2011AdvocateIssue2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

W

elcome to Orlando and the FVMA’s 82nd Annual Conference.

Our Program Chairman Dr. Ernie Godfrey, our Executive

7131 Lake Ellenor Drive Orlando, Florida 32809 407.851.3862 phone 800.992.3862 toll free 407.240.3710 fax info@fvma.org www.fvma.org

Director Phil Hinkle, and the entire FVMA staff have put together a world-class, continuing education program at an exceptional value. An array of nationally-acclaimed speakers will be offering more than 229

OFFICERS

Dr. Jan M. Hasse President Dr. James A. Kanzler President-Elect Dr. Richard B. Williams Treasurer Dr. Jerry P. Shank Past President Mr. Philip J. Hinkle Executive Director

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Charles P. Hall District 1 - Big Bend Dr. Richard C. Sutliff District 2 - Northeast Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn District 3 - Central Dr. Donald H. Morgan District 4 - Tampa Bay Dr. Mark D. Dew District 5 - Treasure Coast Dr. Ronald W. Todd Jr. District 6 - South Florida Dr. Richard M. Carpenter District 7 - Southwest Dr. James M. Brechin District 8 - Northwest Dr. Christine M. Storts District 9 - Space Coast Dr. Ernest C. Godfrey AVMA Delegate Dr. Stephen Shores AVMA Alternate Delegate Ex Officio Dr. Glen F. Hoffsis, Dean College of Veterinary Medicine

FVMA STAFF Sandra P. Brooks Accounting/Membership Director Ralph E. Huber Industry Relations Director Beni Jean Price Financial/Membership Coordinator Amber Coon Executive Administrative Assistant Brenda Eggert Brader Communications & Public Relations Director Kevin R. White Multimedia Art & Design Director Erin Pratt Meeting & Events Coordinator

hours of quality continuing education which will give participants the tools and resources needed to build a dynamic veterinary team that will be able to both compete and thrive in this challenging economy.

I encourage all of you to set aside time to attend two special events.

The first is the FVMA’s Awards Ceremony on Friday evening. Each year, the FVMA honors outstanding individuals whose service has contributed significantly to advancing veterinary medicine or the status of the profession. The annual installation of the FVMA’s officers will follow the awards presentations. The second event is the General Assembly on Sunday morning. Our keynote speaker will be Dennis Snow who will be expounding on “Creating A World-Class Service Organization.” You are in for a real treat. I had the pleasure of hearing Dennis speak at an AVMA Leadership Conference in January. He had the crowd mesmerized with the sharing of his many experiences while employed at Disney World. He has invaluable insight into how to achieve your goals related to customer service, employee development and leadership.

The FVMA’s Legislative Committee, led by chairman Dr. Stephen Shores, has been very active these past few months in introducing legislative bills and monitoring more than 40 bills that could impact veterinary medicine and our livelihood in Florida.

The FVMA continues to be one of the leading veterinary associations in the country.

This is because of the many dedicated veterinarians and individuals in our state who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The FVMA reuniting with the Florida Association of equine Practitioners, the many legislative triumphs, the FVMA becoming the testing and licensing body of the Certified Veterinary Assistants, and the opening of the new, state of the art, small animal teaching hospital at the University of Florida are just a few of the many positive accomplishments that have taken place in recent months. I would like to thank the Executive Board of the FVMA, the Board of Governors, the entire staff and our Executive Director Phil Hinkle for all of their hard work and support they have given me this year. It has been an honor, joy and a privilege to have served as your President. I especially cherish the many friendships I have developed through this experience. Thanks to all of you who have been such a blessing to Debbie and I.

2 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

Jan M. Hasse, DVM

IN THIS ISSUE 4 |

Getting the Entire Staff on the Same Feline Oral Inflammation Page

8 |

Redefining Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury

10 |

Dennis Snow Tells How Veterinarians can Benefit from Shining Customer Service

31 |

Classified Advertisements

2011 FVMA Awards 11 |

Congratulations to Our 2011 Award Winners

12 |

Distinguished Service Award

13 |

Lifetime Achievement Award

14 |

Veterinarian of the Year

15 |

President’s Award

16 |

Gold Star Awards

18 |

CVT of the Year

19 |

Team Member of the Year

20 |

Community Service Award

21 |

Pet Hero of the Year

22 |

Industry Awards

4

8

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9410 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL 33024 www.vetspecialistsofsfl.com www.fvma.org 3

Getting the Entire Staff on the Same Feline Oral Inflammation Page O

ral tissues are constantly exposed to pathogens and antigenic proteins. In a healthy mouth, there is a balance between potential pathogens, the patient and its immune response. When an imbalance occurs, an inadequate or exaggerated host response leads to marked inflammation. In the past, any significant inflammation of the cat’s mouth was incorrectly termed stomatitis and/or faucitis. Stomatitis is still used, but only to describe widespread oral inflammation of the oral cavity compared to gingivitis or periodontitis with localized support loss, and mucositis.

It is important that everyone in the office that deals with cats and their owners understands what feline oral inflammation looks like, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what it means to the patient.

Many causes are suspected, including genetics, environmental stress, diet, viral (calici, herpes) and bacterial (Bartonella spp.) infection. Although some cats that have stomatitis are positive for Bartonella spp., a cause-and-effect has not been proven in that there is already a high prevalence of antibodypositive cats within the healthy population due to flea exposure. Only calici virus has shown significant presence in those cats affected by chronic oropharangyeal inflammation (97%) compared to a controlled group of cats (25%).

History and Clinical Signs The median age of affected cats is seven years.

Patient history often includes painful eating or anorexia causing weight loss, increased salivation, grinding of teeth, and face pawing. There may be resistance to opening the mouth when eating. The cat’s hair coat is also often unkempt secondary to poor self grooming due to oral pain. Bad breath and bleeding within the oral cavity are common.

In some cats, inflammation is apparent only around the back cheek teeth. Other cats show marked gingivitis and periodontitis 360 degrees around the incisors, canines, premolars and/or molars. Caudal stomatitis, incorrectly referred to in the past as faucitis, clinically appears as cobblestone-like deep red colored lesions involving the back of the mouth near the tonsils.

Classification of oropharyngeal inflammation In 2009, the American Veterinary Dental College adopted terminology based on anatomical presentation. (Fig. 1) 4 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 1

Figure 1

Anatomy of the feline oral cavity

Gingivitis – inflammation of gingiva Periodontitis – inflammation of non-gingival periodontal tissues (i.e., the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone) Alveolar mucositis – inflammation of alveolar mucosa Sublingual mucositis – inflammation of mucosa on the floor of the mouth Labial/buccal mucositis – inflammation of lip/cheek mucosa Caudal mucositis – inflammation of mucosa of the caudal oral cavity, bordered medially by the palatoglossal folds and fauces, dorsally by the hard and soft palate, and rostrally by alveolar and buccal mucosa Stomatitis – inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth; in clinical use the term should be reserved to describe wide-spread oral inflammation (beyond gingivitis and periodontitis) that may also extend into submucosal tissues Palatitis – inflammation of mucosa covering the hard and/or soft palate Glossitis – inflammation of mucosa of the dorsal and/or ventral tongue surface Cheilitis – inflammation of the lip (including the mucocutaneous junction area and skin of the lip) Osteomyelitis – inflammation of the bone and bone marrow Tonsillitis – inflammation of the palatine tonsil Pharyngitis – inflammation of the pharynx

Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Treatment of oropharyngeal inflammation Plaque above and below the gum line appears to be the cause of inflammation. Removing teeth decreases the plaque burden. In cases of gingivitis inflammation commonly resolves once the teeth are cleaned and home care is instituted. In cases of stomatitis, the only treatment thus far shown to have long-term positive results without the need for further medication is tooth extraction (either full mouth or only the teeth behind the canines).

The decision whether all teeth are extracted or only the premolars and molars is based on examination findings. If marked inflammation, periodontal pockets or tooth resorption are noted around the canines and/or incisors, the affected teeth are also extracted. (Figs. 2-11) Pain management in surgical patients is accomplished with pre-anesthetic opioid administration (buprenorphine), intraoperative local anesthetics (bupivacaine), and postoperative orally opioids given for 5-7 days.

Pre-surgical radiographs are important to evaluate root anatomy and pathology. Teeth with tooth resorption lesions are often undergoing root replacement resorption, making luxation and elevation difficult. Pulverizing or atomizing the root within the alveolus with a water-cooled high-speed hand piece and dental bur may result in removing excess supporting bone, removing too little tooth or trauma to adjacent anatomy, and should be avoided.

In cases where oral inflammation persists for months despite extractions and laser care caudal to the canines, extraction of all remaining teeth and root fragments is indicated. (Figs. 10, 11) If lesions persist despite complete teeth extraction for months to years, the condition is termed refractory. Periodic laser thermoablation and medication (Interferon) may be helpful in these cases.

