“Veterinary Medicine–The Price of Excellence”
The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association has published a brochure that could be useful locally–wish our local association would do the same! It is titled, “Veterinary Medicine–The Price of Excellence”, and it explains client fees and costs. It is written in a Q and A format. For example, “Why is veterinary care for my pet so expensive today? Sometimes I believe I am spending more on my pet’s health than on my own.” “Should I be wary of bargain basement veterinary care and why? Why is there such a wide range of prices for the same procedures among veterinarians?” Other topics include: spay-neuter, payment plans, who pays the bill when a stray injured animal is brought to the clinic, sales of vaccines through catalogs, etc.
ZUCCHINI EXERCISE. Zucchini is an abundant home garden plant widely shared with friends and neighbors. It is usually not wasted but becomes chocolate cake and bread–we share this expression of nature’s goodness. Compare the abundance of zucchini and the desire to share with the number of shelter dogs that need to be walked–and the elderly who need to walk as an exercise. Researchers found that pairing elderly people with shelter dogs benefited both more than just walking with a friend or family member. Participants began to feel concern for the welfare of their companion, a need to make walking habitual in any kind of weather. Walking the dog could well be the zucchini exercise in a dog class. Collars, leashes, corrections could all be part of sharing skills with two populations who need it most.
LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING. I recently learned that the manufacture of antibiotics was not as profitable as producing a medication that has to be administered on a long-term basis. This is the rule in human medicine and one has to wonder if this profit-driven motivation is making its way into the care of animal diseases? How much of a preventative dose is too much? Are heartworm, tick and flea medications taking the vaccination path of over-use? And, is the trend of treating newly diagnosed human diseases in dogs all prevention or profit? The questions we ask our doctors, we must also ask our veterinarians.
SERVICE ANIMALS. The Justice Department has recently amended the Americans for Disability Association Rules on the definition of a “service animal”. The definition defines a service dog as one that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs used for emotional support are not service animals–nor are dogs not trained. Service animals used by people with mental disabilities are also protected as (in certain cases) are trained miniature horses. Questions: Must service animals be trained by an organization or can they be trained by individuals? How is disability defined? Is post traumatic stress a disability and if so is it a mental or emotional disability?
Aug 15, 2010 | | Uncategorized