Summer has finally arrived after a very see-saw kind of Spring in Colorado! This issue of the VRCC newsletter highlights our Emergency, Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology teams as well as upcoming events and news.Learn more about Mandy, the Client Coordinator for the Ophthalmology team. The Internal Medicine team discusses Smokey, an Australian Shepherd who came in with a stick lodged in his nose- ouch!Learn more about each of our Emergency doctors in the specialty highlight.We have a full listing of events you’ll want to review and mark on your calendar, including a continuing education gathering this fall as well as our Battle of the Vet Hospital Stars later this year.

Happy Summer! Your VRCC Team

SUMMER IS HERE!

SUMMER 2016 NEWSLETTER

3550 South Jason StreetEnglewood, CO 80110(303) 874-PETS (7387)www.vrcc.com

Mandy is the Client Coordinator for VRCC Ophthalmology. Chances are that you have spoken with her when calling the Ophthalmology department. Mandy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as an Events Management Certification. In addition to being ‘the voice’ of the Ophthalmology team, Mandy owns her own wedding and event floral design business, MJM Designs. Because of her love of animals, she donates 5% of her profits to the local humane society.Mandy has worked for VRCC Ophthalmology for 2.5 years and has been in the veterinary field for eight years. She even met her husband, Matt (a CVT), while working at the same hospital. They have been married over two years this past April.Mandy loves to plan outings and events for her team. Some of these outings include the team’s annual Christmas party at a bowling alley for “crazy” bowling, Colorado Rockies’ games, crafting dates at Upstairs Circus or Canvas & Cocktails, and friendly competitions during holidays like the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Mandy is referred to as the “mom” of the Ophthalmology Department since she keeps track of everyone’s birthdays, special occasions, makes sure everyone is taken care of during busy days, and ensures the department works smoothly and efficiently as possible. She also loves to plan potlucks, when really she just likes to have an excuse to bake something delicious.Outside of work and owning her business, Mandy enjoys hiking and being outside (in warm weather) with her husband and two dogs, traveling when the opportunity arises, playing recreational sports, sampling craft beers from breweries around the Denver Metro Area, and spending time with family and friends.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: OPHTHALMOLOGYMandy Hess, BA, Client Coodinator

Join our VRCC Specialists at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City from 6pm-10pm in October, for an evening of learning at the Colorado Rapids stadium. Current topics in specialty veterinary medicine will provide continuing education credits and dinner will be served. Space is limited to 150 people, and registration is a first-come, first-serve basis. As always, this CE event is FREE to attend. Registration will open up for this CE in late August. Details including date and how to register to follow!

CONTINUING EDUCATION: COLORADO RAPIDS

SPECIALTY HIGHLIGHT: EMERGENCYVRCC Emergency service is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year to help you and your clients. We would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce our team of ER doctors to you:

Dr. Debbie Van Pelt is the Medical Director for VRCC, and the daytime emergency and critical care doctor who works Monday through Thursday. She joined the VRCC team in 2007. She did her Emergency and Critical Care residency at Colorado State University and is ACVECC board certified. Dr. Van Pelt worked in the Critical Care Unit at CSU and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Luke Rump has been a part of the VRCC Emergency team for the past 19 years. He graduated from Iowa State University and did an Emergency internship at the Veterinary Institute of Trauma, Emergency and Critical Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1994. Dr. Rump practiced emergency and critical care in St. Louis, Missouri and Boulder, Colorado before joining VRCC.

Specialty Highlight . . . Continues on page 2

CASE STUDY: INTERNAL MEDICINE

used to image the nose: rhinoscopy and CT scan. Rhinoscopy involves the use of a camera for direct visualization of the nasal passages. Rhinoscopy is useful for visualizing nasal mites, foreign material, and fungal plaques. CT scan combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and 3D views. CT scan is better for showing invasive masses affecting the nasal bones and sinuses, as well as fungal disease destroying nasal turbinates and the cribriform plate. CT scan can also be used for radiation planning, as radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for malignant nasal masses. Often times, a CT scan and rhinoscopy are used together as the most comprehensive diagnostic plan. Unfortunately, plain skull radiographs have a poor sensitivity for detecting abnormalities in the nose. As Smokey’s onset of clinical signs was peracute in nature, a rhinoscopy was elected as foreign material was a high differential.

Later that day, Smokey was anesthetized and a rhinoscopy was performed. First a flexible scope was used to look above the soft palate, in the nasopharynx. No abnormalities were detected. A rigid scope was then used to visualize both the right and left nasal cavities. On the right side, a foreign body was found in the middle cavity (see endoscopy image below).

Although only the tip of the foreign body could be visualized, this portion was grabbed with a forceps inserted through the scope. The foreign body was carefully guided out of the nose,

Something to Sneeze AboutBy: Jessica Timian, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM Smokey, a 10 year old MC Australian Shepherd, was presented to the VRCC Internal Medicine Service on February 19th, for evaluation of sneezing. The owner reported that 1.5 weeks ago, Smokey started violently sneezing up to 4-5 times per day, and also would not let anyone near his nose. Clear nasal discharge had been noted. Otherwise, Smokey was clinically normal at home and had a great appetite and energy level. He had no prior medical history except for some osteoarthritis, for which he received carprofen and tramadol. Diagnostics performed by the referring veterinarian included a complete blood count and biochemical profile which were within normal limits. Smokey was referred to the VRCC Internal Medicine Service for further evaluation of his nose.