Figure 4.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

Figure 4

Anatomy of the feline oral cavity Unilateral vestibular mucositis Resolution of unilateral mucositis following extraction of the right mandibular cheek teeth Periodontal disease involving the right mandibular first molar and maxillary fourth premolar Intraoral x-rays revealing bone loss around the mandibular first molar Post op surgical appearance after extraction of the mandibular first molar and maxillary fourth premolar

Figure 5

Figure 6 www.fvma.org 5

How can the veterinary team help?

Once every staff member knows what to look for, the receptionist who fields questions can advise the client that a cat with signs related to inflammation needs to be examined by the veterinarian. The veterinary technician and assistant who, in many cases have the best, close-up view of each tooth during the cleaning process, must alert the veterinarian when abnormalities are found. The veterinary staff also can demonstrate techniques for the prevention of plaque using tooth brushes, dental wipes, and cotton swab applicators. The team effort will translate into superior patient care.

Figure 7

Jan Bellows, DVM, is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. ALL PETS DENTAL is located in Weston, Florida 954-349-5800

Figure 8 Conference Lectures & Wet Labs with Dr. Jan Bellows

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011 Creating Your Feline Dental Practice 8:00 am – 8:50 am

Dental Diagnostics – Getting the Best Out of Your Periodontal Probe and X-ray

Figure 7.

Figure 8.

Figure 9.

Figure 10.

Figure 11.

Figure 9

Appearance six months post op Caudal Stomatitis Resolution of caudal stomatitis after full mouth extraction Refractory stomatitis despite full mouth extraction Stomatitis resolution after laser treatments

9:00 am – 9:50 am

Feline Dental Radiology – It’s About Time 10:10 am – 11:00 am

Dental Case Brain Teasers – What To Do Next?

11:10 am – 12:00 pm

Remove, Repair, Recheck or Refer – How To Decide What To Do? 2:30 am – 3:20 pm

The Cat’s Red Mouth – Oropharyngeal Inflammation and Tooth Resorption

Figure 10

4:20 am – 5:10 pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011 Canine Extraction Wet Lab 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Additional Registration Fee $395.00

Feline Extraction Wet Lab 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Additional Registration Fee $395.00

To sign up for either of Saturday’s Wet Labs, see a staff member at the FVMA’s Registration Desk.

6 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

Figure 11

By Matthew Barnhart , DVM, MS, DACVS MedVet Medical and Cancer Centers for Pets

C

ranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. Historically, CrCL disease has often been thought of as a “simple injury.” Consider the image of a dog being tackled roughly by a bigger dog; the excessive force applied to the healthy ligament (knee) exceeds its inherent breaking strength and partial or complete rupture occurs (Figure 1).

This traumatic scenario makes perfect sense, but is actually a rare cause of CrCL rupture in dogs. Instead, canine CrCL disease most often occurs during very reasonable, normal activities and is a result of a number of anatomical, genetic, and environmental predisposing factors.

Instead of just “an injury” CrCL rupture needs to be thought of as a disease caused by a series of abnormal biologic and biomechanical events. These events interact in a complex “cause and effect” relationship that leads to stifle pain, lameness, and progressive osteoarthritis.

The CrCL is composed of an extracellular matrix and a variety of different cell-types.

Proteins, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans compose the majority of the matrix while fibroblasts are the predominate cell-type. CrCL fibers are 90% type-1 collagen and are bundled in a hierarchal organization of fiber bundles that are variably recruited throughout stifle range-of-motion. Degeneration of the CrCL by way of fibrocartilagenous transformation occurs gradually and results metaplasia of ligamentacytes to chondrocytes, matrix composition changes, and disorganization of fiber bundles. The degenerate CrCL is more easily overloaded/ injured and progressive disruption of the fiber bundles eventually produces a complete rupture of the ligament over a variable length of time. There is no single cause for these changes. Instead, a multifactoral disease process is responsible including inflammation, diminished extracellular matrix production, necrosis of cellu-

8 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 1

Figure 1

lar components, instability, abnormal joint contact areas, and muscle group underdevelopment/ overdevelopment. There is not a clear understanding however of how/why these events occur/ persist.

The question is much like what came first, the chicken or the egg? Do abnormal stifle biomechanics damage the ligament leading to degeneration and secondary joint changes or does a primary degeneration of the CrCL lead to abnormal biomechanics? The answer currently remains elusive, but is likely a combination of the two.

Many risk factors have been determined or proposed to be associated with CrCL disease.

Breed-type, familial history (i.e. a heritable trait), body condition, immune-mediated disease, joint incongruity, trauma, gender (females are more commonly affected than males), gonadal sterilization, tibia width, tibial plateau angle, patella tendon angle, endocrine/ metabolic abnormalities, and imbalances of the dynamic stifle stabilizers (extensor and flexor muscles) are some of the many reported risk factors for CrCL disease. Studies suggest that 40-60% of dogs with CrCL disease will rupture the contralateral CrCL within their lifetime. The more one knows about CrCL disease the clearer it becomes that its pathogenesis rivals that

of other seemingly more complex joint diseases (elbow and hip dysplasia).

As expected with any complex disorder there is no single “best” treatment for CrCL disease.

Dozens of surgical treatment protocols have been published over the years each with individual pros and cons. Many have fallen out of favor while others have grown more popular. Choosing the “right” procedure is not a simple task and many factors should be considered including patient age, body size and condition, general medical health, concurrent orthopedic and/or neurologic problems, desired activity level of patient, personal experience/ training, duration of injury, degree of abnormal stifle mechanics, client’s financial capabilities, and stifle/ limb conformation. Here again there is no single answer even when considering these factors. A patient-specific approach is the ideal treatment plan for CrCL disease.

Extracapsular techniques (lateral fabella-tibial sutures, bone anchor suture, bone tunnel-based sutures [“Tight Rope-type”]) and osteotomy-based techniques (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [Figure 2], tibial tuberosity advancement [Figure 3], tibial closing wedge ostectomy) should all be considered. Recent advances in material properties and manufacturing capabilities may soon make direct replacement of ruptured CrCLs with “artificial ligaments” possible, opening up a whole new spectrum of treatment possibilities. The ideal treatment should have a low complication rate, minimal patient morbidity, reproduce/ maintain stifle mechanics as close to normal as possible, alleviate stifle pain completely, and help curb further joint degeneration (osteoarthritis). Currently, we are better at achieving some of these ideals than others. The fact that postoperative medial meniscal injury is one of the most common reasons for re-operation and osteoarthritis progression occurs regardless of the technique utilized means we still have work to do.

Figure 2

Figure 3

Conference Wet Labs with Dr. Matthew Barnhart

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011

Cruciate Repair – Securos Lateral Suture Technique With Calibrated Crimping System 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Repeat of am Session)

Additional Registration Fee $395.00 Additional Registration Fee $395.00

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011

Interactive Theory And Method Of TTA Lecture & Wet Lab 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Additional Registration Fee $550.00

SUNDAY, May 1, 2011 Patella Luxation Repair Wet Lab

9:00 am – 12:50 pm Additional Registration Fee $350.00 To sign-up for Conference Wet Labs, see a staff member at the FVMA’s Registration Desk.

References/Suggested Readings Cook JL. Cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs: biology vs. biomechanics. Vet Surg 39;270:2010.

Hayashi K et al. Histology of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. In: Muir P (ed) Advances in The Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, 2010, p.45.

Rooster H et al. Morphology and function of the cruciate ligaments. In: Muir P (ed) Advances in The Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, 2010, p.5.

Pozzi A et al. Biomechanics of the normal and cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle. In: Muir P (ed) Advances in The Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, 2010, p.37.

Vasseur P. Stifle joint. In: Slatter (ed) Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2003, p.2090.

www.fvma.org 9

Dennis Snow Tells How Veterinarians can Benefit from Shining Customer Service

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

T

he process for customer service, the selling of an image is the valuable information Dennis Snow, worldwide speaker, consultant and former Walt Disney World executive will share with his audience attending the keynote address on Sunday in the General Assembly at the FVMA’S 82nd Annual Conference.

Snow developed his passion for service excellence at the Walt Disney World Company, beginning his Disney career in 1979 as a frontline attractions operator. As he advanced through the company, Snow managed various operations areas throughout the park, learning and applying the skills it takes to run a world-class, service-driven organization.

Today, Snow is a full-time speaker, trainer and consultant who helps organizations achieve goals related to customer service, employee development and leadership. Some of his clients include American Express, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the American Hospital Association and Subway.

