Animal Transportation Services/Organizations

Below is a list of services/organizations that specialize strictly in animal transportation! If you have any questions regarding what they do [or how they can assist you] please contact them directly! Bifford for President has no affiliation to any of these organizations and cannot answer any questions pertaining to what they do!

Have an organization/rescue that is not listed? E-mail their information to us at PresidentBifford@gmail.com and we will update the list!

  • URRKN Underground Railroad Rescue Kitty Network
  • Western Canada Animal Rescue Transfer Network
  • Rescue Rides
  • Truck N Paws
  • Pawsome Truckers and Transport
  • Pilots N Paws Canada
  • Operation Roger — Trucker Pet Transport
  • Imagine Home
  • Northern Illinois Transfer Team
  • Highway Hero Rescue Transport
  • Furbaby Freedom Transport
  • Flying Paws
  • Freedom Train Animal Rescue Transports
  • Delta Animal Rescue and Transport
  • Carry On Rescue Transport
  • Animal Rescue Transport Network

Category: Did You Know?, Miscellaneous, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

New “CH” Pet Parents

Being like me as a new “specially-abled” pet parent I was unsure what I was embarking on and had a plethora of emotions (mainly excitement! But of course there was a dash of fear in there also). Most of the things I have learned by “on-the-job” training as well as the love, support & guidance of other specially-abled pet parents. I highly suggest you join the many Facebook groups that are dedicated to cerebellar hypoplasia (and other specially-abled!) animals and never be afraid to reach out for questions or guidance! Blogs and forums such as Kitty Cat Chronicles also became my saving grace and honestly the gift that both Bifford and I needed to better understand one another. Learning and patience are the two most important points when adopting (or fostering!) a specially-abled pet!

Below is a list of items, tips, tricks & suggestions compiled by fellow CH-pet parents! Have anything to add to the list? E-mail us today and we will include it!

  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play.
  • Toys like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play.
  • Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention.
  • Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention
  • Non scented, sensitive baby wipes are great to keep around the house as well! I use these to wipe eye nose/eye boogers, any “danglers” that may be left on Bifford’s behind after bathroom time as well as wiping dirty paws!
  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play.
  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play!
  • If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
  • If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
  • If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
  • If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
  • Pee Pads (either washable or disposable) are really ideal to have around the home (we use washable pads here which are ideal if they get soiled just chuck them into the wash and reuse them!) We also place these around the litterbox or under food/water dishes.
  • Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
  • Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
  • Thundershirts are GREAT for babies that get easily stressed/nervous/anxious! Mimicking the same ideals of when you swaddle an upset baby – the thundershirt does the same action!
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • Mats such as this one are GREAT to play in front of the litterbox/litter trays to capture any spillage or little bits of litter (they are easy to shake out and some have pockets underneath that makes it easy to fold the mat and siphon spillage into the trash)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • Soft side or canvas carriers allow these special babies the ability to not hurt themselves on hard plastic carriers or injure themselves/break a tooth on metal carrier bars
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • Nail caps give these babies the ability to keep their nails (which they need to climb onto furniture) as well as protect your legs/arms from unintentional “booboos” (plus we are staunchly AGAINST declawing!)
  • Littergenies are FANTASTIC for pet parents (both special pet parents and non special alike) providing an easy and convenient way of disposing of litter clumps (plus there is no foul odor!)
  • We utilize these “bowl mats” WITHOUT the stainless steel/hard plastic bowls in them. They easily hold food/water and capture any spillage as well as prevent any injury if your pet would “head but” the dish lip. Plus they are easy to clean & dishwasher safe!
  • Instead of the trauma of soaking your special baby in the bathtub, Burt’s Bees waterless shampoo removes the stress and trauma of a traditional bath while leaving your pet smelling fresh & clean!
  • Burts Bees wipes allow new pet parents the ability to wipe away any “messes” that may arise from their special babies falling in the litterboxes (or maybe not yet mastered the art of the litterbox just yet) .
  • Corner guards such as these are great for those wobbly babies that may bump into things (and get little boo-boos!), you can also use foam pool noodles that you can cut down to size and place on any sharp/hazardous spots.
  • Interactive toys such as this one are a GREAT way to entertain (and exercise) your special baby where they do not have to run and chase it but can lay on their side to play with it (plus it is pretty sturdy so if your special baby is a tad rough on toys like Bifford is then they have a harder time damaging it!)
All of these above listed items can be purchased at places such as Amazon, Chewy etc.,!
  1. If you notice your new special baby stressed or overly anxious try to utilize the Feliway spray as well as try to get your baby into a “routine”. I noticed that Bifford enjoyed having a semi-structured routine (we woke him up from his “big boy room” and fed him breakfast, then we would let him play the day away with his brother and sisters then “mommy” would be home from work so he got snuggle time then it was dinnertime and then lounging with “mom and dad” before bedtime). I found that if anything derailed his routine in such a dramatic way he would freak out (and eventually that turned into stress cystitis, but that is a topic for another post!
  2. Schedule regular dental cleanings/examinations! I cannot tell you how many times when I first brought Bifford home would he sneeze a little too aggressively or be playing and “biff” it a little to hard and hurt his mouth or even chip a tooth! By having regular dental cleanings done I was able to address any injured teeth (injured= extremely painful).
  3. Construct a first aid kit for cats! This will come in handy if your little angel stumbles and falls or gets a “booboo” that may need a little attention when your veterinarian is closed (or you need to address and stabilize while en route to the veterinarian!)
  4. Invest in a low lip litter box! We actually made “BHOP” (Bifford’s House of Poop” which was a 13 gallon Rubbermaid container that Bifford’s “dad” cut a hole out on the bottom of one side (always use caution when using power/sharp tools!) This way Bifford could easily bobble into BHOP and do his absolute worse inside and there was no spillage or issue! He could also fall in it (or sometimes, play) without him knocking the entire thing over or causing any damage/injury!
  5. COMMUNICATION! When you adopt one of these special babies call your regular veterinarian right away (or send them a letter/postcard!) letting them know you adopted a specially abled pet (e-mail us if you would like our informational packet for veterinarians/veterinary staff) and if they have any questions (or maybe concerns) about these special babies. (Check out our map of veterinarians that are aware and understand these special kiddos here)

