FVMA Legislative Update

The Florida Veterinary Medical Association is committed to protecting the quality and integrity of veterinary medicine through legislative advocacy. This past March, FVMA staff, board members, and members of the Political Action Committee traveled to Tallahassee to meet with representatives about four high-priority bills. Here is a recap of those bills and the FVMA’s position on each.

Navigating Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases in Small Animals: A Comprehensive and Practical Approach to Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases at 360º

Cardiac and respiratory diseases represent some of the most intricate challenges in small-animal veterinary medicine. In dogs and cats, recognition and differentiation of these conditions are a nuanced process, as they often overlap in their clinical presentation.

Practice Pulse

The latest issue of "Practice Pulse" covers important legal and regulatory updates for veterinarians, including guidance on issuing rabies certificates under Florida's new rabies vaccination law, treating animals that are not up to date on rabies vaccines, emailing prescriptions to clients, and handling DEA license changes when leaving a practice.

Introducing “Inspire by FVMA”

The "Inspire by FVMA" program is a well-being initiative designed to support veterinary professionals in Florida by providing mental health resources, including up to three free therapy sessions, access to licensed counselors, and workshops to address workplace stress and burnout.

Which Cape Would You Choose

The article "Which Cape Would You Choose?" from FVMA contrasts two approaches in veterinary medicine: the Red Cape, which tackles problems like burnout, and the Green Cape, which enhances positive aspects like joy and fulfillment.

Intravenous Crystalloid Solutions – The Essentials

Fluid therapy in clinical medicine is used to fulfill the following objectives: (1) replace dehydration deficits (2) maintain normal hydration, (3) replace essential electrolytes and nutrients, and (4) serve as a vehicle for infusing of certain intravenous medications. The methods used to provide fluids often influence the eventual outcome of the case. Therefore, the clinician...

Maximize Your Technicians and Increase Profitability

Veterinary technicians are vital members of every veterinary team. The role of the credentialed veterinary technician is varied and includes everything from anesthesia induction and monitoring, client education, and cleaning surgical instruments to maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, and providing patient nursing care. As we continue to navigate a worldwide pandemic and increased caseloads, veterinary...

What We’ve Done, What’s Happening Now, and What We’re Going to Do

At the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), we take pride in our role as the foremost advocate for animal welfare in the state. In this capacity, we strive to protect and support animals with the same dedication and commitment as our individual veterinary professionals, including bolstering crucial lobbying initiatives that impact our members, their patients,...

DVM Moms: Balancing Vet Careers and Motherhood

Their days start before the sun is up, preparing themselves and their kids for the day ahead. Packing lunches, filling water bottles, giving comforting hugs, and saying “I love you” when they are in the school carline. This is just the beginning of the action-packed day that awaits a DVM mom. “We work so hard,...

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: When can a signature stamp be used on written scripts? A: A signature stamp is OK for anything except a Schedule II prescription. Having said that, the DEA’s position is that any prescription for a controlled substance must be manually signed. Also, using a...

Practice Pulse

Keeping you updated on regulatory and legislative changes affecting veterinary medicine.

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: What limitations does a new graduate working under a current doctor’s license while awaiting state test results have? Can they administer a rabies vaccine?  The new veterinarian can practice veterinary medicine under immediate (on premises, not over the shoulder) supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Under...

Navigating the Myths of Business Financing

Finding financing and partnering with the right lender can be a challenge for even the most experienced business owner. Veterinaryloans.com provides a simple, one-step process that connects you to industry-leading veterinary lenders and simplifies the lending application process. Our main goal is to help veterinarians quickly connect with a nationwide network of veterinary specialty lenders.Veterinaryloans.com...

FVMA Annual Conference 2024 Recap

Special Events Evening of Excellence

Update from the FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee Chair

As the chair of the FVMA Disaster Preparedness Committee, I am proud to share our significant achievements from the past year and outline our ambitious plans for the future. Our commitment to safeguarding Florida’s animal population through preparedness, response, and recovery efforts has never been stronger. I also extend a heartfelt invitation to our community...

