INNOVATE - Street Veterinary Program Helps Homeless With Pets

Elica Health Centers’ Wellness Without Walls program brings medical care to the homeless living on the streets, and in September of this year, they expanded the program to also include veterinary care.

(Elica Health Centers)

For the estimated 5-10% of homeless people owning pets - and up to 24% in some parts of the country - lack of transportation and cost prevents them from getting health care for their animals.

Dr. James Reynolds, recently retired from private practice, is Elica Health’s veterinarian on the streets of Sacramento, California.

While some may believe the homeless should not be able to have pets if they can’t care for them properly, studies have shown those with animals fare better than those without.

“They are loving companions to these people. They are their comfort, and their responsibility. They offer unconditional love. The bonds are very strong,” Reynolds told the Sacramento Bee.

In the first couple of months providing veterinary care, the pilot project has treated close to 200 animals suffering everything from wounds to fleas.

The goal of the program is not just to ensure the street pets are healthy.

Elica Health also hopes the program will increase the number of those willing to get help for themselves - hard to reach individuals may be more open to receiving assistance themselves when their pets are also being cared for.

Another aim is to improve the health outcomes of pets and people by preventing them from passing conditions between each other.

Elica’s team is also working to designate some of these pets as “emotional support animals,” which would make them eligible to accompany their owners into housing.

“Pets are an important part of the emotional health of these people,” Dr. Matthew Gibson, a family medicine and psychiatry specialist and medical director for Wellness Without Walls, told the Sacramento Bee. “In many instances, they will be starving themselves but make sure their animal is fed.”

The company believes the street veterinary program may be the first one of its kind in the country.

Read the entire story.

HEALTH - More Treatment Options Can Mean More Stress for Pet Owners

There is no question that through advances in technology there are more veterinary options available to pet owners, including medication, surgeries and mobility assistance devices, but according to Dr. Danny Joffe of Associate Vet Clinics in Calgary, the primary veterinary focus must remain on ensuring the pet’s health and safety come first.

“Because of advances in veterinary medicine, we are allowed to offer a lot more options for care…but our duty is to the pet and not to the owner, and if gets to the point where the quality of life for the animal is compromised, our responsibility is to ensure that pet does not suffer,” he explained.

Expenditures on vet medicine have nearly doubled in just over a decade, according to marketresearch.com – from $8.5B in 2005 to $15B in 2015.

Much of this may be attributed to advances in veterinary medicine, as well as pets being held in an increasingly familial regard; as less people in North America have children, the desire to nurture is frequently extended to the love for a pet.

“There are even hospices for pets, to help deal with pain management and end of life care,” said Joffe. A simple online keyword search for animal hospices returns pages of information, services and centres.

For many, however, the care for an animal – particularly an aging pet – must be balanced with cost.

With the plethora of medications, procedures and prosthetics available for the maimed or failing pet, the ticket price associated with these advancements can place considerable financial strain on the average pet owner.

Add to this the emotional strain of wanting to do absolutely everything possible for their pet and the burden of treatment decisions can be huge.

Joffe said he believes pet insurance to be one of the best investments a pet owner can make today.

While it is unlikely a veterinary clinic would place any pressure on an owner to pursue options beyond what is affordable, for some pet parents there are feelings of guilt that may be associated with knowing that there is a veterinary solution that could save their pet’s life versus accepting that this option may be out of their financial reach.

Joffe said where he sees the most pressure is when family members disagree on course of action for their pet’s care.

“I always tell people I have the easy job – they have the hard job because they have to make the decision that is right for their family.”

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

HEALTH - Veterinarian Urges Caution Around Home Pet Health Devices

Some pet health technologies are turning heads.

One example is Petnostics – a $10 disposable cup with a lid equipped with an integrated urine test strip. Combined with the Petnostics app on your SmartPhone, pet owners can then use the app to scan the test strip and be alerted to potential health concerns.

While proactivity with pet health is encouraged by the veterinary community, Dr. Danny Joffe of Associate Vet Clinics in Calgary advises pet owners looking to purchase home-use pet health trackers to use caution.

