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Vets turn to video calls, contactless checkups to treat sick pets

Vets are following in GPs’ footsteps during lockdown, conducting video calls and other contactless check-ups to keep our beloved pets fit and healthy.

Dr Seina Capp talks with customer Nicole Summer. Picture: David Crosling
Dr Seina Capp talks with customer Nicole Summer. Picture: David Crosling

Vets across Melbourne are overcoming social distancing in a variety of ways, including using video call check-ups for your pet.

Thornbury Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Dr Seina Capp said as soon as social distancing came in they knew they would have to change things up.

As well as their “kerbside” service, Dr Capp has been conducting calls remotely.

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She said telehealth was a convenient way for a lot of owners to get a quick diagnosis, especially for anxious animals.

They’ve seen pets for vomiting, skin problems, chronic care check ups, post operation check ups, and consultations for dogs that found the Easter egg stash.

“If we find during our video or phone consultation that we need to see the pet for physical examination for further testing there is no additional consultation charge for the owners,” Dr Capp said.

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If owners have to take their animal into the vet, they are told to park their cars and hand their pets to nurses in full PPE.

The vet then calls them on the phone to talk through the examination.

Dr Capp said they’d had “amazing” feedback from the initiative.

For more information on how the Veterinary industry is operating visit the Vetboard website.

richard.pearce@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/vets-turn-to-video-calls-contactless-checkups-to-treat-sick-pets/news-story/c8d18081d7bb45f9553b0e092c43fd02