Unlicensed Veterinarian + Untrue Accusations = Slanted News

By:  Matthew Lemmons, DVM, DAVDC

You may have seen a recent story on ABC’s 20/20 reporting veterinarians upsell their clients with unneeded services.  The former veterinarian claiming this stated in particular that dentistry is equivalent to McDonald’s asking if you want fries with your order.  He seems to mean that dentistry is just a side item your pet does not need.  This is simply a horrible analogy.  Preventative dental care is important to our pet’s health, just as it is with our own health.  Prevention of periodontal disease can save our pets from having to undergo dental extractions which is more painful and requires longer anesthesia periods than preventative cleanings.

20/20 set up an “investigation” to see if they could catch veterinarians making medical recommendations that the pet did not need to simply make money.  In the investigation a pit bull named “Honey” was determined to be healthy by a veterinarian hired by 20/20.  “Honey” was then taken to several veterinarians to be examined.  One veterinarian stated “Honey” had dental tartar or calculus and recommend a dental cleaning.  The report spun her recommendations to sound as if she was pushing for a service that “Honey” didn’t need and that was potentially harmful to her health.  I applaud the veterinarian who made the recommendation.  Not only did “Honey” have calculus, but she had gingivitis, worn or fractured canine teeth, and an oral tumor that needed a biopsy.  “Honey’s” owner should be happy this veterinarian was observant and proactive in recommending preventative treatment.

The coup de gras of the story was the part of their interview with Dr. Marty Becker that ABC chose to air.  Watching the interview, it seems that Dr. Becker would not recommend dental cleanings for pets unless there was already disease present because of the risk of anesthesia.  Dr. Becker has since said this comment was taken out of context.  His point was that he would not anesthetize an unhealthy animal for preventative care.  He also reports that he was interviewed for two hours and only this small portion was used.

It is unfortunate that an individual who is no longer licensed to practice was given such a large stage to air his agenda (which includes selling books and DVDs on the subject).  It is also sad that a respected veterinarian’s comments were twisted to sensationalize a story.  We advise that pet owners have a trusted veterinarian whose advice they can rely on.  The vast majority of veterinarians have the best interest of their patients, and not profit, in mind.   

The Great Greta - On the 'Wheels' of Love

The old saying, "A picture paints a thousand words", could not be more true here, only it is video that tells this story.  Greta received her wheelchair during her latest rehabilitation session and surprised everyone with her instant liking to this new form of mobility. 

Once she figured out what this new contraption was supposed to do, it was full speed ahead...literally!  There was no doubt that Greta was on a roll as she explored her new-found freedom.  The hospital filled with cheers and smiles, including one from Greta, as she made her rounds.

Technology and Dogs Make W-A-L-K-I-N-G Fun!

By:  Karen Hull, DVM

Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation

Fall in Indiana is a great time of year.  The leaves are beautiful, the air is crisp…what better time to make your dog happy and get some exercise at the same time?   Now there is an app available to make walking your dog both fun and informative.  

MapMyDogWalk by Subaru is a free app available for both Android and iOS.  MapMyDogWalk tracks and maps your dog walking route.  It keeps track of things like duration, speed, distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned (for you) in real-time.   The app uses the built-in GPS technology of your device to create your route on an interactive map which you can save.  I have used the app both on neighborhood streets and on paths in Ft. Benjamin Harrison.    The app does a good job of mapping both.   An additional feature is geo-tagging photo capability, which allows you to take pictures along your walk and automatically upload them with your saved route.

When you save your dog walk, the app automatically syncs with your training log on MapMyFitness.com (also free).   There, your routes and statistics are saved.  There is a multitude of ways to view your statistics.  If you are so inclined, you can earn “Achievements” by joining a challenge or by creating your own personal goal.

MapMyDogWalk is among a suite of fitness tracking apps, and as such, it can keep track of more than just dog walks.  The app can log other types of workouts, log food, and you can share your routes with friends.  Dog specific features are drop markers for things such as water sources and poop bag dispensers, as well as videos of dogs driving a Subaru!

Exercise is beneficial for our dogs, just as it is for us.  Some dogs have mobility limitations, but if your dog is able, you can mix it up on your walks.   Incorporate hills or weaves, and vary surfaces and speeds for a bit of a workout.   MapMyDog walk will keep track of your elevation changes and pace.   

If you are motivated by statistics, then this app will do well to motivate you.  If making your dog’s day is motivation enough to take him or her for a W-A-L-K, then this app will provide a fun way to log your exercise.  In any case, this is a great time of year to get outside with the best walking companions ever and enjoy the Fall!

The Great Greta - Continued

Greta continues rehabilitation.  Her family reports that she can wag her tail again, ever so slightly, which means a lot since she was always very expressive with her wagging.   To the left is a picture of Greta during one of her land exercises and below a video of one of Greta’s sessions in the underwater treadmill. 

 

 

 

Along with her exercises, Greta receives laser therapy and acupuncture.  She is being fitted here for a wheel chair and getting the proper fit is vital to the success of its use.  Greta truly has a great attitude and it is a joy to work with her, and her family!