On physical examination, Smokey was reluctant to have his head and nose examined. Good nasal airflow was detected on both sides, his eyes retropulsed normally, and there was no facial swelling, pain, or deformation.

Differential diagnoses were discussed with the owner which included a nasal foreign body, mass, fungal disease, chronic rhinitis, or nasal mites. Common foreign bodies recovered from dog noses have included grass awns, bones, and aspirated food material. Nasal masses are also diagnosed, especially in older dogs, with the vast majority being malignant. Fungal disease is found here in Colorado, with most cases classified under the species aspergillosis. Chronic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, that may be due to an aberrant immune response to inhaled organisms or allergens. Nasal mites infest the nasopharynx of dogs, and can cause severe irritation.

It was discussed with the owner that there were two modalities effectively

• After 25 years at VRCC, Dr. Steven Wheeler is retiring at the end of June. As one of the original founders of VRCC, Dr. Wheeler opened the Internal Medicine practice in 1991. We are so thrilled for him to start this next (relaxing) stage in his life, and wish him the best. He will be sorely missed by the VRCC family, the referring veterinary community, pet owners, and of course, his patients. Happy retirement Dr. Wheeler!

• Mark your calendars! Sunday, September 11th, 2016 is the 5th Annual Battle of the Vet Hospital Stars! Registration just opened and is filling quickly! Go to our website for more info: www.vrcc.com/calendar-of-events/battle-vet-hospital-stars. A fundraising contest is underway - donations can be made at www.colorado.gives.org/battle2016

• Our Ophthalmology department proudly participated in the ACVO National Service Animal Exam, providing complimentary eye exams for service dogs. We saw 44 service dogs throughout the month of May.

CENTER NEWS & EVENTS

Specialty Highlight . . . Continued

VRCC Oncology Clinical Trials - Currently Enrolling!

The VRCC Oncology department is currently offering clinical trials for the treatment of canine lymphoma, melanoma and bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Please contact the

Oncologists at VRCC to discuss clinical criteria for participation.

Please call us at 303-874-2054 for more information or to set up an

appointment.

• VRCC is now digital! We will be sending out invitations to CEs, newsletters and other general info via email. If you would like to be added to our email list, please contact Ruby Post, Referral Liaison, at rpost@vrcc.com or call her at 303-874-2053. VRCC is proud to be a sponsor of Rocky Mountain Dock Dogs this year! Their next event is at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds on July 29th. Come on out, visit the VRCC booth, and watch these dogs catch some serious air!

Dr. Megan Rector has been with VRCC since 2010. She received a Masters degree from Colorado State University in 2005 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She completed a small animal rotating internship from Texas A&M University in 2010.

Dr. Victoria Fields grew up in San Diego. She graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Dr. Fields completed a one year rotating internship at Animal Hospital Specialty Center in Highlands Ranch before joining the Emergency Service at VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital.

Dr. Stacy Montgomerie grew up in Colorado and completed both undergraduate and DVM degrees at Colorado State University. She completed an emergency and critical care internship at Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital prior to joining the VRCC Emergency team.

Dr. Terri Felske graduated from the University of Minnesota veterinary school in 2009 and completed a small animal rotating internship at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She has worked as an emergency and general practice veterinarian in New Hampshire, North Carolina and Colorado before joining VRCC.

Dr. Heidi Servi graduated from University of Wisconsin Veterinary School in 2008 and completed an internship at Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists Glendale, WI. She has worked in emergency and general practice in Wisconsin and Colorado prior to joining VRCC full time.

Dr. Andrea Zikovitz graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 and then completed a rotating internship with VCA South Shore AH in Massachusetts.

Dr. Luan Strom graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 along with Dr. Zikovitz. She worked for Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists Loveland, CO prior to joining VRCC.

Dr. Taylor White (relief) graduated from University of Wisconsin in 2011. She has completed a rotating internship at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in 2012 and Neurology/Neurosurgery Internship at At Veterinary Specialty Care in 2013.

We appreciate being able to help you and your clients!

Dr. Jessica Timian, DVM, MS, DACVIM

and found to be a large stick (see below photo).

Smokey recovered uneventfully from the procedure. After discussing the findings with the owner, it was revealed that Smokey loved to play in the backyard, and occasionally would dive into the brush to find a ball. Likely, the stick got lodged in Smokey’s nose during one of his endeavors to recover his ball. A follow-up call was placed later in the week to the owner, who reported that Smokey had complete resolution of clinical signs at home.

Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology

is working hard to see your cardiology referrals as quickly as possible. In response to increased

demand, RMVC has added additional resources to increase

the number of appointments available each week. Beginning

in June, two Board Certified Cardiologists will be working

Monday - Friday, and one will be working on Saturday. Please note that this schedule will not be in

effect the week of ACVIM.

RMVC is also pleased to announce that cardiology services will now be available in Colorado

Springs at Animal Emergency Care Center on a weekly basis also beginning in June. Dr. Jeremy Orr

will begin seeing scheduled appointments every other

Tuesday, while Dr. Julie Martin will continue seeing scheduled cases

on alternating Wednesdays. Referring veterinarians and their clients can call our VRCC office at

303-874-2064 to schedule an appointment or talk with one of

our friendly Client Service Representatives for more

information.