Veterinary news, communication strategies, and career advice for veterinary technicians

This week's Firstline Challenge activities help you check your team-building skills.

•Take a six-question quiz to see how your knowledge stacks up.

•Ask your manager for feedback on your teamwork skills. (Need help getting your manager to talk about performance? Follow this advice.)

Join the Firstline Challenge: Can you pass the team-building quiz?

Patient Care for Techs

November Firstline Challenge topic: Patient care

Finish these activities to complete the patient care component of the Firstline Challenge.

How to start a successful behavior program

FIRSTLINE

This case study shows how to strengthen your relationships with clients, build their bonds with their pets, and grow your practice.

Patient recovery: Every team member plays a part

FIRSTLINE

Managing postoperative pain should rank as a top concern for team members and pet owners. Follow these position-specific guidelines to educate clients and help keep their pets comfortable.

Proceedings Papers for Techs

What is an ophthalmic emergency? And what to do with it (Proceedings)

CVC PROCEEDINGS

A review of how to treat acute primary glaucoma, a luxated lens, globe proptosis, corneal laceration, and deep/progressive ulceration.

The physiology of pain (Proceedings)

CVC PROCEEDINGS

Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that can be associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Which is it? Acute renal failure vs. chronic kidney disease (Proceedings)

CVC PROCEEDINGS

Renal failure results when approximately three fourths of the nephrons of both kidneys cease to function.

Arts and crafts in veterinary dentistry: The tape muzzle (Proceedings)

CVC PROCEEDINGS

As members of the veterinary team, there have been instances where you have had to fix things using materials out of the hospital.

Client Service for Techs

The psychology of client waiting

VETERINARY ECONOMICS

Most veterinary clients expect a brief wait. But keep them waiting too long and you risk losing their business.

Santa and his elves give prime pet health

FIRSTLINE

Harness the holiday spirit to educate clients on pet health.

Hello? It's your parasite preventive calling

FIRSTLINE

Cellular reminders increase client compliance.

Market data: Helping clients pay in difficult times (part 1)

dvm360

Analysis of veterinary market data shows that pet owners need payment options