tissue. The integrity of the repair is maintained and the new tissue becomes completely functional! BioSIS material is incredibly strong, leading to almost negligible possibility of any breakage. 

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What Are the Benefits of BioSIS?

There are some key features which make BioSIS far superior to other forms of biomaterial used in veterinary medicine. Here they are: 

Enables complete remodelling

An ideal biomaterial should produce a permanent repair without leaving behind a permanent material in the patient’s body. BioSIS successfully facilitates tissue remodelling in this way. 

Following implantation, the site-specific remodeled tissue displays similar physiologic characteristics as the native tissue. During the healing process, Vetrix products get replaced by the body’s native tissue—developing into a permanent repair without the long-term presence of a foreign body.

Provides Natural Resistance to Infection

The uniqueness of BioSIS is that the biomaterial structurally facilitates rapid remodelling of tissue within the body of the patient itself. In other words, the body’s own defense mechanism is able to react and respond to potential infection versus requiring external intervention. This helps the patient’s body ward off any infection or illness successfully.

Unmatched Strength and Durability

BioSIS technology is incredibly strong, and successfully maintains structural support which is essential for replicating the patient’s natural movement until it is restored by the patient’s own native tissue. 

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about our technology or have any questions, feel free to contact us! We’d love to chat about our products, what we do, and how we do it. Look forward to hearing from you!

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What Your Patients Are Looking for in a Veterinarian

veterinarian

As a veterinary professional, empathy is one of the most important traits you can develop. This is not limited to the animals you are treating; pet owners require a high level of attention and empathy as well. There are a multitude of different personality types you will have to deal with: first time pet owners, anxious clients, uninformed owners, and more. Your clients are trusting you with their pets’ lives, so it’s completely natural for them to be emotional or cautious. In this article, we will cover some things that your patients are looking for in a veterinarian and how you can improve client satisfaction and ensure your business is known for being reliable and trustworthy.

#1: Transparency

It’s understandable if a veterinarian doesn’t know everything that could be wrong with a patient upon first glance, but patients expect veterinarians to share as much information as possible. A pet owner will be unable to understand what their pet might be going through besides the fact that something is wrong—and this is a major cause of anxiety and discomfort. You should always educate your patients about illnesses, wound management, risks, and success rates of relevant procedures. It might be tough for a pet owner to know their beloved animal is facing health issues, but if they have no idea how severe the problem is, they won’t be able to properly care for their pet.

#2: Collaboration 

As a veterinarian, it might be tempting to think that the opinion of your patient is irrelevant when it comes to treatment options—but this will only cause friction. You must keep in mind that at the end of the day, it’s the pet owner who will be taking their pet home and taking care of them. They might have a financial situation that doesn’t permit them to take certain measures, or they might have unique circumstances that have to be taken into consideration when planning treatment. By discussing these things first before ordering a certain treatment, you will lessen the burden for your client and this gesture will surely be appreciated.

#3: Accessibility

If your patient is sick and needs to be seen, you should do your best to see them—which could mean going the extra mile in terms of your time. But it’s equally important for you to set work/life balance boundaries. You should also be prompt with treatment because in a lot of cases it simply is not safe to have patients waiting for days or weeks. If your clients know that they can rely on you to provide the best treatment possible, then they’re more likely to respect your time.

#4: Genuine Consideration

You might be seeing dozens of patients every day, but think about it from the perspective of your client. For them, their pet means the world to them. If you show an attitude of indifference such as showing up late or being casual with handling patients, this reflects very poorly on your commitment as a veterinary professional. Think about why you joined this profession. You owe it to yourself and to all your patients to do the best job you possibly can, and show genuine consideration for each and every patient. 

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We hope you found this article helpful—and we hope it helps you remember your passion for your practice! If you need any further information, feel free to contact us! We are devoted to helping veterinarians succeed at their practice.

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Avoid Veterinary Burnout With These 5 Tips

Avoid Veterinary Burnout With These 5 Tips

In veterinary medicine, burnout is an incredibly overlooked problem. Between handling client appointments, performing procedures, diagnosing patients, answering phone calls, and working alongside other professionals, this role is by no means a cake-walk! Veterinary medicine can indeed be stressful, therefore it’s very important to ensure that your staff is feeling both mentally and physically well so they can perform at their best.

How can you boost the morale of your staff and ensure a healthy work environment without compromising on output as a veterinary professional? That’s exactly what we’ll be covering in this article! Read on to learn more about mitigating burnout for a happier and healthier workplace.

#1: Don’t Overload Your Schedule

Controlling your schedule will help protect your staff from burnout—even if that means having to say “no” to new clients. We can understand that you want to try and help as many patients as possible, but sometimes it just isn’t possible to work above a certain capacity. This is not a bad thing! Having a healthy work schedule will allow you to give the very best care possible to all your clients, and also keep you in a better mental state. 

