Breathing Easy: Managing Respiratory Disease
Cheryl Braswell, DVM
Bio
Cheryl Braswell has been practicing veterinary medicine for 35 years, graduating from the University of Georgia in 1979. She originally started her veterinary career as a small animal general practitioner. After five years as an associate, she thenstarted her own business. In 2005 she retired from general practice andelected to seek further educationin order tospecialize in emergency and critical care. In additionto her Emergency and Critical Specialist status, she has also achieved certification as a Veterinary Hyperbaric Technologist and is currently working toward certification in veterinary pain management. Her research focus is the emerging field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in veterinary medicine. Cheryl is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Western University College of Veterinary Medicine and especially enjoys teaching in the clinical setting. She routinely supervises externs and has developed an internship program anticipated to begin July 2015.Cheryl has recently developed a sincere passion for hospice care of veterinary patients. She is developing a hospice model to implement through specialty hospitals. She is actively involved in the community including the Ventura County Shelter and wellness programs for pets of the homeless. Her hobbies include gardening, dancing andworking with her standard poodle in performance venues.
Cheryl has two grown children,who are also pursuing careers in the health carefield. Kathryn will soon graduate with credentials in traditional Chinese medicine. Veronica is in her second year of veterinary school.
Abstract
Difficulty breathing is considered by many in hospice to be one of the most critical turning points in the dying process. When patients cannot find the air they need, they can become extremely uncomfortable, agitated, and become so exhausted trying to stay awake to breathe that death becomes a welcomed release. This lecture will highlight common breathing patterns in disease states and offer solutions to maintain comfort, especially in the home setting.