Tails of Hope, Inc. W PA’s Post

Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, and Suicide Prevention in the Veterinary Industry: A Call to Care September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect on the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence, especially in industries like veterinary medicine, where the mental health of professionals is too often overlooked. The weight that veterinarians, technicians, and support staff carry can be immense, compounded by long hours, emotional exhaustion, and the constant strain of caring for others’ beloved pets. Yet, while many may seem resilient on the surface, what lies beneath can tell a much different story. Empathy is more than a feeling; it is an active, intentional practice. As members of the veterinary community, we must extend empathy not just to our clients and patients, but to each other. The truth is, we often don’t know what is happening in someone’s personal life. What may seem like a colleague’s out-of-character behavior might be the result of unseen struggles—perhaps they’re overwhelmed, grieving, or feeling isolated. Rather than making assumptions or jumping to conclusions, we should be mindful and compassionate. It is easy to be wrapped up in the rush of daily responsibilities and miss subtle signs that someone may be struggling. But if we truly want to foster a supportive work environment, we need to ask ourselves: are we checking in with our friends, family, and coworkers? Are we giving people the benefit of the doubt when they seem off, rather than casting judgment? Are we leading with questions like, “How are you really doing?” or “Is everything okay?” Emotional intelligence is about recognizing these moments—when someone’s behavior is out of character—and taking the time to inquire with genuine concern. These conversations can be life-saving. It’s not just about identifying signs of distress; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to express themselves and seek help when they need it. In the veterinary profession, those working in clinics witness grief and emotional pain on a daily basis. While they work to heal their patients, it’s equally important that we, as a broader community supporting them, work to uplift and support each other. This month, let’s pay closer attention to the people around us—whether they are in clinics or in other roles. Let’s actively listen, show patience, and express kindness, even when it’s not asked for. If you notice a colleague seems quieter than usual, seems easily frustrated, or is withdrawing, take a moment to check in. Be vigilant about lifting each other up, because sometimes the smallest act of empathy can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. Suicide prevention begins with conversation. It begins with empathy. And it begins with each one of us looking out for one another. Let’s commit to doing that—not just this month, but every day. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #EmpathyInAction #VetMedSupport #EmotionalIntelligence

UPDATE ON SNOWBABY! ☃️ Snowbaby, a handsome kitty from Virginia, desperately needed a life-saving radioactive treatment to cure his Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and an unkempt hair coat, which can eventually lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and sudden blindness. 🙀 Usually, Hyperthyroidism can be easily maintained with daily medication. However, in rare cases, some cats, like Snowbaby, experience adverse side effects. We helped Snowbaby back in August with the cost of his urgent veterinary care. Snowbaby's mom traveled 3 hours to the closest specialty veterinary hospital, which was located in Maryland, to get his treatment as only certain hospitals are equipped to handle radioactive drugs. Snowbaby was hospitalized for 5 days post-treatment for observation and to limit radioactive exposure to his mom and her other furbabies. 😽 A few weeks after treatment, Snowbaby developed acne under his chin and was treated with Chlorhexidine scrub twice daily. Snowbaby was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, a common side effect of Hyperthyroidism, and is on daily medication to maintain his BP. Snowbaby has been doing well post-treatment. His mom said, "He's gaining a bit of weight; & his under his chin looks great !!! He's eating well. The blood pressure medicine that I give him in the evening makes him a bit lethargic... he doesn't purr hardly at all anymore... which is highly unusual for him; but still cuddles & sleeps right next MOMMMY every night!" 💕 💕 💕 Snowbaby will have his second post-treatment check-up this week. His thyroid and blood pressure will be rechecked. Please send your thoughts and prayers for this handsome boy that he receives a clean health bill and has fully recovered! 🙏 Read more about Snowbaby and other pets we are currently helping with their urgent veterinary care here: https://lnkd.in/eBDwp5F6 #fortheloveofalex #savinglives #cat #pets #animals #snowbaby #virginia #kittycat #VeterinaryMedicine #gatos #animalwelfare #charity #catmom #catlife #catsoftheworld #longhairedcats #meow

