December 11, 2011
College of Pharmacy
University of Utah
To whom it may concern:
For several years I have been working toward a career in pharmacy. Becoming a Pharmacist has
been a long time dream of mine. Attending the University Of Utah College of Pharmacy would
ensure the best education and training to become a quality Pharmacist.
Disclosed is a technical document I have put together involving veterinary medicine and my
current resume. While I am currently applying my education in pharmacy medicine, I have several
years of knowledge and experience involving veterinary medicine that I feel would be beneficial in
the pharmacy community.
Each document has been created for a different audience including clients and veterinary staff. This
challenged my writing ability to create documents for everyone in the veterinary community.
1
Table of contents
Enucleation Procedure.................................................3
Intended for veterinary clients who would like to better understand the
process of an Enucleation.
The Abaxis Vetscan V2 Machine.......................................4
This is a technical description regarding the Abaxis machine for veterinary clinics who are
interested in purchasing this product
Case Study................................................................6
A case study intended for veterinary magazines regarding an animal diagnosed with
PHPTH.
Resume...................................................................7
2
Enucleation Procedure
An Enucleation surgery can sound frightening and you may have some concerns for your pet. This
document will help answer any questions you might have while explaining the process of the
procedure. This will be a helpful tool to help ensure your comfort with the decision of an
Enucleation.
Your pet has been diagnosed with a condition called Intraocular Glaucoma
(IOA). IOA is a painful condition in which fluid retains within the globe of
the eye. This will enlarge the eye and cause the retina to tear creating
blindness.
The best course of treatment for IOA is a procedure called Enucleation. An
Enucleation is the process of removing the globe of the eye and the
nicitating membrane (third eyelid). This procedure is extremely effective
(IAO in a dog)
and your pet will gain immediate post operative relief.
Treatment is simple.Your pet will have approximately ten sutures along the skin of the
eyelids. Because your pet will scratch at the area, he/she will need to wear
an Elizabethan Collar for fourteen days. This is the amount of time the sutures will be in.
The veterinarian will send home two types of medications: An antibiotic to prevent any infection,
and a pain medication to create optimal comfort for your pet. Each medication will last 7-14 days.
Once the fourteen day healing process has completed, you will bring your pet into the clinic to
have the sutures removed.
Because the glaucoma causes blindness, your pet has likely adapted to sight in only one eye.
Animals do very well with vision from one eye. The immediate relief of pain they will experience
postoperatively will allow your pet to behave like their spunky self again.
3
The Abaxis Vetscan V2 Machine
The Abaxis Vetscan V2 machine is a crucial tool in understanding the patients health during routine and
critical procedures in veterinary medicine. The Abaxis Vetscan V2 machine is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate
the electrolyte values, organ functions, and blood gas levels. This is a simple, quick tool to ensure the optimal
understanding for veterinarians and their clients. This paper will describe the functions of this tool and the
benefits of utilizing it in a clinic setting.
Once blood from the patient has been collected and spun down in a serum separator
tube, the Abaxis Vetscan V2 unit can be used. A rotor with a specific function is
chosen and the serum of the patient is placed in the rotor. This is a very delicate
process; however the manufacture has created an easy procedure to ensure the
rotors are used properly and are simple to follow. There is a pre-measured pipet that
has the exact measurement to collect the correct amount of serum for the rotor.
There are arrows on the rotor to indicate that there is enough serum in the disc to
perform a proper test. When this is accomplished, the technician will place the rotor
within a cartridge of the machine, like placing a CD in a disc player. The cartridge will close and start running
the test.
To keep each test separated from one another, the Abaxis Vetscan V2 has a touch screen to
type in the patient's account number, date of birth, and most important, species. This is crucial
information to keep with the test in order to support clear patient diagnostics and guarantee
no confusion will occur if multiple tests are running at the same time. In 15 short minutes, the
test is completed and we have several clues to what is going on with a sick patient, or the
security to sedate a patient with the knowledge of their organ function.
Lastly, a receipt is printed at the top of the Abaxis Vetscan V2 machine with
several answers. The standard test is a chemistry profile which will indicate
the functions of internal organs, electrolytes, blood glucose, and sodium
levels. The receipt indicates the level the patient is in a number scale with a
asterisk to indicate whether the patients level is high or low. Next to the
patient's number is a range of normal levels to show the veterinarian what
to look for. This is a very simple, compact test to read and transfer into the
patients record
In conclusion, the Abaxis Vetscan V2 is a great diagnostic tool for any veterinary practice to own. The easy step
by step process creates a less stressful task for the technician and allows little room for error. The clients are
pleased to find such important information about their pet in a timely matter as well. The Abaxis Vetscan V2
has created a bridge for veterinarians and their clients that was never able to be accomplished before.
