Meds, Muzzles & Mayhem: A Vet Tech’s Life

05/07/2026

Euthanasia is peaceful and selfless.

05/06/2026

Great information for all my vet tech colleagues!

One of the most common intubation mistakes?

Waiting for loss of the palpebral reflex.

Let’s fix that.

Here’s the Reality

The palpebral reflex is not your indicator for intubation readiness.

If you wait for it to disappear completely, you may already be heading toward a deeper plane of anesthesia than necessary.

What You Should Be Watching Instead

Intubation readiness is about the airway—not the eyes.

You’re looking for:

Loss of swallowing reflex (this is your big one)
Relaxed jaw tone
Minimal resistance when opening the mouth

If the patient is still swallowing or actively resisting the tube—
they are not ready.

Why This Matters

Intubating too early:

Increases risk of laryngeal trauma
Causes stress and stimulation during induction
Makes the experience harder for both you and the patient

Going too deep because you’re chasing palpebral loss:

Increases cardiovascular and respiratory depression
Uses more drugs than necessary
Reduces overall anesthetic safety
The Shift

Stop asking:
“Are the eyes ready?”

Start asking:
“Is the airway ready?”

Takeaway

The goal isn’t a “perfect plane”—
it’s the right moment.

And that moment is defined by loss of swallowing, not what the eyes are doing.

05/04/2026

🌿 Let’s Talk Chinese Herbs in Veterinary Medicine 🐾

This one comes up a lot—so let’s break it down from a vet tech perspective: Chinese herbal therapy for pets.

You’ll hear it called TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine), and yes—it’s being used more and more in animal care.

💡 What are we talking about?
These are herbal formulas used to support things like:
• Arthritis & mobility issues
• Skin conditions
• GI problems
• Anxiety
• Chronic diseases (like kidney or liver issues)

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✅ The Pros

✔️ Can be helpful for chronic conditions where traditional meds only go so far
✔️ Often used alongside Western medicine (not necessarily instead of it)
✔️ Some pets tolerate herbs better than certain pharmaceuticals
✔️ Focuses on the whole body, not just one symptom

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⚠️ The Cons (and this part matters)

❗ Not all products are created equal (quality control can vary)
❗ Takes time—this is NOT a quick fix
❗ Can interact with medications your pet is already on
❗ Dosing matters—“natural” doesn’t mean harmless
❗ Needs guidance from a trained veterinary professional, not Google

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🩺 Vet Tech Reality Check:
I’ve seen herbs help in the right cases—especially for chronic pain and skin issues.
I’ve also seen problems when owners try to DIY it without guidance.

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💬 Bottom line:
Chinese herbs can be a great tool, but they’re just that—a tool.
Best results happen when they’re used safely, intentionally, and alongside your vet’s care plan.

03/09/2026

🐾 Let’s Talk About Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Cushing’s disease is one of those conditions we see fairly often in veterinary medicine, especially in middle-aged to older dogs. The tricky part? The signs can creep in slowly, so many pet owners assume their dog is just “getting older.”

But sometimes there’s more going on.

What is Cushing’s disease?
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) happens when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune response — but when there’s too much of it, it starts affecting multiple body systems.

Common signs we look for:
• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Panting more than usual
• Muscle weakness
• Recurrent skin infections

Many owners first notice their dog drinking the entire water bowl or asking to go outside much more often.

How do we diagnose it?
Diagnosis usually takes a combination of tests, not just one.

Your vet may recommend:
• Bloodwork and urinalysis
• Screening tests like a Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDS)
• ACTH stimulation test
• Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the adrenal glands

These tests help determine whether the disease is coming from the pituitary gland (most common) or the adrenal glands.

Treatment options
The good news is that many dogs do very well with treatment.

Common approaches include:
• Medication (most commonly trilostane or mitotane) to control cortisol production
• Regular bloodwork monitoring
• In rare cases, surgery if an adrenal tumor is present

While Cushing’s can’t always be “cured,” it can often be managed successfully, allowing dogs to live comfortable, happy lives.

🐶 The takeaway:
If your dog suddenly seems extra thirsty, constantly hungry, or develops a pot-bellied look, it’s worth mentioning to your veterinarian. Sometimes those subtle changes are the body trying to tell us something

03/05/2026

🐶 Local Pet Health Alert: Respiratory Illness in Dogs

We’ve been seeing an increase in respiratory illness in dogs around our community, and it’s not the typical kennel cough or canine influenza many owners are familiar with.

Across the U.S., veterinarians have been reporting cases of what’s being called “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease.” The exact cause is still being studied, and many dogs are testing negative for the usual respiratory pathogens. 

Some cases look mild at first but can progress quickly to pneumonia in certain dogs, which is why early monitoring is important. 

Symptoms pet owners should watch for:
• Persistent coughing
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Lethargy or decreased appetite
• Fever
• Labored breathing

These illnesses spread through respiratory droplets when dogs cough or are in close contact with other dogs, especially in places like dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming salons, and daycare. 

💡 What you can do to protect your dog:
• Avoid close contact with coughing dogs
• Skip dog parks or boarding if your dog is showing symptoms
• Keep vaccines up to date (they still protect against other respiratory diseases)
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough that lasts more than a few days

Most respiratory infections are still mild, but a persistent cough is never something to ignore.

