Innovative Vet Technology
A Veterinary Tail
In a quest for better technology,scientists and doctors have worked their way through countless theories and tests to unearth remedies for their patients. Fortunately, four-legged, furry inhabitants have not been overlooked. The history of veterinary care dates back way before dogs and cats began to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle they do today. It’s not clear when exactly our pets became family members. However, it is apparent that this medical practice has flourished into a sophisticated, ever-changing science that offers advanced services and surgeries once only available to people.
To Aid and A-Vet
Veterinary care, much like any medical field, begins with detection. Many vets offer ultrasound to reveal a number of problems in their patients. “With abdominal ultrasounds, we are looking for tumors, bladder stones, and bleeding,” says Dr. Kelly Gavin from Park East Animal Hospital in New York. “Echocardiograms are used to detect things like heart defects
and heart disease.”
Although Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Chicago has a mobile cardiologist who comes in to do readings, there is an ultrasound in-house that scans hearts and then emails the information. “The more equipment you have and the more diagnostic you do on the spot–I think it makes better medicine so we can treat the animal sooner,” says Animal Ark’s Dr. Derrick J. Landini, VDIC. Landini also travels to other practices to perform ultrasound exams and ultrasound-guided needle biopsies. This service, called Mobile Ultrasound, is available for clinics and hospitals within 35 miles of his office. Another veterinary practice gaining momentum is the growing specialization in animal dermatology. These include allergic skin diseases, fungal skin diseases, and bacterial skin diseases, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals through contact, and in some cases, lead to death if not treated. Such conditions can be detected with microscopic examinations, skin biopsies, and allergy tests. According to the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, NY, pets plagued with such problems have a number of treatments available to them, including diet adjustments and chemotherapeutical agents. “These interventions will ultimately give the pet a better quality of life,” said Dr. Norma White-Weithers, a dermatological veterinarian at the CSVC. “Pets with skin diseases are living longer lives and more healthful lifestyles.”
Dental care is also an option. According to Gavin, animals can acquire various dental problems, including tooth fractures, abscesses, and plaque. The Animal Hospital of Tampa offers preventive dental care, which entails a routine cleaning, scaling, and teeth polishing. Dr. Kermit Harvey, veterinarian and chief of staff, says, “The most common problem is tartar buildup, which can cause gingivitis, leading to heart disease and liver and kidney problems.” At Park East, vets perform extractions and gingivectomies to remedy their patients’ dental problems.
Combatting Cancer
Humans aren’t the only creatures susceptible to cancer. “Almost every type of cancer people get has been reported in animals,” said Dr. Gerald Post, a veterinarian oncologist at the center for Specialized Veterinary Care. Assessment and treatment in animals is similar to how it is administered in people. A pet patient may receive various evaluations, including a physical exam, blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, and CAT scans. In addition to improved information and diagnostics, animals also have access to more drugs and treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. According to Post, animals handle cancer treatment better than people. Although side effects may include vomiting, loss of appetite, and lower energy levels, they are usually mild. “The goal for animal cancer therapy is to make sure the pet has a great quality of life while [we] effectively treat the cancer,” he says.
Going to the Dogs
Today, however, people expect more from their doctor than just a clean bill of health–and they would demand nothing less for their pets. Animals also have access to services that do not require X-rays, surgery, or anesthesia. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), founded
in 1980, is the oldest and largest pet healthinsurance plan in America. A guardian can bring his pet to any licensed vet anywhere in the world. However, unlike insurance for people, the vet is paid in full at the office. The guardian then submits a claim form to VPI, which is reimbursed through the mail.
According to VPI spokesman Brian Iannessa, the company saw a 130 percent increase in policies issued between 2000 and 2004 and has about 350,000 policies in effect. “We are seeing a transition from the dog being a pet that stays in the backyard to one that has its place inside the home,” Iannessa says. “With more sophistication in medicine and more elaborate costs, people want to provide the necessary care for their pets and are seeking release in the form of pet insurance.” Many hospitals also provide boarding and waiting rooms. Animal Ark offers a private hospital room for guardians who want to stay with their pet separate from other animals. The room has a refrigerator, TV, DVD player, and oxygen hookup. “These [pets] are people’s kids,” says Landini, who calls it ‘The Healing Room.’ “When I had my kid in the hospital, they had accommodations for the parents, even if you wanted to stay overnight. [Ours] is not as elaborate, but it’s more than people would expect.”
Animal Ark offers boarding for animals as well. “We don’t charge extra for play time [and] we try to spoil them as best we can,” Landini says. The Animal Hospital of Tampa also has boarding services, which includes air-conditioning, heating, food, water, and walks. In addition, this hospital offers hurricane sheltering. “Anytime a storm is approaching, people like to board their animals and get them out of the yard,” Harvey says. With all of the effort put into veterinary care, it is no surprise that the loss of a pet demands an intense grieving period. However, just as physical care did not change overnight, emotional support has not yet been fully realized. Charlene Douglas, who opened and runs The Rainbow Passage: Pet Loss Support and Bereavement Center in Grafton, WI, says, “Even though the concept of pet loss and the grief that results from it is becoming more understood and accepted, there are still a huge number of people who don’t understand and accept it as being valid for grief.” Pets are not simply faithful, four-legged animals anymore. Our homes are as much theirs as ours, and their health is just as important as that of other family members. With all of the technological advances people have made, it is a breath of fresh air to know that we have not selfishly saved them all for ourselves. Once again, it’s one giant step for humankind. Only this time, his pet is right beside him.
