Employment Offered: Client Relations/Receptionist

Employment Opportunity: Client Relations/Receptionist

Employer: Brendan W. Furlong, Equine Veterinarian, PA

Employment start date: June 03, Full Time

BW Furlong & Associates is an equine veterinary practice located in Oldwick, NJ. The practice employs 11 veterinarians that practice in the Northeast, as well as Florida and Virginia. It is an extremely fast-paced and busy practice, serving and caring for some of the most prestigious clientele in the country. The practice consists of an ambulatory practice, full service hospital and internal medicine specialist, standing MRI, lab, and imaging. Employees of the practice are highly self-motivated, out-going, problem solvers, and always willing to do what is best for the patients.

Responsibilities

• Scheduling day-to-day appointments

• Check-in clients to the hospital

• Receive high volume phone calls

• Assist in billing

• Assist in human resources

• Other potential responsibilities based on qualifications

Qualifications 

• Punctual and strong background in time-management

• Pleasant manner in assisting clients and attitude to ensure they always feel well cared for

• Capable of handling emergency situations

• An outstanding team attitude and work ethic

• Strong communication skills: over the phone, written, and in person

• A basic knowledge of horses with a desire to learn more

• A background in client relations (either education or work) is preferred but not required

• Strong computer background, including familiarity with Microsoft Office

Hours are Monday-Friday, 8a-5p. Benefits include salary commensurate with experience, 401K, profit sharing, Health Insurance, and discounted veterinary services and products.

Submit your resume and cover letter in either of the following ways:

Email: info@bwfurlongnj.com

Mail: BW Furlong & Associate, Attn Nadia Cook-Grisewood, PO Box 16, Oldwick, NJ 08858.

For any additional questions, please contact Nadia at 908-439-2821.

Is your horse's mouth ready for show season?

(Published in the April Horse News)

By: Emily Olson, DVM

You spent the winter keeping your horse in shape, the truck oil is changed,
the trailer is cleaned and tire pressure checked, the horses all have new shoes…
But what about your horses’ teeth? Don’t let a dental issue rear its ugly head in the
show ring! As horse owners we quickly suspect dental disease when our horse is
losing weight, not eating normally, or dropping feed. However,

Vaccination Time - Keep Your Horses Healthy

As the cold weather moves in, it’s time to think about fall vaccines to protect your horses. Below is a list of our recommended vaccinations and a brief summary of the diseases they help to prevent. Please contact us with any questions!

Potomac Horse Fever

Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) is caused by a bacterial organism (Neorickettsia risticii). This bacteria lives inside a fluke which resides within aquatic insects during the immature stages and within snails during the adult stages. The primary mode of infection in horses is likely by accidental ingestion of infected  insects or snails that contaminate grass, hay or feed. PHF most commonly causes acute-onset fever, colic, anorexia, diarrhea, and/or  laminitis. Horses that are vaccinated for Potomac Horse Fever may still show signs, but are usually less severely affected and have a better response to treatment, resulting in more favorable prognosis for survival. Treatment for PHF is with an intravenous antibiotic (oxytetracycline) and is usually most successful when started early in the course of infection. 

Rhino

Equine herpesvirus (also known as rhino, EHV or rhinopneumonitis) is caused by a virus (equine herpesvirus-1 or equine herpesvirus-4). Signs of respiratory infection vary based on type and strain of virus, but may include fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge and cough.  Vaccination is indicated to reduce severity of illness and help prevent the spread of respiratory tract disease, particularly show horses or racehorses that travel. EHV-1 can also cause abortions and neurologic signs, so pregnant mares and horses exposed to pregnant mares should be vaccinated. Unfortunately, currently available vaccines have not been shown to provide reliable protection against the neurologic form of the disease.  Some protection is, however, likely to be provided by appropriate vaccination.  There is no specific treatment for these diseases and locations where horses are identified with the neurologic form of EHV-1 must undergo strict quarantine measures . 

Recent information on disease prevalence and outbreaks can be found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/index.htm.