“I focus on the customer experience because it is the driver of loyalty,” Snow said. “Customers have more choices than ever – including not using your services at all. “While your technical and clinical skills may be excellent, I also need to feel good about the entire experience in order to be loyal and use more of your services. I call it an ‘everything speaks’ approach. Everything the customer sees, hears and touches impacts their experience.

“For everything that I talk about during the program, I will have a tool associated with it,” Snow said. “So you’ll not only hear the principles, you’ll walk away with tools for applying the principles.”

Snow has a long history of service with the Walt Disney World Company. He launched a division of the Disney Institute responsible for consulting with some of the world’s largest companies

10 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

including Exxon Mobil Corporation, AT&T and Coca-Cola Company. During this time, he presented to audiences in diverse locations around the world including South Africa, Australia, Mexico, England and Argentina. This division quickly became the fastest growing venture of the Disney Institute and experienced repeat business of nearly 100 percent.

He spent several years with the Disney University teaching corporate philosophy and business practices to cast members and leadership team. While there, he coordinated the Disney traditions program which is universally recognized as a benchmark in corporate training.

His articles appear in a number of industry publications; he is a featured customer service expert on several business news-talk radio shows and has written two books.

“I was fortunate to attend a presentation by Dennis Snow at an AVMA conference in Chicago,” said FVMA President-Elect Dr. James Kanzler.

“The lessons he learned while working for Disney are surprisingly very applicable to veterinary practice – it’s all about providing excellent service and creating client satisfaction. Mr. Snow manages to inform and entertain while revealing some of Disney’s secrets of success. Don’t miss this event; you will find it very rewarding.”

Dr. Jan Hasse, President of the FVMA, also found the information captivating and beneficial.

“Dennis Snow is one of the most entertaining and dynamic speakers I have ever heard,” Dr. Hasse said. “He has invaluable experience and insight into superior, customer-driven service because of his many years of working for the ‘Mouse.’ His examples of the good, the bad and the ugly of running a business geared toward creating an experience for the customer are both entertaining and instructive.

Our attendees are in for a real treat.”

Congratulations to Our 2011 Award Honorees Dr. James E. Pennington

Dr. Donald H. Morgan

Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn

Distinguished Service Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Ralph S. Wilhelm, Jr.

Veterinarian of the Year

President’s Award

CVT of the Year

Team Member of the Year

Pet Hero

Danielle Mauragis

Brandy Hardcastle

Bella Mia with Debbie Huffer

Gold Star Award Honorees Dr. Jo Ann Daniels

Dr. James D. Lutz

Dr. Nadia McLean

Dr. Mary Smart Dr. Michael J. Pridgeon

Dr. Thom A. Smith

Dr. Loren T. Nations

Dr. Douglas J. Spiker Dr. Richard S. Thompson

Dr. Linda Register

Dr. Laurie Ann Walmsley

FVMA Community Service Award Honorees Carla Channell, DVM Lisa Centonze, DVM Cynda Crawford, DVM

May-Li Cuypers, DVM Madalyn (Lynn) Duffy, DVM Steven J. Elliott, DVM

David F. Griffin, DVM R. Bruce Keene, DVM Shannon Kennedy, DVM

Sarah K. Kirk, DVM Julie Levy, DVM Tina B. Merritt, DVM

Timothy J. Porter, DVM Kenneth Reeves, DVM Terry G. Spencer, DVM

www.fvma.org 11

Distinguished Service Award

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

Dr. James E. Pennington

D

r. James E. Pennington, a member of the FVMA since January 1, 1976, has served almost every capacity available in the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. Because of his dedication to the organization for 35 years, his ability, knowledge and desire to share his many talents to help form and guide the FVMA, and for his dedication to the veterinary profession, the FVMA has bestowed upon Dr. Pennington the coveted Distinguished Service Award for 2011.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented for exceptional achievements and contributions by a member toward the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession; having been performing that service as an FVMA member for at least 15 years. A very special award, it is not presented every year.

12 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

“It is humbling to think that your colleagues think enough of what you have done to honor you like this,” said Dr. Pennington. ‘‘It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award, probably the highest honor of my career.”

Dr. Pennington served as chairman of the FVMA membership committee for 17 years, helped to start the Industry Advisory Council of the FVMA, served as District 2 representative to the executive board from 1993-1998, served on the longrange planning committee, the University of Florida Veterinary School Hospital Advisory Committee (chaired by Colin Burrows, DVM) and the College Advisory Committee, served as Senior Veterinary Consultant to the FVMA through August 2010, was appointed to the Florida Animal Friends to read and grade grant applications for sterilization of pets in nonprofit organizations and currently serves the FVMA on the Advisory Committee.

A 1969 graduate of Auburn University, Dr. Pennington joined the FVMA in 1976. He served the FVMA as president in 2002. After graduation, Dr. Pennington served three years in the military (U. S. Army Veterinary Corps) before joining Gainesville Animal Hospital. In 1975 Dr. Pennington started his own practice, a mobile mixed animal practice serving three counties. Approximately four years later Dr. Pennington built a veterinary hospital in Starke, where he practiced for more than 20 years. He sold his practice in 1999 and since that time has operated Fuller Veterinary in Melrose, working only part-time.

“I have always worked in a mixed animal practice in rural North Florida; I like the country and people in small towns,” Dr. Pennington said. “I grew up on a small farm in Hamilton County, I always enjoyed working with animals and always wanted to be a veterinarian as far back as I can remember. We had

hogs, a couple of milk cows, a mule and a variety of dogs and cats. I remember daddy saying as far back as when I was in the seventh or eighth grades, ‘He says he wants to be a veterinarian, but he will probably just farm’.

“I was not sure that I would make it, but that is what I always wanted to do,” Dr. Pennington said. “I had to work my way through all eight years of college, but I made it.”

Dr. Pennington said he has always been in a mixed practice and says, “ I have always done what ever walks through the door, including some exotics. Everybody deserves quality veterinary care.”

Dr. Pennington was nominated for this prestigious award by Dr. Bill Kyser, whom he first met as a pre-vet some 48 years ago. Dr. Pennington said, “without Dr. Kyser’s advice, I may not be where I am today.”

“His tireless effort to promote our profession, as well as the FVMA, is highly commendable,” said Dr. E. Howard Acree, who also nominated Dr. Pennington for the award. “Dr. Pennington drives more than 60 miles one way to our local meeting (the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society). With all he has accomplished and served, if anyone deserves this award, it’s Dr. Pennington.”

The Alachua County Veterinary Medical Association has also offered its support of Dr. Pennington for the award.

“He has been a valuable member of our professional community and we feel that he should be awarded this honor,” said Dr. Allison Hiers, ACVMA president.

Dr. Pennington was also nominated for the award by Dr. Richard Sutliff, FVMA Executive Board, District 2.

Dr. Pennington and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Melrose along with one family cat. He and his wife are the parents of a son and a daughter.

Lifetime Achievement Award

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

D

Dr. Donald H. Morgan

r. Donald H. Morgan has a long and impressive history of service with the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and continues that involvement today serving on the FVMA Executive Board as the District 4 representative. The FVMA benefits from his drive and concern over the veterinary profession with his volunteering in legislative advocacy.

Dr. Morgan visits legislators, is an avid and beneficial participant in the FVMA Legislative Action Days and volunteers to visit with legislators in his home district.

Dr. Morgan volunteers and is very supportive of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association where he has been a member for 44 years. Other professional organizations in which he has lengthy memberships are the American Veterinary Medical Association (47 years) and the American Animal Hospital Association (34 years).

Civic and community activities hold a special place in his busy life as he holds offices in the Pinellas Animal Foundation, the Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as chairman and on the Board of Directors for 10 years, the Largo Jaycees where he is past president for two terms; on the Largo Medical Center Board of Trustees for six years and chairman for three years, and the Largo Library Capital Campaign steering committee. He has been named Citizen of the Year for the city of Largo by the Greater Largo Chamber in 1977.

“I grew up on a farm in Alabama with a father who was a graduate in animal husbandry and agriculture and brother who was a veterinarian,” Dr. Morgan said.

“So it was kind of a family thing. I went to

Auburn on a scholarship and graduated as a veterinarian in 1964.”

After graduation, he became an Air Force veterinarian from 1964-67 and came to Florida in 1967 “and I have been here ever since,” he said. “I joined Bluffs Animal Hospital in 1971 and became a partner in 1972 and sold the practice two years ago to two younger associates.” Dr. Morgan loves being at the clinic and still practices there two days a week.

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award by Dr. Ernest Godfrey, Dr. Morgan feels the veterinary profession has been very good to him. “I am very happy and thankful for receiving this award.” Dr. Morgan said. “I feel that being a veterinarian has really provided a lot of special opportunities in my life for which I am very grateful. Giving back to my community has always been a lifelong career. I have been involved with my church and organizational work all my life”.

