In a time of crisis, animals are at risk of being neglected and worse, sacrificed.
A veterinarian wrote about how pets/animals may end up as collateral damage in this war against an unseen enemy called Covid 19, specially if this crisis will continue for a longer period of time.
The veterinarian stressed that owners CAN SAVE ANIMALS.
STAY AT HOME, the vet said.
This appeal was posted by a friend in Facebook. The origin and author is unknown. Please read his appeal and understand why our pets may end up not getting medical treatment or worse, dead, as humans fight Covid 19.
“This weekend I euthanized twice as many pets as usual.
Owners cannot justify unexpected bills when they have no idea when their next paycheck is coming.
This weekend, I rationed my anesthetic drugs, as they are being diverted to humans on ventilators.
I carefully considered each pain injection knowing that opioids will be diverted next.
I pulled a sewing needle out of a puppy’s throat while wondering what I would have done to save her life without these medications.
This weekend, I gave tragic news and terminal diagnoses over the phone, over and over again. To owners whose face I had never seen. To families who sent their pet inside, unable to accompany them because of covid.
This weekend, I wore reusable mask and cap into surgery to save a dog’s life. My disposable caps and masks are being donated and diverted to our human counterparts.
She had severe heart disease and was unstable under anesthesia. She survived this surgery, she went home to her mom, in part due to the ventilator that kept her breathing steady. The same ventilator that is earmarked for donation to human hospitals if the need arises.
This weekend for the first time in my life, I euthanized pets without stroking their fur, rubbing their ears, or hugging their grieving owners. I stood 6 feet away, wearing a face mask, and giving my injections and condolences from afar. It broke my heart a little more every single time.
Your veterinarian isn’t on the front line of this war, we are the rear defense. We are being called as volunteers in states where human medical professionals are overwhelmed. We are donating and rationing our medications. We are giving up our ventilators. And we know why. We know that our actions will save human lives, and we won’t hesitate at doing what we have to. But don’t for a second think that our hearts aren’t breaking too. And as this virus spreads, it will get worse.
Please, Stay Home.
Your pet can’t catch COVID, but it can hurt them nonetheless.”
