Otterkill Animal Hospital
Newsletter Volume 6, May 2006

Congratulations to our newest LVT!

We’re so proud to announce that our newest employee, Lisa Norris, has achieved her licensure as a LVT.

Did you ever wonder just what the letters LVT after our some of our employees' names represent? They all have earned the degree and title of Licensed Veterinary Technician. This indicates that they have completed two years of college and received an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology. This includes internship experience in an actual practice setting. Students must then pass a rigorous national examination to become licensed to practice in New York State.

Functioning just as nurses do in the human profession, only a licensed veterinary technician, (or technician student under supervision) is permitted to perform the following procedures on our patients:

• collecting appropriate specimens, such as drawing blood, and performing laboratory procedures in clinical pathology and histopathology
• performing x-rays
• preparing and administering medications on the medical orders of the supervising veterinarian
• assisting in medical procedures
• inducing and maintaining anesthesia under the onsite supervision of the supervising veterinarian
• assisting in surgical procedures in the physical presence of the licensed veterinarian

Otterkill Animal Hospital is dedicated to always providing the absolute best care possible for our patients. We are extremely proud that we have the highest percentage of staff LVT’s of any hospital in this area. Two of our assistants are currently enrolled in an online program administered through the American Animal Hospital Association which will lead to licensure. We’re so proud to offer you such an outstanding nursing staff. Learn more about all of them on our website’s staff page.

Congratulations to all our 2006 photo contest winners!!
Thanks to all of you that submitted entries for our first annual National Pet Week Patient Photo Contest. We had a great, but difficult time selecting the winners. Their photos can be viewed on the website's contest winners page.

Zoonotic diseases on the rise
You’re likely to see or hear the term zoonotic disease in the media these days. A zoonotic disease is one that humans can contract from animals. Veterinarians are, of course, experts on these diseases. Increased cooperation between our profession and human physicians is occurring now on a widespread basis.

The risk of zoonotic disease is one of the reasons we place such a strong emphasis on parasite control as many animal parasites can infect people or carry diseases which can. Once avian flu reaches North America, the media will bombard you with information on this disease. We’ll keep you informed as to the verifiable facts and the implications for your companion animal. Ask us at any time if you have concerns about what you may contract from your companions.

Medical Reserve Corps
Both Dr. Keller and Dr. Zgoda have become certified members of the newly formed Orange County Medical Reserve Corps. The County Health Department has developed a program for health professionals to receive specific training to assist in the event of an emergency, natural disaster or epidemic. We’re glad to offer our expertise and assistance, but hope that nothing ever occurs that requires the Corps to be activated.

Doc at Carnegie Hall
Did you know that Dr. Zgoda is a perfoming member, occasional soloist and production manager for one of Orange County’s premier musical groups? His work with the Orange County Classic Choral Society provides some much needed relaxation. We’re proud to announce that he’ll be performing with the group in a concert at Carnegie Hall on June 25. Learn more about the chorus at www.classicchoralsociety.org. You never know where one of our "otters" may pop up.

Summer is almost here!