His other interests include a love of singing and being in his church choir, in a quartet and performing solos.

“I also like to swim and I do a lot of gardening of flowers and outdoor work,” Dr. Morgan said. “I like spending time with the grandchildren and traveling to see them.”

He and his wife, Dianne, have five children and eight grandchildren all of which add to the enjoyment and fulfillment of their lives.

www.fvma.org 13

Veterinarian of the Year

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

Dr. Jerry L. Rayburn

D

r. Jerry L. Rayburn has been named Florida Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year for 2011 by his fellow colleagues. Since the beginning of his career, Dr. Rayburn has volunteered his talents and professional veterinary services to others – agencies, organizations and the FVMA. The Veterinarian of the Year Award is presented to a member for distinguished and unselfish dedicated service to the Association for the advancement of veterinary medicine and the profession.

“What sets Dr. Rayburn apart is the unselfish giving of his time to serve the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Mark Presnell who nominated Dr. Rayburn for the award. “He has served on the

14 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

Florida Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board since 2004 and served on the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee the past three years. He is now serving on the College Advisory Committee. During this time, he has given his free time and sacrificed time away from his practice to help review and select students who will set the future course of the profession in Florida.”

Dr. Rayburn has participated in the FVMA-sponsored leadership training conferences and is a past recipient of the FVMA Gold Star Award in 2007.

As an FVMA Executive Board representative, District 3, Dr. Rayburn is a “constant voice in our local VMA meetings, reminding all the members of the need to be involved in the legislative processes that govern our practices and profession,” Dr. Presnell said. “He has set the example for all of us by being a regular participant in the Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee and in helping the FVMA develop relationships with Central Florida political leaders.”

Pursuing additional political contacts, Dr. Rayburn has forged ahead to create relationships with local and county commissioners to help develop practical guidelines for the pet-owning community and for the practices in his district.

Dr. Rayburn has also helped maintain open lines of communication with the local animal control services as that office works to control the pet overpopulation and abandonment issues.

Civic-minded, Dr. Rayburn has been a volunteer and supporter of the Humane Society of Polk County since 1994.

“He has donated his surgical and medical skills assisting in the local SNIP (Spay, Neuter Inoculate Program) of the Humane Society and has offered his services for pets in need of emergency veterinary care through the Second Chance

program of the Humane Society,” Dr. Presnell said.

Through his volunteering with the Humane Society, Dr. Rayburn has provided valuable services.

“Not only does Dr. Rayburn dedicate his time and talents by providing quality surgical sterilizations and vaccinations for the pets of needy families, he also donates his supplies as well,” said Lisa H. Baker, Humane Society Executive Director. “He helps us with fund-raising endeavors and with micro-chipping community pets, teaching pet owners the importance of proper identification.”

Since 1994, Dr. Rayburn has supported the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society serving as president and has been its treasurer since 2000.

He shares a philosophy of life.

“I am convinced you get out of life what you put into it,” Dr. Rayburn said.

“If you don’t put the effort forth, you will not get anything out of it. If you find opportunity in the middle of difficulty, you are way ahead of the game. Without my dedicated and hardworking staff, I couldn’t do what I do. They hold the fort down to allow me to go out and do the things I do.

“I am very humbled and honored by this award,” Dr. Rayburn said.”You work hard and when you get recognition by your peers, it is a great thing. I am going to accept this award for those who get up every day and face a client two feet across an exam table or the veterinarian who gets up at 2 a.m. to care for a horse with colic – those are the unsung heroes.”

A 1982 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he owns the Carter Animal Hospital in Winter Haven. He and his wife, Cathy, have been married for 37 years and they have three grown sons.

They currently share their home with two Labrador retrievers and four cats.

President’s Award

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

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Dr. Ralph S. Wilhelm, Jr. Recognized, Posthumously

r. Ralph S. Wilhelm Jr., FVMA President from 1976 to 1977 and native of Sarasota, will be presented, posthumously, the FVMA’s President’s Award.

Given by FVMA President Jan Hasse and the Executive Board, the President’s Award is a special recognition to honor his dedication and service to the veterinary profession and to his community.

The late Dr. Wilhelm received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Auburn University in 1960 and opened the Fruitville Veterinary Clinic in Sarasota in April of 1961, practicing veterinary medicine for more than 30 years.

He served as FVMA President from 1976 to 1977, was president of the Southwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and was instrumental in helping to establish the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Wilhelm was awarded FVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 1981 and received the FVMA Distinguished Service award in 1995. He served as the American Veterinary Medical Association Delegate for Florida and was later elected Vice President of the AVMA serving from 1993-1995.

“Dr. Wilhelm loved veterinary medicine and felt organized veterinary medicine was a priority,” said Dr. Jan Hasse, FVMA President who nominated the late veterinarian for the honor. “Dr. Wilhelm hired me right out of Oklahoma State Veterinary School in 1977. He was much more than my boss, he was my mentor and my friend. He taught me how to be a professional, and most of all, he taught me that the veterinarian down the street was my colleague and not my competitor.”

Dr. Wilhelm was instrumental and involved in founding the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Always concerned about the future of veterinary medicine, he was a mentor to many students. His involvement at UF touched other areas as he was a member of the President’s Council and the SHARE Council of the College of Agriculture.

Active within Florida, Dr. Wilhelm was appointed to several agricultural advisory boards. He was a member of state and national cattlemen’s associations. His retirement years were spent working on the land he loved developing a commercial cow-calf herd. He was active in his church serving in various capacities including serving as a deacon.

He and his wife, Peggy, who resides in Sarasota, have two sons, R. Sherman III and Mark Allan.

www.fvma.org 15

Gold Star Awards

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director Gold Star Award recipients are FVMA members who have significantly contributed their time and energy to the FVMA or their local associations for the advancement of veterinary medicine. Many members have given time to community programs. To be eligible for the award, members must have been active in FVMA for at least the past three years.

Jo Ann Daniels, DVM Dr. Jo Ann Daniels of Lutz serves her local community and county outside of her veterinary practice. Being an active founding member of the Pasco Hernando Veterinary Medical Association, she is current vice president and the association’s website webmaster. Dr. Daniels coordinated the Tampa Bay Disaster Medicine Symposium in 2008. As a member of Disaster Animal Response Teams, she is FEMA Incident Commander System certified and has worked with other veterinarians to organize the Tampa Bay Regional Disaster Symposium. Dr. Daniels has produced several animal adopt-athon events in her area and currently coordinates first-responder training in pet CPR/First Aid for Pasco County Fire Rescue. She is “a pillar of professionalism within her region and is loved by colleagues as well as clients,” said Dr. Jenifer Chatfield who nominated Dr. Daniels for the award. “She is most certainly an asset for the veterinary profession and an ambassador for the industry.” Dr. Daniels is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

James D. Lutz, DVM Dr. James D. Lutz has been actively involved with the SPCA Tampa Bay for more than 30 years, elected as president in November 2010. The SPCA Tampa Bay and Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association have enjoyed an extremely cooperative relationship over the years. The community’s veterinarians are involved and engaged with the SPCA in many ways, including participating in the Friends of Family pets spay/ neuter program, and the Beau’s Buddies program for rehabilitation/adoption of special needs animals. Dr. Lutz is past president of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association and Pinellas Animal Foundation. He has long-standing memberships in the FVMA, the AVMA and American Animal Hospital Association. A 1977 graduate of Michigan State University, he owns and operates the Largo Veterinary Hospital, Inc. in Largo. Dr. Lutz was nominated by Dr. Donald Morgan.

16 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 1

Nadia McLean, DVM Dr. Nadia McLean, a Class of 2000 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, is in her second year as president of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society, previously serving as a board member.

Active in the local veterinary community, “it is rare to have a young veterinarian show such great leadership and ability in managing and advancing the state of the local VMA,” said Dr. Arthur W. Simon who nominated her for the Gold Star Award. Dr. McLean has been a board member of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation (HAHF) for four years and is the current secretary. The HAHF has a prominent outreach program in the community and focuses on responsible animal ownership. Dr. McLean has played an active role in all the programs of the HAHF and HCVMS and “is a role model for the younger generation of veterinarians,” Dr. Simon said. “She is most deserving of the Gold Star Award for her energetic and dedicated contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine.”

Loren T. Nations, DVM, DABVP Dr. Loren T. Nations has been an active member of the FVMA, AVMA and the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society for the past 20 years, currently serving as president of the RVMA for the 2010-2011 term. “ For the RVMS, Dr. Nations has revolutionized several of the administrative processes which have increased membership, dues collection and procured speakers with sponsorships for advanced lecture topics for the group,” said Dr. John Maxwell IV, who nominated Nations for the Gold Star Award. “Dr. Nations has volunteered his time extensively at the SPCA of Polk County in the past and has always exhibited the caring and devotion for which our profession is known,” Dr. Maxwell said. In 2008, Dr. Nations began sponsoring a local veterinary technician organization that provides training and continuing education, at no cost, for technicians in the area.

