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April 2025 DVM Newsletter

Oncology and Surgery Consultations Available Now

We understand how stressful it can be when a cancer diagnosis—or even the suspicion of one—is made. Pet owners are understandably anxious and want prompt answers and treatment options without delay. Well, no wait is necessary. Consultations can typically be scheduled the same week. Appointments with Michelle Custead, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) as well as our team of 3 surgeons can be made by calling our Brooklyn Park hospital at (763) 463-9800.

Anesthesiologist Joins Allied

Daniel Almeida, MV, MS, DACVAA, CVAT joins us as a regular consulting anesthesiologist in Brooklyn Park. He will be onsite monthly to work closely with our teams to develop and assess customized anesthetic protocols along with pain management plans. At his most recent visit, he gave a lecture and hands-on wet lab for our DVM and technician staff on epidural blocks. With a background as a former Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Almeida brings a deep commitment to education and welcomes the opportunity to connect with our referring partners to answer any burning anesthesia and pain management questions.

To connect with Dr. Almeida, please contact Diana at dschaapveld@alliedervet.com.

Quick Access to All Five Locations

Five locations to serve you:

Brooklyn Park

24/7

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Minneapolis

24/7

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Eau Claire

24/7

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Rochester

After Hours

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Eden Prairie

After Hours

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Allied in the Community

Are we having fun yet? You bet!

One of the things we enjoy most is supporting our communities through sponsorships and participation in worthy causes.

  • Allied was a sponsor of Woof and Hoof, a 5K race put on by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Students and benefitted Ruff Start Rescue. It raised approximately $10,000!
  • Coming Up – We have put together a team for the Animal Humane Society’s Walk for the Animals. Of course we’re encouraging those who can to donate, but cheering us on is appreciated too. Event info: Rain or shine, gates will open at 9 AM on Saturday, May 3, at the International Bazaar in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’ll begin walking at 10 AM and wrap up our fun-filled day by 1 PM.
  • Next Up – We’re heading to Eau Claire for the 39th Annual Fido & Friends Fun Run/Walk at Carson Park – Pine Pavilion on Saturday, May 17th, from 7:30 AM to Noon. You can enjoy a scenic run/walk, raffles, and visits to vendor booths — it’s a great way to support animals and connect with fellow pet lovers!
  • Finally – Join us for the 3rd Annual Tails & Trails Walk on Sunday, May 18th, at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. This is a fundraising walk benefiting Ruff Start Rescue. The best part is your dogs are welcome to join you for activities and on the course! There will be vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music, & more.

Case of the Month: Ulla

You can’t make this up!

Ulla, a 5-year-old Pug, presented to our Brooklyn Park ER having ingested a rubber ducky (Mom saw it happen). Dr. Lauren Udvig received the case and was able to use the endoscope to retrieve not one, not two, but THREE duckies. Fortunately, Ulla recovered nicely at home and now has a whole new set of toys that cannot be ingested.

DVM Q&A: What are your recommendations for the contents of a crash cart?

Crash cart contents:

  • Endotracheal tubes of various sizes
  • Laryngoscope with various sizes of blades
  • Syringes of different sizes with 18- or 20-gauge needles attached
  • CPR drugs (minimally, epinephrine and atropine; additionally, reversal agents [atipamezole, flumazenil, naloxone], lidocaine, amiodarone, vasopressin, etc. may be considered)
  • CPR drug dosage charts and algorithm sheets
  • Oxygen and a small and large bag-valve-mask apparatus or other ready access to oxygen (such as an anesthetic machine flushed free of anesthetic gas)
  • Saline flush
  • Bandage scissors
  • Suction unit with sterile Yankauer and whistle-tip suction attachments
  • Defibrillator with gel, internal and external paddles
  • Thoracostomy kit including sterile gloves, Mayo scissors, scalpel, Finochietto retractors, vascular clamps, large-curved hemostats, red rubber or other materials for a modified Rummel tourniquet, etc.

Tech Tip: Nutrition Tips for Healthier Veterinary Technicians (and all team members)

Nutrition is very important for all – not just our patients but ourselves. It is important to have good eating habits. Your life literally depends on it.

  1. Meal plan
    • Decide what you are going to eat on Sunday for the week; this includes meals and healthy snacks. Having a plan helps keep you on track.
  2. Track meals
    • Use one of the many free apps that allow you to track what you are eating. Set goals for calories (you can even break it down by protein, carbohydrates and fats). Several apps let you scan most foods and it will automatically add the calories and nutrient information. You can also add recipes and it will calculate the calories and nutrients.
  3. Drink before a meal
    • Thirty minutes before a meal, drink a glass or two (8 oz. to 16oz.) of water.
  4. Portion control
    • To help with portion control, use a smaller plate. No one says you need to finish everything if you are full (despite what we were taught growing up – clean plate club!)
  5. Eat slowly
    • Eat slowly and mindfully – not in front of the TV. Try to take at least 20 minutes or longer to eat a meal as it takes 20 minutes for your brain to send out signals of fullness.
  6. Trigger foods
    • Remove trigger foods from the house. Don’t make it easy to give in to temptation.
  7. Hydration
    • Drinking plenty of liquids is important for your overall health. Try to set a goal for daily hydration and schedule time to drink if it not naturally prompted
  8. Exercise
    • We all know exercise is important. Make time in the morning and/or evening to exercise. Simply walking for 10 minutes after a meal makes a big difference.

It is always recommended that you consult with a health care professional when making decisions around your personal health plan including exercise and nutrition.

Excerpts Courtesy of Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition)

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