First Aid Kit Suggestions/Inventory:

  1. Blood Clotting Powder (Styptic Powder)
  2. Saline Wound Flush (Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Wound Wash)
  3. Wound Disinfectant (e.g., Povidone Iodine or Chlorhexidine Diacetate)
  4. Cotton Balls/Swabs
  5. Gauze Pads (“sponges”)
  6. Non-Stick Bandage Pads 
  7. Gauze Roll
  8. Bandage Tape
  9. Blunt-Tip Bandage Scissors
  10. Splint(s) 
  11. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
  12.  Antibiotic Ointment 
  13. Eye Flush (saline) 
  14. Battery Powered Beard Trimmer/Hair Clippers (for trimming fur around wounds — it’s best to avoid using scissors for this purpose) & do not forget to get batteries!
  15. Digital Thermometer
  16. Lube (Surgilube Lube or Petroleum Jelly)
  17. Instant-Cold Packs
  18. Muzzle (pets in pain are more likely to bite — even their owner)
  19. Oral Syringes 
  20.  Pillowcase (Makes for a great and quick temporary transport “makeshift cat carrier” in a pinch!)
  21.  Exam Gloves
  22. Flashlight
  23. List of emergency veterinary facilities, regular veterinary physician, and other important numbers!
  24. Tweezers/Hemostats
  25. Antiseptic Spray/Wipes
  26. Towel/Blanket
  27. Nail Clippers (for animals)

Category: Awareness, CH-Proofing, First Aid, Miscellaneous, Products Guide, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

Bifford’s “Crash Course”

When I brought Bifford home for the very first time as a “foster” I remember the moment very clearly — it was Tuesday May 13, 2014 and I had NO idea what to expect! I had NEVER had a “special needs” animal let alone a cerebellar hypoplasia cat I was asked by a local cat shelter to take him home for a bit because he was not thriving well getting bullied and beat up on at the shelter after being surrendered for the THIRD time (the first time the “family” was going on vacation and simply did not want to be bothered any longer, the second time was because he successfully used the litterbox but did not want to “cover it up” and the third and final time before he permanently adopted me was a couple who would lock him in an empty hot tub to “contain the mess” and allow him to “die with dignity” as documented on the surrender intake forms).