“The question is always should people be using home checking devices? Or will they have pet owners chasing red herrings and result in even higher veterinary costs than anticipated?”

According to their website, the goal of Petnostics is to allow pet owners to perform the same urine test vets perform at their clinics - “at a fraction of the cost of a vet visit, you'll be able to better engage with your pet's health.”

Joffe said while the most effective method for testing an animal to see if there are viable health concerns continues to be blood and urine analysis, he is wary of any low-cost home testing kit (for urine) because they could trigger unnecessary fears in pet owners by detecting every minor abnormality that a licensed veterinarian may consider to be of no actual concern.

“There’s no magic bullet,” said Joffe, who added that a pet health tool he is in favour of is an activity tracker that a dog could use as a collar – for example, a FitBark or another type of Fitbit-model collar for canines; these collars are typically used to measure heart rates, respiratory rates and may have the ability to indicate levels of pain. Joffe said they should be used in conjunction with veterinary assessments to monitor your pet’s ongoing health.

American reality investor show, Shark Tank, showcased Petnostics recently as presented by founder/owner Stephen Chen. His presentation was a success, resulting in investments from two show hosts – Kevin O’Leary and Lori Grenier – for a combined stake of 20%.

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

AVMA Receives $45,000 Grant to Fund "Reaching UP" New Mexico Program

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) launched a pilot grant program which will be funded by corporate, private and public foundations. The funds will benefit programs in the areas of animal welfare, economics and research.

The Banfield Foundation provided a commitment of $45,000 to fund the first beneficiary of the pilot grant program, Reaching UP, New Mexico, which will provide veterinary care to traditionally underserved Native American populations in New Mexico throughout 2016.

​“The Banfield Foundation is proud to partner with the AVMA to support the 2016 Reaching UP New Mexico program,” said Lilisa Hall, Executive Director of the Banfield Foundation. “As an organization dedicated to animal welfare, education and elevating the pet-human bond, we believe that efforts to improve access to veterinary care in underserved areas are incredibly important to pets, pet owners and local communities.”

Tribal populations have historically had minimal access to consistent veterinary care, which has led to overpopulation of companion animals, specifically dogs. This, in turn, harms animal health and welfare, public health, and the human animal bond.

AVMA member veterinarians specifically trained in high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter make multiple trips to the same area at strategic times, ensuring that a sufficient number of animals are altered to achieve population management goals while preserving a high standard of care. By talking with the pet owners about their animals’ health and the importance of preventive care, the veterinary staff also provides community education about the importance of pet wellness care, as well as the connections between animal health and human health.

In addition to the grant provided by the Banfield Foundation, Banfield Pet Hospital associates will participate in the program as volunteers alongside other AVMA veterinarians.

“The program serves as a reminder of what drives so many veterinarians to enter the profession: the opportunity to improve the health and welfare of animals and people,” said Dr. Joseph Kinnarney, AVMA president. “While volunteerism is at the heart of the program, it is only truly possible through the generous donation of the Banfield Foundation.”

​

B.C. Cat Will be First to Get Prosthetic Blades

Eight-month-old Cassidy is now one step closer to walking and jumping like other normal cats. He was injected with Botox in his hind legs to relax the muscles before placing prosthetic blades on his back limbs.

"This will be the first cat in the world to be fitted with prosthetic blades, so our hope today was just the final step before that surgery can be performed," Dr. Mike Higgins, a neurologist with Canada West Veterinary Specialists told Tech Times.

Cassidy will travel to North Carolina State University for the prosthetic limb implant.

These types of 3D printed prosthetic blades have already been used for dogs, but this is a first for cats.

Dr. Higgins predicts prostheses will be more available for paralyzed and malformed animals in about 10 to 15 years.

Cassidy lost his rear legs due to wounds caused by E. Coli. He was found and rescued by Shelly Roche of Tiny Kittens Rescue last year.

Read the full story.

October is Royal Canin Fundraise For Farley Month!

