There’s a Worldwide Veterinary Shortage. How to Ensure Your Pet Gets the Care It Needs
After being turned away from my vet and emergency clinic, here are five known, and new insights that may help your pet’s health
I had no idea.
If you don’t need a vet, why would you know? When you DO need a vet, you may be very shocked. If you don’t have a vet, I’d start looking.
A Bit Of Background On My Dog Libby
She is a happy, bouncy, perky, 15-year-old, 9-pound dog who loves nothing more than to go for a big hike with me. She’ll go anytime, anywhere — she’s a real keener.
My husband and I used to hike with our dog club in Kananaskis Country, near Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. When we moved in 2014 to the West Coast, on Vancouver Island, I found a lady's hiking group. Libby was the mascot, along with a couple of other dogs. She ran back and forth from the front to the group's back, always keeping her eye on me. She was a delight. Her energy knew no bounds.
Thankfully Libby is still a big part of our life. At 15 years of age, her hikes are not as long, but we’re still active. We do agility and parkour activities on our walks which keep her mind and body active and healthy. However, we watch her more these days for signs of potential changes in her health.
Turned Away From Our Vet Twice In One Month
First: Last month, Libby got into my purse where, unbeknownst to me, my 90-year-old mom had put some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Libby never gets human food, except the human-grade pet food she’s come to love.
I called our veterinarian right away because she’s the Dr., the expert we have always relied on for yearly exams and a few other times of need. I told the receptionist that Libby had eaten two giant cookies with about 30 chips in each one. Most owners know chocolate can be deadly for dogs.
The receptionist said, “Sorry, we are full up right now and can’t take any more appointments, you should call the local emergency clinic, they may want to pump her stomac, give her fluids and charcoal.”
I called the clinic, and while on hold, I listened to the recording, which informed me there was a worldwide veterinary shortage, and they were doing the best they could. In the end, they wouldn’t see me. I was to keep an eye on Libby. They said she would probably vomit overnight and have diarrhea. Hopefully, she’d be ok; if not, bring her in. My husband and I were shocked, but there was nothing we could do but have faith she’d do well.
Libby’s eyes looked as though she’d drank an entire pot of coffee. She was uneasily pacing the house and attempting to rest until, at last she finally settled. Our sleep was uneasy, but thankfully there was no vomiting or diarrhea. #Grateful
Second: Recently, I’ve noticed Libby is drinking quite a bit more water; however, she seems fine in every other way. The other day I woke her up from a sleep. At 15 years old, she is basically deaf, so like my 90-year-old mom, when she sleeps, it’s deep. Thankfully, she’s not allowed on the furniture because I saw she had urinated when I got her up. Her pillow was soaked right through. When I put her leash on, she did her best downward dog stretch, happy to be going outside. She never even realized she had already peed.
I called our vet for an appointment thinking perhaps she had a Urinary Tract Infection. Whatever was happening, I knew she would need to be seen by the Dr. sooner than later.
The receptionist said “Nope, sorry, the soonest we can book you in is five weeks away, October, 14th. You can call the emergency clinic if you like.”
I did my best to stay calm, courteous and not drop the phone, however I WAS going to find a way for her to be seen sooner than later.
Learn All You Can and Be Ready If Your Pet Needs help
I learned a few things that helped me for now and the future. To get up to speed, you may want to read the most current information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It’s a ‘perfect storm’ of pandemic pressure, and at least in Canada, this article published by the CBC paints a grim picture.
“Veterinary students, I think it’s safe to say they are the most expensive student to train. The clinical, diagnostic and practical training of veterinarians is exceedingly expensive, and must be across all species. The reason we’re stuck at 120 [students] in Canada is because that’s the most we can train, given the resources we have now.”
— Jeffrey Wichte
Here’s what is in our control:
- We can anticipate yearly vaccination and wellness exams, give yourself at least a month lead time. With Covid protocol, there are fewer appointments available per day. Libby’s advanced age means two wellness checks a year.
- Watch for any different behavior in your pet. There are times when it’s not urgent, but you may want it checked. Booking an appointment a few weeks to a month out means you can keep tabs on what’s happening. If the condition seems to clear, you can always cancel the appointment.
- Ask about ‘1 issue, same day appointments’. Vets, like regular doctors, often keep a slot or two open for urgent care. After some courteous grilling on my part, staff revealed I might get an appointment for the same day if I called first thing in the morning (8:00 a.m. for my vet). I did call the next day and brought her in at 8:50 a.m. The Dr. checked the urine sample I brought in and did a full panel of bloodwork.
- Regular exercise and good nutrition are essential to good health. I believe this, in large part, is how Libby has continued to be active and happy in her senior years. Also, a good quality probiotic has helped Libby steer clear of gastrointestinal issues —a big reason for vet visits.
- Brush your dog's teeth. There are three organs that are especially susceptible to the spread of oral bacteria: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys.
Please Remember, This Isn’t The Veterinarians or Staff’s Fault
We shouldn’t take our frustrations out on the veterinary staff. None of this is their fault. Hopefully, by reading the articles I have attached above and being as proactive as possible, we can keep our beloved furry family members healthy, whether at our vet or an emergency clinic.
Unfortunately, this challenge isn’t going away anytime soon.
The results are in
The Doc called this morning. Libby has stage 3 kidney disease. She’s still her perky, happy little self, except for the much-increased water intake. Out of all the listed symptoms, this is the only one she has now. Thankfully, we can continue life pretty much as usual, along with implementing a low phosphorus diet and a supplement geared to kidney health. I’ll be learning how to give Libby fluids subcutaneously regularly. Yes, this will alter our routine, and I’m not too fond of needles, but we’ll have her at her best for longer. We do what’s within our control for those we love.
My husband and I are gutted. We’re grateful she still has a good quality of life but know that can change quickly. She has been and continues to be the absolute best dog. She is the sweetest, pure-hearted, and brightest light we could ever have in our life. Even people who generally don’t like small dogs love Libby. She’s a gift to all she meets, including my mom and those in her assisted living residence. It will be a tough conversation to have with friends and family, especially mom — the other geriatric female in my life.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened — Anatole France (1844–1924)
I hope this information allows you to be proactive if you find your furry family member in need of health care.
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