4
Product Available
Prices
Vetscan V2 unit
Prices may vary, contact your representative
Canine Health Profile including Heartworm
$526.80 Per 12 rotor pack
Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile
$299.40 Per 12 rotor pack
Prep Profile II
$227.40 Per 12 rotor pack
Critical Care Plus
$191.40 Per 12 rotor pack
T4/Cholesterol
$203.40 Per 12 rotor Pack
Mammalian Liver Profile
$190.00 Per 12 rotor pack
Equine Profile Plus
$263.40 Per 12 rotor pack
Large Animal
$287.40 Per 12 rotor pack
Avian Reptile Profile Plus
$191.40 Per 12 rotor pack
5
Case Study
Koda, a 6 year old neutered male Siberian husky presented for examination for weakness in the hind end
and history of high calcium.
Physical exam revealed diminished muscle mass in the hind end with resistance to hip extension. The
remaining exam demonstrated no other abnormalities.
Radiographs of the hips and of the spine demonstrated moderate osteoarthritis in the lumbo-sacral
region. blood work (CBC, Chemistry, Thyroid) indicated elevated calcium 12.5 mg/dl (8.2-12.4), ALP
811 (10-150), Cholesterol 390 mg/dl (112-328). Ultrasound was performed. Two small stones were
documented in the bladder measuring 2 to 2.5 mm and a distinct nodule on the caudal pole of the right
thyroid gland in area of the parathyroid gland.
Parathyroid hormone test was performed indicating an elevation of ionized calcium in the presence of a
normal Parathyroid Hormone confirming diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism.
The tumor was removed surgically and submitted for biopsy. A post-op blood panel was done indicating a
normal calcium level.
Discussion
Hyperparathyroidism is the excessive secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) by abnormal
functioning parathyroid cells. This disease is rare but can be diagnosed in older dogs; it is much less
common in cats. Keeshond breeds are predisposed.
Common physical findings include Polyuria/Polydypsia and urinary incontinence with hypercaliuria.
Uroliths, muscle weakness or atrophy are other abnormalities. All signs are subtle or nonspecific.
Hypercalcemia is the hallmark feature. Changes in the plasma albumin can change the total serum calcium
meaning ionized calcium levels can still remain normal. Hypophosphatemia is consistent with PHPTH.
Ultrasonography confirms PHPTH visually indicating that an abnormal parathyroid gland is larger than 45 mm in diameter. Sensitive equipment and an experienced ultrasonographer are necessary.
Surgical excision of the parathyroid tumor will reduce the calcium levels to normal within seven days. If
the serum calcium levels are less than 14mg/dl, post surgical hypocalcemia can occur. Surgeons can make
the decision to remove the thyroid-parathyroid gland, but it is not necessary.
6
Laura-Jean Johnson
3948 View Pointe Dr. Park City Utah
dreamtacoma@yahoo.com
(801)380-4538
Education Background
Major: Exercise Physiology, anticipated graduation 2014
 GPA: 3.8
Associates of Applied Science for Veterinary Technology, Utah Career College, January 2007
 National Certificate of Veterinary Technology, January 2007
Working Experience
Veterinary Technician/Employee Trainer April 2009-Present
Silver Creek Animal Clinic, Park City, Utah
 Train new employee's
 Phlebotomy/ Place Catheters
 Educate clients
 Reception work
 Administer medication
 Assist with surgery
 Book appointments
 Perform dental cleanings
Home Veterinary Care July 2009-Present
Individual Practice, Park City, Utah
 Care for pets overnight
 Assist clients with at home therapy for
their pets
Emergency Veterinary Technician July 2006-April 2009
Cottonwood Animal Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
 Prepare patients for surgery
 Council clients on patient care after
emergency care was needed
 Assist the doctor with trauma patients
 Train new technicians
 Monitor all in house patients
 Administer medications to in/out patients
Volunteer Work
 Southwest Rehabilitation Center July 2011-Present
Shadow Pharmacists during patient rounds for post operative patients, learn about several different
medications used in a clinic setting
 Women Against Cancer December 2011-Present
Assist with weekend retreats, help raise money for retreats
Certifications
 Emergency First Aid
7
 CPR
8