To say that I wanted to wrap the boy in bubble wrap and coddle him beyond belief would be an understatement. He wandered my one story, ranch style home aimlessly and cried all hours of the night. I was at my wits end and honestly felt like I was letting him down because he seemed so… displaced? Scared? Alone? I remember calling the cat shelter crying because I felt like I was letting him down and that maybe the shelter was a better environment for him then my home was.

At the insistence and pep-talk of the shelter they asked me to be patient and give it time and stressed to join some local CH forums for guidance and advice. Blogs and forums such as Kitty Cat Chronicles became my saving grace and honestly the gift that both Bifford and I needed to better understand one another.

Today I am that “cool mom” (well, I would like to THINK of myself as the cool mom. But who that is cool calls themselves “cool”) – do you remember those diaper commercials that document “mom of one child” (the stressed out, type “A” personality who looks overwhelmed) versus “mom of two kids” and the latter is always more calm, cool and collected in the face of chaos & adversity? It took some time but now I let Bifford BE Bifford. There truly is knowledge in letting kids (furry or otherwise!) fall, wipe out, crash and burn and allow them to get back up on their own without the coddling of their helicopter “smother” (smother + mother = “smother”) and I promise it will get better!

When I adopted Bifford (which occurred about five minutes after I took him home to foster him and instantly fell in love with the boy) I was navigating uncharted territories, attempting to haphazardly steer a storm I was unaware of all around.

If I could instill wisdom for new “CH pet parents” it would be this:

Burts Bees wipes allow new pet parents the ability to wipe away any “messes” that may arise from their special babies falling in the litterboxes (or maybe not yet mastered the art of the litterbox just yet)
Instead of the trauma of soaking your special baby in the bathtub, Burt’s Bees waterless shampoo removes the stress and trauma of a traditional bath while leaving your pet smelling fresh & clean!
We utilize these “bowl mats” WITHOUT the stainless steel/hard plastic bowls in them. They easily hold food/water and capture any spillage as well as prevent any injury if your pet would “head but” the dish lip. Plus they are easy to clean & dishwasher safe!
Interactive toys such as this one are a GREAT way to entertain (and exercise) your special baby where they do not have to run and chase it but can lay on their side to play with it (plus it is pretty sturdy so if your special baby is a tad rough on toys like Bifford is then they have a harder time damaging it!)
Littergenies are FANTASTIC for pet parents (both special pet parents and non special alike) providing an easy and convenient way of disposing of litter clumps (plus there is no foul odor!)
Mats such as this one are GREAT to play in front of the litterbox/litter trays to capture any spillage or little bits of litter (they are easy to shake out and some have pockets underneath that makes it easy to fold the mat and siphon spillage into the trash)
Soft side or canvas carriers allow these special babies the ability to not hurt themselves on hard plastic carriers or injure themselves/break a tooth on metal carrier bars
Nail caps give these babies the ability to keep their nails (which they need to climb onto furniture) as well as protect your legs/arms from unintentional “booboos” (plus we are staunchly AGAINST declawing!)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
Thundershirts are GREAT for babies that get easily stressed/nervous/anxious! Mimicking the same ideals of when you swaddle an upset baby – the thundershirt does the same action!
Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
Pee Pads (either washable or disposable) are really ideal to have around the home (we use washable pads here which are ideal if they get soiled just chuck them into the wash and reuse them!) We also place these around the litterbox or under food/water dishes.
If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play!
Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
Non scented, sensitive baby wipes are great to keep around the house as well! I use these to wipe eye nose/eye boogers, any “danglers” that may be left on Bifford’s behind after bathroom time as well as wiping dirty paws!
Toys like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention.
Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention
  1. If you notice your new special baby stressed or overly anxious try to utilize the Feliway spray as well as try to get your baby into a “routine”. I noticed that Bifford enjoyed having a semi-structured routine (we woke him up from his “big boy room” and fed him breakfast, then we would let him play the day away with his brother and sisters then “mommy” would be home from work so he got snuggle time then it was dinnertime and then lounging with “mom and dad” before bedtime). I found that if anything derailed his routine in such a dramatic way he would freak out (and eventually that turned into stress cystitis, but that is a topic for another post!
  2. Schedule regular dental cleanings/examinations! I cannot tell you how many times when I first brought Bifford home would he sneeze a little too aggressively or be playing and “biff” it a little to hard and hurt his mouth or even chip a tooth! By having regular dental cleanings done I was able to address any injured teeth (injured= extremely painful).
  3. Construct a first aid kit for cats! This will come in handy if your little angel stumbles and falls or gets a “booboo” that may need a little attention when your veterinarian is closed (or you need to address and stabilize while en route to the veterinarian!)
  4. Invest in a low lip litter box! We actually made “BHOP” (Bifford’s House of Poop” which was a 13 gallon Rubbermaid container that Bifford’s “dad” cut a hole out on the bottom of one side (always use caution when using power/sharp tools!) This way Bifford could easily bobble into BHOP and do his absolute worse inside and there was no spillage or issue! He could also fall in it (or sometimes, play) without him knocking the entire thing over or causing any damage/injury!
  5. COMMUNICATION! When you adopt one of these special babies call your regular veterinarian right away (or send them a letter/postcard!) letting them know you adopted a specially abled pet (e-mail us if you would like our informational packet for veterinarians/veterinary staff) and if they have any questions (or maybe concerns) about these special babies. (Check out our map of veterinarians that are aware and understand these special kiddos here)

