Barry Kipperman, DVM, DACVIM

Keeping pets pain and fear to a minimum is greatbut its not enough for a good quality of life. Animals need an environment in which they can thrive and be happy. And veterinarians are obligated to help make this happen.

Veterinarians feel the strain of clients financial limitations, but how do pet owners prepare when theyre not being informed?

Barry Kipperman says it's info small animal veterinarians should know.

Concern for animals slaughtered in the U.S. should be part of the veterinarian's oath.

In March, The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) co-sponsored a bill mandating the sterilization of all owned dogs and cats in the state, but has changed its support to take a neutral position because of its members' negative reaction.

A California Veterinary Medical Association-backed bill to mandate pet sterilization statewide has garnered significant opposition by local and national breeding organizations who feel they are being punished by having to pay abstention fees.

How do we reconcile that financial limitations are a significant burden to our patients?

What are the limitations of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists?

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine attempted to evaluate the quality of care provided to patients by comparing medical records from hospitals with the standard "evidence-based" best practice relative to the patient's particular medical problem.

Question 1: What is the most important determinant in your decision to advise referral of a patient for overnight care?

I see a geriatric dog with recent onset seizures that are not being controlled with anti-convulsant medications.