If your dog isn’t acting like themselves or develops respiratory symptoms, it’s best to get them checked sooner rather than later.

Stay safe out there, pup parents 🐾

03/05/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

If you love your dog, your sanity, and your rotator cuff, PUT DOWN THE RETRACTABLE LEASH.

These things are tiny chaos machines disguised as convenience. Here’s why:

❌ No Control – Your dog is 16 feet away before you realize they’re charging a squirrel, another dog, or oncoming traffic. By the time you react? It’s too late.

❌ The "Clothesline Effect" – Ever had a 60lb dog hit the end of a retractable leash at full speed? Hope you enjoy physics lessons the hard way. 🚀

❌ Hand Burn & Broken Fingers – That thin, fast-moving cord? It’s basically a friction-powered lightsaber. Say goodbye to your skin if it wraps around your hand. 🩹

❌ Plastic Casing = Weak Link – A strong dog + a sudden lunge = SNAP. And now your dog is sprinting leash-free.

So What Should You Use Instead?
✅ Standard 4-6ft Leash – Simple, sturdy, and keeps your dog safely by your side. Bonus: No unexpected face-plants!

✅ Hands-Free Leash (for runners/hikers) – Attaches to your waist, giving you control without losing your balance.

✅ Long-Line Leash (for training & recall practice) – Need extra freedom? A 15-30ft long-line is great for teaching recall in safe spaces.

✅ No-Pull Harness + Leash Combo – Helps with pulling and keeps the pressure off your dog’s neck.

Vets, trainers, and ER staff have seen way too many injuries because of retractable leashes. So, for your pet’s safety (and your own dignity), please... just use a real leash. 🚶‍♂️🐶

Have a retractable leash horror story? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

11/26/2025

🦃 Thanksgiving Pet Safety Reminder!
Before we all slip into a turkey coma, here’s your gentle holiday nudge to keep the fur-kids safe this week. (Because nothing ruins Thanksgiving faster than a surprise ER visit… trust me.)

🍗 Skip the Turkey Bones – Cooked bones splinter like crazy. Your dog does not need a DIY internal shrapnel kit.

🧅 Watch the Seasonings – Onions, garlic, chives, leeks… delicious for us, a big nope for your pets. They can cause serious stomach and blood issues.

🍞 No Bread Dough – Unbaked dough rises in their stomach. Cute in an oven, not so much in your dog.

🍫 Desserts = Danger – Chocolate, xylitol, raisins… basically everything on the dessert table is a pet trap. Keep it up high.

🧀 Limit the “Just a Bite” – Rich, fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis. (Or as I call it: “The holiday gift that keeps on giving… in vet bills.”)

🗣️ Remind Your Guests – Because Uncle Bob always means well but he will absolutely slip your dog something.

Give your pets extra love, safe treats, and a cozy spot away from the chaos. Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours! 🧡🍂🐾

11/26/2025

I almost started this video pretending fleas weren’t real… but then one literally launched itself off a cat in front of me like it had somewhere important to be. So here we are. Let’s chat about fleas: what they do, how they make your pets miserable, and how to send them packing without losing your sanity.
Side note: Live Oak Animal Hospital - Miracle Mile location is my clinic.

09/03/2025

A Real-Life Miracle: First Canine Cardiac Ablation at Purdue 🐾❤️

As a vet tech, I’ve seen my fair share of advances—but few as exciting as this one:

Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently performed their first-ever canine cardiac ablation on Ketchup—yes, the champion Boxer with the perfect name for the job! After six months of resistant arrhythmias that didn’t respond to medication, this procedure gave Ketchup a second chance. Now? He’s running, playing, and living life like a pup again. 

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Why It Matters:
• This procedure mirrors what human cardiology has practiced for years—but tailored for our canine companions.
• It opens doors for treating arrhythmias in dogs more effectively, potentially reducing life-threatening risk and improving long-term outcomes.

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Vet Tech Insight:
1. Early recognition is vital. If a dog experiences fainting, racing heartbeats, or collapses—even once—get them checked by a vet ASAP.
2. Arrhythmia isn’t always medication-resistant. Devices like cardiac ablation can offer a cure, not just control.
3. Specialist care saves lives. Not every clinic offers this—Purdue is one of the first in the nation to achieve it. Ask your vet: who’s out there doing these miracle procedures?

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Your furry family member could be just one rhythm change away from normal life. Let this be your reminder to listen to your gut—and your pet’s heartbeat.

Let’s celebrate Ketchup and the team making this possible—and push for better awareness and access to advanced care.

08/02/2025

Bravecto Quantum Injectable is HERE—and it’s a total game-changer. 🙌

💉 One injection = up to 1 full year of flea & tick protection for dogs.
🐾 Vet-administered = no more missed doses, chewed-up pills, or monthly drama.

🆚 Pair it with ProHeart 12 and your dog gets:
✔️ 12 months of flea/tick protection
✔️ 12 months of heartworm protection
✔️ One visit. One and done.

As a vet tech, I’m LOVING this combo. Consistent protection = healthier pets + less stress for everyone.

➡️ Ask your vet about bundling Bravecto Quantum + ProHeart 12 at your next visit!

⚠️ Like all isoxazolines, Bravecto may cause side effects in dogs with a history of seizures—chat with your vet to be sure it’s a fit.