Flu

Equine influenza virus (the flu) is also called by a virus (orthomyxovirus). The virus is easily aerosolized by respiratory secretions and is transmitted by direct contact or inhalation. It is highly contagious in unvaccinated individuals and causes destruction of the cells lining the respiratory tract, which can take up to 3-4 weeks to fully repair.  Clinical signs can include nasal discharge, cough, increased respiratory rate, lethargy, poor appetite, exercise intolerance, and fever. There is no specific treatment other than supportive care and rest. The virus affects all ages of horses, although clinical signs are often more mild in older horses.  It has a short incubation time of only a few days, and can cause an isolated case or an outbreak of an entire barn. The immunity following vaccination is short-lived, consequently it is important to vaccinate every 6 months or sooner in high risk situations. 

EWE (Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) are caused by viruses that lives in a bird-mosquito life cycle (and occasionally rodents). Transmission to horses usually occurs by mosquito bites. Signs of infection are neurologic abnormalities such as stumbling, head-pressing, loss of balance, circling, depression, and abnormal gait. Infected horses typically have a fever and abnormal bloodwork (low white blood cell count). EEE has a high potential to be deadly in unvaccinated horses. There is no treatment for these diseases aside from supportive care. Available vaccines for both diseases have been proven to be very effective for disease prevention.  Both of these viruses can affect humans, causing similar signs as seen in horses, however transmission from horse to human has not been proven. 

Information on disease prevalence and outbreaks is located here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ee/index.htm.

West Nile Virus 

West Nile Virus (WNV) is cause by a virus that lives in a bird-mosquito life cycle. Signs of disease include fever and neurologic abnormalities such as trembling, head-pressing, circling, instability, abnormal gait, visual difficulty, and inability to swallow. There is no treatment for this disease aside from supportive care and this disease can be fatal. While humans can be infected with this disease, there is no direct horse-human transmission. Recent information on disease prevalence and outbreaks can be found at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv/index.htm.

To find more information on the vaccines discussed here as well as several other available vaccines, check out AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) page: http://www.aaep.org/vaccinations_campaign.htm.

PRO BAREBACK SHOW JUMPING CHALLENGE TO BE FEATURED AT DANSKO FAIR HILL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN THE COUNTRY

ELKTON, MD – A new feature class will make it debut this year at the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country, October 18-21^st in Elkton, Maryland. The PRO Bare Back Show Jumping Challenge presented by Zurich Insurance, BW Furlong & Associates and Furlong’s Healthy Horse will challenge some of the nation’s top riders to jump without saddles.  The 3’3” course, designed by Sally Ike, will be run as a speed class and include an optional ‘joker fence’ set at 3’6” for riders who choose to tempt fate and gain an advantage to win.  A prize purse of $2,000 is available thanks to the generous support of the co-presenting sponsors.

This is the first time that this type of challenge has been organized at Fair Hill: “We’ve had a lot of fun putting on the Shetland Pony Races for the last couple of years, but we thought it was time for a change,” said Samantha Lendl, executive director of PRO, “We organize the Bare Back Puissance at Plantation Field International which has grown incredibly popular and has established a real following and we hope to have the Bareback Show Jumping Challenge bring the same sort of excitement to the Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country.”

The PRO Bareback Show Jumping Challenge will take place on Sunday, October 21^st at the lunch break just prior to the CCI*** show jumping, which is the USEF Fall CCI*** National Championship and also a part of the 2012 PRO Tour Series. It will feature event riders Laine Ashker, Doug Payne, Danny Warrington, Dom Schramm

The Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country has a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend for families and spectators to enjoy as well as a well as the Country Shops trade fair. Some of the weekend highlights are:

Thursday, October 18^th

CCI*** and CCI** Competitions Starts (throughout the weekend)

USEA Young Event Horse Championships (through Friday)

Country Shops Open (throughout the weekend)

Friday, October 19^th 

Dog Agility Demonstrations and Lessons (throughout the weekend)

Coon Jump Demo

US Pony Club Cross-Country Course Walk with Sharon White

Saturday, October 20^th

Kids Corner Open (throughout the weekend)

Frisbee Dog Competitions and Flyball Demonstration

Miniature Horse Demonstration (through Sunday)

US Pony Clubs Senior President’s Cup Games (through Sunday)

Silly Goose and Val Live Music and Puppet Show

The Art and Sport of Falconry with Live Birds of Prey

Horse Play – A play about horses through history

PRO Rider Autograph Sessions

Tailgating (must purchase tailgating tickets)

Sunday, October 21^st

Classic Cars

Sled Dog Demonstration

Mr. Ronn Live Music

PRO Bareback Show Jumping Challenge

CCI*** Stadium Jumping Course Walk with Sally Ike

Admission for children under 12, Pony Club Members with Pin, 4-H Members with ID and Military Members and their dependents with ID is free. To purchase tickets and directions, please visit http://www.fairhillinternational.com/attendance

Just TWO Weeks Left for Major GASTROGARD Savings

Available only in September! 