A 1991 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Nations became board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 1999, recertifying last year. He is owner and president of Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Winter Haven serving that Central Florida area with 24-hour emergency care since 2005 and as a referral and emergency critical care hospital. “His efforts in the Ridge VMA have improved relations with local animal control and enhanced the image of our profession in our local community,” said Dr. Jerry Rayburn, who also nominated Nations for the award.

Michael J. Pridgeon, DVM Dr. Michael J. Pridgeon of Tallahassee served as the Florida Veterinary Medical Association board member, District 1, for three years and as a past treasurer of the Big Bend Veterinary Medical Association. A University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine 1999 graduate, Dr. Pridgeon is vice president of the Westwood Animal Hospital in Tallahassee. “Mike was an extremely hard worker for the FVMA when on the Executive Board and represented our district to the utmost,” said Dr. C. Patrick Hall who nominated Dr. Pridgeon for the Gold Star Award.

Linda Register, DVM Dr. Linda Register earned her DVM degree from the University of Florida in 1996 and acupuncture certification from the Chi Institute in 2009. “For 10 years she has been a regular participant in the popular radio program, ‘Talking Pets,’ broadcast every Saturday afternoon” said Dr. Arthur M. Simon who nominated Dr. Register for the Gold Star Award. “She and the national syndicated co-host, John Patch, answer phone calls and provide a voice for the veterinary profession.” Dr. Register has been a board member, secretary and president of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation for the past six years.

She also has been an active board member of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society, being a strong supporter and participant in the many programs sponsored by the organization. “Linda Register is deserving of the Gold Star Award for her many years of selfless dedication and furthering the cause of veterinary medicine locally and nationally,” Dr. Simon said.

Mary Smart, DVM Dr. Mary Smart has provided leadership to the Manatee County Veterinary Society for many years, being diligent in maintaining membership services and communication, said Dr. James A. Kanzler who nominated Dr. Smart for the Gold Star Award. Her orchestrated regularly scheduled meetings provide continuing education, speakers and forums for local issues. “Through her efforts, the MCVS has grown and fostered good relations among local practitioners,” Dr. Kanzler said.

“Mary is always upbeat, gracious and very professional,” said Dr. Denise Vondrasek who also nominated Dr. Smart for the award.

Dr. Smart, 1985 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, joined Westbay Animal Hospital in Bradenton in 1998. She is a member of the AVMA, FVMA and American Heartworm Society. She is also the president of the Manatee County Veterinary Society, a board member of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation, Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Society, and the FVMA Veterinary Technician Career Development Committee. Her holistic medicine interests include behavior, nutriceuticals, western herbs and nutrition.

Thom A. Smith, DVM Dr. Thom A. Smith is both past president and past secretary/treasurer of the Southwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association. “Most recently, he and his staff provided veterinary care for companion pets owned by the pets’ owners who were financially challenged by the economic recession,” said Dr. Jan Hasse who nominated Dr. Smith for the Gold Star Award.

Douglas J. Spiker, DVM Dr. Douglas J. Spiker, co-owner of Bluffs Animal Hospital in Belleair Bluffs since 2009, has been nominated for a Gold Star Award by Dr. Donald Morgan. Dr. Spiker is a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2005, and became an associate veterinarian at Bluffs Animal Hospital after graduation. His leadership positions include president of the Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association in 2010, a current member of the board of directors for the Pinellas Animal Foundation and board of directors for the PCVMA from 2007-2009. Among his special interests include being a current mentor for Big Brothers, Big Sisters “Big Couple” since 2008 and community service projects.

Richard S. Thompson, DVM Dr. Richard S. Thompson, new president of the Lake County Veterinary Medical Association, organized the first meeting of the LCVMA in three years, said Dr. Jerry Rayburn who nominated Dr. Thompson for the Gold Star award. “Dr. Thompson obtained a speaker, sponsor and venue for his local VMA,” Dr. Rayburn said. “He is excited about keeping the Lake County VMA active and current and looks forward to working with the FVMA to provide local practitioners quality leadership.” Dr. Thompson is a 1978 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Laurie Ann Walmsley, DVM Dr. Laurie Ann Walmsley, owner of the Ashton Animal Clinic in Sarasota, manages the surgical bus for the Animal Rescue Coalition that provides low cost spay/neuter for Sarasota County, said Dr. Jan Hasse who nominated Dr. Walmsley for the Gold Star Award. “She was instrumental in providing veterinary care and shelter to hundreds of pets during the storms of 2004 and 2005,” Dr. Hasse said. Dr. Walmsley is a 1988 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Dominica, West Indies, and took an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates internship at Oklahoma State University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989.

www.fvma.org 17

CVT of the Year

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

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Danielle Mauragis, CVT

18 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

anielle M. Mauragis has been named the FVMA 2011 Certified Veterinary Technician of the Year. A graduate of the St. Petersburg Junior College veterinary technician program in 1989, Ms. Mauragis started working at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the Diagnostic Imaging Department in 1990.

The CVT of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a Certified Veterinary Technician to the overall success of the veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA member veterinarian.

“If Danielle is going to do anything related to work, she is going to do an excellent job with a professional attitude and manner,” said Dr. Clifford R. Berry, professor and section chief, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Florida, who nominated Ms. Mauragis for the award. “She puts her heart and soul into her work.

Danielle has faithfully served the Florida and national veterinary community by teaching the past 21 graduating professional classes at the University of Florida, all aspects of the physics of diagnostic imaging, quality control of radiographs, positioning of small and large animal patients and radiation safety.”

Ms. Mauragis says she started out in college to be a dental hygienist, but a friend told her about an animal clinic that needed workers and she needed a position.

That job changed her career path.

“A girl in the class was working at an animal hospital and they needed help in the emergency clinic,” Ms. Mauragis said.

“She was going to the technician school to become a veterinary nurse. I said to her, wow, you can go to school to do that? I have always loved animals. I had horses, dogs and cats and everything when I was growing up. My goal then became to be a veterinarian and what I turned out to be is a veterinary nurse.”

According to Dr. Berry, Ms. Mauragis has three main goals in mind when taking radiographs of small and large animals.

Her first goal is always patient care and safety making sure the patient is taken care of whether a sedated orthopedic case or a critical case from ICU. Her second goal is radiation safety with student training. Third, she provides leadership skills in the area of ensuring high quality images for the radiology service. She is an excellent instructor, has won a number of technician awards, and is a contributing author to the “Handbook of Radiographic Positioning for Veterinary Technicians” published in 2010.

“Danielle has always been committed to the mission of the radiology service and has provided a role model for her teammates as well as other technicians in the hospital,” Dr. Berry said. “She was instrumental in the beginning days of the nuclear medicine program at UF in 1991 by ensuring that all of the stringent state and federal regulations were met for radiation safety. This also included the development and implementation of the first state wide I-131 program for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism within Florida.”

Ms. Mauragis always has the patients in mind when performing her tasks.

“First and foremost are my patients,” Ms. Mauragis said. “Quality control is important and means the best possible image no matter what modality you use ensuring patient care and helping that patient on the road to recovery.”

Ms. Mauragis is thrilled to be receiving the award.

“It is such a surprise for me,” Ms. Mauragis said. “I can’t believe it. For me, honestly, I do my job and try to do it well and I don’t expect to be rewarded. I just don’t know what I did to deserve it. This is a great job and great profession. I love being a technician and I can’t think about doing anything else.”

She and her husband, Dennis, have one daughter, Savannah. The household also makes room for a terrier mix named Fizzy that works agility with Ms. Mauragis. A new terrier mix will be joining the family soon.

Team Member of the Year

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

B

Brandy Hardcastle

randy Hardcastle has been named the FVMA 2011 Team Member of the Year, nominated by Dr. Stephen Shores of Shores Animal Clinic. The Team Member of the Year Award recognizes the many outstanding contributions made by a special team member to the overall success of the veterinary practice operated or staffed by an FVMA member veterinarian.

Starting out in human medicine, Brandy Hardcastle turned a corner in that pursuit and ended up following her mother-in-law through the doors into the Shores Animal Clinic where she fell in love with the world of animals.

“My mother-in-law is the office manager here and I came to work for her in January of 1995,” Ms. Hardcastle said.

“I am really a people person and here I get the technology side of the practice and can branch out and do all the things I really wanted to do.”

In her position as receptionist, that position has diversified into numerous facets of the job.

Taking a course in animal nutrition, Ms. Hardcastle passed that original nutrition course and continues to take courses throughout the years to remain current.