From Farm to Table: Life as a Food Animal Veterinarian

Amidst the sweltering heat and the occasional afternoon storm in the heart of South Florida’s agriculture land, Dusti Small, DVM, MS, navigates her days with a blend of grit and compassion. As part of the 3.6% of veterinarians focused on the health of livestock in the United States, her story provides insight into the challenges...

Immune-mediated Polyarthritis: An Overview of Pathology and Treatment from a Technician’s Perspective

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) can be described as “chronic synovial inflammation in two or more joints, failure to isolate an organism from the joint fluid, and a positive response to immunosuppressive therapy.” It occurs when immune complexes are stimulated to enter the synovial fluid (a hypersensitivity reaction) and this draws neutrophils and sometimes T-cells.  IMPA is...

Using Cardiac Biomarkers in Clinical Practice

Cardiac biomarkers are increasingly being used to screen dogs and cats for heart disease and can add information regarding severity, prognosis, and response to treatment.   Cardiac biomarkers are substances that can be measured as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or a response to therapeutic intervention. The most studied cardiac biomarkers in veterinary...

Meet the President: Scott Richardson, DVM

As of April 20, the FVMA is proud to welcome Scott Richardson, DVM, as president for this year.  Dr. Richardson was born and raised in an agriculture community in Western Kentucky and was around horses and cattle his entire childhood. When he was five years old, he met Dr. Lorren Waggoner when he came to...

Continuing Education Requirements After SB 382

Starting July 1, 2024, veterinarians licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) who have held an active license for at least 10 years and have had no disciplinary actions will be exempt from current CE requirements. Despite this, the FVMA strongly recommends you continue fulfilling your CE requirements as you always have.

Introducing SaniTrax: A New Benefit for FVMA Members

At the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), we’re always looking for ways to add value to your membership and help your practice thrive. We’re excited to share a new partnership that does just that. Please meet SaniTrax, our latest member benefit. A leader in biomedical waste management, SaniTrax is ready to make your day-to-day operations...

Practice Pulse

Have a legal or regulatory question? The FVMA can help. QUESTION: We have had one of our veterinary clinics in Florida reach out to our compliance department and state that they were informed that the clinic must have a veterinarian onsite during operating hours. Is this accurate? I have discussed the matter with FL DBPR and...

Intravenous Catheters: Which, Where, Why, and How?

As veterinary technicians, one of the most common procedures that we perform is placement and maintenance of intravenous catheters. They are often thought of as a benign intervention but can be a potential source of infection and require special care. In addition, utilization of different catheter types can be beneficial for different patients. Use of...

Potential Reasons Your Ad is Not Working: Tips for Writing an Effective Job Ad

In today’s world, finding the right person for a job is more important than ever. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving job market trends have significantly altered what prospective employees seek in new opportunities.  A few short sentences stating what you’re looking for, the primary job duties, and a few benefits is not...

“V” is for Vital Pulp Therapy

Vital pulp therapy is a dental procedure used to preserve pulpal tissues that has been acutely traumatized (less than 48 hours), resulting in pulp exposure, or chosen for crown reduction and restoration for orthodontic care to prevent palatal trauma. It serves as an alternative to root canal therapy or extraction.  Vital pulp therapy includes partial...

Veterinary Practice Financial Fitness

It is that time of year when many people assess their personal and professional lives and expectations, set goals, and decide what to focus on to be healthy, happy, and successful in the year ahead.  As with your personal health, an owner or manager of a veterinary practice should conduct periodic examinations. Is the business...

Stricter Leishmaniasis Testing Pet Import Rules Spreading

Countries worldwide are toughening pet immigration rules to stop diseases from spreading among animals, according to Air Animal Pet Movers. “That’s happening because more people are moving around with their fur babies, and stronger rules protect everyone. The latest expansion is testing dogs for leishmaniasis,” said Walter M. Woolf, Air Animal Pet Movers founding veterinarian...

