04/01/2021
In lieu of a blog this month, we wanted to share some new developments in the international veterinary world. This last year has brought many, many changes for the whole world. One of the biggest is isolation; there are very little (if any) face-to-face interactions, hugs, coffee dates, destination vacations, etc. People, in general, feel more isolated that the ever have before and this leads to an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. To help combat this, people have reached to the animal world for comfort and companionship. Pet adoptions and rescues have increased on average of 30%-40% in Washington State, and about 15% nationally (https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/animal-shelters-coronavirus-pandemic/). This influx of pets has overwhelmed most cities, counties, and countries and the veterinary hospitals are struggling to keep up with the demand. This includes your local veterinarian, veterinary specialists, and veterinary emergency hospitals. This has caused a significant increase in wait times for appointments. For emergently sick animals, ER hospitals and veterinary clinics are having to accommodate higher than normal drop offs and fit in appointments which can lead to upwards of 8-16 hour waits for information, treatment, and to take their beloved pets home. For non-emergent sick animals, there is, on average, a 1–2 week lead time for appointments and a 6 weeks schedule out for a “regular” exam and vaccines. In February of 2021, Dr. Brian J. Bourquin was interviewed by the New York Times. He is the proud owner of 3 veterinary hospitals in the Boston area. He opened his 3rd hospital in April of 2020 in response to the influx of new pets/adoptions and has barely been able to keep up with the demand for new clients/patient appointments (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/02/17/magazine/remote-work-return-to-office.html?fbclid=IwAR1CmC3qvZGKALjrwbVESvBARyVitFGbTMX-07-MqOtirJurtD18v4BVX0A -grid-module-pets). With this rapid and continuing influx of new patients, veterinarians and veterinary staff have had a significant increase in stress and burnout fatigue. A recent survey performed 12/2020 noted, that 67% of veterinarians are doing worse mentally than the year before and 47% of the support staff reported the same (https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2020-12/an-empathetic-earand-morefor-veterinary-professionals-struggling-with-depression/?fbclid=IwAR2pCEnYDXd6gt3Fozl2zEx8mzlp4pZawywi5-NLHn0WP2oPakVAzm62xYc). There has been a recent upsurge in awareness of these facts and several articles that you may have seen. One of the more prominent voices has been a group called NOMV (Not One More Veterinarian). They are a non-profit organization started to combat the compassion fatigue and promote mental wellness in veterinary professionals. You may have seen some of these articles, but in case you have not, several web addresses to articles are attached below. Have a happy April and we hope that everyone and their furry families continue to stay safe in the unprecedented times.
https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-03-15/covid-19-year-later-how-veterinary-profession-adapted
https://wdet.org/posts/2020/08/03/89880-pandemic-puts-strain-on-pet-care-providers/
https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2020-09-15/busy-times-stress-veterinarians-during-pandemic
https://veterinary-practice.com/news/2020/stress-and-burnout-top-vet-concerns-six-months-on-from-covid-lockdown
https://www.dvm360.com/view/supporting-well-being-during-covid-19-and-beyond
https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-heart-of-resiliency-in-veterinary-medicine
https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/puppies-and-burnout-impact-coronavirus-veterinarians
https://nomv.org/
