“Animals are similar to humans but they’ve got more hair.”
Did you know our pets have more than one option for their medical care?
Many folk believe that if their furry friend is unwell there are two possible scenarios. A visit to the vet who will hopefully make them better, or, if the malady’s too serious, there’s euthanasia. End of story.
Good News
The good news is there are more treatment options available. “Most people are surprised to discover there’s another level of care,” says Megan Alderson of The Strand Veterinarian in Parnell.
The GP & The Surgeon
Megan heads the team at The Strand, holds a Bachelor’s of Veterinary Science and is skilled with a surgical scalpel. She’s married to Alex Walker, a specialist veterinarian surgeon who heads Veterinary Specialists Auckland – private hospitals for animals.
Primary Care
Megan’s known as a primary care veterinarian (GP) and Alex is an advanced care specialist. “There’s a big difference between what each of us does. Our skillset is comprehensive care from kitten and puppyhood through to last rites, and it’s our job to get them there in good condition. To do this we sometimes need help,” says Megan. “A GP’s skill level is broad, whereas a specialist has a narrower focus of expertise. It works similarly to if you go to an orthopaedic surgeon about your cough,” says Alex.
Advanced Care
Specialist care includes procedures such as CT scans, MRI’s, ultrasounds, brain surgery, hip replacements, oncological surgery, chemotherapy and advanced abdominal surgery. “Chemotherapy’s been available for 30 years but CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound mean we can see cancers earlier,” says Alex. “Physiotherapy’s changed the way we work as surgeons as the animals can be rehabilitated. We’re lucky to have Sarah who works with both Megan and I.”
“Fear free is big for us. We like our animals to feel comfortable in our practice.”
Why Is Vet Care So Expensive?
“We’re not funded and people don’t have a clear perspective of costs because the public health system is free. Diagnostics, radiology, ultrasound, CT scans, blood tests – they’re all expensive – about $2,000 for a scan and $400 for bloods,” says Megan.
“If I treat my patients like my own animals, which I do, I want to know all of my options and the best person for the job. Money can be a stumbling block. Pet insurance helps but obviously some people can’t afford specialist care,” she adds.
Common Diseases
“In the 1980s and ’90s dogs lived outside and cats roamed the neighbourhood, now they live inside more,” says Alex. “Trauma, rickets, and nutritional deficiencies were common then; with commercial diets we’re seeing less of the orthopaedic problems and more gut and skin issues.”
“We’re noticing elevated liver enzymes, scratchy skin and inflammatory bowel disease in young animals, which all comes back to what we’re feeding them,” says Megan. I think stress/anxiety is a factor too. The dog who was lying about mindfully is now busy – off to daycare in the car, getting picked up, having a walk and dinner and his owner’s still stressed out working. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing but it’s something we need to take note of.”
What Is An Advanced Veterinary Specialist
To become a specialist Alex completed four years of postgraduate studies and a residency in the United States after finishing his bachelor’s degree. “My dad got ill so I came home. A classmate had gained a Masters in Radiology at Melbourne University so we decided to set up practice, which eventually grew into our specialist hospital in Mt Albert. We opened another one in Sylvia Park in 2016. In all, we have five surgeons, two radiologists, three medicos and two emergency practices for overnight care,” says Alex. “We run an intern programme because I wanted to create a stepping stone for young vets to do what I did. We try to get them a position in the US to receive the best training in the world. Then we try and lure them home but only about 10 percent come back.”
For The Love Of Animals
As any pet owner knows animals are a commitment and become a beloved part of the family so good healthcare is important. “Fear-free is big for us. We like our animals to feel comfortable in our practice,” says Megan. We treat cats and dogs separately and we have ways of making it easier for them. Our staff have all gone through international feline training for cat handling. We’re here to provide the best care and explain all of the options so people can make informed decisions. ”
Megan & Alex’s Advice
- Preventative health care is crucial—the right parasite care, dental care, diet and vaccinations will help build a foundation of health.
- Vet care is expensive and not many people budget for an animal to get ill so pet insurance is critical.
- Find a GP who aligns with your core values and gives you ALL of the options.
- Know there is a ‘next step’ when it comes to your pet’s health—a group of specialist veterinarians skilled in their field will help you, your pet and your GP.
Photography: Jeff Lim
