New South
Wales, the state from which this blog comes to you, is in hard lockdown. That
means hardship for many people, but it also means the return of low and
no-contact veterinary visits.
Low and
no-contact veterinary visits are designed to maximise social distancing between
all humans involved to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
You can
still take your companion animal to the vet.
But the
experience may be different to the vet visits you are used to.
At the
advent of the COVID-19 pandemic I undertook research on ethically challengingsituations encountered by veterinary teams. One of the major issues that
emerged was being able to attend to animals (our core work) while also keeping
ourselves and our families safe. Low and no-contact consultations, and
confusion associated these, was one cause of stress.
So, how
can companion animal owners access necessary care for their animals while also
ensuring the safety of veterinary team members?
1. Let the vet team know you are coming.
Book ahead
for an appointment or, if a genuine emergency, phone and let the team know that
you are coming.
Different
clinics may have different protocols, for example some may require you to wait
with your animal while others may allow you to drop off animals.
2. Prepare in advance.
Veterinarians
usually take a history when they see a companion animal. This isn’t just
chit-chat – it includes vital information which directs assessment of the
patient and further investigations.
Broadly, a
history can be divided into two parts:
General
history.
This
includes general information about a companion animal including what they are
normally fed (meals, snacks AND treats); their normal activity levels and
exercise routines; and lifestyle factors, for example whether they are indoors
or outdoors, have contact with other animals or have a history of travel. This
also includes medication (including complementary and alternative medicines)
and supplements taken. Where possible it helps to provide the name of the
medication, the dose and how often it is given (e.g. ½ of a 50mg tablet morning
and night). Finally, if your pet has any allergies (for example to medication)
or intolerances (for example to food) it helps to know this in advance.
Specific
history.
This relates
to the reason for coming in. What is the problem or problems? When did it
begin? What are the symptoms you have noticed and how have they progressed? Were
there any changes in the lead up to the onset of symptoms? (For example, I saw
a dog with a three-day history of vomiting. The day before that, she was fed a
leg of lamb).
Our research
revealed that communication between veterinary team members and clients is more
challenging during the time of COVID. For example, some veterinary team members
reported that it was hard to hear or be heard clearly while wearing masks;
others struggled in non-contact consultations because neither they nor the
client could point to an area on the animal’s body.
If you have
multiple concerns that you want addressed, write it down. This helps reduce
miscommunication.
If symptoms
are intermittent, infrequent or episodic (like coughing or limping that comes
and goes) it can be useful to take a video to share with your veterinary team.
If there is a concern relating to a site on the patient’s body (for example, a
wound or a lump) it can be helpful to take photos – both from a distance and
also close up.
3. Be proactive.
If your pet
is typically very fearful or shows signs of reactivity (e.g. barking, growling,
lunging, licking lips or muzzle) or aggression in a veterinary setting, let the
team know so they can work with you to plan the best strategy.
4. Follow the Government advice.
If you are
sick, awaiting the results of a COVID test or isolating, have someone else
bring your animal to the vet, or contact your veterinary team for advice.
Just like
anywhere else, if you do enter a veterinary facility, wear a mask, sanitise
your hands and check in using the QR code provided.
It is
important that your mask stays on even when you are talking. Often people want
to remove their mask when they are speaking to ensure they speak clearly – but
you need to avoid doing so.
Wherever
possible, only ONE person should accompany the animal to the vet.
5. Please be patient.
Right now,
veterinary clinics may be very busy. This is due to a number of factors
including: staff shortages; increased staff absenteeism (for example, due to
COVID testing and isolation); a large number of animal adoptions during the pandemic
and the need to minimise foot traffic in veterinary hospitals.
While you
wait, please practice social distancing, i.e. don’t gather with other waiting
clients.
You may need
to wait outside of the building – please ensure all pets are contained (cats in
carriers, dogs on leads); and bring a book.
Make sure
your phone is charged and switched on.