The 2015 Royal Canin Fundraise for Farley Month is happening this October. It will be their biggest campaign so far. The Farley Foundation helps Ontarians and their sick or injured pets.

The Farley Foundation was created in 2002 and since then it has disbursed $2.4 million CDN to over 6,000 people and 800 veterinary practices. Currently over 300 practices raise money for the Farley Foundation during Fundraise for Farley Month.

More information about Fundraising for Farley may be found here.

       

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

CVMA Antimicrobial smartvet app now available

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has released a new treatment decision application, Antimicrobial SmartVet. 

Developed by a veterinary expert panel, the SmartVet app is an antimicrobial treatment decision tool for companion animal practitioners. This app will guide you through the process of selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for specific bacterial diseases of cats and dogs. 

The bilingual app is available through the Apple or Google Play stores. CVMA members can access a desktop version of SmartVet online at: http://apps.canadianveterinarians.net

CVMA supports and encourages all veterinarians to use antimicrobials prudently. Read CVMA’s Position Statement on Antimicrobial Use in Animals. 

The development of CVMA's SmartVet app was made possible with funding support from the Canadian Animal Health Institute. 

Canadians head south for cheaper vet care

More and more Canadians are heading south of the border in search of cheaper veterinary care for their pets. And many are finding it, according to a recent CTV NEWS article. 

CTV Winnipeg reports that a spay or neuter service in Winnipeg could cost as much as $500, while $300 is the top price in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Some pet owners report savings of more than $400 on dental work in the US. 

Indeed, the cost of pet health care was identified by 2013 Urban Animal delegates as one of the most significant barriers to a positive pet experience. But Calgary North Veterinary Hospital's Dr. Drew Van Niekerk asserts that most vets are trustworthy and simply trying to make a living like everyone else. 

"All practices have financial realities to deal with. Some practices have higher overhead, with diversity of services, quality of care and hours of operation factoring heavily into this," he told InfoStream. "Understanding a client includes knowing the intricacies of their relationship in the family, the resources they have to put toward pet care, and the fashion in which they make decisions."

According to Dr. Van Niekerk trust is the single, most important element of the pet family/veterinarian relationship. 

"Veterinarians should understand the need to build that transparent and honest trust with a client," he said. "If it doesn't develop, then one has either to question the vet about issues until satisfied, or find another if it isn't there. The most skilled and intelligent veterinarian who doesn't develop the trust, never gets to show his or her skills." 

The Challenges of the Pet Experience

Preventative animal healthcare is a top priority for all sectors of the urban animal industry. With decreasing vet visits, increasing judgement and the emergence of "Dr. Google", the industry is facing challenges which will require communication and collaboration across the board. 

Dr. Brenda Bonnet has studied the pet experience around the globe. At Summit 2013, Bonnett presented some of her findings to Summit Delegates as part of the Facts & Evidence sessions. Her lecture focused on the Challenges of the Pet Experience citing breeder suppositions, veterinary expectations and assumptions and the complex interplay of human and animal factors as dilemmas to the pet experience. 

To help refactor these dilemmas into opportunities, Bonnett suggested three action items:  

1. Commercial pet industry - "The general public is the engine that drives the pet breeding industry." Bonnett considered a strategy to 're-align educational, practice, regulatory, health management strategies and attitudes to recognize the reality'. She also noted that 'Breeders' shouldn't be lumped into a single category as good/bad, commercial/hobby, etc.  
2. Define a model of humanely conservative care and an education program around it - Citing studies focusing on the gap between veterinary professionals and pet families, Bonnett suggested 'spectrums of care' options, focusing on outcomes rather than just actions and reconsidering the vet/pet owner relationship from a multi-stakeholder/ evidence based and reality/based perspective.  
3. Explore partnerships and sharing with U.S. organizations already practicing these opportunities 

LINK TO PRESENTATION 

Preventative care and the pet experience

Preventative animal health care is goal highlighted by many members of the urban animal industry. But educating pet families on the benefits of preventative care and annual check-ups has become increasingly difficult. 