What are some useful tips/tricks that you were given (or found yourself while on your personal adventure!) that you would like to pass onto future specially-abled pet parents? Comment below!

Category: Awareness, CH-Proofing, Did You Know?, Fun, Miscellaneous, Products Guide, Veterinary Medicine | 1 Comment on Bifford’s “Crash Course”

How Can I Make My Pet’s “Last Day” Special?

Content Courtesy of AAHA;AAHA.org

Losing a loved one is never easy. Knowing your pet is nearing the end is bittersweet, because the grieving process often begins with a poor prognosis, but that also gives you time to create a special goodbye for your beloved companion. Celebrate a lifetime of love by treasuring your pet’s final moments and filling them with comfort and peace. Letting go is hard, especially if your pet suddenly falls incurably ill, but creating a plan gives you some control over this heartbreaking event. Consider the following tips to make your pet’s final days special.

Speak to your veterinarian

In veterinary medicine, euthanasia is an option for our patients, but it is a double-edged sword. Ending suffering is a wonderful gift, but owners often question whether the time is right. Most veterinarians will not say, “The time is now,” and instead will guide you toward your own decision. Your veterinarian can offer physical exam and diagnostic test findings, a prognosis, and a timeline of disease progression, but then, armed with the medical evidence, only you can decide the right time. You see your pet daily and only you can tell whether she’s having more bad days than good, whether she’s declining or holding steady, or if she’s simply tired and ready to let go. Following the 2016 AAHA/IAAHPC End-of-Life Care Guidelines, your veterinarian will help judge your pet’s quality of life and offer additional treatment options.

Reach out for support

Losing a pet is hard, whether you’ve been together since she was a newborn or you rescued her when she was older. Veterinarians often hear secret confessions that the pet is the most-loved family member, and they understand her passing is difficult. If you’re struggling with grief, reach out to your veterinary team, pet-loss support groups, or grief hotlines. Also, many veterinary schools offer pet-grief counseling services.

Assess your pet’s quality of life

Deciding on the right time to help your pet pass is agonizing. You hate to see her suffer, but pets often will rally after a bad day, eat again and have more pep, then slide backward. Keep a daily log and rate your pet’s comfort level to guide your decision. Judge her quality of life based on the following:

  • Hurt
  • Hunger
  • Hydration
  • Hygiene
  • Happiness
  • Mobility
  • More good days than bad

Referred to as the “HHHHHMM quality of life scale,” this tool helps you decide when the time is right to let your pet go. The Ohio State University also has developed a thorough questionnaire regarding a pet’s quality of life.

Complete a bucket list

What experiences do you wish you could have with your pet? Based on your pet’s health and ability, consider filling her final days with new adventures and favorite activities, such as camping, splashing in the ocean, fishing at the lake, hanging out at the dog park, visiting the drive-thru, or just snuggling on the couch.

Memorialize cherished moments

Don’t look back and wish you had more pictures or videos of special moments. Capture your pet on camera and use the pictures to create a scrapbook or photo album, or frame and hang the photos to provide cherished memories. Include your children in designing a memorial stone if your pet will be buried, or an urn if your pet will be cremated.

Enjoy family time

Depending on your pet’s personality, spend her final days with only close family or invite friends and other loved ones over to say goodbye. Watch your pet closely and allow plenty of time to rest to ensure she does not become tired or stressed.