🚨 Emergency Case 🚨 straight Arabian pregnant mare presented with a sudden colic signs with left dorsal colon impaction and severe dehydration, Gut motility (4 quarters) : no motility Heart rate: 72 BPM , resp rate : 45 RPM , NO defecation or urination. after diagnosis confirmation with ultrasound and dealing with the case up to five hours of decompression with Nasogastric intubation , oral and parenteral medications and I.V fluid therapy , and put it under observation for another 6 hrs and recheck by physical examination and gut ultrasound now our lady back to the normal healthy condition and the pregnancy is stable. #equineveterinarian #equinevet #horsevet #veterinarymedicine #veterinary #equinemedicine #equineveterinary #vet #equinevets #veterinarylife #equine #vets #veterinarian #vetstudent #horses #equinedentistry #vetlife #equinevetlife #horseveterinary #vetmed #veterinarysurgery #farmvet #horse #equine #equinevet #equinehealth #equinetherapy #equinecare #horses #horse #horsehealth

Hey, vet-moms! 💕 If you're navigating pregnancy while practicing veterinary medicine, proud mom and veterinarian Lauren Jones has some great advice for you. From safety tips to managing your workload with Shepherd, learn how to thrive during this exciting time: https://lnkd.in/eFDJRzMs #VetMomLife #VeterinaryMedicine #ShepherdVet #DVMoms #VetMom #VetLife

🐾 Conducting thorough prenatal care is essential in veterinary practice to ensure the health and wellbeing of expecting pets. yesterday, a client brought in their pregnant cat for evaluation, seeking confirmation of fetal viability and age determination. Using a 10 MHz frequency ultrasound with a linear probe, we carefully examined the cat. Proper probe placement is crucial in obtaining clear images and accurate measurements, ensuring detailed assessments of fetal health. I'm pleased to report that all fetuses were found to be alive and healthy. Age determination was based on bi-parietal diameter (BPD), measured at 1.4 cm. By applying the formula (BPD in cm × 25) + 3, we accurately estimated the fetal age at 38 days. Although the image of the BPD wasn't shared due to visual quality, our diagnostic process was thorough and precise, providing valuable insights for optimal maternal and fetal care. #VeterinaryCare #PrenatalDiagnosis #AnimalHealth #UltrasoundDiagnosis #FelineHealth #VeterinarianLife 🐱

🔬 *Understanding and Preventing Myiasis (Maggot Wounds) in Cats* 🐱 As pet owners, our primary goal is to ensure the health and well-being of our furry companions. One serious condition that can affect cats is myiasis, commonly known as maggot infestation. *What is Myiasis?* Myiasis is an infestation of living animals with dipteran fly larvae. Fly eggs laid on moist skin or in wounds hatch into larvae (maggots) that secrete proteolytic enzymes and digest cutaneous tissue. Myiasis is common in cats and dogs. It's a distressing condition that requires immediate attention. *Signs to Watch For:* Visible maggots or larvae on the skin Foul odor from the wound Excessive licking or grooming of the affected area Lethargy and decreased appetite *Treatment:* Remove the maggots using _Ivermectin or organophosphate_ solution.( avoid licking when using these solutions) Clean and debride the wound. Remove as much dead tissue as possible. Disinfect the wound. Start antibiotics and painkillers ( in this case Amoxicillin and Ketoprofen was used) to cope up with secondary bacterial infections and pain management. *Prevention Tips:* 1.Regular Grooming: Keep your cat clean and well-groomed, especially if they have long fur. 2.Wound Management: Promptly treat any cuts or injuries with appropriate antiseptics and cover them to avoid fly contact. 3.Clean Environment: Maintain a clean living area free from waste that can attract flies. 4.Routine Check-ups: Regular veterinary visits to catch and address potential health issues early. Understanding the signs and ensuring prompt treatment can make a significant difference in your cat's recovery. Prevention is equally important to protect your feline friends from the distress of myiasis. Have you encountered this issue with your pets? Share your experiences and tips for prevention! #VeterinaryCare #PetHealth #CatCare #MyiasisPrevention #PetOwners #AnimalWelfare

Equine birth, while a natural process, can present challenges and complications that require knowledge and preparation. Importantly, careful monitoring of the mare during pregnancy and parturition can help prevent or identify some complications early. In addition, having a contingency plan in place and a veterinarian available or easily accessible during foaling is crucial to effectively manage any complications. At Sisteck, we are committed to providing equine professionals with the tools ( Like C6 EVO IoT )and knowledge needed to manage these critical events safely and competently. #SISTECK #EquineCare #EquineBirth #Veterinary #HealthOfHorses #VeterinaryInnovation #AnimalWelfare #Prevention #VeterinaryEducation