Keeping an eye out for availability and workload will help put an end to an overloaded schedule before the fatigue from a high workload begins creeping up. 

#2: Implement Mandatory Holidays

Certain members of your staff might be hesitant about taking days off. This could either be because they think it implies lack of motivation, or because they have a lingering fear that their pending work might suffer if they take a long break. Whatever the case may be, this is not a good dynamic to exist within your clinic. Even if you’re doing the best you can from your side to encourage employees to take a break, sometimes people are just reluctant to take certain initiatives themselves. A good way to combat this is by implementing mandatory holidays in your work calendar. 

#3: Set Aside Time for Breaks

Many people overwork themselves without realizing it. When you have a lot of work to do, you might feel the urge to get everything done in one sitting or develop the anxiety that taking a break will severely delay your pending work. This is not a good mindset at all because working non-stop will definitely burn you out. 

The best way to solve this issue is to set mandatory breaks every hour or two. Set concrete break times, even if they’re as short as five minutes, and divert your mind from work. Get up from your desk, and maybe even take a short walk. Some fresh air and some movement will do wonders. Setting aside longer breaks for having snacks and catching up with colleagues is important too. 

#4: Schedule One-on-One Check Ins With Employees 

It’s a great idea to check in with your employees to discuss how they’re doing, how things are going at home, and what they are up to besides work. Empathy and consideration makes a huge impact on the psyche and mood of your employees, therefore you must ensure that you’re actively listening to them. Apart from that, if there’s something weighing on them you should try to offer as much help as possible. Having both formal and informal catch up sessions with your employees is a great way to build rapport and uplift the mood of your entire team.

#5: Remember to Appreciate Your Staff 

Letting your employees know that they’re valued can go a long way. You’re a team after all—making sure everyone feels appreciated can dramatically improve your staff’s mood and it’s incredibly simple to do. A simple thank you or a few words of encouragement are always helpful so make sure it’s a part of your culture.

There you have it! Five effective tips that you can incorporate into your workplace immediately that will reduce burnout. We hope you practice the tips above and take a proactive approach towards managing your workload as a veterinary professional! Interested in growing your practice with the latest in regenerative care? Get in touch with us!

 

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How to Combat Stress and Depression in the Veterinary Medicine Community

One of the most common mental health illnesses around the world is depression. Studies have not found its true cause, but research suggests that it stems from various factors. This includes physiology, genes, environment, and biology.

Depression affects a lot of people, and the veterinary community is not an exception.

Stress and Depression in the Veterinary Community

NAVTA 2016 Demographics Survey discovered burnout is one of the top struggles veterinary technicians face. Often, people who work in the field face stress and feel overwhelmed. Many factors cause this, including:

  • Having no time to rest
  • Skipping meals
  • Very sick pets and upset owners
  • Little to no appreciation from owners, colleagues, and loved ones

Because of these factors, feelings of burnout and depression are often set aside. Moreover, such feelings are frequently downplayed and normalized because of the nature of a veterinarian’s work.

Remember that having a stressful job does not mean you should feel constantly lost, unhappy, or anxious. However, keep in mind that it’s also important to recognize the signs of depression, including:

  • Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
  • Constant sadness
  • Lack of energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling like a burden to others

Self-Help Tips to Cope with Veterinarian Depression

If you’re struggling with burnout or depression, there are a lot of resources you can use to cope. You shouldn’t ignore how you’re feeling.

Recognizing the signs of depression is the first step. Just keep in mind that treating depression requires professional help. However, there are ways to cope if you’re not ready to take that step yet.

1. Reach out to other people.

Depression comes with the feeling of being a burden, and it comes with a tendency to self-isolate. Remember that reaching out to friends and loved ones is not a sign of weakness.

Stay in touch with people. Continue doing things you love, and don’t feel afraid to try new things.

2. Try working out.

Working out has been proven to help fight depression. If you’re new to it, working out for at least 10 to 30 minutes is a good start. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do as long as you get your heart rate up! You can try walking, yoga, swimming, dancing, or even just cleaning your home.

3. Make a sleep schedule.

Getting a good night’s sleep helps with depression. Additionally, changing the environment where you sleep can help you “disconnect.”

An important tip is to try and avoid stimulation (such as using your cell phone or watching TV) an hour before bedtime.

4. Sunlight helps.

Whether you choose to do some yoga on the terrace or take a walk with your pet, getting adequate sunlight is also essential to fighting depression.

5. Prioritize nutrition.

Nutrition has a significant role when it comes to battling depression. With this, try to consume less alcohol and caffeine. Making sure you eat meals and grabbing a snack every 3 to 4 hours is another important step as well. 

Additionally, minimizing sugar consumption can help you maintain better energy levels throughout the day. Healthy food habits prevent you from experiencing insulin crashes, which can cause irritability and mood swings.