Fill up on forbidden foods

If your veterinarian gives you the OK, share previously off-limits foods with your furry friend. If she is struggling to find her appetite, you may be allowed to tempt her with baby food, deli meats, and other tasty foods as long as they won’t upset her stomach. As a last meal, many pets enjoy desserts, French fries, hamburgers, or other delights they normally can only drool over.

Consider at-home euthanasia

Veterinary practices can be chaotic and noisy, making it difficult for veterinary teams to create a peaceful, quiet place for euthanasia. Request the first or last appointment of the day, or ask whether they offer at-home euthanasia services. Many pet owners prefer a planned euthanasia in the comfort and familiarity of home for their pet. If your veterinarian doesn’t offer at-home euthanasia services, find a mobile veterinarian or one who provides in-home care, such as Lap of Love.

You may plan to take the day off work, take the kids out of school, and spoil your pet rotten with a special day just for her, ending with a peaceful passing from the comfort of her own bed. Whatever you and your family decide, your beloved companion will know she was loved and will remain a part of your life.

Category: Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

What is Veterinary Laser Therapy?

Content Courtesy of AVMA;AVMA.org

Veterinary laser therapy is an innovative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years as veterinarians discover its benefits for pets. Used similarly to acupuncture, massage therapy, and other alternative therapies, laser treatment can be used in conjunction with or in place of medication to manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing.

“Laser”—an acronym for “light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation”—refers to a unit that emits focused, penetrating light beams in three forms:

  • Monochromatic: Light that is a single wavelength (as opposed to natural light, which is emitted as a range of wavelengths)
  • Coherent: Photons (i.e., tiny particles of light or electromagnetic radiation) that travel in the same phase and direction
  • Collimated: Photons that travel in a single straight beam

Coherence and collimation give a laser penetrating power to a restricted area so that nearby tissues are unaffected.

Lasers are classified based on their wavelength and potential energy output, with four classes currently recognized:

  • Class 1 lasers, such as barcode scanners used in supermarkets, are used safely every day
  • Class 2 lasers, which include laser pointers and some therapeutic lasers, produce a beam in the visible spectrum (400–700 nanometers)
  • Class 3 lasers include the most commonly used therapeutic lasers
  • Class 4 lasers cause thermal injury to tissues and include surgical lasers used to cut and cauterize tissue during surgical procedures

How does laser therapy affect my pet’s tissue?

Therapeutic lasers use light waves of a specific wavelength to cause photobiomodulation, or the alteration of cellular and tissue physiology. Light absorbed by cellular components stimulates electrons and activates cells to promote growth, proliferation, migration, and repair.

The type and depth of tissue that responds to laser therapy depends on the wavelength of the light that is delivered. Most therapeutic lasers use red or near-infrared light, which has a wavelength of 600–1070 nanometers, although units with green, blue, and violet light, which have lower wavelengths, are becoming more popular. Laser beams of lower wavelengths are absorbed by superficial tissue, such as the skin, whereas beams of higher wavelengths penetrate deeper to muscles and bones.

Laser therapy helps tissue repair by causing the following:

  • Endorphin release
  • Vasodilation, which increases blood flow to bring in oxygen and cells involved in the healing process
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Faster healing and repair

The main clinical benefits of laser use in pets include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved wound healing.

Who can benefit from laser therapy?

Laser therapy is used for many veterinary medical conditions, including:

  • Chronic arthritis
  • Surgical incisions
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Traumatic injuries

Laser therapy is particularly useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as:

  • Pets with liver disease who cannot take medications
  • Cats, for whom only a few pain-control medications are approved
  • Exotic pets for whom medication administration is difficult or impossible
  • Older pets with diminished organ function

How are laser treatments administered?

During a treatment session, the handheld laser wand is slowly moved back and forth over the damaged tissue, producing a warm, pleasant sensation that most pets seem to enjoy and find relaxing. Sessions usually last 15 to 30 minutes, with the number of sessions and frequency of treatments dependent on the injury. Chronic conditions may be treated weekly, whereas surgical incisions and open wounds often require daily treatment. 

Is laser therapy safe for pets?

Laser therapy is safe if performed correctly, using the proper settings and treatment durations. Higher-powered units can cause thermal burns to tissues if used incorrectly. Also, laser beams directed at an eye can cause permanent retinal damage, so patients and all veterinary staff must wear protective goggles during treatment.

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