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.

@patchworksack thanks. We use those also and whilst i believe we can still order we are on strict rations on case it is needed for nhs. We are going to reduce fgfr where we can. No routines.

Nope. I was told they will do nothing except emergencies. I'll give it a few days to settle and try again.

He's part of a health care plan that is run nationwide - if necessary I'll contact them to see if they can issue it. After all, the point of the plan is to get flea and worm treatment!

My vets are having consultations. You have to call from the car park, the vet comes out, takes the pet in while you wait and comes back out to discuss treatment etc.

I had my cat put to sleep yesterday.

The vet took her in to put the catheter in and brought her out. I sat on the tarmac behind the car, holding my cat and she put her to sleep. I understand that they need rules in place but this seemed a really sad way to say good bye to her

I'm sure the care plan company issues it sincer apologies for not foreseeing this totally unprecedented situation.

FYI RTA = emergency
Collapsed =emergency
Infection / Injury = triage based emergency

Flea and wormer = NOT an emergency (unless has allergies I'm which case triage)
Neutering = NOT an emergency
Vaccination = NOT an emergency, keep puppies at home keep adults away from water (Lepto only last 12 months)

If in doubt ask yourself will my pet experience pain/ suffering if I don't call the vets if not STAY AT HOME!

Our local small vets are only neutering cats not dogs as they know if they don’t there will be loads of unwanted kittens to deal with in a few months.

DH's work is doing emergencies only. So colic, accident, hopping lame, not eating. They are prescribing following phone consults where possible (vets are at home, one member of office staff to forward calls per day) and hoping for guidance on prescription checks being possible remotely asap!

DH did 1 visit today, normally would be doing 10+!

We had the dog booked in for something non-urgent on Thursday - I rang them today to cancel and they said they'd been going to cancel it anyway but they are still open for emergencies only.

I walked past the vets to check (during my daily exercise today!). Appointments can be made by phone or email. You're to make it known when you arrive (if possible by mobile from outside). The vet will come out to you when ready. You can attend appointment with your pet, but must stay by door. My cats will be so pleased they can go to the vet if I think they need it

sorry BobIsMyFriend .

It was good of your vet to arrange it like that, at least.

Ours is doing telephone consults and if the pet needs to be see they will collect from carpark and take it in to the vet and then return it to you in the carpark.

My vets is doing emergency and urgent treatment, which does make sense. But we have two five month old male cats and their neutering op next month has been cancelled. I know safety and staying home matters, but I'm really worried they'll start to fight and wander if they don't have their operations. I can't see these restrictions being lifted any time soon so I guess we'll just take our chances with two full-blooded male cats, spraying, fighting and looking for love. Not good.