Don’t delay treating your sick pet, vets urge animal owners
PET owners are being urged to take their animals to the vets despite the coronavirus lockdown after a rise in cases of advanced disease where owners may have put off seeking care.
Avonvale Veterinary Centres, which has seven practices across Warwickshire, says owners should not avoid asking for help for their pet if they need it, as every possible precaution is taken for their safety when they visit.
It follows a spike in cases where animals have presented with more advanced disease, where owners may have been reluctant to visit due to the restrictions in place across the UK.
Currently, all veterinary practices are open for urgent and emergency cases only, following guidelines set out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Avonvale also offers a video consultation service to give advice and updates on treatment for pets already in its care.
Clinical director Simon Davies said: “We are seeing a number of cases of more advanced disease which have been left because owners have been nervous to come in and see us. “Obviously, these cases become more challenging to treat if treatment is not prompt. “We’d like to reassure people that we are practicing strict social distancing and make it as safe as possible for clients visiting our surgeries. “In human medicine, the NHS is urging us to seek help for suspected or chronic conditions and not wait until the coronavirus pandemic has passed. The same applies to our pets. “Our message to everyone is we are very much open for business and are doing everything we can to provide the very best care possible within the guidelines.”