She is also a behavior therapist with small animals.

“Basically I diagnose and help clients with their animals’ problems,” Ms. Hardcastle said. “In working with the clients, I find out where the bad behavior comes from and why. The first time an animal does something, it is our tendency to forgive because we think they wouldn’t do it on purpose and it was a mistake.

Then, (by doing that) we are telling them through ignoring the behavior, that it is alright to do that. So we reward them. We need to retrain them as we did when they were babies. You have to teach them appropriate behavior.”

Behavioral tips, when asked, is something offered all day long at the clinic.

“Clients always have issues and we see them all day long.” Ms. Hardcastle said.

“They have issues with cats not wanting to use litter boxes or puppies not going outside. You are never going to reason with the pets, you are going to redirect them. It is fun. Clients come back and say, ‘It worked!’”

Another part of her duties is inventory management where she takes care of the entire inventory and all the ordering “making sure all the logs are kept up-todate and the pricing and the invoicing are all ok. I inventory everything from drugs, diets and supplies.”

Another favorite in her position is being the internet technician specialist and doing all the computer data system entry and computer updating.

“I maintain the website – the interactive client-based website,” Ms. Hardcastle said. “Clients can do ordering of supplies on the website, receive reminder emails and can visit chat rooms. It is basically a Facebook for the dogs.”

As a department manager, she oversees the “runners” who are the assistants to the technicians, receptions and doctors.

“I work a receptionist position from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and work all the jobs in,” Ms. Hardcastle said. “I got into this for the people and the animals and it has just kind of grown in responsibility.”

Surprised by the award, “I am honored and excited,” Ms. Hardcastle said.

She and her husband, David, live in Stark with two daughters, ages 7 and 11; with pets that include two dogs, two cats, two parakeets and 11 hamsters.

www.fvma.org 19

Community Service Award The Bushnell Incident: Puerto Rican Puppies Quarantined with Infections

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n September 2010, 221 puppies from Puerto Rico destined for a national adoption event were housed in a temporary shelter in Bushnell prior to transport to New York. Unfortunately, several of the imported puppies were infected with parvovirus and distemper virus while in Puerto Rico, resulting in transmission of these infections to the majority of the puppies in the temporary shelter. The State Veterinarian declared an official quarantine due to diseased dogs, representing the first state-mandated quarantine for dogs in Florida.

The Incident Command System was instituted for management of this largescale disease outbreak response, utilizing expertise from the University of Florida Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program veterinarians, the ASPCA disaster response teams, Sumter DART and Bay Area DART volunteers, and the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association assisted in recruitment of volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and veterinary technician students. In all, nearly 200 volunteers responded to this disease management incident, representing at least five different animal disaster response resources.

The disease intervention strategy instituted by the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program included determination of the infection status of each puppy, provision of supportive care to infected pups while in quarantine, and release of

20 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

uninfected puppies to adoption agencies.

Many puppies infected with distemper were transferred to veterinary clinics that volunteered to care for them under isolation conditions until they were no longer infectious.

The intervention strategy resulted in 113 lives saved (51% of the dogs). Most of these puppies recovered from distemper infection, and all were adopted once virus shedding ceased. This would not have been possible without the veterinarians that cared for the puppies on-site as well as the veterinarians that volunteered their clinics for care of dogs until they cleared their infections. Their actions displayed a true altruistic spirit that qualifies them for recognition as outstanding individuals who advanced veterinary medicine, animal health, and the meaning of the human-animal bond.

The following veterinarians were instrumental in saving lives during this large-scale disease outbreak response: Dr. Shannon Kennedy is a mixed animal practitioner and volunteer with the Sumter DART unit. He was the first to recognize the distemper and parvovirus outbreak and organize the response. Dr. Kennedy volunteered his time to care for the dogs while they were quarantined in Bushnell and procured supplies for this effort. During this time, Dr. Kennedy still managed to operate his practice.

Dr. May-Li Cuypers is a veterinary internist and volunteer with the Bay Area DART unit. She spent many days preparing the shelters in both Bushnell and Gainesville, procuring necessary supplies, and providing veterinary care.

Dr. Bruce Keene volunteered to care for 29 dogs recovering from distemper in a secondary quarantine shelter in Altamonte Springs. He not only assumed financial responsibility for these dogs, but also worked with them daily for more than a month to ensure their health needs were met.

Drs. Terry Spencer, Sarah Kirk and Lisa Centonze volunteered their time caring for the puppies quarantined in the Bushnell shelter.

Drs. David Griffin, Steven Elliott, Kenneth Reeves and Carla Channell voluntarily housed 25 puppies in their clinics from September to December 2010. Their staff did a tremendous job nursing these puppies back to health and finding loving homes once they were fully recovered from distemper infection.

Dr. Tim Porter and his staff fostered four puppies in their clinic for several weeks until they recovered from distemper infection.

Dr. Tina Merritt and her staff fostered two puppies in their clinic for many days until they recovered from distemper infection.

Dr. Lynn Duffy spent two days in Bushnell caring for the youngest and most vulnerable puppies. She then provided foster care for five of them in her home until they recovered from their illness. She adopted out three of the puppies and kept two as her personal pets.

“See the attached pictures of Dr. Keene, Dr. Duffy, and some of the survivors,” Dr. Cynda Crawford said.

“These pictures illustrate why this disease outbreak response manned by nearly 200 volunteers for three months was worth every penny and hour invested.”

Story courtesy Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD, University of Florida, Gainesville

FVMA Community Service Award Honorees • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Carla Channell, DVM Lisa Centonze, DVM Cynda Crawford, DVM May-Li Cuypers, DVM Madalyn (Lynn) Duffy, DVM Steven J. Elliott, DVM David F. Griffin, DVM R. Bruce Keene, DVM Shannon Kennedy, DVM Sarah K. Kirk, DVM Julie Levy, DVM Tina B. Merritt, DVM Timothy J. Porter, DVM Kenneth Reeves, DVM Terry G. Spencer, DVM

Pet Hero of the Year

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

O

ne very special flat coat retriever has a tongue with the power to save a life. Every person who has a devoted and loving pet knows the strong binding affection that is shared between the caregiver and the animal known as the human-animal bond.

Debbie Huffer of Largo has her loving friend, Bella Mia, to thank for her own life when Ms. Huffer fell in her kitchen, severely cutting her head and becoming unconscious.

“An area in my kitchen is not the widest spot and I was coming around the corner and slipped where I had set up dog water bowls,” Ms. Huffer said. “I came down on the dog bowls frame that was wooden and split my head open with a wound that eventually took 45 staples to close.

“I was lying on the floor and woke up to Bella Mia licking my face,” Ms. Huffer said. “I kept regaining and losing consciousness.”

But Bella Mia kept licking her face and trying to get her attention. Meantime, Ms. Huffer was bleeding profusely. She regained consciousness enough to call 911 and then passed out again.

“I remember thinking that they (EMTs) can’t get into the house because the front door is locked,” Ms. Huffer said. “I regained consciousness again to manage to get the door unlocked and lost consciousness again.

“The next thing I remembered were the EMTs,” Ms. Huffer said. “I had lost so much blood that the emergency room doctor told me that if I had not come around (regaining consciousness) that in 25 minutes, I would have bled out.”

Bella Mia, a flat coat retriever, weighs 80 pounds. Now age 7, she celebrates her birthday in August. Bella Mia was only 2 and a half years old when she saved her companion’s life. That’s pretty good for a rescued dog that was surrendered by her financially

Bella Mia Debbie Huffer, Owner strapped Alabama family after Hurricane Katrina and given to the SPCA. But she was destined to give the gift of life and fortunately found her way to Florida and into the arms of Ms. Huffer.

“I volunteered at the SPCA, at that time, and friends there said I needed to get another dog after I had had to put mine down,” Ms. Huffer said. “I said I would when I was ready.”

In February, 2006, Ms. Huffer was called to the shelter by a friend who said she had found the dog for her.

“In the medical area, Bella Mia was quarantined and being medically treated for heartworms,” Ms. Huffer said. “The other dogs were jumping at the cage doors, but Bella Mia (known then as Betty) was sitting wagging her tail. I sat on the ground and she backed up to me and sat on my legs looking around and that was our first meeting. I told them immediately that that was my dog.”

Now, Ms. Huffer says “I pay the mortgage and the bills, and she shares the bed allowing me just enough room to lie down every night as she takes up the rest (of the bed). She runs the house and allows me to live here.”

Bella Mia is the FVMA Pet Hero Award winner for 2011. The award is given for pets that have unselfishly saved or preserved human life.