Partners for Healthy Pets is a committee of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation created to ensure pets receive the preventative healthcare they deserve through regular veterinary visits. The program provides vet practices with the tools and knowledge they need to communicate with pet owners. Seminars, presentations, educational modules and guidelines are offered up to ensure that pets have access to the healthcare they need to create trust, prevent serious diseases and enhance the pet owner's perceived value of preventative veterinary care. 

Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Calgary North Veterinary Hospital, believes programs like Partners for Healthy Pets have great intentions and serve an important function. But he maintains that trust is the most important element that should exist between pet owners and vets to ensure animals are getting the care they need. 

"The veterinarian earns trust by truly understanding the client and matching that with the talents they have for medical care. Understanding a client includes knowing the intricaces of their relationship in the family, the resources they have to put toward pet care, and the fashion in which they make decisions," said Van Niekerk. 

"Annual physical exams are extremely important to the pet and the family.  It is an opportunity to educate pet owners on all facets of home care, as well as reducing risk of pain, discomfort and disease.  This message is real and important.  Tell that to pet families and they will see the importance and trust the veterinarian's advice to return annually, because there is value to the service."

Veterinary care and the Pet Experience

Summit 2013 conversations about the Pet Experience often circled around to the quality, frequency and cost of veterinary care. Most members of the industry would agree that regular, preventative veterinary checkups are important to an animal's health, but pet owner support wavers when stories of economic euthanasia and unnecessary treatments emerge. 

A recent 20/20 segment revealed a handful of U.S. veterinary clinics advising clients to perform inessential dental and vaccination procedures has likely struck chords with many pet owners. But the industry is disappointed with the coverage and the message it is sending to pet families. The American Veterinary Medical Association released a statement discrediting the segment and advising pet owners to continue to rely on the advice of their own, trusted veterinarian in deciding what treatments are appropriate for their pets. 

"Trust is the big message, and we cannot keep a pet owner's trust without justifying the need for their pet (within their family resources and using some sensible decision making) to follow our recommendations," says Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Calgary North Veterinary Hospital. "Decisions need to be made on a priority basis, and a vet should be sensitive to the resources available to a pet family." 

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) encourages Canadian pet owners to discuss healthcare options with their veterinarian and work together to make decisions that suit their budget and are in line with the level of care the owner expects. 

"Pet owners should keep in mind that prevention is always better for pets and more cost effective for pet owners," says Dr. Jim Berry, CVMA president. "Every pet is an individual, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions."

Bayer findings on felines

A new study conducted by Bayer HealthCare, in collaboration with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), reveals that 78% of veterinarians believe better care for cats represents one of the most significant, missed opportunities for the profession. The same study reveals that more than half (52%) of cats in America had not been taken to the vet in the past year.

A key objective of the Veterinary Care Usage Study III: Feline Findings is to determine the extent to which veterinary practices recognize the need to improve cat care and what steps, if any, they have taken to increase feline visits. Nearly 70% of veterinarians were familiar with the earlier Bayer studies. Of those most familiar, 48% indicated they had made specific changes in their practices, most aimed at increasing cat visits. Moreover, 91% of veterinarians believe they have available capacity to handle more cat visits without significant changes. 

Bayer's Veterinary Care Usage Study III identifies a number of roadblocks to veterinary cat care, potential practices to encourage cat visits and overall trends in revenue and pet visits. With eye-catching taglines like "69% of cats were obtained at no cost" and "Owners said they consider their dogs to be companions and dependent and their cats to be pets and independent" this study is sure to influence conversations around cats in our homes and communities.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

2011 Year of the Cat Report Released

The 2011 Year of the Cat focused awareness on the need for routine veterinary care, identification and spay/neuter procedures, which resulted in a better understanding of Canada's most popular pet – the cat.

Now available is an indepth look into the 2011 Year of the Cat campaign. Click here for the full report.

For more information on Year of the Cat, please contact Judi Cannon at judi.cannon@petlynxmail.com or 705.930.7387.