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: "Fix at 4" Aim to spay/neuter at or by 4 months of age -- depending on your situation 🎯 What's the best time to spay or neuter a kitten? Depending on the veterinarian and the status of the kitten (pet vs. community cat), the window is between two and four months of age. Kittens reach sexual maturity at four months of age. Wait any longer and your kitten may have kittens -- and that's NOT a good thing. Best practice dictates that all kittens are spayed/neutered before adoption. Many clinic veterinarians practice the "2 pound/2 month" rule: the kitten needs to be healthy, weigh at least 2 pounds and be 2 months of age before surgery. Most rescues/shelters will aim to vet the kitten as soon as it reaches 2 pounds so it can be adopted sooner, allowing the rescue/shelter the opportunity to save more cats. If the kitten lives strictly indoors with no opportunity to reproduce, a veterinarian may advise to wait until the kitten reaches 4 months of age. After 4 months, your male(s) will start to display hormone-fueled behaviors such as spraying/marking and looking to get outdoors in search of a female. Don't wait for this to happen! 📢 Allowing a kitten to have her first heat cycle or delivering her first litter before spaying is a MISTAKE. There is no benefit to the cat and you're contributing to overpopulation. Fix that cat!!! 👉FINAL NOTE: it is IRRESPONSIBLE to adopt out a kitten that is not spayed or neutered. If you're running a rescue or are a good Samaritan fostering a litter that you've found, it is IMPERATIVE that those kittens are spayed/neutered before they are adopted. If you don't, you're contributing to the problem as we'll all be rescuing their litters 6 months later. Find a clinic and crowd-source for funding to spay/neuter if necessary. Do the right thing! Original content provided by Stray Cat Project. #TNR #spayneuter #fixatfour

As pet parents, it's important to be aware of the most common illnesses that affect puppies. The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the sooner you can seek medical attention, and the better the chances of a positive outcome. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common illnesses that puppies can experience, their symptoms, and what you can do to prevent them. One of the most common symptoms of puppy illnesses is diarrhea. Puppies are more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, and diarrhea is often a sign of an underlying problem. Other common symptoms include vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms in your new puppy, seek veterinary care right away. #caninedistemper #canineinfluenza #canineparvovirus #commonillnessesinpuppies #dehydrationinpuppies #intestinalparasites #leptospirosis #preventivecareforpuppies #Puppycare #Puppydiet #puppyemergencycare #puppyfirstaid #puppyhealth #puppyvaccinations

**Title:** Exploring the Benefits of Progestins in Canine and Feline Health 🐶🐱 **Introduction:** As pet owners, veterinarians, and animal lovers, it's crucial to stay informed about advancements in veterinary medicine. Today, let's delve into the fascinating realm of progestins and their role in enhancing the health and well-being of our beloved canine 🐶 and feline 🐱 companions. **Why Progestins Matter:** Progestins, synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone, play pivotal roles in managing various reproductive and non-reproductive conditions in dogs and cats. From regulating estrus cycles to controlling unwanted behaviors, progestins offer a spectrum of benefits for our furry friends. **Key Applications:** 1. **Management of Estrus:** Progestins are widely used to prevent or delay estrus (heat) in female dogs and cats, providing pet owners with greater control over breeding cycles and minimizing the risk of unplanned pregnancies. 2. **Behavioral Modification:** In addition to their reproductive effects, progestins can help address behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, and excessive vocalization, promoting harmony within multi-pet households and enhancing the human-animal bond. 3. **Treatment of Reproductive Disorders:** Progestins play a crucial role in managing reproductive disorders such as pyometra (uterine infection) and false pregnancies, offering therapeutic options for conditions that could otherwise jeopardize the health and fertility of our furry companions. 4. **Medical Castration:** Progestins are also utilized in the medical castration of male dogs, providing a non-surgical alternative for pet owners who wish to control testosterone-related behaviors or manage certain medical conditions without resorting to surgical intervention. 👉**Considerations for Pet Owners:** While progestins offer valuable benefits, it's essential for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarians to determine the most appropriate treatment protocols and monitor for potential side effects. As with any medication, adherence to dosage instructions and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensuring the safety and efficacy of progestin therapy for our furry friends. 👉**Conclusion:** In the realm of veterinary medicine, progestins serve as invaluable tools for managing reproductive and behavioral issues in dogs and cats, empowering pet owners to provide optimal care for their beloved companions. By staying informed and collaborating with veterinary professionals, we can harness the potential of progestins to promote the health, happiness, and longevity of our furry family members. 🐾 #Progestins #VeterinaryMedicine #PetHealth #AnimalWellness #CanineHealth #FelineHealth #PetCare #AnimalBehavior #ReproductiveHealth