What about vets?

[TheoriginalLEM]

What will happen if we go into lockdown?

Vets and vet nurses aren't considered key workers.

I work for a large corporate that I have to say are being amazing with regards to implementing measures to keep everyone safe. It's working well.

But what happens if the country goes to lockdown? Vets not only attend people's pets, they look after the farming industry.

What will be in place to safeguard animal welfare?

I'm scared, I'm scared of having to go to work. I'm on day 5 of self isolating and I'm symptomatic. So maybe I'm not as at risk but reinfection not ruled out and mine isn't a confirmed case. I'm equally scared of not going to work? We were going to reduce our hours as much as possible but will we even be allowed to practice if we lockdown?

My dog was sick this morning, i had a meltdown, I'm a SVN and knew I could keep him safe and he came out of the episode and is fine. I spoke to colleagues. What if I didn't have that knowledge, what if it didn't stop? I'm scared.

It's a worry isn't it?
Emergency vets have been designated key workers, as have vets who serve the food industry.
It is likely that your own practice will maintain a core service but cut out routine work. Some practices are already creating video triage systems to provide first-line help for animals who's owners are unable to travel.

Under RCVS guidelines farm vets and OV (vets working in abattoirs) were classed as key workers but small animal and equine not.

My vets, huge equine, farming and small animal referral hospital are operating emergencies only. Their Facebook is being constantly updated with info

All routine work apart from vaccinations in horses is cancelled- assume similar for farm. They are still foaling and imagine still going out to lambing emergencies too.

Didn’t even consider this! We got a kitten a few weeks ago and he will need neutering and microchipping at 4 months old. I guess we won’t be able to have it done!

I have no idea but it's a scary thought if anything goes wrong with our pets

I worried about vets earlier, as my cat is getting older 😿

I have read that the BVA and RCVS have issued a statement saying that vets working in the food chain (farm animals etc.) should be considered key workers.

The rest is less clear cut. The statement seems to say that emergency care should be provided, though what that constitutes with regards to companion animals is unclear to me (I'm not a vet, I am a pet owner).

I had to make a real emergency trip to the out of hours vet with my elderly labrador last November for emergency euthanasia. Obviously it was awful, but definitely necessary. He could suddenly no longer even walk and was very distressed. I dread to even contemplate what could have happened if treating him (euthanasia) had been considered non-essential. It would have been horrendous.

We are only seeing emergencies at the moment and puppies and kittens for first vaccinations. Not seeing boosters. Telephone consults and only seen if emergency although company is clarifying what is an emergency imminently.

This came about today however I'm not sure if this will stand in lockdown

One of my relatives has a v old cat who's suddenly gone off his food and acting lethargic. They're supposed to be taking him into the vets today but can't get through over the phone to check they're open. So worried about the old timer

@PinkMeTickle can you look at the vets website for info? Ours also shared their plans on FB. Hope the cat is ok.

Their phones will go over when they open. It does sound like kitty needs to be seen.

We are a mixed practice and still running. It's a reduced service so no boosters, weigh and worms etc. If you feel your pet needs to be seen just call. Some things can be sorted with a telephone consultation and meds will be sent out. Pets on regular medication will still be able to get medication. Non essential Equine work will be cancelled and Farm jobs are still going ahead.

Am waiting to hear an update. Thank you for your replies x

I'm a vet in a small animal practice and we are intending to stay open providing an emergency service with very reduced staff and providing repeat prescriptions and food. All our routine operations were cancelled last week when we were told we can't get hold of oxygen for the duration of this. The front door is locked, we are trying to do as much triage as possible over the phone and have set up video consulting. We are likely to furlough staff over the next week or two. I have concerns about how this will impact animal welfare due to puppies not being socialised, cat population explosion etc but you need to look at the bigger picture. If your animal is in pain or needs euthanasia we will do our level best to still be there for you.

Veterinary treatment has been available in other lockdown countries. Even when lockdowns have become more severe, people have still been allowed to feed horses, take dogs out within 400m of home, so I can't see us having firmer restrictions at the moment. Boris will have thought about it surely, he has a cat and dog living at Downing Street😁

Our vet still open, you have to wait i the car and they come out to see you
Looking more likely that my mums dog will have to be pts 😓

Vets and pet stores are exempt.

@patchworksack who do you get your o2 from. I hadn't considered this?

Our vets are open, but they’ve cancelled non essential procedures and no one in the waiting room. It’s a case of bring your pet in get a diagnosis and either leave with prescription or leave pet to be treated.

They’re triaging over the phone to see if it is needed to bring pet in.

They’re all working, but asking for understanding.

If you’re worried about your pet call your vets, they should be available.

@theoriginalLEM BOC

I`m assuming its emergencies only, consult by phone.

moved last week so made sure kitty was registered etc, so repeats can be issued over the phone and a very quick collection at the front door? I have a cat on meds. I have made sure kitty has plenty of meds anyway

My vet is doing emergencies only and refusing to give worker and flea treatment. I'd be happy to pay for postage or to collect but they wont. So my dog will suffer.

My vet is doing emergencies only and refusing to give worker and flea treatment. I'd be happy to pay for postage or to collect but they wont. So my dog will suffer.

You can probably get some online, eg from Pets at Home - I think pet shops can stay open. It may not be what you'd usually have but hopefully better than nothing.

It is a worry, we've got a 14 year old dachshund who seems in pretty good shape fortunately but he's got a few lumps and bumps which were due to be looked at on his half yearly checkup.

He gets prescription ones unfortunately- ones like advantage don't seem to work here. I think the bugs have developed an immunity!

Give your daschhund and extra cuddle from me.

Binglebon - will they issue a prescription? Have you been seen in the last year? If so ask for a prescription and order from an online pharmacy.