Salem Veterinary Hospital

10/31/2024

If you give Aniya a cookie… 🐭🍪🥛

10/31/2024

Hope you have a fur-tastic Halloween with tricks and treats! 🎃 👻

10/30/2024

We will be closing early this evening @ 7pm and tomorrow 10/31 @ 6pm. Happy Halloween!

10/19/2024

Veterinary visits can be stressful for both pets and their owners, but there are some things you can do to make visits go as smoothly as possible.
• Above all, be kind. Your veterinary team is doing all they can to care for your pet as efficiently as possible.
• Use a leash or a carrier for your pet.
• If your pet needs medication refills, plan ahead and call them in prior to Friday at 5 p.m.
• Ask questions! You are a valuable member of your pet’s healthcare team.
• Feel free to take notes or record discussions. It can be a lot of information to process and remember, especially if you have to go home and relay info to a spouse, parent or other family member.
• Ask what credentialed staff are employed at your veterinary hospital. A receptionist can direct you to the wall of licenses on display in our lobby.

10/18/2024

October is Vet Tech Appreciation season, but our gratitude is year-round! Let's take a moment to thank our team of dedicated Veterinary Technicians who work hard to help pets and their families day in and day out. We appreciate all you do!

10/18/2024

Routine veterinary visits help ensure pets are healthy, but preparation is key.

First, prioritize safety: keep pets on a leash or in a carrier to prevent escapes or injuries. Be cautious when entering the clinic, as other pets may be present. While waiting, keep your pet secure with you.

If your pet has insurance, bring that information along with their medical history. Also, prepare a list of current medications, including when they were last given. If you plan to stay, consider bringing a book or something to occupy your time while you wait.

10/17/2024

Drop-off appointments help veterinary practices manage high patient volumes while allowing time for treatments. Pet owners typically drop off their pets at a set time, with a veterinary assistant or technician admitting them. Common reasons for drop-off appointments include surgeries, diagnostic tests, treatments, grooming, and dental procedures. Pet owners should also bring a detailed list of any medications and food their pet needs.

10/17/2024

Amanda started at Salem Veterinary Hospital on June 1st 2021. Her favorite hobbies include baking, drawing, and reading. She graduated from the TCC vet tech program in Aug 2022. She loves working with animals and always has. She grew up with lots of pets and enjoyed getting to work with them everyday. At home, she has 2 black cats named Bluey and Pinky. Her biggest accomplishment is becoming a licensed vet tech and getting to learn exciting new things!

10/16/2024

There are many reasons a pet may come into the hospital that may not require seeing the veterinarian (if the pet is an established patient). Technician appointments are ideal for procedures like nail trims, blood draws, a**l gland expression, and other tasks that do not require a veterinarian. This allows the team better utilization of everyone's time and increases patient care. Pet owners can call their veterinary healthcare team to see what type of technician appointments are available for their pet’s needs.

10/15/2024

Our front desk and lobby will be closed today from 12-2pm for a staff appreciation lunch and meeting. We will check text messages and voicemails periodically through that time. 😄

10/15/2024

Brooke is our full-time, lead veterinary technician and team supervisor. She is a graduate from Blue Ridge, but also has a bachelors degree in Psychology from JMU. She loves snuggling up with her Boxer-Pit mix, Toby, and her long-haired, black cat, Nala, while reading a good book or researching the latest in veterinary news. She has a certification in animal nutrition and is currently working on her practice management certification. Her favorite part of working at Salem is client education. Her latest endeavor is getting engaged to her fiancé, Vinny, and they are currently looking to become first-time home buyers!

10/15/2024

There’s no typical day in a veterinary hospital, as a technician’s duties vary by facility. The day often starts with patient rounds, where the previous shift shares information on current cases, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

After assessing patients and recording their vitals, technicians prepare for appointments and surgeries. Their tasks include developing anesthetic protocols, performing radiographs, delivering chemotherapy, cleaning teeth, placing intravenous catheters, educating clients, filling prescriptions, and administering medications, all before the next shift begins.

10/14/2024

Thank you neighbors for your support! 💚

Barbara Sheffield, D.V.M. and Associates www.salemvetvb.com

10/14/2024

What educational experience and background are credentialed veterinary technicians required to have? Currently, a veterinary technician must pass the veterinary technician national exam (VTNE). In the United States, there are currently four different titles for veterinary technicians depending on the state of licensure.

Technicians can specialize in specific areas, similar to veterinarians. To apply for specialization, they must meet qualifications and submit case reports, knowledge lists, and demonstrate advanced skills. If accepted, they can take a credentialing exam to earn the title of Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). Currently, there are 16 specialty academies, including emergency and critical care, dental, internal medicine, and anesthesia.

10/13/2024

Did you see some of our SVH staff out in the wild today at the Hallo-wiener races? Dr. Celec-Holt’s 2 wieners, Corn Dog and Slim Jim dashed to the finish line! 🌭🎃🐶

10/13/2024

IT'S VETERINARY TECHNICAIN WEEK!

Navigating the veterinary experience can be overwhelming, as each hospital has different policies and procedures. Veterinary hospitals employ various roles, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants.

A veterinary technician (LVT) is a credentialed professional with a state license, similar to a Registered Nurse in human medicine. Their duties, determined by the supervising veterinarian, include anesthesia, venipuncture, catheter placement, radiography, and surgical assistance.

In contrast, a veterinary assistant (VA) has not passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) but often possesses extensive on-the-job training and skills. VAs play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of both technicians and veterinarians.

10/10/2024

Here are ways to reduce your cat's stress before/during/after a visit to the vet! 👉
1. Keep the carrier out in the open/place familiar objects inside.
2. Withholding food helps prevent motion sickness.
3. Bringing a favorite toy/bedding makes your cat calm comfortable.
4. Treats can be used as a reward and a distraction!
5. Prior to the visit, ask your vet if anti-anxiety medication is appropriate.

09/29/2024

We have urgent care appointments available tomorrow, Monday 9/30. Please call or text to schedule 757-427-2222.

09/21/2024

Ask Salem Veterinary Hospital how you can be better prepared for the unexpected!

09/13/2024

When you're a regular here with all of your pets, you end up with your own personal exam room! 😜

09/10/2024

We will be closed today from 12pm-2pm for a staff meeting. You can leave a voicemail or text 757-427-2222.

09/09/2024

We have urgent care appointments available today, 9/9! Give us a call to schedule 757-427-2222

09/03/2024

Our front desk will be closed until 2pm for a staff lunch and learn. You can text or leave us a voicemail 757-427-2222.

08/30/2024

We will be closed through the long weekend, opening Tuesday @ 8am for normal business hours. Link below for urgent care options ⬇️