“I think it (the award) is awesome,” said Ms. Huffer. “She was a hero and I wouldn’t be here having this conversation if she hadn’t continued to lick my face.” www.fvma.org 21

2011 Industry Awards

By BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Communications and Public Relations Director

The FVMA recognizes the industry leaders who go the extra mile to support the annual membership campaign and the objectives of the organization.

With the help of Pfizer, Franck’s Pharmacy, Elanco, Merial and Novartis, the FVMA is able to offer members more than $577,600 in free products.

T

he FVMA takes great pleasure in recognizing our Industry Partners for their tremendous support of the FVMA’s 2011 Retention and Recruitment Membership Campaign.

With the help of Pfizer, Franck’s Pharmacy, Elanco, Merial and Novartis, the FVMA is able to offer members more than $577,600 in free products.

The FVMA is committed to its goal of continually increasing memberships each year. The FVMA’s leadership is also committed and involved in all aspects of the profession from problematic legal to educational public relations, business and practice management issues.

Membership in the FVMA is a vital element in achieving its legislative initiatives and regulatory changes that are favorable to the profession.

Memberships are being renewed and new memberships are being welcomed every day. This is due to the hard work of the FVMA Executive Board, Membership Committee, Budget and Finance Committee and the support of industry leaders like Pfizer, Franck’s Pharmacy, Elanco, Merial and Novartis who provide free products to help members offset the cost of their dues investments.

22 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

“Our membership numbers have increased again this year,” said Sandra Brooks, FVMA Director of Finance and Membership. “On March 31 this year, we had 231 more members than the same time last year.”

The FVMA recognizes the industry leaders who go the extra mile to support the annual membership campaign and the objectives of the organization. The FVMA Industry Awards are being presented to Pfizer, Franck’s Pharmacy, Elanco, Merial and Novartis for their significant contributions to the 2011 Membership Retention and Recruitment Campaign.

The FVMA appreciates the continued support of industry leaders during the annual Membership Retention and Recruitment Campaign. Please take a moment and stop by their booths in the Exhibit Hall and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

As with any organization, membership strengthens the voice of that respective profession.

Membership in the FVMA is what lends strength to the FVMA and its ability to protect and defend the future of veterinary medicine in Florida. The FVMA plays a vital role in influencing local ordinances and state legislation that is favorable to the veterinary profession.

The FVMA’s goal for this year is to continue to closely monitor the legislative session. We are prepared to address any issue that threatens or may impact the veterinary profession. The success of any initiative will require active participation of all Florida veterinarians.

Once again, FVMA thanks the industry leaders who, through their support, have offered $577,600 in free product to new and renewing members.

Pfizer has graciously provided each new and renewing member with two each, 75ml 60-count Chewable Rimadyl. The offer to collect the free gift extends through July 31, 2011 as part of the FVMA’s Membership Recruitment and Retention Campaign. Pfizer’s contribution has a wholesale value each of $85.20 and provides the FVMA membership with $298,200 in free product. FVMA thanks Dr. John Phillips, managing area veterinarian for Pfizer; Juan-Carlos Liberos, area sales manager, and Pete Samuelsen, senior territory manager, for their help and support of the FVMA’s 2011 membership campaign.

Frank’s Pharmacy offered all new and renewing members, a free new compounded prescription voucher valued up to $50. The vouchers for the free compounded prescriptions are worth $175,000. Franck’s Pharmacy has been serving the veterinary profession nationwide for more than 27 years.

The FVMA thanks CEO Paul Franck for his support of the FVMA membership campaign this year. The offer expires Dec. 31, 2011. The FVMA thanks CEO Paul Franck and Shari Godano for their support of the FVMA membership campaign this year.

Elanco has joined the FVMA family this year because it realizes the importance of a veterinary association that keeps its members well informed on all issues of the industry. For each new FVMA member joining this year, Elanco offers a $150 wholesale value gift of one six-pack each of its new product lines – Trifexis, Comfortis and Assurity. The gift value to FVMA new members is $45,000. The FVMA is pleased to have the gift from Elanco and thanks Eric Lane, senior sales representative.

Merial recognizes the importance of organized veterinary medicine in Florida. As a way of saying thank you to all joining new FVMA members, Merial rewards the each new member with one six pack of Heartgard and one six pack of Frontline. The products have a wholesale value of $108 offering the 300 new members the generous gift value of $32,400. The FVMA thanks the efforts of Chad Evans and Kin Sweet, district managers, for this year’s membership support.

Novartis has joined the FVMA family this year because it recognizes the importance of organized veterinary medicine and the service it provides.

For the estimated 300 new members, Novartis presents one 12-month supply package of Sentinel for Dogs. The value of this new gift for the new members is $27,000. The FVMA and its members appreciate the select gift Novartis has offered to our members at an individual wholesale cost of $90. The FVMA appreciates the support offered to our annual Membership Recruitment and Retention Campaign on the part of Novartis and Frank Zambito, senior territory manager.

www.fvma.org 23

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Made in the USA At Kan, we have always believed the best way to ensure the consistency, quality, and safety of our products is to manufacture them ourselves. Kan buys herbs in whole raw bulk and tests each incoming lot for over 200 different pesticides as well as toxic metals and bio-burdens, such as yeast, mold, E.Coli, Staphylococcus and Salmonella. Our Certificates of Analysis reflect our commitment to the Quality, safety and efficacy of our products.

Kan Essentials 24 Classical Formulas for Animals Adapted by Steve Marsden, L.Ac., D.V.M.

380 Encinal Street, Suite 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 800.543.5233 www.kanherb.com

www.fvma.org 25

Selling or Buying a Veterinary Practice?

TOTAL PRACTICE SOLUTIONS GROUP

Generate Sales and Retain Clients…

Greenbrier has the means for you:  

Package Pricing for every budget

  

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Incremental sales, Memorials,

Office: 850.814.9962 E-mail: richard@tpsgsales.com www.TotalPracticeSolutionsGroup.com

2005 Prices

■

Necklaces and more… 

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Grief Counselors

Pre-need Packages Memorial Gardens

Remember your clients emotional well being is in your hands 3703 W. Kelly Park Rd Apopka, FL. 32712 -2107 * www.greenbrierpets.com (800)257 (800)257-

26 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

Seller Representation ■ Buyer Representation ■ Associate Buy-Ins ■ Practice Sales ■ Appraisals ■ Financial Assistance Veterinary practice brokers focused on the financial success and growth of fellow veterinary professionals.

Century 21 Commander Real Estate Inc.

The Science of Compassion, the Technology for Hope.™ 3884 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

* with trade

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24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

Their DR System $70,000

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Surgery Emergency /Critical Care Internal Medicine Neurology/Neurosurgery Cardiology Oncology Radiology Ophthalmology Advanced Imaging Sports Medicine Pain Management Mobile Surgery Service Blood and Tissue Banking

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• 5 Year Imager Warranty • 40kW & 500 mA 125 kV High Frequency Generator • 12 Mega Pixel Imager • Integrated 4 Way Float Top Table

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DR Navigator 3500 Plus

Digital Small Animal Stationary X-Ray System Produces Consistent Quality Results With Anatomical Automatic Exposure Control. Integrated Bluetooth Dental Option.

Continuing Education ◦ Palm Coast Educational Center

Patient Monitors

Digital Ultrasound

DR Tech Flat Panel

Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists is locally owned and operated.

Shock Wave Therapy Unit

Portable Digital DR Wedge

80-90-100-120 kV Portable X-Ray Units Plus 80-90 kV Ruggedized with 5 year warranty

Ladies and Gentlemen…

Now Introducing Radiocat FL!

Rand S. Wachsstock, DVM David S. Herring, DVM, DACVR Co-founders of Radiocat Located Within: Florida Vet Referral Center 9220 Estero Park Commons Blvd.

The Leader in the Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism

Estero, FL 33928

• A one shot deal…one injection of

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• Over 23,000 cats treated • Greater than 98% success rate • Typically 3 days of hospitalization

CONTACT US TODAY 1-800-323-9729

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www.fvma.org 27

Feel Protected Insurance and Risk Management for Today’s Veterinarian Solutions for your practice Workers’ Compensation • Business Property/ Liability • Flood Coverage • Umbrella Liability • Commercial Auto • Employment Practices Liability Solutions for your livelihood Professional Liability • Veterinary License Defense • Professional Extension (Animal Bailee) • Safety and Risk Management Resources Solutions for your home Personal Automobile • Homeowners • Renters ...and much more!

Call 800.228.PLIT (7548) today for an evaluation of your insurance portfolio and a free premium quotation.