You’re Not Alone

Depression does not choose whom it will affect. For veterinary professionals and workers, reaching out for help is necessary. Veterinarian depression is real, and the first step relies on acknowledging it. We hope this article gave you some valuable tips on how to improve your mental well-being.

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5 Simple Ways to Get More Veterinary Clients

Ways to Get More Veterinary Clients

Whether clients are lining up at the door or slow to fill the phone lines, it’s always smart to have a marketing plan in place to bring new veterinary clients to your practice. There are plenty of proven new business techniques out there for your veterinary practice to try. Put these five approaches to work for you.

#1: Engage with Social Media

What age do your veterinary clients tend to be? If you bring in a younger demographic for business, then social media is practically a must-have for growth. Talk to your employees and friends and ask what kind of social media posts appeal to them most. Facebook and Instagram are great platforms to start with, allowing you to reach potential customers to share specials, new advanced regenerative medicine, or pets of the week.

#2: Create a Referral Rewards System

Everyone likes to be rewarded. A referral rewards system can do just that, bringing veterinary clients back for care, products, and special services. To get started, create a list of rewards to offer for each referral your veterinary clients make. Maybe the first reward is a cup of coffee. The second reward could be a promo item. For the 10th referral, the client becomes a “preferred client,” with special perks.

#3: Start a Care to Share Card Program

These special cards can be given to veterinary clients at the time of a visit. Then, the client is asked to share the card with a friend to encourage him or her to visit your veterinary practice. When the friend brings the card to your practice for services, he or she receives a gift – and so do you! The reward given is up to you; just make sure your veterinary clients feel it’s of value.

#4: Reboot Reminder Effectiveness

Your reminder system for appointments, vaccinations, prescription refills, and other events should work 80% to 85% of the time. If your percentage is lower, it’s time to take a closer look at your approach. Make sure you are sending reminders out on time, and keep track of conversations with clients for follow-up reminders. Maybe you mentioned a new product to treat a corneal ulcer – or you talked about flea and tick prevention. Be sure to send reminders from these discussions so that your clients are in the loop. 

#5: Build Relationships With Like-Minded Businesses 

You don’t have to work in a silo to build your business. Similar businesses that work together can help each other grow through recommendations and referrals. You could tap into a relationship with a local groomer, training center, pet store, or even a nonprofit to provide resources for your clients, while gaining new clients in return.

Keep Your Veterinary Practice Growing

As you look for new techniques to get more veterinary clients, know that providing the latest treatments in medicine, like Vetrix regenerative medicine, can go a long way in having clients return again and again. Learn more about Vetrix by contacting us today.

 

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Five Social Media Tips for Veterinarians

Once you’ve visited a veterinary practice, you’ll have no doubt it’s in the business to keep pets healthy. It’s a certain calling veterinarians often have at an early age when they discover the loving comfort and goodness of owning a pet. 

No matter how incredible it must be to work around animals all day, owning a business and competing with other veterinary practices in the area can get complicated. Especially when it comes to marketing and the rising popularity of social media. Knowing a few simple tips for how to approach social media for your veterinary practice can go a long way in keeping your business in the lead for future growth.

Follow these five social media tips for your veterinary practice: 

#1: Schedule Posts on a Monthly Social Media Calendar

Planning ahead can help take the worry out of what to post and how often. You’ll find many inexpensive social media planning services that allow you to create a calendar each month for social media posts and even automatically post them for you. Scheduling one, two, or three posts a week is plenty to keep your followers engaged. 

#2: Share and Repost Other Business’s Posts

You don’t have to create clever content all of the time. Sometimes all you have to do is share content from other businesses that are related to your veterinary practice. It could be for an adoption service, a new line of pet gear, or advanced veterinary regenerative medicine you use to help pets heal more successfully. You can also share pet photos and videos from your customers with their approval, adding further engagement from your followers, while showing how you are invested in the community.

#3: Share Moments From Your Veterinary Practice Day

One of the best ways for pet owners to learn about your veterinary practice is to see your services and pet care in action. With your customers’ permission, capture video of kittens in for their first vaccination. Show your groomer trimming an adorable pup’s face. Or maybe a pet who is in for corneal defects and receiving EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops. These moments create a story for your veterinary practice, drawing people in to learn more.

#4: Interact Within Your Posts

When followers post a comment on your social media post, it’s always a good idea to respond with a brief reply, happy face, or other emoji to let them know they are just as important to you as you are to them. You can do this by scheduling time every morning or afternoon to read notifications and respond appropriately. 

#5: Reshare Popular Posts

No two days are the same with social media. One day notifications are packed, while other days are quiet. So when you have a popular post or one that didn’t get the attention it deserved, try reposting it a week or two later with slightly different text. 

Provide Better Care and Pet Treatments 

Contact one of our professionals to rethink healing in your veterinary practice, using the latest advancements from Vetrix.

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