October 2015 by Kathleen Makolinski, DVM

Audience: Executive Leadership, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Video Length: 52 minutes

Cats and dogs are admitted to shelters for several different reasons and from various types of environments. A review of the animal's history (if available) and a physical examination upon intake provide a valuable opportunity to see if the animal has health or behavior concerns. This seminar reviews the fundamentals of a physical examination in cats and dogs. This information allows staff members to determine how to best care for animals during their shelter stay, which animals need the immediate attention of a veterinarian, which can be quickly returned to their owners, and which need to be isolated to help control the spread of infectious diseases. This is a presentation from the 2015 ASPCA-Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference at Cornell University.

About Kathleen Makolinski, DVM

Dr. Makolinski is a clinical Instructor in Shelter Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Makolinksi received her DVM from Cornell University in 1996 and worked in small animal practice for four years following graduation. She served as the veterinary director for a limited admission shelter as well as co-founded Feral Cat FOCUS and Operation PETS: The Spay/Neuter Clinic of Western New York. Kathleen began working with the ASPCA in 2008 and is currently a Senior Director within the Shelter Medicine Service. Here, she helps spay/neuter programs and shelters develop and implement protocols that deliver high quality animal care. Kathleen completed the University of Florida's - Maddie's® Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine in 2013 and a UC Davis Shelter Medicine Fellowship in 2014. Kathleen joined ASV as a board member in 2014 and currently serves as a member of the ASV's Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter. She is also a member of the organizing committee for the board specialty in shelter medicine practice.