Pentobarbital Shortage, Reopening Woes, Change Fatigue, and Veterinary Practice Summer Stress

Has your veterinary clinic been ping-ponging between curbside, hybrid, masked service, and now something else? This week we discuss the real challenge of “change fatigue” in veterinary clinics and some creative ways to help. … Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT spend some quality time together on Memorial Day starting with talking about the nationwide shortage of the euthanasia drug, pentobarbital. Dr. Ward examines whether or not veterinary clinics should reevaluate inventory management of critical-use supplies and if “just in time inventory” should be reserved for less essential drugs. They also offer advice on how you can stay updated on drug shortages and supply issues. … Beckie tackles COVID vaccination in veterinary clinics and Dr. Ward reveals a recent Facebook discussion in which a veterinarian was challenged over a controversial COVID-19 vaccination opinion. Dr. Ward shares what every vet clinic should do today to prepare their teams for this increasingly frequent, and potentially client-losing, question. … Beckie also explores some of the challenges veterinary professionals are facing as they “re-open.” She explains why “It must be nice…” should never be said in a veterinary practice. … The pair explore the importance of offering time off for self-care and morale boosting, especially during overwhelming workloads. Dr. Ward retells a recent colleagues question about closing down for a few days and how they made it work. … Viewfinders, thanks again for listening! We hope you had a restful and restorative Memorial Day and took time to thank those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms we cherish.