Pets as companion
I am now in my 35th year as a veterinary surgeon, 22 years with the government and over six years in a non-profit conservation organization. Along the way, I have worked as a fauna consultant and also as an assessor in the RSPO and HVCF programs. I must also not forget to mention my involvement in politics, having been elected Assemblyman for Kapayan in 2013. Today, I can proudly say how fortunate I am to have gone through such an exciting, challenging and meaningful experience in life.
Here, I would like to give a story of a bull which had all the receptive heifers and cows in a vast pasture. He could jump over the six-foot fence with ease until one day his back leg caught the wire and he went sprawling face down on the muddy pasture. A young bull came over and said to him, boss, it’s time to be a consultant.
That is exactly my position and predicament. I am now into consultancy. I like to teach people the art of livestock husbandry, wildlife farming and caring of pets or companion animals. There is so much satisfaction in seeing people succeed in farming and livestock production. On the other hand, it is always sad to see sick animals, but then there is also so much satisfaction to see someone’s dog or cat return to good health after therapy. I must confess that seeing healthy and well-groomed dogs and cats coming into the clinic for vaccination, de-worming and heartworm therapy will make my day.
I found that today our society is beginning to show compassion for animals. A viral video on someone mistreating a dog or cat or for that matter, any animals, can get public attention and, from their comments, goad them to take revenge or push for heavy punishment on the perpetrators.
The enactment on the law on animal welfare reflects on the sentiment of the public and a responsible government. There are also so many NGOs involved in helping stray animals. They also came up with a program on capture, neuter and release. Now, our concern is how to prevent the dreadful zoonotic disease, rabies, that is widespread in Sarawak from spreading into the land below the wind.
I would like to talk more about companion animals. I think it is the wish of many owners to have a healthy dog or cat and to share their life together for as long as possible. Dogs and cats will live for about twenty years and is dependent on their health care at an early age.
Vaccination is one of the keys to healthy long life. This is given when the kitten and puppy are two months old followed by at least two more vaccinations at three week intervals and finally, the annual booster shot.
What kills young kittens and puppies are mostly viral diseases such as parvo and distemper (for puppies) and feline panleukopenia (kittens). The latter is somewhat similar to the HIV in humans. Although it is more expensive, the 10-1 vaccine for dogs protects the animal from 10 different but common diseases in the species.
As a consultant vet, I see many dogs and cats suffering from skin diseases, infestation of fleas and ticks. These are curable, preventable and can re-occur anytime when the owner fails to follow up on the advice of the vet.
Today, we have a great drug that can help prevent heartworm and keep your pets free from ecto and endo-parasites. It is not unusual to see dogs and cats coming in with all sorts of wounds. The popular hairy dogs and cats if not properly groomed can have problems with purulent ear discharge and watery eyes.
My vets are now seeing many dogs coming in with advanced kidney problem. Diseases affecting the urinary system, particularly those associated with renal disorders, are among the most common ailments of dogs. One of the reasons for this is their urban setting and being kept under artificial conditions and constantly exposed to contagious diseases. Age is another factor. A yearly blood check, including the liver and kidney function tests, are always advisable for pet animals, especially those 10 years and above. Treating animals with kidney and liver problem is not easy when they are in the advanced stage.
In livestock, we have a herd health program. Likewise, there must be a pet health program. My recommendations for pet owners are to firstly ensure that their pets are properly vaccinated and get the yearly booster, follow the heartworm prevention program, routine de-ticking, de-worming, vitamin supplements, grooming and balance nutrition.
While bringing in your pets to the clinic regularly for check up is great, house calls are becoming popular now. I always believe that when you give the best for your pets they will also give their best to you. Stay healthy together.