Trust Broker and Administrator:

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FL VMA Newsletter 7.5 x 5 4C.indd 1

Radioactive Iodine “The Gentle Cure”

The Cat Thyroid Center 98% SUCCESS RATE WHERE VETS TRUST THEIR OWN CATS! DR JONES clinic name”QUOTE THEY SEND US” DR SMITH clinic name”QUOTE THEY SEND US” DR SCOTT clinic name“QUOTE THEY SEND US”

FACILITY DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM OVER 10YRS EXPERIENCE 48 HOUR STAY CUSTOM FOOD MENU DURING STAY ONE OF A KIND CLIENT AND PATIENT SERVICES

28 2011 • FVMA ADVOCATE • Issue 2

• • • • • • •

Acupuncture / Rehab.

Avian / Exotic Cardiology Critical Care Dermatology Emergency Medicine Internal Medicine

• • • • • •

Neurology / Neurosurgery Oncology / Radiation Ophthalmology Radioiodine (I-131) Radiology Surgery

Sleep peacefully knowing your referrals are in good hands

Tampa • (813) 933-8944 BluePearl Veterinary Partners Hospitals • www.bluepearlvet.com

www.fvma.org 29

Injured Fido gets a jump start feeling sound S

hock wave therapy, or high-energy sound wave technology, has made significant strides as a noninvasive treatment option for various orthopedic conditions since its introduction to the equine market over 10 years ago.

Clinical success in the equine market has paved the way for the introduction of shock wave therapy in canines, gaining significant momentum with ongoing research at top universities and small animal clinics. Positive results in randomized clinical trials with shock wave have gleaned new opportunities in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), shoulder instability, hip dysplasia, patellar ligament desmitis and more recently its use in addressing pain and motility issues associated with LS disease and wound healing.

Leadership in Veterinary Regenerative Technology

So, what is shock wave? Well, shock waves are high-energy, focused sound waves that travel through soft tissue at customized depths to reach a specific treatment area. It’s precise healing using high-energy pressure waves that result in deeper penetration than ultrasound or laser, for example.

These higher energy sound waves work at a cellular level to speed healing by reducing inflammation and swelling, improving vascularity, increasing bone formation, and enhancing wound healing.

Shock wave success in reducing lameness, increasing motility, and relieving pain, has demonstrated improvement in as little as 1-2 treatments, with improvement lasting

a year or more for chronic conditions.

M o s t r e c e n t l y, t h e S c h o o l o f Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee reported a statistically significant increase in peak vertical force in dogs treated with shock wave for elbow OA compared to control group in a randomized study.

Treatment of back pain with shock wave has demonstrated close to 90 percent success rate. Extended canine treatment opportunities combined with clinical success and favorable client feedback help to yield a sound return on investment for veterinarians and offer an affordable alternative to other treatments offered to clients.

If you’re treating orthopedic conditions with other technologies and have not tried shock wave, ask for the science behind the technology. The proven success of shock wave therapy is well worth looking into a free trial offered by the manufacturers of the VersaTron4Paws technology.

The power behind feeling sound VersaTron 4 Paws® Shock Wave therapy:

Gives you the power proven to get them on the move again.

DE M

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High-energy, focused sound waves penetrate to heal: • Heals soft tissue injuries and delayed fractures • Proven to reduce lameness and increase motility • Relieves pain associated with OA and LS disease • 1-3 treatments demonstrate significant long-term improvement

RECHARGE ‘N LEARN: HIGH-ENERGY SHOCK WAVE SESSIONS

Customized educational program for your clinic · Evidence-based research · Coffee, high-energy snacks, giveaways for attendees · One FREE treatment if live demo is requested · Invite staff, referring physicians, clients · Request a customized program at ShockwaveHealing.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATES WANTED

Experienced veterinarian wanted to practice 2- 2 1/2 days a week in a two veterinarian practice in Ruskin, Fl. If interested please fax resume to 813-645-3336 or email to drhalott@aol.com. (Exp. Issue 3/11:6435)

RELIEF VETERINARIANS

Experienced small animal veterinarian willing to serve Central Orlando, Daytona, Altamonte, Casselberry, Longwood, Winter Springs and Oviedo areas. Other locations are negotiable. Excellent client communication, compassionate care and respect for your staff are of the utmost importance. Call Tiffany Lewis at 321-332-4949 or email: tlewisdvm@gmail.com. (Exp. Issue 2/11:10579) Veterinary Relief Service: Tampa Bay, Orlando, and sur- rounding areas. Short/long term positions accepted. Internship trained and in practice for 10 years. References available on request.

Small animal, some avian, aquatics, and exotics. Enjoy working with staff and clients. Contact Martha Keller, DVM at (813) 434-3070 or drkeller@ faavs.net (Exp. Issue 2/11:9212) Relief Veterinarian available for short- term, long-term, and weekend coverage in Orange, Seminole, and surrounding counties.

Experience with diverse medical caseloads; excellent record keeping.

Outstanding communication skills and compassionate patient care.

Call Dr. Kati Allison 352-262-2864 or email at kallisondvm@gmail.com.

(Exp. Issue 3/11:9976) Small animal Veterinarian with 40+ years experience would like relief work on the East central coast of Florida. Recently sold my practice. W. Joe Fuller, 321-544-2507. (Exp. Issue 4/11:892) Experienced hard working DVM for relief work in West Palm area. Likes surgery. Call Todd Rieke @ 651-485-4778 or drtrieke@ hotmail.com (Exp. Issue 4/11:17508)

PRACTICES FOR SALE

For Lease or Sale in Pompano Beach, FL - Previously established small animal clinic at site for 40 years plus. Approximately 3,600 square foot freestanding building on approximately .7 acre of land with busy highways on three sides of clinic allowing access from both North and South bound traffic. Four exam rooms, large treatment, Dr’s office, lab, pre op, surgery, post op, grooming rooms and kennel room, 3 kennel rooms, 8 indoor runs, storage. Sale price $700,000, Lease price $3,500/ month. Available Now - 954-786-3274 or email jwwnelson04@aol.com (Exp. Issue 2/11:1320) Animal House Calls – Small animal mobile, 13 years established; priced to sell $160,000 - $180,000. Owner entering FT politics. Friendly, moral, fun place to live, work, raise family. Dr. Kelso penkelso@yahoo. com drpkelso.com. (Exp. Issue 2/11:12996)

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

For Sale 24 foot Le Boit Mobile Van. 2008 model, with diesel engine and generator. Slightly over 29,000 miles. Call Dr. Claxton at (813) 767-3962 or email claxtonjennifer@gmail.com. (Exp. Issue 3/11:8769) Classified ads for FVMA members cost $45 for up to 40 words with additional words assessed at 25¢ per word. For non-members, the rate is $65 for up to 40 words with additional words assessed at 25¢ per word. All ads must be submitted in writing preferably by email for verification of word count and payment is necessary in advance of publication. Email your classified ad to info@fvma.org. For more information about FVMA advertising please call 800-992-3862 for an insertion order. Now all Advocate Classified Ads are also published on the FVMA website www.fvma.org under “Classified Ads.”

Florida Practices for Sale

PRICE REDUCED! West Palm Beach Solo dr works 5 half days. Gross $570K+ & avg trx chg $156. 4000SF facility on ½ acre of lake front RE is well-equipped and has 5 exam rooms. Prx & RE $950K (FL11A) PRICE REDUCED! Central Florida Solo dr prx gross $635K. $114 avg trx chg! Long term staff in place. New commercial growth in area. Prx & RE $780K (FL10A) Brevard County This quaint town on east coast beaches is a great place to live! 1.5 dr SA prx grossing $748K. Apprx 2100SF facility w/ 3 exam rooms sits on apprx 1 acre. Prx & RE $1,135K (FL26B) Sarasota Area Well-established, SA, 2 dr prx grosses $1.4M+. Personal income after debt serviced expected to be in excess of $300K. Sale includes 1400SF rental home. Facility and rental home in need of repairs. Prx and RE $1,685K (FL31B) Panhandle Beautiful Emerald Coast SA, solo prx open Mon-Fri. Gross $520K and up 12% in 2010. High quality medicine practiced in an immaculate 2400SF leased facility. Avg trx chg $115. Prx $310K (FL2D) 1610 Frederica Road * Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 Toll Free: 800.333.1984 * www.simmonsinc.com Email: rebecca@saase.com Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Call or check our website for additional listings!

                         

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    

www.fvma.org 31

Florida Veterinary Medical Association 7131 Lake Ellenor Drive Orlando, FL 32809

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Orlando, FL Permit #793

Experience We got it.

• Selling and valuating veterinary practices since 1972 • • More certified business appraisers than any other firm • • Recognized authors and international lecturers • • Serve on industry and VMA advisory boards • • Charter members of VetPartners • • Serve on the valuation standards committee of VetPartners •

national reach

regional expertise

www.simmonsinc.com

Founder of

1-800-333-1984

practice sales • practice appraisals • buyer agency • sales facilitation • exit strategy