Practice Pulse

Keeping you updated on regulatory and legislative changes affecting veterinary medicine. QUESTION: I recently completed the FVMA’s courses about laws and rules. I have a follow-up question regarding DEA licensure. At the end, the lecture notes stated, “Do all practitioners in a group practice need to be DEA registered? No, a veterinarian who is an agent...

Caring About the Caregivers

“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to walk through water without getting wet. This sort of denial is no small matter. The way we deal with loss shapes our capacity to be present in life more than anything...

What have we been up to in 2023?

Take a behind-the-scenes look and delve into the key moments of the FVMA’s 2023! We’ve uncovered the various achievements, initiatives, and programs that have defined our year, shedding light on the contributions of our dedicated members, the impactful work of the FVMA Foundation, our commitment to students, our ongoing legislative advocacy, and the diverse range...

What Ails the Paws and Claws

Mites Mites (especially Demodex mites) and dermatophytosis can also cause pododermatitis. Demodicosis is typically diagnosed via deep skin scrapings/hair plucks. Dermatophytosis can be diagnosed via ringworm culture and/or PCR. Histopathology may also be helpful in diagnosing demodicosis and dermatophytosis. More recently, isoxazolines have been the mainstay for treating demodicosis. Given the high success rate of...

Icteric Cats: More Than Just Hepatic Lipidosis

Although hepatic lipidosis is reported to be one of the most common causes of icterus in cats, several other differentials need to be considered. A review of 50 icteric cats seen in the author’s practice revealed that only 30% had hepatic lipidosis. Cholangitis was responsible for 20%, and lymphoma was diagnosed in another 20%. Pancreatitis...

Hurricane Preparedness Kit for Pet Owners

Hurricane season has begun in Florida, and preparing for these storms is a song and dance many Floridians have become familiar with each year. With many hurricanes over recent years having grown in severity, it is as essential as ever to remain aware and prepared for—though not afraid of—what lies ahead. When lives are altered...

Pain Management in the Dental Patient

Objectives: Pathophysiology: When it comes to sensation, the key sensory tissue for the tooth is the pulp and gingival soft tissue with surrounding alveolar bone. Noxious stimuli to the pulp only results in one sensation: pain. The pulp is innervated with alpha (acute pain) and C-delta (chronic pain) fibers that respond to any stimuli with...

Fluorescence Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation is the use of visible to near-infrared light waves to create therapeutic changes in the skin. Fluorescence photobiomodulation is a subset of this and has been used to treat cutaneous infections, inflammatory conditions, and wounds. It has a favorable safety profile and offers another option in the treatment of dermatologic diseases in veterinary species....

Nutrition for the Hospitalized Veterinary Patient

Introduction Nutrition is vitally important to the hospitalized patient. Unfortunately, the nutritional needs of hospitalized patients are often overlooked. Doctors’ orders might not include specific feeding instructions. Patients may be unwilling or unable to eat or may not be consuming adequate calories to meet their energy requirements. Whatever the reason, as patient advocates, veterinary nurses...

A Veterinarian’s Guide to Preparing For a Hurricane

Veterinarians play a critical role in safeguarding animals during hurricanes. This guide emphasizes the importance of assessing practice vulnerabilities, developing comprehensive evacuation plans, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies to protect both animals and staff during such natural disasters.

Member Spotlight: Dr. Elizabeth Chosa

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa was born and raised in Johnson City, TN, and decided to be a veterinarian at age three. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her DVM from the University of Georgia. She then served on active duty in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for five years. Her first duty station was Fort...

In Memorial: Past President Dr. Jerry P. Shank

Dr. Jerry P. Shank, past president of the FVMA, passed away on July 15, 2023, at the age of 79. A dedicated veterinarian and founder of Shank Animal Hospital, Dr. Shank was known for his contributions to veterinary education and his compassionate care for animals. He is remembered fondly by his family, colleagues, and the community he served for over 40 years.