An Innovative Method to Diagnose Common Bacterial Infections
0.5 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Traditional methods of performing bacterial culture and sensitivity (C&S) testing is what we have been taught to use to obtain definitive diagnoses and create therapeutic plans. There are 2 major downfalls of traditional C & S testing, including length of time until diagnosis and cost. In part due to these limitations, most veterinarians initiate empirical treatments and/or perform basic morphological examination of samples. Rarely do rechecks get performed if the patient appears to have met clinical resolution. If we consider how infrequently veterinarians are performing urine and ear sample testing after treatment to assure resolution of infection we can understand how antimicrobial resistance is an increasing concern. We can also consider increasing client adherence to recommendations if we were to initial at home testing on ear and urine samples prior to the appointment for examination with the veterinarian.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what quorum sensing molecules are and how they can be used for rapid diagnostic testing in animals.
- Understand how adherence to medical recommendations can increase with at home testing options for common ear and urinary tract infections.
- Learn methods to improve patient outcomes while simultaneously considering judicious use of antimicrobials.
Jennifer Quammen, DVM, MPH
Dr. Jennifer Quammen has been a leader in the veterinary profession for many years. She began as a veterinary technician working in private practice for more than a decade. As a veterinarian she has worked as an associate, medical director, or a relief veterinarian at various points throughout her career. Clinically her interests are in surgery and pain management. She also has a very strong passion for veterinary well-being. Dr. Quammen co-founded Veterinarian Coaching (www.veterinariancoaching.com) with her partner in 2014; Through this work she has helped numerous veterinarians, practices and students on topics ranging from stress management and sleep hygiene to career transition and improved work-life integration. Dr. Quammen is the Chief Veterinary Officer of TeleVet. TeleVet (www.televet.com) is a veterinary technology company focused on enhancing the lives of veterinary professionals through simple and smart technology solutions. Dr. Quammen currently serves as the AVMA Vice President (2022-24). Jennifer is an alum of the AVMA Future Leaders Program and is a past member of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service and Veterinary Economics Strategy Committee. She is a member and Secretary of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics. Dr. Jen has served on the leadership of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (www.kvma.org) where she is Past President as well as co-facilitator of the Power of Ten Leadership program at KVMA. Dr. Quammen was deeply engaged with the Veterinary Leadership Experience and the Veterinary Leadership Institute from 2011 until 2019, when she stepped back from her role on their outreach team. She continues to champion the themes from VLE/VLI and has developed many friends and colleagues from these experiences.
This program has been approved for 0.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.
This activity is funded by QSM.