Furlong's Healthy Horse is offering major online savings to our clients on one of the most popular products we sell. Don't miss your chance for significant savings on GASTROGARD - only two weeks remain!

Stock up now for your trips south this winter and help keep your horse healthy!

Savings Include:

GASTROGARD 14 count: Normally $459.99, now $399.99 

(ONLY $28.57 a tube)

  

GASTROGARD 28 count: Normally $899.99, now $779.99 

(ONLY $27.85 a tube)

GASTROGARD 72 count: Normally $2,279.99, now $1949.99 

(ONLY $27.08 a tube)

This offer is available through Furlong's Healthy Horse only to clients of B.W. Furlong and Associates and Peak Performance, LLC. If you haven't already done so, activating your account is a simple process. 

Please log on to Furlong's Healthy Horse: https://furlongshealthyhorse.com to order your GASTROGARD today. 

Feel free to call with any questions about this offer: 800-837-1250. 

More information about the great product is available here: 

http://gastrogard.us.merial.com/index.shtml  

This offer runs until September 28, 2012.

Olympic Q&A with Dr. Furlong

This will be Dr. Brendan Furlong’s fifth and last Olympic Games. He evaluated the U.S. Eventing Team Horses on Monday, July 2nd following the Mandatory Outing at Barbury Castle. Below he talks about the process of being a veterinarian for some of the world’s nicest horses at the Olympic Games.

1. What is the evaluation process for the Eventing Team before a Championship team is named?

The evaluation is not unlike a pre-purchase exam. It is fairly standardized prior to a championship, it includes (at least) two members of the vet panel who perform:

• A physical exam (heart, lungs, skeletal, basic parameters).
• A soundness evaluation (includes walking and jogging horse on a hard surface, lunging, soft tissue palpation, flexion tests). Then we do ultrasound of front limbs, and may take x rays or do more in depth diagnostics if our soundness evaluation gives us reason to look at certain areas more closes. 
• A full drug screen on these horses at the time of evaluation.
• Any additional diagnostics if and when appropriate.

Our job is to give the USEF selectors as much information as we can about the usefulness of a horse on a team in terms of soundness and the likeliness of it to finish the competition. You can have the five best horses in the world and if three are relatively unsound it decreases the chances to finish a team. If you don’t have three that can trot up, as the vet, you haven’t done your job to the best of your ability. The primary goals for the veterinary panel are to have a team that can finish and win medals. 

2. What is the hardest part of your job as the Team Veterinarian?

The hardest part of the process this year was knowing we had 10 or 12 really nice horses and, because of that, we knew we were going to have some very happy people and some really devastated people. They have all worked really hard and done what they are meant to do. Last week after I evaluated those horses, I drove back to Heathrow on Monday and I was gutted for those who weren’t named to the team. But we all had to regroup, and now we have to put our entire sport behind our team and make sure they have every chance possible and every resource possible to ensure that they can perform to their personal best. 

3. What happens next for you?

Wendy (Leich) and I are on our way to watch our son, Jonny row in the Under - 23 World Championships in Lithuania. Its an amazing thing for me, my kid is off to be an elite athlete.

But, I’m on the phone with  Dr. PJ McMahon (who is based in the UK), constantly - probably 15 times today. PJ is my eyes and ears when I’m not there - that’s the way it is set up. We keep an incredibly close eye on these horses and they may have minor treatments, its a great comfort to the riders. And that is  part of our job now, keeping the riders happy. They have to feel they have nothing to worry about except competing the horse, the best thing I can tell a rider is, “You don’t worry about your horse - your horse is absolutely fine.” 

I go to the UK on July 21st, then we observe all the horses after the last gallop - make sure they are all good to go. We then move into the Olympic site. We keep a close eye on the horses before they trot up. Once we finish the trot up we breathe a huge collective sigh of relief.  But then it becomes tense again fairly quickly before the dressage. Wendy will be busy, as she is very good at doing acupuncture - which helps these horses relax. 

4. What is the best part of your job?

This is the Olympic Games - at Rolex for example, it is all about individuals. The prize at Rolex is huge, but this is an opportunity for a team - the whole thing about the Oympics is TEAM first, then if we have someone in the hunt for the individual we put it all our efforts behind them.  

5. Any outstanding Olympic memories?

I remember my first Olympics (in 1996), I was so terrified about the process and I spent a lot of the time wondering if I was capable. We won a Team SIlver and when David (O’Connor) won individual Gold in Sydney - that was incredible and something I will never forget. They're all special. I’m going to be part of the support team for an Olympic team -  I have to pinch myself - I'm a farmer’s son from Ireland. Its still a big deal and fortunately I have a great crew at the practice behind me and Wendy and the kids. It feels like it is coming full circle with Jonny off to do something for his country now too. 

Taking Flight... with our Olympic Horses

By Dr. Sarah Gold

When I mention to clients, family, and friends that I just returned from flying the Land Rover US Eventing Team to London for the Olympic Games, the number one question I get is “How do you fly a horse?” Answer: In cargo.

Cargo, other than leaving at odd times in the morning, is a great way to travel.  No other passengers to deal with, lots of room to move around and sometimes you even get your own first class section or bed, depending on the type of plane you are on.   In my experience, horses actually ship better in the air than on the road.  One of the biggest reasons for that is that you avoid the “stop-go-stop-go” of traffic, and the bumps on the road.  When horses feel the truck stop on the road, they can often get antsy, wondering if they have arrived.  On a plane, there is just one loud noise at the beginning, one at the end, and relatively few bumps along the way when compared to road travel.  

I have also been fortunate in that my four-legged travel companions are well-travelled, and quite frankly, often exhausted by the time they get on the plane.  Shipping horses can be a long process, with pre-export quarantining, and road travel to the airport.  And usually these horses have been in active competition prior to travel.  So, much like the overworked business man that is lulled to sleep when the plane engines turn on, these horses tend to settle quickly and prefer to be left to doze, no sedation required.  Of course we come through with the snacks and drinks cart – well, water buckets and any feed, treats, or medications that they need- but I often get the impression that the horses prefer each other’s company, and would rather I leave them to rest.  Pilots in charge of these enormous cargo planes are often sympathetic to the horses as well, and will inquire as to how they would prefer the temperature, and go through great efforts to have a smooth take-off and landing for the horses.   And ear popping during descent does not seem to be an issue.

 

Medically speaking, with a healthy performance horse, there is not usually a lot that needs to be done to prepare for flight, other than ensuring that the horse is hydrated and healthy prior to leaving.  Depending on the length of the flight, and how well the horse drinks, fluids may be administered, either via a nasogastric tube (NGT) or through an IV catheter.  NGT fluid administration is usually water with some electrolytes added, and while all horses resent being tubed, the procedure is over relatively quickly (less than 5 minutes), and the fluids are delivered directly to the GI tract.  This means that if the horse needs the fluids, he can draw them naturally through his gut walls, and if not, the fluids will just pass through, potentially aiding the passing of feed.  With IV fluids, greater amounts of fluids can be administered which go directly into the blood circulation, but the horse has to remain tied for a few hours, and often winds up having to urinate quite a bit.  So I do recommend that we begin the process of IV fluids, if indicated, much earlier, so the horses do not wind up having to stand around a soaked trailer or cargo palate.  Other than fluids, most competition horses are on some form of gastro-protectant, like gastrogard or ulcergard, which should be continued in the face of travel.  

If you are planning air travel for you horse, or any extensive ground travel, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions prior to shipping. Every horse is an individual, and, like people, some travel better than others.  As for myself, I have definitely developed a taste for traveling via my own private cargo plane, with the companionship of some four-legged Olympic athletes to keep me company.